Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Keeler.
Brian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always wanted to work with children. I taught and supervised swim lessons, was a day camp counselor and director, worked as a teaching assistant and in after-school programs. After many years, I realized I was burning out and my patience was wearing thin. I realized I didn’t want to work with children anymore. I had thought my career would be working with children and I didn’t have a Plan B.
I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to do next. All I knew was that I wanted to be by my own boss. I realized that I thrived on being the “go-to” guy when family, friends, and co-workers needed a helping hand. They encouraged me to think that I could build a business helping people.
I made a list of things that people needed help with that I might be able to do. I don’t have handyman skills but other people do those jobs. My niche could be helping people on a more personal level. That’s when Brian Will Help You was born.
I found that people need help with:
– Watching homes while owners are on vacation
– Check for mail/packages
– Shovel snow
– Same day pick up and delivery of items
– Take items to be donated (not furniture)
– Decluttering homes
– Storage unit – moving items in and out
– One of my clients refers to me as her “extra grandson.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it was not a smooth road. I mailed letters to friends and family announcing my new business. I joined the Chamber of Commerce and continued to work two part-time jobs to support myself. I was a nervous wreck waiting for my first client. The first person to call wanted me to accompany her to meet someone in a parking lot at night to pick up a rescue dog. It wasn’t on the list of things that I thought people would call me to help with, but I was happy to help. I heard that the dog and client turned out to be a good match, they’ve been together for 5 years.
Job requests started to roll in and I started to believe that I might be able to build a business. Most jobs are physical like moving boxes, then disaster struck. One morning during a kickboxing class, My foot popped. I tried to ignore it and I finished the class. I ended up with having surgery, a screw in my foot, and a walking boot. I was in pain and didn’t want to turn down clients. So, I hired friends to work with me.
I was terrified and panicked when a client asked me to rent a truck to move items. I pretended to know what I was doing and for the first time I rented and drove a truck. There were days that were so slow, I wondered if having a business is worth it. Other times, I was very busy and overwhelmed with requests. I’m still learning the ups and downs.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Brian Will Help You story. Tell us more about the business.
I help individuals, businesses, and not-for-profits with everyday tasks.
I’ve helped individuals with running errands, downsizing, taking boxes of stuff to be donated, pack boxes, renting cargo vans/trucks.
The business needed help with dropping off envelopes, supplies to staff off-site.
Not-for-profits needed help with getting mailings delivered to staff off-site, courier service, getting items to the location for galas. I specialize being the “go-to” guy when someone needs help. I’m known for being on time and being there as an extra set of hands. I’m proud of The smiles that are on client’s faces when the job is completed to their satisfaction.
I am one person and my clients know that Brian is coming to help them. I work at my client’s pace, if they want to work at cleaning out the storage unit for two hours then I’ll work with them for two hours. I also help clients with multi-day jobs. Most of my clients come from referrals.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am lucky that so many people needed my services. I was unlucky that I broke my foot shortly after starting my business. Fortunately, I knew college students that were looking to make extra money. I’m lucky to have a business that there’s a need for. I’m lucky to have jumped out of my comfort zone and made a cold call to a woman, I read an article about and asked her to meet for coffee. Not only did she become a client but also introduced me to her network – and many that became clients and they introduced me to their networks.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brianwillhelpyoullc.com
- Phone: (847) 902-0381
- Email: brianwillhelpyou@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianwillhelpyou/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianwillhelpyoullc/?ref=settings
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-keeler-2576434b/
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