In Richmond, Virginia, the name Joe Henschel is synonymous with reliable home repair. With nearly two decades of construction experience and a work ethic shaped by years in both retail and renovation, Joe has built more than homes—he’s built trust. After transitioning from corporate retail leadership into running his own handyman business, Joe has carved out a niche that prioritizes service, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.
In this interview with Joe, we talked about his journey, mindset, and what keeps him motivated to continue doing the work he loves.
How do you define success and how long did it take you to find it?
Success for me is doing work I’m proud of while supporting my family and serving my community. It’s not just about financial gain but peace of mind, stability, and knowing I made someone’s day better. It took years of trial and error in retail and construction to get to a place where I feel aligned with my work and values.
What are the qualities of a good entrepreneur?
Adaptability and consistency. You have to be willing to pivot when things don’t go as planned. At the same time, people need to know they can count on you. In my line of work, showing up on time and doing what I say I’ll do means everything. Also, being able to listen—to your customers, to the market, and even to your own gut—is key.
What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning of your journey?
At the start, it was all about building trust. When you’re new, clients don’t know what to expect. I had to prove myself, job by job. There’s also the challenge of wearing every hat—marketing, accounting, customer service, the work itself. It took a while to find the right rhythm and refine what kind of jobs I wanted to focus on.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’ve seen more people choosing to invest in their current homes instead of moving. That excites me because it means more folks seek thoughtful, skilled help to improve their spaces. It’s not always about big renovations—sometimes the small upgrades have the most impact.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush it. The skills, knowledge, and confidence all come with time. Early on, I wanted everything to happen overnight. But real growth takes work and patience. Stay focused, and don’t cut corners. It pays off.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I plan my day the night before. Knowing what I’m walking into helps me hit the ground running. I also build in time for flexibility—because things can change fast in this line of work. Having a basic plan keeps me centered.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away, even if it’s just for a walk or a workout. Physical activity clears my head. Sometimes I’ll run an errand or spend time with my family to reset. Coming back with a clear mind helps me problem-solve better.
Takeaway
Joseph Henschel shows that success often comes from staying consistent, working hard, and treating people with respect. His focus on quality and reliability has earned the trust of many homeowners in Richmond. For Joe, it’s not about making a big splash—it’s about showing up, doing the job right, and knowing he made a difference.
To learn more about Joseph Henschel, you can follow him on Facebook or visit his personal website.