Table of Contents
Summary
Steve Hunsaker, a young entrepreneur from Phoenix, Arizona, found his calling in the unexpected world of Christmas light installation. After a frustrating stint in corporate sales, Steve stumbled upon the Christmas Light Contractors Facebook group and decided to take a leap of faith, starting his own Christmas light installation business in October 2020.
Despite having no prior experience in the industry, Steve immersed himself in the group, asking countless questions and learning from seasoned veterans like Donovan and Jason Guyman. His determination and willingness to learn paid off, as he was able to secure 61 jobs in his first year, with an average ticket of nearly $1,900 per customer.
Steve’s journey was not without its challenges, from navigating the unique landscape of Arizona homes (many without gutters) to managing the expectations of high-end clients. However, he embraced these obstacles, adapting his strategies and pricing to deliver exceptional service. The financial success of his first year has allowed Steve to pivot his focus, pursuing his true passion of entrepreneurship and sharing his story through a new YouTube channel, “Quit Your Job Series.”
As Steve looks ahead to his second year in the Christmas light business, he is poised for even greater success, with plans to expand his operations and reach new heights. His story serves as an inspiring example of how taking a calculated risk and embracing a growth mindset can lead to unexpected and life-changing opportunities.
Key Lessons Learned
- Leverage Industry Knowledge: Steve’s willingness to actively engage with the Christmas Light Contractors Facebook group and learn from experienced professionals like Donovan and Jason Guyman was a game-changer. This allowed him to avoid many of the common pitfalls that plague new entrants to the industry.
- Embrace Unique Challenges: The lack of gutters on Arizona homes presented an unexpected obstacle for Steve, but he was able to quickly adapt and find creative solutions, thanks to the support of the Facebook group.
- Charge What You’re Worth: Steve initially struggled with pricing, but he soon realized the true value of his services and was able to charge premium rates, even as a first-year business owner. Recognizing that his customers were not “him” was a crucial mindset shift.
- Diversify and Expand: While Christmas lights were the foundation of Steve’s success, he has also explored other revenue streams, such as junk removal, to diversify his business and create a more sustainable model.
- Embrace Entrepreneurship: Steve’s true passion lies in the thrill of building and growing a business. His YouTube channel, “Quit Your Job Series,” reflects his desire to inspire others and share his entrepreneurial journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How did Steve Hunsaker get started in the Christmas light installation business?
Steve discovered the Christmas Light Contractors Facebook group in October 2020 while unemployed and looking for a new opportunity. He immersed himself in the group, asking countless questions and learning from experienced professionals, which allowed him to launch his own Christmas light installation business in Phoenix, Arizona.
2. What were some of the biggest surprises and challenges Steve faced in his first year?
The biggest surprises for Steve were the lack of gutters on Arizona homes, which required creative installation solutions, and the high prices that customers were willing to pay for professional Christmas light services. The challenges included managing cash flow, hiring and retaining employees, and navigating the unique expectations of high-end clients.
3. How successful was Steve’s first year in the Christmas light business?
In his first year, Steve secured 61 jobs, with an average ticket of nearly $1,900 per customer. This allowed him to generate close to $100,000 in revenue, the majority of which came in the final two months of the year. Steve’s success in his first year has set the stage for even greater growth in the future.
4. How does Steve plan to grow his business in the future?
Steve’s goal is to reach $300,000 in revenue in his second year, which will require him to expand his operations, hire more employees, and refine his marketing strategies. He is also exploring the potential of his YouTube channel, “Quit Your Job Series,” as a way to share his entrepreneurial journey and inspire others to pursue their own business ventures.
5. What were the key factors that contributed to Steve’s success in his first year?
The key factors that contributed to Steve’s success include his willingness to learn from experienced professionals in the industry, his ability to adapt to unique challenges, his strategic use of Google Ads and other marketing channels, and his dedication to providing exceptional customer service, even when it meant taking a financial hit in the short term.