Today we’d like to introduce you to Henry McBroome.
Henry, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The story begins back in 2015 when I finally moved back to Los Angeles where I was born and raised. I had come back with my suv full of what I wanted to bring with me from Kansas City, a savings account and a search for a change in career. I had been in the Luxury automotive industry for just over 12 years and loved it but a motorcycle accident took me out of commission. As much as I loved working with metal and electronics I wasn’t myself afterwards and decided to start fresh back in LA.
I had always love tinkering with anything I could get my hands on and taking items apart to make them work again and better than before because mass produced items typically don’t have the same love or passion like those built by hand in smaller quantities. During my downtime after the accident, I was working with my oldest friend and his company assembling, repurposing and recycling office furniture for several headquarters located in Kansas City. I knew that would be a great fit in Los Angeles so I got a business plan together and meet with several companies in LA which had great feedback. Now when it came time to actually initiate a plan for maintenance of their furniture and offices, I heard many times that it was easier to just purchase new furniture than recycle as it was a tax write off at the end of year.
This threw me off as I thought I was in LA and this would be something that was a no brainer. I went back to my desk and said something had to change so I decided to treat my business as a service for clients like servicing maintenance on your vehicle. I came up with a plan to have regular service intervals quarterly and provide handyman services as needed. The name was one of the hardest things to come up with because I knew it had to reflect my personality and be catchy. So Nerdz With Toolz was born and after a month of service received so much positive feedback. The one that stuck out was that it was the name that caught their attention and made them feel safe with someone that was needy in their home, I relayed for about six months on advertisements through local sites and then Amazon home services which were great but I had a bigger calling.
After a year and a half, I have done no advertising with all clients being referrals and word of mouth. I have returning clients that I see on a minimum of quarterly visits or as needed. My maintenance has grown into commercial properties as well with 16 restaurants that I am on call with as needed and to keep their buildings up to date with heavy usage they get.
Now when I’m not out working with my hands and building unique one of a kind items for clients, I have another passion. I am a huge Star Wars fanatic as in my logo but I am a vintage toy collector and trying to preserve the history for years to come. When I’m not attending a comic con buying unique toys, I am in a cosplay I have designed and built for fun. I am also a ten years member of the 501st Vader’s First star wars only official costuming group. From charity group functions to visit children’s hospitals, it all seems to put a smile when a parent or child sees their favorite character in person. I am not sure what else to say but I’m a huge nerd and proud of it. I am not like the rest and know what I look for in great service and provide the same because I hear so many times how hard it is to find a provider like myself.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing is ever smooth but you learn from your mistakes. I went into this not having any expectations like I do with many things in my life. I didn’t want to have a huge loan and decided I would start small with only purchasing anything needed for basic services. I funded everything on my own and still four years later have never taken any type of loan. That’s not easy because I have needed certain items and sometimes have to make a big investment in order to purchase but at the end of day, I feel much better not having to be in debt to a bank or plastic card carrier. Also, LA has very strict laws and ADA rules which can really help with coaching a client on their request. I haven’t got into construction because of this reason and I am not one that likes to waste time waiting on others.
Please tell us about Nerdz With Toolz.
I specialize in client relations and building a foundation which has made me a part of many families. It’s good to know that I am someone they can count one with a random question via text on a bulb or new art placement. I also have built a clientele of high-end clients which have made me part of their life’s. Joining them on a live set to watch them or behind the studio glass to hear them record a latest album is something I never thought I would be doing. Moving back home to LA is one of best things I have decided.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Most of my childhood memories were lost in my accident but I do remember being in the film industry. I worked for Mattel toy company for five years as the poster boy and got to play with so many prototypes and new toys coming out. On top of that, I was on many advertising items from magazines to the actual toy boxes. My toy hobby now definitely came from that memory and am proud everyday for those experiences.
Pricing:
- Tv mounting services start at $115.00 plus taxes
- General labor starts at $85.00 per hour plus taxes
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.nerdzwithtoolz.com
- Phone: 4246667813
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nerdzwithtoolz/
- Yelp: Nerdzwithtoolz
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