Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Rossen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Steven. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a veteran. I was born in Hawaii (military family) and raised up in Northern California in Humboldt County. I have three brothers and I am the 2nd of 4 boys. My mom was a teacher at the local elementary school and a baker who worked out of our home. My brothers and I admired our mom so much. She taught us all how to make the perfect mini rosette on a wedding cake. During this time, my mom also taught us how to hammer, use a drill and put up wallpaper. Once I graduated high school, I joined the Coast Guard. A few years after I got out of the Coast Guard my mom passed away. I resolved myself to honor her by becoming a chef/baker for close to 25 years. I baked out of a home kitchen just like she did and I loved it for a long time until I ultimately grew weary of doing the same thing over and over. I confided in my wife that I just needed a break. So I took a deep breath and really thought about what inspired me and looked deep inside for what I was truly good at.
After some soul searching about two years ago on my 49th birthday, I decided that I was going to charge after this new life challenge and do something different. I closed up my online bakery and leaned into the idea that I just needed a deeper physical connection to the things I was able to create. So I started building stuff and fixing stuff for friends. I made a fold-up lemonade stand on wheels for my daughter and started to get calls about fixing, building and creating so many other things. I’ve built staircases, closets, porches, patios, and stairways to beautiful gardens. I certainly try and stretch the definition of ‘handyman’. Quite a few clients I have are elderly and I’ve worked with a few of them to create payment plans so no one gets stressed out about what needs to be done. People forget when your elderly that most of the time you live on a fixed income and it’s hard to get done what needs to get done. I tend to become friendly with my clients and everyone has an interesting story if you listen long enough. I should probably mention I have been married for ten years and have two awesome kids. It’s hard to express the joy I feel creating and fixing things that are useful for people with my bare hands… and a few power tools. P.s. Yes, I have a long honey-dew list waiting for me at home.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. It’s hard to advertise and drum up business on a micro-business budget (luckily, I have a really understanding wife). Some clients are better at communicating their vision than others are which can make some projects challenging. I definitely prefer larger multi-day projects that I can sink my teeth into and those don’t come around every day. I will say the biggest challenge is constantly seeking out new clients.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Honey Dew Dad – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business is a handyman/carpentry business. I can do almost anything you want/need. I can hang tv’s, design a patio or build a stairway into your garden. I’m known for my attention to detail. I have ADHD which can make life challenging but comes in handy when you need to zero in on micro, granular details on a project. I’m known for being a perfectionist and treating everyone with respect. I’m known for being affordable, kind and on time. I’m most proud of being able to hire some of the local folks in town that need a helping hand. One reason I prefer the multi-day jobs is I like to spread the workaround and make sure everyone is going to have an okay week. I think what sets my business apart is that we are a true mom and pop shop. We are as homespun and genuine and honest as someone you might know from back home. (the good ones anyway)
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The thing I like the best about LA is the diversity. Being from a military family we lived and traveled all over the world and LA really captures some of the best smells, sights, sounds and feel from all the diversity we experienced while growing up.
The thing I like the least about LA is the traffic. Oh boy.
Pricing:
- Small projects start at $50 per hour
- Locals in our neighborhood of Montecito Heights and Highland Park get a neighbor discount of $40 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehoneydewdad.com/
- Phone: 323-528-6035
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehoneydewdad/
Image Credit:
My wife! Jana Fain-Rossen
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