What happens when a billion-dollar chemical industry exec trades his corner office for a tool belt? 🧰 You get Chris Toomey’s inspiring story—a journey from global leadership to local impact as a multi-unit ACE Handyman Services franchise owner.
🎙️ On this episode, we sit down with Chris to uncover how he went from corporate burnout to building a thriving home services business. And trust me—whether you're a C-suite exec or someone dreaming of escaping the 9-to-5 grind—you’ll find a nugget of wisdom in Chris’s journey.
🚪 Closing the Corporate Chapter
Chris spent over 20 years climbing the corporate ladder, ultimately running a $1.5 billion operating division in the chemical industry. But when his company was poised to relocate him again, he asked himself the question many of us face:
“Do I want to keep living someone else’s plan—or build my own?”
He took control of his future and parted ways on good terms, deciding it was time to build something of his own.
🔨 Why a Handyman Franchise?
Despite not being a "handy" guy himself, Chris found a sweet spot in home services. He didn’t want to work in the business (swinging hammers) but on the business—leveraging his leadership and operational expertise.
When researching industries, he looked for:
✅ Underserved market demand
✅ Recurring and recession-resistant revenue
✅ A trusted national brand
ACE Handyman Services fit all those criteria—and the icing on the cake? 🍰 He loved helping people solve the nagging household problems no one else wanted to tackle.
💡 The Reality of Business Ownership (It’s Not Always Glamorous)
Chris got real about the transition:
Business ownership is WAY more personal than corporate life.
The emotional rollercoaster 🎢 of hiring, firing, and leading a team is something no MBA can prepare you for.
And yes—telling people at cocktail parties that you run a handyman business wasn’t always the ego boost his former title provided.
🚀 Building an Empire, Not Just a Job
Chris didn’t stop at one territory. In just under 4 years, he scaled from: 2 territories out of 1 office ➡️ to 7 territories across 4 offices ➡️ on pace for $2 million in revenue this year with a team of 20+ employees.
He leveraged his corporate skills—financial management, operational efficiencies, and people leadership—to scale smartly.
His biggest lesson?
“The first year teaches you a lot. After that, it’s about optimizing and scaling without losing sight of your customers and employees.”
🕰️ Lifestyle By Design, Not Default
Chris works hard—sometimes 50–60 hour weeks—but on his own terms. He’s no longer flying ✈️ across continents or missing family milestones. Now he spends evenings refereeing high school soccer ⚽ and giving back to his local community.
🔮 What’s Next for Chris?
Doubling his revenue to $4 million is on the horizon. But more than numbers, Chris is passionate about:
🔧 Expanding into adjacent home services
👥 Empowering his team to grow alongside him
🏡 Continuing to meet an underserved need in his community
Chris’s advice to anyone on the fence about business ownership?
👉 “If you’re thinking about it, don’t wait 10 years like I did. The sooner you take the leap, the sooner you’ll experience the freedom—and fulfillment—you’re chasing.”
➡️ Want to connect with Chris? Find him on LinkedIn or search for his ACE Handyman Services locations in southeastern Michigan.
🔧 Expanding into adjacent home services
👥 Empowering his team to grow alongside him
🏡 Continuing to meet an underserved need in his community
👉 “If you’re thinking about it, don’t wait 10 years like I did. The sooner you take the leap, the sooner you’ll experience the freedom—and fulfillment—you’re chasing.”
What's Your Next? - Podcast
 | Author BioI’m Stacey Riska aka “Small Business Stacey”, your franchise placement specialist. I help aspiring business owners find the PERFECT franchise so they can get to the next level in life and business. |
