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Running a family-owned handyman business is a unique experience, one that blends the rewards of building something meaningful with the daily challenges of balancing work, home life, and parenthood. My husband and I built Salim Home Services - Handyman Professionals from the ground up, and while we take pride in delivering high-quality home repairs and improvements, the reality is that running a business together while raising a toddler can feel like a constant juggling act.
Between managing projects, customer service, and keeping our home running, every day brings new challenges. Here’s a look at what it’s really like working with your spouse, handling business from home with a little one, and how we’re adapting to keep things running smoothly.
Working with your spouse means your business is always with you, at the dinner table, during late-night conversations, and in every free moment in between. It’s easy for work and home life to blur together, and sometimes, it feels like there’s no clocking out.
• Defining Clear Roles – My husband focuses on estimates and project management, while I handle backend operations, marketing, and scheduling. Having set roles helps avoid overlap and keeps things organized.
• Respecting Each Other’s Strengths – We each bring different skills to the business, and learning to trust each other’s expertise has been key.
• Setting Boundaries (Even When It’s Hard) – While we try to limit business discussions after a certain time, the reality is that owning a business means we don’t always get that luxury. We make an effort to carve out family time when we can.
• Knowing When to Step Back – Some days, tensions run high, and instead of pushing through frustration, we’ve learned that sometimes the best thing to do is take a break, reset, and come back with a fresh mindset.
The biggest challenge? Running a growing business while being home full-time with a toddler. When I started working during naptimes, I felt like I had a system until recently, when naps became inconsistent (or nonexistent some days). Suddenly, those quiet hours I relied on for focused work disappeared, and I found myself struggling to keep up with the business while meeting my toddler’s needs.
• Trying Childcare with Grandparents – I haven’t done this yet, but I’m planning to have the grandparents help out for a few hours a day. The goal is to create some dedicated time for focused computer work while still keeping my toddler close to family.
• Finding New Pockets of Productivity – Whether it’s answering emails from my phone while my toddler plays or staying up late, I’ve had to adjust my workflow.
• Letting Go of Perfection – Not every day will go according to plan, and that’s okay. The key is staying flexible and doing what I can, when I can.
At Salim Home Services, being a family-owned business is what sets us apart. We’re not just another company, you’re working with a real family that understands your needs because we live the same experiences.
As a family business, we don’t just clock out when the day is done. We’re always engaged, always thinking about your project and how we can improve your experience. Our commitment to quality isn’t just a job, it’s personal.
Our passion and drive are built into every job we do. We don’t cut corners or overlook details because we know that the work we do reflects on our family’s reputation. This dedication is something you won’t always get from larger, non-family businesses. We bring a level of care and attention to each project that you can only find with a small, family-owned business like ours.
There are days when the weight of juggling so many roles feels overwhelming, and I catch myself wondering if there’s something else that would offer more balance. Maybe I could consider sending my son to full-time daycare. But then, I remind myself of the reasons we started this journey: the freedom to create a life that works for our family, the flexibility to be present for the moments that matter most, and the passion to build something that truly serves both our family and our customers.
Here’s what keeps us going:
• Celebrating Small Wins – Whether it’s landing a project or simply making it through a tough day, we focus on progress, not perfection.
• Embracing the Chaos – Running a business with a toddler isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. We adjust, adapt, and keep moving forward.
• Keeping the End Goal in Mind – This isn’t just about a paycheck, it’s about creating a business that provides long-term stability for our family and delivers exceptional service to our customers.
Absolutely! But with better planning from the start! If you’re considering running a business with your spouse while raising kids, know that it’s possible, but it requires patience, boundaries, and a willingness to adapt.
Post By: Kristen Salim - Co-Owner of Salim Home Services - Handyman Professionals
At Salim Home Services - Handyman Professionals, we understand the challenges of maintaining your home and finding a trusted handyman in McMurray, Venetia, Finleyville, and the surrounding South of Pittsburgh, PA areas. Your home is your most valuable investment, and you deserve a team that delivers high-quality workmanship, reliable service, and honest pricing. We specialize in home repairs, remodeling, and maintenance, ensuring every job is done right the first time with attention to detail that lasts. Whether you need cabinet assembly, faucet replacements, drywall repairs, flooring installation, deck maintenance, painting, door repairs, window replacements, light fixture installations, TV mounting, furniture assembly, and more, our professional handyman services are here to help. As a local, family-owned business, we take pride in serving our community with integrity and professionalism. No more chasing down unreliable contractors. When you choose us, you get clear communication, upfront pricing, and a stress-free experience. If you’re looking for a handyman near you, we proudly serve homeowners in McMurray, Venetia, Finleyville, and the surrounding South Pittsburgh, PA area.
Click below to schedule a free in-home estimate to get started. Let us take care of your home so you can enjoy it stress-free! Question? Call us at 724-909-0015.
