We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chris , appreciate you joining us today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

Oh yeah, my “Cash Chaos” incident!

In the heat of a summer evening, a routine handyman job took an unexpected turn. As the owner of a maintenance coordination crew, I headed to a home in need of repair after one of my investors purchased a fixer-upper. The project was large, so I called my crew to join me at the property.

We kept at it from noon into the evening, bringing life back to the home. Just as we were packing up, chaos erupted in the neighborhood. A car sped through the streets, leaving debris scattered all around, followed by a fleet of police vehicles.

The “debris” wasn’t garbage; it was cold, hard cash. Twenty, fifty, even hundred-dollar bills flying through the summer air. With adrenaline pumping, my crew and I ditched the tools and went into full scavenger mode. Pockets full with this unexpected treasure.

The excitement took a sharp turn when the police circled back. Sirens and lights flashing, they handcuffed all of us and accused us of tampering with evidence, claiming the cash was linked to a fleeing criminal. Here’s where it gets wild; there was another person with my name, same birthday, different year, with a warrant.

While my crew got off the hook, I remained the star of a crime drama. Hours of confusion later, the truth was discovered, and I was uncuffed. But here’s the kicker; the cops kept the cash. I left with a wild story and an evening that turned into a rollercoaster of crime, confusion, and a cool $16,000 treasure I did not get to keep. The unexpected events that can unfold in a handyman’s journey!

Chris , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, I’m Christopher Smith, a dynamic professional with a diverse background spanning entrepreneurship, real estate, and maintenance services. Originally from Indianapolis, IN, I now call Lexington, SC, home. My journey has been marked by the ownership and operation of “PMS Select Services” and “Hoosier Handyman LLC,” where I offer cost-effective maintenance solutions and move-in ready inspections.

In the realm of real estate, I served as a licensed Real Estate Broker at “Hoosier REALTORS” and currently hold the position of Real Estate Salesperson at “LPT Realty” in Lexington, SC. My responsibilities encompass representing clients in transactions, listing and marketing properties, negotiating deals, and providing professional and ethical representation throughout the real estate process.

Armed with an Associate of Science degree in Business Management from Brown Mackie College, my skills span real estate sales, business management, customer service, and operations management. I thrive on multitasking, displaying leadership in entrepreneurship and maintenance services, and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

What sets me apart is not just my diverse skill set but my unwavering commitment to providing top-notch service. Whether it’s managing day-to-day operations, setting and achieving goals, or navigating the complexities of real estate transactions, I pride myself on delivering excellence. I’m a content creator, a skateboard enthusiast, and a proud father of three, with a passion for exceeding client expectations.

If you’re seeking a professional who brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to excellence, and a touch of entrepreneurial spirit to the table, I’m eager to connect. Let’s embark on a journey of success together!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My primary avenue for attracting new clients has been the power of word of mouth. There’s a profound truth in the saying, “Do right by your customers, and they’ll talk about you.” It’s a testament to the positive experiences clients have had with my services, leading them to share their satisfaction within their networks. This organic network of referrals through word of mouth has proven to be not just effective but, in my experience, the best and most genuine form of advertising. It highlights the authenticity of my services, reinforcing the trust and satisfaction that clients feel, and ultimately contributing to the ongoing success of my business.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation appears to be built on a combination of factors. Firstly, my commitment to providing top-notch service in the maintenance and real estate sectors is evident. Whether it’s overseeing day-to-day operations, setting and achieving goals, or navigating real estate transactions, my dedication to excellence shines through. My diverse professional background, spanning entrepreneurship, real estate, and maintenance services, has likely contributed to my reputation.

Moreover, my emphasis on customer satisfaction and doing right by my clients has created a positive feedback loop. The reliance on word of mouth as the primary source of new clientele suggests my clients appreciate and value the quality of my services, leading them to recommend my services to others. This organic referral network speaks volumes about the trust I’ve built with clients, establishing myself as a reliable and reputable professional in the real estate field.

My reputation seems to be grounded in a combination of expertise, dedication to customer satisfaction, and the positive word-of-mouth referrals that stem from my clients’ positive experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: ChrisSmith.lptrealty.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/handy.realtor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SC.HoosierHandyman
• Other: Chris.LPT.com