From Boardroom to Tool Belt: How Chris Built a 7-Figure Handyman Franchise Empire

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 franchise owner.

🚪 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?

🚀 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.

🕰️ 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.

📚 [Resources]

📝 QUIZ: WHAT FRANCHISE CONCEPT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

https://www.nextlevelfranchisegroup.com/whats-your-perfect-franchise-quiz

💰 FREE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT CALCULATOR

https://www.nextlevelfranchisegroup.com/franchise-investment-calculator

📖 FREE E-BOOK: THE ROADMAP TO BUYING A FRANCHISE - IN 9 EASY STEPS

https://www.nextlevelfranchisegroup.com/files/the-roadmap-to-buying-a-franchise-in-9-easy-steps.pdf

📰 TONS OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND CONTENT

https://www.nextlevelfranchisegroup.com

CONTACT US

👍https://www.NextLevelFranchiseGroup.com/contact

📰https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-franchise-group/