Emanuel's Journey from Apprentice to Handyman 2.0: A Trip Down Memory Lane | Lovelofters Blog

Hey there, fellow DIY enthusiasts and home improvement aficionados!

Welcome to my very first blog post. My name is Emanuel, and I’ve been a multi-skilled technician with an NVQ Level 2 qualification in General Maintenance for over 12 years, proudly serving the London area.

Today, I want to take you on a journey through time, comparing the handyman of yesteryear with the [Handyman] 2.0 of today.

We’ll sprinkle in some nostalgia, a bit of humour, and a story about one of my great mentors, Mr John (or João, as we called him back home). So, grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s dive in!

The Handyman of Yesterday: A Jack of All Trades

When I started my career, a handyman was often seen as a "jack of all trades, master of none." We dabbled in a bit of everything but never really specialised. I remember my early days as a trainee, running around trying to keep up with the seasoned pros, making a mess of things more often than not. One of those seasoned pros was Mr João, a man who could make a wooden floor shine like a mirror and drywall repairs look effortless.

Mr João was in his 50s when I met him, and he was the epitome of precision and finesse. I used to challenge myself to finish a task before him, only to find that my hurried work left much to be desired. After one particularly messy attempt at repairing a drywall, Mr João looked at me calmly and said, "Why rush to do bad work, Manu? People will know you either as a bad worker or an extremely skilled professional. Which one do you prefer?"

That lesson stuck with me and has shaped my entire career and mindset. It’s a lesson that’s as relevant today as it was back then—quality over speed, every time.

Evolving into Handyman 2.0: Mastering the Craft

Fast forward to 2024, and the handyman of today is a far cry from the jack of all trades of the past. The Handyman 2.0 is a highly skilled, multi-qualified professional who can tackle anything from electrical work and plumbing to air-con and ventilation, and even high-quality decoration.

We’re no longer just dabbling; we’re mastering. With modern tools and equipment, we’ve come a long way from the rustic materials and methods of the old days. It’s like comparing an [old rotary phone] to today’s smartphones - there’s just no contest!

One of the biggest changes I’ve seen is the emphasis on quality and precision. Today’s handyman can start a house from A to Z, delivering a high-quality finish that meets and often exceeds client expectations. And it’s not just about the skills and tools; it’s about the mindset.

Thanks to mentors like Mr João, I’ve learned the importance of taking pride in my work, no matter how small the task. This mindset is what sets the Handyman 2.0 apart. We’re not just about fixing things; we’re about improving lives, one repair at a time.

Lessons from a Master: Mr João’s Wisdom

I’ve also grown to love writing over the years. My wife often jokes that I make huge poetic testaments out of simple explanations. Maybe it’s due to all those technical detailed reports I’ve written as a maintenance technician, but there’s something about putting thoughts into words that I find deeply satisfying. That’s why I decided to start this blog - to share my experiences, insights, and stories with you.

Telling the story of Mr João is my way of paying homage to one of my great mentors, who taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me to this day. He once told me,

“One day when you reach my age, you’ll understand the reason why you need to pass on your knowledge to the next generation.”

Even though I haven’t reached João’s age, I make it a point to share my knowledge whenever I can. It’s my way of giving back and ensuring that the craft of the handyman continues to thrive in the digital age.

Why Quality Matters in [Home Improvement]

For those who don’t know me, I have a few passions beyond my work—photography, endurance training, tools, family, and friendship, to name a few. Writing allows me to express what I see and feel in a more elaborate way than I can in words alone. And through this blog, I hope to pass on the lessons I’ve learned, just like João did for me.

So, that’s a bit about me and my journey from a young trainee to a seasoned Handyman 2.0. I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane. Stay tuned for more stories, tips, and insights in future blog posts.

Follow us for the next blog—there’s plenty more to come!

"Why rush to do bad work?

People will know you either as a bad worker or an extremely skilled professional. Which one do you prefer?" - Mr John (João)

Emanuel - Lovelofters