Joseph Henschel doesn’t believe in shortcuts. He believes in showing up on time, doing the job right, and letting your work speak for itself. That mindset has shaped his career and helped him build one of the most trusted handyman services in Charlottesville, Virginia.
With nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Joe has become known for dependable, high-quality work. He specializes in home repairs, service calls, and small renovation projects—jobs that are often overlooked but deeply appreciated by homeowners.
From Florida Roots to Virginia Foundations
Joe was born in Clearwater, Florida. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work. After graduating from City College in Fort Lauderdale in 1999, he walked away with two associate degrees—one in electronics and one in business management. That mix of technical know-how and business skills would shape his future.
Joe’s early career wasn’t in construction. He began in retail. For six years, he worked with Luxottica Retail. Starting as a store manager at Sunglass Hut, he quickly stood out. Joe was promoted seven times in six years. His rise through the company came from consistent leadership and an ability to connect with customers.
Eventually, Joe opened his own store: the Sunglass Shop of Waynesboro. Running a small business taught him how to manage people, handle finances, and meet customer expectations. The experience gave him a taste of entrepreneurship—and planted the seed for something more hands-on.
Building a Business from the Ground Up
In 2016, Joe launched Henschel’s Handyman Service and Home Renovation. He started with a full range of services, from major remodels to minor fixes. Over time, he realized where his heart was—in the smaller, day-to-day jobs that keep homes running smoothly.
By 2024, he rebranded the company to Joe Henschel Handyman to reflect that focus. Now, he emphasizes service-oriented work. These are the kinds of jobs that homeowners need done quickly and done right—installing a ceiling fan, fixing a leak, or repairing a broken step.
Joe is fully licensed and insured in Virginia. He works primarily in the Charlottesville area, which is home to over 46,000 residents and has seen steady housing growth in recent years. In a city where nearly 60% of residents are homeowners, quality handyman services are in high demand.
A Local Name Built on Word-of-Mouth
Joe doesn’t advertise heavily. He doesn’t have to. Word-of-mouth keeps his schedule full.
“People tell their friends when they find someone they trust,” Joe says. “I just focus on doing the work well, and the rest follows.”
Many of Joe’s clients call him again—and again. He’s the kind of handyman you keep in your contacts list. Whether it’s a home seller prepping for market or a new buyer settling in, Joe’s name comes up.
His work is not flashy. But it’s dependable, efficient, and personal. Homeowners appreciate that. Especially when things go wrong and they need help fast.
Precision in Every Task
Joe’s favorite types of jobs require focus and accuracy. He enjoys electrical work, finished carpentry, minor plumbing, and flooring. These tasks often come with tight spaces and tough angles—places where details matter.
He takes pride in making things work and look right. Whether it’s patching a drywall hole, replacing a toilet, or installing new trim, Joe approaches each job with care. His goal is to leave the space better than he found it.
But it’s not just about tools and materials. Joe listens. Clients say that’s what sets him apart. He pays attention to what the customer wants—and makes sure they’re satisfied when the job is done.
Living and Working in Charlottesville
Joe moved to Charlottesville for the pace, the people, and the community. “It’s a great place to raise a family,” he says. “You get to know your neighbors, and people care about their homes.”
Charlottesville ranks as one of the best places to live in Virginia, with strong public services and a healthy job market. As the city grows, so does the need for skilled tradespeople like Joe.
For Joe, being part of a close-knit community means more than just business. It’s about relationships. Many of his clients become friends. And many of his jobs come from someone saying, “Hey, my neighbor said you were the guy to call.”
Motivation and Career Choice
When asked why he became a handyman, Joe keeps it simple.
“I like solving problems,” he says. “I like working with my hands. I like making things better.”
The transition from retail to construction wasn’t easy, but it felt right. Joe wanted more freedom, more control over his time, and more direct impact. Handyman work gave him all of that—and more.
Early Career Challenges
Starting out, Joe faced the usual hurdles—finding clients, building trust, and standing out in a competitive field.
“I didn’t have a crew. It was just me, my truck, and some tools,” he recalls.
He overcame those challenges by focusing on what he could control: showing up, being honest, and doing great work. The rest took care of itself.
Growing a Customer Base
Joe didn’t launch with a big marketing campaign. He relied on word-of-mouth, repeat customers, and organic growth.
“I’d do one job well, and then I’d get a call from their sister, or neighbor, or coworker,” Joe says.
That’s still how most of his business comes in today. It’s slower than buying ads—but it’s stronger. The trust is already there.
Advice for New Handymen
If Joe could offer advice to someone just starting in the field, it would be this:
“Don’t chase fast money. Build good habits. Be reliable. Listen. Take your time and do it right. The jobs will come.”
He also stresses the importance of licensing, insurance, and professionalism. “It’s not just about fixing stuff,” he says. “It’s about running a business. Treat it that way.”
Looking Ahead
Joe isn’t interested in scaling into a large company. He’s happy keeping things local, personal, and focused.
His goal is simple—stay busy, stay useful, and keep doing what he loves.
That mindset has helped Joe Henschel Handyman become a trusted name in Charlottesville’s home improvement scene. And it continues to serve him well.
About Joe Henschel Handyman
Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Joe Henschel Handyman offers licensed and insured home repair services. Joe specializes in small to mid-sized service jobs including plumbing repairs, electrical work, carpentry, and general maintenance. Known for reliability and attention to detail, Joe’s business thrives on repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals.
