Additional Compensation: Sign-on bonus, profit-sharing
About the Opportunity
This is a 12 - 24 month apprenticeship designed to train someone to effectively lead and manage a licensed trade business.
You will work directly with an experienced owner who operates multiple trade and residential real estate businesses in the Richmond area. The owner, seeking to scale operations over the next 1 - 3 years, brings deep experience in strategy, finance, marketing, and technology for home services, trades, and real estate.
A successful apprentice will develop the skills to independently run one of the existing businesses, launch or launch their own business with direct mentorship.
This role is ideal for someone who wants to expand their technical and business management skillsets, with ongoing coaching and capital access.
Who This Role Is For
This role is not for a labor-only or office-only position. This is a mixed-setting role intended to develop a future trade business leader.
This role is for someone who:
- Wants to eventually run a business
- Sets a high professional standard for themself and others
- Is comfortable starting with hands-on labor and client management responsibilities
- Learns quickly from observation and feedback
- Is interested in construction, home services, real estate, and/or entrepreneurship
- Desires to use technology and best practices to create efficient, best-in-market operations
No prior business ownership or skilled trade experience is required, but candidates are expected to quickly demonstrate potential.
What You Will Learn (Progressive Over Time)
Phase 1: Trade & Field Fundamentals (Months 0 -6)
Residential handyman and renovation skills across multiple trades:
- Carpentry, drywall, trim, doors, windows
- Basic electrical and plumbing
- Exterior repairs, decks, fencing, sealing, coatings
- Jobsite safety and quality standards
- Tool usage, materials selection, and job efficiency
- Customer interaction and professionalism
- Time management and daily job planning
You will work in the field and learn how quality work and customer management is performed.
Phase 2: Operations & Project Ownership (Months 6–12)
- Managing small jobs and crews
- Estimating and pricing work
- Scheduling, logistics, and materials ordering
- Quality control and punch lists
- Customer communication and issue resolution
- Understanding margins, labor costs, and profitability
You’ll begin transitioning from “worker” to operator-in-training.
Phase 3: Business & Leadership Training (Months 12–24)
- Running day-to-day operations of a trade business
- Hiring, training, and managing technicians
- Sales systems and customer acquisition
- Financial fundamentals including P&Ls, cash flow, job costing, pricing strategy and margin protection
- Systems, SOPs, and repeatability
- Real-world decision-making with direct mentorship
At this stage, you may run a division or location, take over management of an existing business line, prepare to launch your own business with guidance and support
Long-Term Outcomes
A successful apprentice may transition into:
- General Manager or Operator of an existing business
- Equity-based leadership role
- Owner of a new trade business launched with mentorship
Qualifications
Required
- Willingness to work with hands and tools
- High integrity and accountability
- Good communication skills
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Comfort learning field and business management software
- Desire to obtain contractor licensing
Preferred
- Prior experience in trades, construction, or maintenance
- Experience leading others (work, military, sports, etc.)
Compensation & Growth
- Competitive hourly pay based on skill level
- Regular pay increases tied to capability and responsibility
- Performance bonuses
- Company-provided specialty tools (as needed)
- Budget for related skills education and training
- Long-term financial upside for high performers
How to Apply
To apply, submit:
1. A brief resume or summary of experience
2. A short (3-4 sentences) description of the work-related accomplishment of which you're most proud
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $28.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Application Question(s):
- In which 3 trade skills (e.g. deck building, plumbing, electrical) do you have the most experience?
- In which 2 trade skills would you like to gain additional experience most?
- Why would you be interested in pursuing home improvement contractor (HIC) or other licensing?
Experience:
- verifiable trade: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
