When Joseph Henschel decided to change careers, he wasn’t chasing a trend or trying to “go viral.” He was simply following a gut feeling—that it wasn’t too late to do something different. And that’s exactly what he did.
Today, Henschel is the owner of Joe Henschel Handyman, a trusted service in Charlottesville, Virginia, known for its quality work and reliability. With nearly 20 years of construction experience and a background in business and retail, Henschel didn’t take a straight path to becoming a handyman—but his journey is exactly what makes his story so relatable.
“I didn’t start out thinking I’d be doing home repairs for a living,” Henschel says. “But every step I took—retail, business ownership, construction—it all led me here. And I’ve never felt more at home in my work.”
From Managing Inventory to Managing People
Born in Clearwater, Florida, Henschel always had a strong work ethic. He earned two associate degrees from City College in Fort Lauderdale—one in electronics, the other in business management. That combination of technical skill and business sense would serve him well, even if it didn’t seem like a clear path at the time.
He began his career with Luxottica Retail, managing locations for Sunglass Hut. Within six years, he climbed the ranks with seven promotions, eventually opening his own retail business, The Sunglass Shop of Waynesboro.
Running a brick-and-mortar store taught Henschel more than how to read profit margins. “It was about managing people, understanding customers, and staying flexible,” he explains. “Retail is a fast-paced world, and you have to learn quickly. That pressure helped me build confidence.”
But over time, he started to feel something was missing. “I wanted to work with my hands again,” he says. “To build something real. To fix problems. To be the person who shows up and makes things better.”
A New Start in a Familiar Place
In 2016, Henschel took the leap and founded Henschel’s Handyman Service and Home Renovation. What started as a mix of odd jobs and remodels evolved into a niche business focused on small repairs and service calls—what Henschel calls “the stuff that really matters.”
“People think the big kitchen reno is where all the satisfaction is,” he says. “But for me, it’s fixing a leaky faucet or solving a problem no one else could figure out. That’s where I feel the most useful.”
In 2024, he rebranded to Joe Henschel Handyman to better reflect his shift in focus. He leaned into what his customers appreciated most: reliable, honest, and high-quality service on the everyday jobs that homeowners need done quickly and correctly.
He’s licensed, insured, and meticulous about every detail—traits that have earned him a steady stream of referrals. “I don’t advertise much,” he admits. “Most of my business comes from word of mouth. One happy client leads to another.”
Doing It Right—Every Time
Henschel’s reputation in Charlottesville is rooted in more than just technical skill. It’s his approach that sets him apart.
“I show up when I say I will. I treat people’s homes with respect. And I don’t leave until the job is done right,” he says. “That’s what people remember.”
He specializes in finished carpentry, light electrical, plumbing, and flooring. Each of those trades requires a careful hand and an eye for detail—something Henschel enjoys. “I like when things line up, when everything fits just right. That’s where the satisfaction is.”
But even more than that, he finds meaning in helping people feel better about their space. “A small job can change someone’s whole day. If a homeowner’s been dealing with a problem for weeks, and I can come in and fix it in an hour—that’s huge. That’s what I love about this work.”
Balance, Health, and Perspective
Though work keeps him busy, Henschel is intentional about finding balance. He spends his free time with family, exploring the outdoors, running, and lifting weights.
“Staying active helps keep me focused,” he says. “I think you do your best work when your mind and body are in a good place.”
Travel is another way he recharges. Even short getaways give him a chance to reflect and return to work with renewed energy. “I believe you have to step away sometimes to come back better,” he says.
It’s a mindset that has helped him stay steady—even when the work is hard or the days are long.
Advice for Others Ready to Start Something New
For those considering a career shift later in life, Henschel offers encouragement: “It’s never too late. If you’re willing to work hard, treat people right, and keep learning, you can build something meaningful—no matter when you start.”
He also emphasizes the power of consistency. “You don’t have to be the best in the world. You just have to be dependable. Do good work. Keep your word. That’s what people come back for.”
And while the handyman trade may not sound glamorous, for Henschel, it’s exactly where he wants to be.
“I used to think success meant big titles or a flashy business,” he says. “Now I know—it’s being trusted by your community. It’s doing work you’re proud of. And it’s going to sleep knowing you helped someone today.”
One Customer at a Time
As Joe Henschel Handyman continues to grow, its foundation stays the same: trust, quality, and word-of-mouth referrals. Henschel has proven that starting over isn’t just possible—it can be the most rewarding decision of your life.
His advice to others? “Just start. Take the first job. Build the first relationship. And keep showing up. That’s how you get there.”
In an age where fast growth often overshadows lasting impact, Joseph Henschel’s story is a refreshing reminder that slow and steady still wins the race—especially when you’re building something that lasts.
