You've been doing everything yourself — answering calls, driving to jobs, doing the work, sending invoices. Business is growing, and you can't keep up. It's time to hire.
Your first field tech is the most important hire you'll make. Here's how to get it right.
Skills vs. Attitude
You can teach someone how to use a pressure washer or follow a cleaning checklist. You can't teach reliability, work ethic, or the ability to talk to customers without making them uncomfortable.
Prioritize attitude and coachability. Technical skills can be trained.
Where to Find Candidates
- Referrals — Ask friends, family, and even customers. Referred hires tend to stick around longer.
- Local job boards — Craigslist, Facebook Jobs, and Indeed still work for trades and service roles.
- Trade schools — If your work requires certifications (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), connect with local programs.
Skip the fancy recruiting platforms. For field roles, simple and local wins.
The Interview
Keep it practical. Ask:
- "Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer."
- "What does being on time mean to you?"
- "How do you handle a situation where you don't know the answer?"
Then do a ride-along. Have them shadow you on a real job. You'll learn more in two hours than in ten interviews.
Setting Them Up for Success
Don't just hand them keys and a schedule. Invest in the first two weeks:
- Ride along together for the first 3-5 jobs
- Create checklists for every service type so nothing gets missed
- Introduce them to customers personally — it builds trust faster
- Give them access to Homitask so they see their schedule, job details, and can update status in real time
Pay Fairly
Check what your market pays for similar roles and match it or beat it slightly. A good tech who feels underpaid will leave for a dollar more. The cost of turnover — recruiting, training, lost customers — far exceeds the cost of paying fairly from day one.
Your first hire is scary. But it's also the moment your business goes from a solo gig to a real company. Take your time, choose well, and invest in their success. It pays off.
