We had the good fortune of connecting with O. Daniel Raine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi O. Daniel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balance is a necessity; the universe has balance in all things. I make all attempts to remain balanced in all aspects of my life. I used to only focus on immediate dopamine rewards but now, have found it best to only make decisions that positively move the needle in: 1. Family
2. Wellness
3. Finances
4. Causes I care about

Each pillar works with the others while maintaining enough strength for any one pillar to support all of life’s demands. If something does not fit within any of these categories, it makes it very easy to say “No, thank you.”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the sole proprietor of The Tucson Helper, Handyman and Home Services – a Veteran owned & operated company.

In 2018, after a decorated 14 year military career, I spent 4 years gaining in-depth and strategic business coaching from Tyler Lopez within Lopez & Lopez, REALTORS ®; after helping hundreds of clients achieve their real estate goals/dreams, I decided to open my own business to help homeowners care for their properties.

I transitioned into operating my own handyman company because I shadowed 200+ home inspections as a real estate agent and saw similar, recurring issues on the majority of homes in Pima County that I knew how to fix. What I also saw, far too often, was local handymen having no business acumen trying to make a quick buck. I wanted to bring some service to homeowners in need at a reasonable price for my skills.

In day to day operations I have learned it is best to allot more than you think a job will take, and only schedule one client per day. I am never in a rush, and am able to tend to all the particular needs and surprises at any one job – nothing is as straight forward as is seams. Walking away from a job you are unequipped to do is a necessity – I would rather not break someone’s home and not get paid than to break someone’s home, in any way. I am very up front with clients about what I can and what I can not do – if I can help, I will.

The best business lesson I have learned is that “people know the price of everything but the value of nothing.” I am here to bring value to the local handyman needs in Tucson.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not much an itinerary person, I drove across the whole country with nothing more than an atlas and my thoughts in 2011 so when my best friend comes to town, we’re just going with the flow and mostly hanging out at my house. But we are going to catch a sunrise over the Rincons at either Saguaro East or Douglas Fir. We would have to hit Sabino Canyon and also a rough hike on Mt. Lemmon. We would eat at The Gardens, Sauce, and enjoy Ken’s Hardwood BBQ!! I would also take my bff to the Lopez & Lopez, REALTORS (R) happy hour at Sakura on Thursday.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jesus.

Megan Raine – my wife, my rock, my counterpoint, my balance.

Website: www.TheTucsonHelper.com

Instagram: @TheTucsonHelper

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/odanielraine

Facebook: @TheTucsonHelper

Other: The Grandad’s Basement Podcast (available on all platforms)

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