The Daniel Island News today continues its "How’s Business?" series by profiling Dan Mykols, owner of Harbor Home Watch. Mykols started this home-based business in 2008.
Business Advice
Q: If a friend of yours was planning to start their own business, what advice would you give them?
Mykols: My advice would be to understand that a business is a lot like farming. You have to plant seeds, water them, fertilize, and eventually you will see growth. When you take care of your garden, it will produce. Take care of your clients and they will take care of you. Business will come with patience and persistence.
About Your Business
Q: How would you describe your business?
Mykols: Harbor Home Watch has three branches to it. The first branch is the Home Watch service. I do weekly, bi-weekly inspection reports (inside and out) of properties that are vacant, second homes, or left behind for a long vacation. These reports are emailed to the client, making notes of any issues, such as landscaping that is improperly maintained, storm damage, water damage inside from a broken refrigerator, or from leaky water connections on toilets, or bug invasions to name a few that have come up. Every homeowner has specific service requirements, some would like me to drive the car stored in a garage, transportation to the airport, some need their plants watered weekly. Just about anything is possible, making it a true concierge service business. Another branch of my business is Backflow Testing. I recently got my Backflow Certification, which I am very excited about. This creates additional value to my Home Watch clients along with helping me establish additional revenue and relationships. Anytime a notice comes in from Charleston Water Department requesting a Backflow Test to be completed, I can take care of it. The last branch I started with a buddy of mine, Bob Chambers with Infinity Realty. This is a property management service business which we manage properties and locate tenants for clients that choose to rent their home out instead of selling it. These three branches make up Harbor Home Watch.
Memorable Moment
Q: In terms of your business, any recent memorable moments?
Mykols: Receiving my first Backflow Testing phone call was a thrill. The training and testing involved in this certification was intense, it was a great to be serving a real customer.
Just for Fun
Q: Just for fun, name something that is:
Crazy - The government and politicians.
Typical - Not enough time in the day.
Proven - Daniel Island is a great place to live.
Classic - My "Hobie Slug" Long Board.
On your night stand - iPhone, and usually a book or magazine
Expensive - Dining out in Charleston.
Q: How did you get the idea to start your business?
Mykols: I got the idea to start Harbor Home Watch when my wife and I moved to Daniel Island. We had neighbors that would leave their home for months while away for the summer. I personally could not understand how someone could leave a property without anyone inspecting it inside or outside. Newspapers and door literature add up over time and if not picked up it not only looks bad, it is a potential welcome sign for burglars. Simply having a neighbor look after your home is not enough, especially with everything that can go wrong. Storms, animals, bugs, and water damage are a few things that can and in some case affected my clients’ homes in the past. My day profession is writing residential mortgages with Southern Trust. This business was perfect to start and build while the real estate industry sorts itself out.
Q: Tell us about your former work experiences.
Mykols: I operated a small property management business in Michigan prior to moving to Charleston and before that I helped my dad manage a full service marina.
Q: What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Mykols: What I enjoy most about Harbor Home Watch is the freedom of scheduling my appointments, touring beautiful Daniel Island homes and meeting the greatest people on earth.
Q: In terms of your business, what are some of your major challenges?
Mykols: The major challenge is getting the word out about my services. This is not a very lucrative business, and advertising can wipe any income, very quickly. I am very grateful to the Daniel Island News and their continuing support and commitment to all the business owners out there, and for running this spotlight.
Business Outlook
Q: How did 2009 go for you?
Mykols: Better than expected, thanks to referrals from past clients.
Q: How is 2010 going so far?
Mykols: A little slower than expected, but I believe that is all about to change.
Q: Any big surprises of late?
Mykols: Getting requested from DI News to share Harbor Home Watch.
Q: What should customers know about you?
Mykols: I am a passionate person, and love to help and serve others and will work to make you happy.
Q: What should customers know about your business?
Mykols: It is not expensive to hire me, and can be an inexpensive insurance policy.
