Tate Bestor, a handyman with over 30 years of experience, started out when he was old enough to handle a hammer and run a saw. Tate’s father Terry, a master carpenter his whole life started Bestco Enterprises which later became Tri Core Construction. Tate picked up his handyman skills from his father and experiences over the years.
In 2007, Tate went to MMI (Marine Mechanics Institute) in Orlando, Fla., and studied small engine mechanics to work on boats. He moved back to the area and in 2017 moved to Colorado for a job opening at a power sports shop. After three years working in the shop, he got burned out with the mechanics job. Since he had his tools with him, Tate got back into construction and started Bestco Handyman Services in August 2021. There was a big call for construction in the mountains of Colorado due to the limited population.
Tate advertised himself as a handyman and soon was doing deck rebuilds, remodels, painting and other home improvements. He completed one of his biggest projects so far there; in September 2022, he rebuilt an 1,800-square-foot deck which took him over a month to complete.
During this time, he completed a lot of tough projects that he didn’t really know what he was getting into when he started. One of the jobs he was most satisfied with during this time period was a two bathroom remodel in a true log house. He admitted to losing sleep over the remodel, but it turned out gorgeous!
What Tate enjoyed most about his work in Colorado were the awesome views all around him as he worked in the mountains as well as the low humidity which made it easier to work through the day.
Eventually, home, family and friends drew Tate back to Chatfield. In 2023, knowing there was a demand here as well for handyman services, Tate moved back to Chatfield. He ordered new signs for his truck, work shirts and hats from Kelly Printing.
What appeals most to Tate about his handyman business is the independence. He enjoys not having to answer to a boss as well as the variety of working in different places. His entrepreneurial spirit keeps him motivated. “You have to stay disciplined and get up and out the door each day,” Tate commented. He credits his father with instilling him with his work ethic and encouraging him to keep his nose to the grindstone.
Tate urges others to not fall into complacency, “Don’t fall into your comfort zone! Embrace the ‘suck’; then the rest of the day will go easy!”
He quoted Mark Twain, “Eat a live frog every morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day!”
Tate works alone most of the time. He noted that he can pick up occasional help if needed, but he wants to not have to depend on anyone else or be responsible for their actions.
When asked if he ever turned down a job, he replied, “I do it all the time; if I don’t feel comfortable doing it, I turn it down.”
As a handyman, Tate carries a variety of tools with him. He always has an air compressor, air hose, cordless tools like a screw gun and oscillating tools in addition to his hand tools, drywall tools, skill saw, drop cloths, paint brushes and caulking supplies.
His truck is full of his tools, and he has a trailer also, noting that sometimes the job location, whether in the mountains or a larger city, makes it difficult to bring the trailer along. He then tries to plan his tools for the day ahead so he doesn’t need the trailer. He usually picks up the needed supplies for a job, but sometimes customers want to choose certain items themselves to get a preferred style or color.
Tate considers technology a good thing; he appreciates laser levels, cordless tools with longer battery lives and his Bluetooth speaker for his tunes to work with.
While he sometimes looks at YouTube, Tate cautions that a lot of the information on YouTube is faulty and can lead do-it-yourselfers astray, giving flooring installation as an example. His go-to sources for reliable information include his dad and many other people he has come to know over time in the trades.
“Communication is key,” Tate stressed. He shared that sometimes he misses some messages due to a glitch on Facebook Messenger. He would rather talk to his customers in person initially to get a better feel of what they want. “You can tell a lot from the tone of their voice,” Tate noted.
Business is picking up now as spring approaches and customers get their tax returns. Tate realized that it would take some time to get known in the area for his work, but he already has a reputation for his professional, efficient work. According to Tate, it’s essential to concentrate on one thing at a time on the job. He doesn’t take notes for reference, but rather stores all his knowledge and experience in his head.
When I met up with Tate, he was working on a laundry room at a house in Chatfield. He needed to repair a damaged door, custom cut and fix a door jamb, remove an old tongue and groove wall, install new drywall, repair blemished walls and repaint the walls and ceiling.
Tate is working toward his residential remodelers license; after he tests in April, he’ll be able to get into more in depth projects. He hopes to expand his business into a larger area.
In his spare time, Tate enjoys anything outdoors. He loves hunting, fishing, and snow sports. In Colorado, he was used to having snow from the end of September until Memorial Day some years. Tate calls himself single, a bachelor, but added with a chuckle that he’s definitely looking!
Well aware of the fact some people might disparagingly call him Jack of All Trades, Master of None, Tate encourages people to finish the saying, “Jack of All Trades, Master of None, but a Jack of All Trades will always be better than a master of one!”
Tate Bestor is ready and able to help you with all your handyman jobs; he’s a true asset to the entire community! You can reach Tate by calling him at (507) 254-9657, email him: tbest74@yahoo.com or message him on his facebook page: Bestco Handyman Services.
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