Frazee-based expert willing to work a wide variety of jobs

By Robert Williams

Editor

Zach Jagodzinski is two months into running his new business Zach’s Handyman Service, specializing in basic home repairs and based out of his home in rural Frazee.

Jagodzinski is originally from Bolingbrook, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. He had an aunt and uncle that owned a lake place in this area that brought Jagodzinski and his family to Minnesota each summer.

“My parents always brought my sister and I to a whole family gathering for one week every summer, so I’ve been coming up here every year of my life,” Jagodzinski said. “This was our one vacation and I always loved it and always thought I would move up here.”

That move came a decade ago and “then I met a girl and got stuck, you know how that goes,” he laughed. “Stuck…in a good way.”

Upon arrival, Jagodzinski began working at Lakes Homes & Program Development, Inc., in Detroit Lakes, a community-based organization that provides residential and supportive living services to adults who have a primary diagnosis of developmental disabilities.

He quickly transitioned from a house supervisory position to maintenance.

“I’ve always done that kind of work on my own,” he said. “If I didn’t know how to do it I figured out a way to learn. I really don’t like getting someone else to do my work. If I can do it, I want to do it.”

He continues to work at Lakes Homes full-time as he gets his business off the ground. Jagodzinski currently schedules his handyman services on nights and weekends. His weekends are three days long, as his job at Lakes Homes is currently on a four-day per week schedule.

Eventually, the plan is to move to working for himself full-time.

“I would really like to be self-employed; I’m doing the same thing at work right now,” he said.

Lakes Homes has 10 homes around town that provide nonstop work and conveniently a variety of jobs to help expand his already deep knowledge base when it comes to home repairs.

“A lot of different things,” he said. “Just yesterday, it was the first time I have dealt with sprinkler systems, turning those on and replacing and fixing heads that are broken. It’s cool, because there are a lot of people here that have sprinkler systems.”

Since moving to Minnesota, owning his own business is an idea that has slowly been brewing until 2025 and things have come together this year to start making that move.

“It was just time to do it, I guess,” he said. “I realized I could do a lot better for myself and my family working for myself. I’ve been looking into it for a long time; the idea didn’t just come out of nowhere. The time seemed right and I had a lot of talks with my wife and then I came up with a business plan to transition to it.”

Part of the business plan is to fill the niche market of jobs that licensed contractors will turn down and the ability to complete multiple tasks during a house visit.

“I’m just here to do good work,” he said. “There is certainly a big need for it out there.”

While there are a lot of businesses that specialize in one or two types of repairs, Jagodzinski is interested in jobs of nearly any kind and any size.

“I like doing different things,” he said. 

An early customer presented Jagodzinski with a small job, but once he was on the site it quickly turned to other jobs. Jagodzinski is thorough in his client interviews to make sure he is providing the services that are needed for the homeowner and for himself as a business owner.

“I’m not trying to upsell you; let’s just make it worthwhile for both of us,” he said.

Jagodzinski’s work radius is regional, mostly Becker County and the surrounding cities of northeast Otter Tail.

For the most part, Jagodzinski considers his work to be basic home maintenance.

“I would say I’m limited by license only and even electrical,” he said. “I’m allowed to switch out outlets, not install,” he said.

Right now, Jagodzinski is concentrating on building a larger clientele base and tackling as many jobs as he can find.

“I like to work; I like to keep busy,” said Jagodzinski, 

Basic home maintenance is a broad term that encompasses many different types of handyman services. Some of those listed in Jagodzinski’s promotional materials include: home maintenance; dryer vent cleaning; drywall installs and repair; water heater install and repair; interior trimwork; moving assistance; door repairs and replacements; gutter cleaning; plumbing; landscaping; receptacle; light switch; light fixtures; ceiling fan replacements; chimney sweeping; tv mounting/ washer/dryer repairs, landscaping and much more.

“I’m open to doing all kinds of things,” he said.

His recent schedule proves it.

“I did a garage door repair, then a furniture refinish, then a gutter cleaning the other day,” he said. “I’m always willing to stop by and take a look at someone’s project. If I can or can’t do it, I’ll let them know.”

On the side, Jagodzinski is an incredible artist in the medium of wood working but for now he is keeping that to himself, although in the right situation, it could come in handy if he takes his furniture building and restoration work to the marketplace.

To reach Jagodzinski with questions or to get an estimate email zachjhandymanservices@gmail.com, or call/text (630) 207-1529.