I owe it to my parents, Abe and Lucille, who grounded me in a good work ethic and the “golden rule.” I would always tinker and was always into one thing or another, if it wasn’t a tree fort we were building, it was a go-cart or a soap box derby car. Even though I didn’t realize it until later in life, I was getting groomed for entrepreneurship at an early age.

My Dad ran an advertising and marketing company with my Uncle Jack (who also created the PHP Logo and brand). One set of grandparents lived in Manhattan. Dad worked on Madison Avenue, while Mom spent her early career working in the Empire State Building. My other grandparents lived across the street from the famous Bronx Zoo. How fortunate and cool for a kid, or anyone for that matter, to be exposed to some of the greatest architecture and design the world has to offer. My love of construction and all its related elements was born.

I spent my formative years learning the painting trade from my grandpa Reuben. At one point I started a painting company with some of my high school buddies. This is how we earned money to help our parents with our college funds. I have spent many years in the carpentry trades, primarily focused on high-end renovation and remodeling projects and have dabbled in custom homes and commercial jobs as well. I started at the bottom as a day laborer and worked my way up to carpenter’s assistant (where they actually let me cut lumber and pound some nails). I went from lead carpenter, to superintendent and project manager positions. I have worked in many areas of the USA and Europe. I have a passion for old buildings and my restoration and preservation work has afforded me the opportunity to work with National Park Service (which controls a lot of historic property) to assist on stabilizing some of their park structures.

I was never the greatest finish carpenter or framer, but took great interest in the divergent and interdependent “systems” of the overall construction process. I was always amazed at just what it took to get the jobs done, no matter how large or small, simple or complex the challenge. I am fortunate to have associated myself with some of the best of the best through the years. I work among some very talented men and women who take great pride in their work. I have also been mentored by some wonderful people who taught me how to be a team player and operate with honesty and integrity.

Practical Handiman Plus was started in 2003, born from a passion to start my own business, focused on the handyman/small job services, to surround myself with like minded people, to create a legacy company that is the employer of choice in its niche and that strives to be the most admired and well respected in our market.

We look forward to working with you.

Alan L Schecterson and the PHP TEAM