No Degree, No Problem: How I Built a $30 Million Business from Some Skills and a Truck
Success in business isn’t about degrees or formal education—it’s about determination, action, and a willingness to learn.
Greg Dickerson’s journey from a one-man handyman operation to a $30 million real estate development company proves that if you have the right mindset, you can achieve extraordinary success.
Humble Beginnings: The First Steps
In 1997, Greg Dickerson started a handyman business from his home with nothing more than a truck, a toolbox, and a willingness to work. He handled every aspect of the company himself—from sales and bookkeeping to actually completing the remodeling jobs. As demand grew, he made the decision to hire his first employees and eventually leased a small 1,800-square-foot office warehouse.
That first leap was nerve-wracking.
“I remember thinking to myself when I signed that lease, man, am I going to be able to pay $800 per month for an office warehouse space for this business?”
But he took the leap of faith and never looked back.
Scaling Up: Growth and Expansion
As Greg's business grew, so did his ambitions. He expanded from remodeling into new construction and real estate development. This led to another big leap—moving into a 3,000-square-foot office with a $3,000 monthly lease. At the time, it felt like a massive financial commitment, but it was a necessary step in scaling the company.
With this expansion, Greg obtained his general contractor’s license and real estate broker’s license, evolving his business into a full-fledged construction and development company. Over the next few years, the company skyrocketed from $250,000 in revenue to a staggering $30 million.
The Key to Success: Taking Action
Greg’s story is a testament to the power of taking action. He started with no formal business education—just a willingness to knock on doors and ask people what they needed. Whether it was raking leaves as a kid or remodeling homes as an adult, the approach was the same: provide value, work hard, and learn as you go.
Lessons Learned: How to Build a Business from Scratch
- Start with what you have – You don’t need massive resources to begin. Greg simply had some skills, a truck, and a willingness to work when he launched his business. What do you already have that you can start with?
- Take calculated risks – Expanding your business may feel daunting, but growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Instead of taking blind leaps, however, be sure to evaluate the potential risks and rewards, ensure the numbers make sense, and move forward with confidence—just like Greg did.
- Hire people smarter than you – Building a successful business isn’t about doing everything yourself. Surround yourself with experts who bring skills and knowledge greater than your own. The right team will help you scale faster and achieve more than you ever could alone.
- Never stop learning – Success comes from continuously improving and adapting. Seek out knowledge, learn from others, and apply new insights to your business. Greg educated himself every step of the way, and that commitment to learning was key to his massive success.
Final Thoughts: Just Start
Greg’s journey from nothing to a $30 million dollar real estate development company serves as a reminder that anyone can build something incredible with the right mindset. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: Just start. Take action. Have faith in yourself.
If you’re willing to put in the work, learn from those ahead of you, and take smart risks, success is within reach—no degree required.
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