In many developing countries, skilled trades like plumbing, carpentry, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), phone and computer repairs, hairdressing, locksmithing, and water delivery are often undervalued. These professions are usually seen as practical jobs that simply help people get by, rather than as careers that could pave the way to financial success. Yet, in countries like the United States, a surprising new trend is reshaping the economic landscape: skilled handymen—whom we call “Fixaars”—are rising to the ranks of millionaires, turning what was once considered “blue-collar” work into a lucrative entrepreneurial endeavor.
This transformation, driven by two major factors—the increasing demand for skilled labor and the rise of technology platforms that connect tradespeople with customers—has opened up unprecedented opportunities for those working in these professions. Fixaars, a new app designed to serve handymen in developing countries, promises to replicate the success seen in the U.S. by enabling tradespeople to scale their businesses, reach more customers, and ultimately unlock their wealth potential.
This article will explore how tradespeople in the developing world can harness the same success that their American counterparts enjoy and how Fixaars is poised to transform not only individual careers but entire economies.
The Wealth Potential in Skilled Trades
In the U.S., skilled tradespeople—plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and other Fixaars —are increasingly joining the ranks of the millionaire class. Many of these professionals earn between $80,000 and $100,000 annually, with entrepreneurial tradespeople often exceeding these figures. For example, some HVAC businesses generate millions in revenue, especially in areas with extreme climates, where heating and cooling systems are in constant demand.
What’s driving this boom? A major factor is the shortage of skilled labor. As fewer young people pursue vocational trades, the demand for experienced professionals has surged, allowing those in these fields to command higher wages and launch successful businesses. Technology platforms such as Angi, Thumbtack, and HomeAdvisor have further empowered tradespeople to scale their operations, reach more clients, and streamline their services.
This growth in demand and income potential is not limited to the U.S. alone. With rapid urbanization and increased infrastructure needs, the opportunity for Fixaars to thrive in the developing world is immense. However, without the right tools or platforms, many remain underutilized. Research shows that many immigrants living abroad, who rent out properties through platforms like AirBnB, also face challenges finding reliable, accessible, and cost-effective Fixaars for home repairs and maintenance.
By introducing solutions like Fixaars, these professionals can tap into a much larger market, boost their income, and contribute to the growing demand for skilled trades worldwide.
Fixaars: The Platform That Could Change Everything
Fixaars, much like Uber revolutionized the transportation industry, aims to transform the handyman sector in developing countries. Through this app, homeowners, renters, real estate developers, and commercial clients will be able to connect instantly with tradespeople for services ranging from fixing a leaky faucet to repairing an air conditioning system.
For many handymen in developing countries, the biggest barrier to success is a lack of access to a broad customer base. Traditionally, tradespeople have relied on word-of-mouth recommendations or small, inconsistent contracts that limit their earning potential. Fixaars seeks to break this barrier by providing a digital marketplace where tradespeople can market their skills, accept job requests, and secure steady work.
The app uses geolocation technology, allowing fixaars to specify the services they offer and the areas they wish to serve. This streamlined approach gives tradespeople the ability to scale their businesses without the need for extensive marketing or administrative overhead. With the rise of smartphone use in developing regions, an app like Fixaars will serve as a vital tool for expanding business opportunities and building long-term success.
How Fixaars Can Transform Economies in Developing Countries
The success of a platform like Fixaars in developing countries could create a ripple effect of economic benefits. Here’s how:
1. Job Creation and Employment Opportunities
Platforms like Fixaars generate new job opportunities by connecting tradespeople directly with customers. As more people turn to these digital platforms, there will be increased demand for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and other handymen. This could also inspire more individuals to pursue trades as a career, creating a well-paid workforce that benefits both employees and the overall economy.
2. Entrepreneurial Growth
The app will enable tradespeople to expand their operations. Similar to the rise of small business owners in the U.S. trades sector, Fixaars in developing nations could start hiring apprentices, forming teams, and taking on larger projects. Over time, many tradespeople will transform into small business owners, contributing to local economies by employing others and generating more taxable income.
3. Economic Growth Through the Multiplier Effect
As Fixaars increase their earnings, they reinvest their profits back into their businesses—buying tools, vehicles, and employing staff. This stimulates local economies as wealth circulates. The multiplier effect also extends to other sectors, as tradespeople spend their income on housing, education, healthcare, and consumer goods.
4. Productivity and Skills Development
As tradespeople grow their businesses, they will naturally seek to improve their skills to meet customer demand. This opens opportunities for vocational training and certifications. Governments and private institutions can play a significant role by offering training programs that help tradespeople enhance their craft, which will improve the quality of services available to customers.
Overcoming Cultural Barriers in Developing Countries
In many developing countries, a deep-seated stigma surrounds trades, with these professions often perceived as low-status or menial jobs. Parents and society at large tend to push younger generations toward academic or white-collar careers, reinforcing the belief that only these paths lead to success. As a result, there is an oversupply of university graduates, many of whom struggle to find employment and often end up in low-wage retail jobs, while skilled labor remains scarce. This disconnect creates a paradox: millions of educated youth remain underemployed, while critical sectors like plumbing, electrical work, and construction suffer from a lack of qualified professionals.
Changing this perception is essential for both economic growth and individual prosperity. The reality is that skilled trades offer a clear, often lucrative pathway to stable and rewarding careers. In fact, developed nations like the U.S. have demonstrated that tradespeople who take their professions seriously can earn substantial incomes, run thriving businesses, and play vital roles in driving economic development. Many self-made millionaires in America are tradespeople—plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians—who leveraged their skills to build successful enterprises. This success story shows that a career in the trades can be a fast track to financial independence and societal respect.
To replicate this success in developing countries, the narrative around skilled trades must evolve. Governments, educational institutions, and private enterprises need to invest in vocational training programs that not only enhance workers’ skills but also elevate the status of trades as respected and rewarding careers. Access to capital is equally important, enabling aspiring tradespeople to launch and grow their own businesses.
Additionally, technology platforms like Fixaars can bridge the gap between skilled labor and market demand, offering a user-friendly way for tradespeople to showcase their expertise, attract new clients, and expand their businesses. Fixaars will also provide training for tradespeople, helping them navigate the app and unlock their full earning potential, ultimately turning the corner toward wealth and success.
By reshaping societal attitudes and providing the necessary tools and resources, developing countries can unlock the potential of their skilled labor force, transforming undervalued workers into respected entrepreneurs and boosting local economies. Skilled trades are not just jobs—they are gateways to prosperity, dignity, and long-term success.
The Path Forward: How to Support the Growth of Fixaars
To ensure the success of platforms like Fixaars in developing nations, several key steps must be taken:
1. Investment in Vocational Training
Governments and private organizations must invest in vocational training and certifications for tradespeople. This not only improves the quality of services but also raises the status of these careers. Training programs that validate a tradesperson’s expertise will increase their credibility, allowing them to charge premium rates and expand their customer base.
2. Access to Capital and Tools
Access to capital is a significant barrier for many tradespeople. Without the necessary tools, vehicles, or equipment, it’s difficult to grow a business. Governments, financial institutions, and microfinance programs can provide loans and grants that allow handymen to purchase the tools they need. Fixaars will serve as a platform to help tradespeople demonstrate their earnings potential, making it easier for them to secure financial support.
3. Support for Digital Platforms
Governments and businesses should support the use and adoption of digital platforms like Fixaars. By promoting these platforms, tradespeople will be empowered to grow their businesses, while customers will have greater access to reliable, safe, skilled professionals.
4. Changing Cultural Perceptions
Public awareness campaigns highlighting success stories of tradespeople who have become entrepreneurs can change the perception of trades as low-status jobs. As people see the potential wealth and business opportunities available in these professions, more individuals will be encouraged to pursue vocational careers.
Conclusion: Fixaars as a Game-Changer for the Developing World
The potential for tradespeople in developing countries to join the millionaire class is not a distant dream—it is achievable. Platforms like Fixaars offer handymen the tools and opportunities to expand their businesses, access more customers, and grow their income. With the right investments in training, capital, and technology, developing nations can create a thriving trades economy that not only benefits individuals but also contributes to broader economic development.
For tradespeople willing to invest in their skills and seize the opportunity, Fixaars provides the gateway to financial success. The rise of handymen entrepreneurs in the U.S. serves as a blueprint for what’s possible, and now the question is: who will be the first to take the leap?
This journey towards creating a new class of millionaire entrepreneurs was inspired by a personal experience in Ghana, where it took days to find an HVAC technician in East Legon. As similar frustrations pile up, the need for an accessible, reliable platform like Fixaars becomes evident. Handymen are not just fixing leaks or wires—they are building the future, one job at a time.
Fixaars, a JS Morlu company, is revolutionizing the skilled trades industry in developing countries by providing a digital platform that connects tradespeople with clients, streamlines operations, and unlocks new income opportunities. More than just a marketplace, Fixaars offers hands-on training to help tradespeople master the app, market their services, and grow their businesses. By elevating the status of vocational work and equipping tradesmen with the tools to succeed, Fixaars is empowering skilled workers to turn their expertise into profitable, respected careers.
