No job too big or small for handyman company built from a love of solving problems
Nathan Cade performs small jobs and large.
Nathan Cade discovered at an early age that he enjoyed working with his hands. The Johnstown resident was a Cub Scout and an Eagle Scout, which exposed him to projects that gave him a glimpse into the path he would take in the future. In Cub Scouts, Cade made pinewood derby cars, which helped him with math and engineering. “I enjoyed taking a block of wood and changing it into something fascinating,” he said. Later, his Eagle Scout project involved building a section of a hiking trail in Lorain Borough. He also credits his father for providing guidance when working side-by-side with him on house projects. This inspired Cade to enroll at Greater Johnstown Career and Technical Center where he focused on the building trade, which included electrical, masonry and carpentry.
By 2017, Cade sought help in turning his skills into a viable business, turning to Startup Alleghenies and JARI. “Blake Fleegle led me in the right direction when he learned that I wanted to start a landscaping business. He helped me develop a business plan to facilitate the purchase of a salt spreader and plow, along with a truck and a trailer to haul lumber and other things from job to job,” said Cade, adding that Fleegle also helped him strategize on the best direction in which to take the business.
Blake Fleegle led me in the right direction when he learned that I wanted to start a landscaping business.
Cade, who calls his business ‘Cadescapes,’ explains why he chose to start his own company. “As a single father of three kids, I’d have to tend to them when they get sick, which was sometimes a lot, so it was difficult for me to be able to take off work to tend to them in a traditional 9-5 job,” he said.
Jumping into the entrepreneurial field was a bit daunting for Cade, however. “I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing, so I talked with family, friends and even my pastor,” said Cade, who came to the conclusion that prayer worked, because before long he was fielding calls. “The first call was to fix a mailbox and after that it was something else and the work kept on coming. That’s how I figured out it was my calling,” Cade said.
Cadescapes helps local small companies stay focused on their main business
Johnstown resident Margaret Brabham has used Cade for several jobs. Brabham is one of the Spice Sisters (you can read her Startup Alleghenies story here!) and sells craft condiments. “Nate cleans the JARI building and I learned about him from Blake Fleegle. He’s very versatile and helped me when I moved to Johnstown by helping to unload the truck,” said Brabham, adding that she had trouble finding people and was very happy that he was available. “He can come with one guy or three guys,” said Brabham, recounting a time when she needed help in the kitchen. “I couldn’t find anybody and at my age, throwing around 50-pound cans of tomatoes just isn’t happening anymore, so I called on Cade and he did a fine job and has a terrific work ethic,” she said.
When Cade considers whether or not he made a good choice, he says absolutely. “This is where I’m supposed to be,” he said, adding that his job doesn’t really feel like work because he loves what he does. “Helping my customers gives me great satisfaction. If I can reduce some of their stress, that’s great and if I hit any rough patches, Blake is always there to help me. To this day, he helps me with pointers as time permits; he’s fantastic!” Cade said.
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
