We are truly excited to have you here. This community is built on connection, support, and growth, and we are looking forward to seeing your business thrive.

Let’s get to know you.

Head to the comments and introduce yourself. You might share:

• A photo of you, your team, or your recent work
• A fun fact about yourself
• A link to your Thumbtack profile
• What inspired you to start your business

Welcome to the community. We are glad you are here.

A few important highlights:

• If you have technical/support issues or want to submit feedback, please contact Thumbtack support, or you can request a refund here.
• Check out the Community Code of Conduct, learn how to navigate the Community, and watch this video to hear from other Thumbtack pros about what "community" means to them. And read about your Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board here.
• Join us for our bi-weekly CommuniTEA networking & mentorship hour here — where you can meet other pros and Thumbtack team members.

I'm bret Douglas, I've been a top pro for probably a decade or more at thumbtack

This app has completely changed my life and the way that I approach my business

If you are struggling to win leads or to get the app tweaked just the way you need it for you

Reach out we'd love to help you for free. We are a small landscape firm in Central Florida I do a great amount of work for being a small company because I'm constant with my Thumbtack success

Let's hook you up so that you too can be a thumbtack success story

I'm Bret 3865008217

thumbtackiron@gmail.com

Reach out. Let me help you text or email works best

I'm not a fake bot or an employee of thumbtack I'm simply an app user who's had an incredible success over the last decade and I want to help you to do the same thing

Thumbtack works if you work it

I ended up being diagnosed for my mental health bipolar and PTSD

Got on on the meds for that and started doing better and then basically went into afib last week

And found out that my left ventricle is not working and I have a mass on my heart

If any of us are praying people. I could use some thoughts and prayers as I'll probably go back in the hospital on Wednesday to find out what type of cardiac surgery I have to have

It's been a rough journey. Ask someone who's worked with his hands for 35 years I've been slowing down because of a back injury from 1995 could only work a few hours a day and now with the heart problem I get easily fatigued after minutes. I think I'm going to have to finally retire

But God is the master architect and I will trust in his plan

God bless each and everyone of you and warm regards

Your thumbtacker

Bret Douglas

We’ve run into an issue where the same client ends up being causing us to be billed multiple times when we keep all communication inside the Thumbtack app. I’m wondering: if we continue using the forced phone number Thumbtack provides, will the platform still track those client interactions and charge us again for repeat work?

For example, a gutter cleaning job often isn’t profitable the first time it’s booked through the app. However, when we follow up directly a year later for the same annual service, it becomes profitable. In our first year, we assumed we wouldn’t be charged every time for repeat work from the same customer on the same yearly project, so we moved clients off the app early. Now we’re trying to understand the best way to handle this moving forward without duplicate billing.

My name is Nameka. I am just getting started here and will be using the platform for my residential cleaning business in North Metro Atlanta. I would love to hear any best practices for successfully using Thumbtack!

New member and looking for recommendation's where to purchase comprehensive Painting Contracts specific to California.

Thank you in advance.

Lloyd
Lloyds. Painting

Thumbtack team - you need to be more transparent. as a professional its quite frustrating not to be able to talk to some one.

Meet Laura ( @AR2i ), a Top Pro with 98% 5-star reviews and 4 years of Top Pro badges — and a Pro Advisor on Thumbtack's Pro Advisory Board. Laura is the owner of AR2i Business Solutions in Discovery Bay, CA. We asked her about her Thumbtack experience and to share some advice for other pros. Check out what she had to say and comment below with your story or any advice you'd like to share with other Thumbtack pros.

Can you tell us a bit about your business and what inspired you to start it? I founded AR2i Business Solutions in 2021 with the goal of helping individuals and small businesses take the stress out of taxes and bookkeeping. After over 30 years of bookkeeping and more than a decade of tax preparation, I saw how many people felt overwhelmed by their finances — not because they weren’t capable, but because they didn’t have the time or tools to stay on top of it all. I wanted to create a service that’s approachable, accurate, and reliable — one that helps clients feel confident and organized instead of stressed out. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a business owner, and how did you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges was scaling while maintaining a personal touch. When you care deeply about every client, it’s hard to hand things off or automate processes. Over time, I built strong systems — from secure client portals to clear workflows and communication touchpoints — so my team and I could stay efficient without losing the “human” side of what we do. I also learned to be selective about the clients we take on, focusing on long-term relationships that align with our values.

How has Thumbtack contributed to your business's success? Thumbtack has been a huge part of our growth. It allowed me to reach new clients nationwide who might not have found us otherwise. The platform helps establish trust quickly through reviews, responsiveness, and transparency. Because of that, many of my Thumbtack clients have become repeat customers — and even referred their friends and family. Being recognized as a Thumbtack Top Pro four years in a row has also been a great credibility boost for my business.

What advice would you give to new business owners starting out on Thumbtack? Take the time to build genuine connections with your clients. Don’t just focus on landing the lead — focus on listening, understanding their needs, and communicating clearly. Keep your profile up to date, respond quickly, and ask happy clients to share their experience in reviews. Every review builds momentum. Most importantly, stay consistent — the more effort you put into quality service and follow-through, the more Thumbtack will work for you.

You'll also see Laura often at our CommuniTEA sessions — join us to meet Top Pros!

• Highlighting your stories or quotes in marketing materials or on our website
• Connecting you with third party media outlets who are interested in talking to small business owners
• Featuring your expertise in our Help Center
• And more

If you are interested in being a featured expert, drop a comment below or send me a DM (@DustiO) and tell us about yourself (and why you think you'd be a good pro to feature) and we will reach out if there is an opportunity that comes up.

I have been a top pro ever since I joined up so many years ago.

I have learned how to make the app work for me

Let me help you. For free

We have grown a successful business off Thumbtack and want to share our knowledge

Please reach out by text 386 500 8217

Evening after 4 pm works best if by phone. Text anytime

Im simply Bret. I love Thumbtack,our thumbtacker community and helping others

Lets get you in the winners circle

Warm regards

Bret

I'm a top pro from the Orlando Florida area.

I hope everyone is having great success in this winter season.

Leads will slow down and we need to focus on getting the quality jobs

Sometimes we fall prey to the theory that we need to bid on everything

I think one of the greatest opportunities thumbtack has is the opportunities tab

This is where other thumbtackers have already placed bids but the client may be open to your bid

It's worth a shot

I'm Bret and I'm here to help

If you need free advice or help. Reach out

386 500 8217

Warm regards

Bret

Meet Clay ( @ClayRiser ), a Top Pro electrician with over 90% 5-star reviews — and a Pro Advisor on Thumbtack's Pro Advisory Board. Clay is the owner of Mr. Electric of Golden Colorado. We asked him about his Thumbtack experience and to share some advice for other pros. Check out what he had to say and comment below with your story or any advice you'd like to share with other Thumbtack pros.

Can you tell us a bit about your business and what inspired you to start it?
I own and operate Mr. Electric of Golden, CO, a locally owned residential and light-commercial electrical services business serving the Golden, Evergreen, and foothills communities west of Denver. After a long career in engineering and defense—culminating as Chief Engineer for the GPS OCX 3F modernization program—I decided to retire from corporate life and build something rooted in my community. I’ve always loved solving problems, leading teams and serving others. Starting this business allowed me to combine my engineering discipline with a passion for customer service and team building.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a business owner, and how did you overcome them?
One of the toughest challenges was shifting from being an engineer in a structured corporate environment to wearing every hat as a small business owner—operations, marketing, HR, and even inventory management. Early on, I also had to build brand recognition in a competitive market while ensuring top-tier customer experiences. I overcame these challenges by investing in strong systems (like Thumbtack), focusing relentlessly on training and culture with my electricians, and leaning into community engagement so customers see us as neighbors they can trust.

How has Thumbtack contributed to your business's success?
Thumbtack has been a key part of our growth strategy. It gave us immediate visibility to local homeowners searching for electrical help and provided a steady stream of qualified leads in our early months. Just as important, Thumbtack’s review system allowed us to quickly build trust and credibility—helping us generate dozens of positive reviews in under a year. That early momentum from Thumbtack helped us establish a solid reputation that continues to drive new and repeat business.

What advice would you give to new business owners starting out on Thumbtack?
Focus on the basics: respond quickly to leads, present yourself professionally, and most importantly—deliver outstanding service every time. Don’t just chase jobs, build relationships. Encourage every satisfied customer to leave a review; those reviews are gold when you’re new. And remember, Thumbtack is a platform to get you in the door, but your craftsmanship, communication, and follow-through are what turn one job into lifelong customers and referrals.

Meet Nura ( @_Nura101 ), an 8 year Top Pro with over 4,300 5-star reviews — and a Pro Advisor on Thumbtack's Pro Advisory Board. Nura is the owner of Responsive Resumes nationwide. We asked her about her Thumbtack experience and to share some advice for other pros. Check out what she had to say and comment below with your story or any advice you'd like to share with other Thumbtack pros.

Can you tell us a bit about your business and what inspired you to start it? I run Responsive Resumes, a career service business that focuses on Resume writing and job placement. I used to be a Career coach but got an overwhelming amount of resume requests from my coaching clients. Apparently my resume strategies were innovative and I had a feel for how to frame each person's skills in a way that resonated with what the market wanted to see. So I pivoted to resume writing, perfected my skills and made it my full time business. That was 8 years ago and I've been doing it ever since :)

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a business owner, and how did you overcome them? The biggest challenge is to generate leads. A resume service can be done both in person and remotely, so you can imagine how competitive this market is. In the beginning, it was challenging to convince people to give you a chance when there were so many top dogs in the game. The turning point for me was when I completely shifted my focus to the client experience. I wanted my customers to not just "get a service", but to have an experience that exceeded their expectations. This led to 5 star reviews, referrals and social proof, which made the business visible and successful. 

How has Thumbtack contributed to your business's success? Thumbtack is a reliable and easy to use platform for both clients and pros. I think what stands out most is that Thumbtack genuinely wants the pro to succeed. The platform has all the tools and resources for you to build credibility and grow your business (like background checks, achievement awards, verifiable review systems). It makes it so easy for me as a pro to provide my services with transparency and integrity. 

What advice would you give to new business owners starting out on Thumbtack? Take your time to understand how the potential client sees your service from the outside. Build your profile with that perspective in mind, and give them what they want and need. Use your intro section to show what you can do for them, and keep the language genuine and real. People want to connect with people, not automated-sounding businesses. So when your message feels authentic it stands out, that's when you'll see traction.

And, check out this fun Instagram post from Nura!

I'm a landscape contractor in the central Florida area that has been given so much by thumbtack. I want to always lend a helping hand to get everybody else to succeed

Don't be confused by the app. If you need help to succeed please reach out I'm always available

Thumbtackers, it's a family. Let us help you to be the best thumbtack person you can be

Warm regards Brett Douglas

Thumbtack, like any business tool is best utilized after a brief learning curve

The secret to making the app work for you is learning how to manage your leads and the budget. You should set the budget for what works for you. And always be mindful to pause your business when you've reached your limits.We have been using thumbtack for many years and it is always been a blessing you.If you need help understanding how to manage it

Reach out. I'm Bret. A top pro from the beginning

3865008217

thumbtackiron@gmail.com

Thumbtacking is a way of life

Meet Kristopher (@kdiddy01), a 5 year Top Pro with over 500 5-star reviews — and a Pro Advisor on Thumbtack's Pro Advisory Board. Kristopher is the owner of Offset-Designs in Florida. We asked him about his Thumbtack experience and to share some advice for other pros. Check out what he had to say and comment below with your story or any advice you'd like to share with other Thumbtack pros.

Can you tell us a bit about your business and what inspired you to start it? I originally started this business as a graphic design company, but then at the time that I signed up on Thumbtack, I was working at Ashley Furniture. My wife and I wanted to buy a house together, but I had horrible credit, so she suggested that I try this out, and do furniture assembly and see what happens. This was originally a side job for me, but then when within a month I was able to clean up my credit completely, I decided to make this my main job, and business, while still doing graphic design work here and there.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a business owner, and how did you overcome them? Some of the biggest challenges were pricing. I had to have a low enough price point at the beginning because I had no reviews, or comments, or clout whatsoever. As time went on though, I steadily raised it based on the economy, the size and distance of the job, and the fees I was being charged.

How has Thumbtack contributed to your business's success? Thumbtack provides me with clients that are in places that I don't frequent, helping me to expand further.

What advice would you give to new business owners starting out on Thumbtack? I would tell new business owners here to make sure to be prepared to reply to all clients when an opportunity presents itself, and be prepared to be turned down. Don't get discouraged if someone doesn't want your services because the next person that does want you will now become a new regular client of yours for the future. Also, don't ever overcharge anyone. And if a job at first seems like it will be one thing they need done, don't be afraid to offer your services to do more that day. I've had a $75 job turn into a $750 job that same day from the same client, then $600 the next day, then $300 the day after.