February’s Tasker Spotlight comes in with a chill from the Midwest—introducing Eric N. of Chicago! Let’s get to know Eric, a Tasker who specializes in snow removal, and who kindly defrosted just in time for this chat.
How Did You Hear About Taskrabbit?
Eric first learned about tasking via Taskrabbit courtesy of YouTube. He found a video that featured a Tasker talking about the platform and, thanks to that positive testimony, Eric decided to give it a go.
Taking on jobs that included snow removal came naturally to Eric.
“Growing up in Chicago I’ve been shoveling snow my entire life. I enjoy working outside in the cold,” he says. “I’m able to complete snow removal tasks very quickly due to my work ethic and vast array of tools.”
What Tools Do You Bring To Each Snow Removal Task?
Shovels
“Metal ones for breaking up frozen chunks of icy snow—a long 27 inch for pushing big areas of lighter snow and a smaller 18 inch for picking up heavy snow.”
Salt
“Pet-friendly rock salt for cold temps and calcium chloride salt for below zero temperatures.”
Snowblower
“Preferably a gas powered so the battery doesn’t run out and you won’t need to plug an extension cord in.”
Ice scraper
“Pivotal for getting ice off the ground!”
Cold weather gear
“Extra gloves, socks, hats and jackets for when they get wet.”
Bottles of water
“You don’t realize how much water you lose doing snow removal so stay hydrated!”
Can You Share How You’ve Built Your Business Using the Taskrabbit Platform?
“The main way I build my business using Taskrabbit is by providing the customer with a great level of service. I stress an abundance of communication before, during and after the task,” he says. “For landscaping, power washing, and snow removal tasks I always send before and after pictures—customers seem to love seeing the contrast.”
For Eric, tasking is the most fulfilling when he’s able to help out the elderly or disabled. He also makes sure that his customers realize how many other tasks he’s able to offer them.
“I also keep an eye open at their house to see if there are any other projects I can do for them at a future date—sometimes the customer doesn’t realize that I do work in about 10 categories,” he says. “I’ve had customers I’ve met through snow removal that went on to hire me for furniture assembly or help moving because they were happy with my work ethic.”
What Keeps You Interested in Tasking?
The flexibility of tasking and the ability to set his own hourly rates on the Tasker by Taskrabbit app is what Eric appreciates the most.
“Most other apps tell you how much you’ll get paid, which usually isn’t very good,” he says. “I also like the variety of categories that the app offers.”
As a Tasker who specializes in snow removal, his busiest months revolve around wintertime, especially in Chicago. Being able to task in one of the best known cities for heavy snowfall has set him up for financial success.
“In the three years that I’ve been doing snow removal, I’ve completed over 150 tasks,” he says. “The most I’ve made in one day doing snow removal was about $800 which consisted of 9 tasks.”
Share Your Most Memorable Snow Removal Task
“In January and February of 2021, Chicago received several big storms in a couple of weeks. The great thing, besides all the snow removal tasks, was doing car dig outs. A car dig out is when your car is parked on a street and the city plows push the snow up against your car and it freezes, making it impossible for you to get your car out,” he explains.
“I was getting a few of these jobs each day. They’re great because I became so skilled at doing these that I could knock them out in about 20 minutes,” he remembers. “Customers were so thankful that I was able to get them out of their spots so they could get to work and get their kids to school.”
Describe How Taskrabbit Has Impacted Your Life
“Taskrabbit has become my main source of income. I’m able to pay our family’s bills and even save some money due to the app,” he says.
“The biggest reason Taskrabbit has impacted my life is by giving me the freedom to set my own schedule and be my own boss. My younger son, Brady, has been battling brain cancer for over three years. Setting my schedule around his treatments and appointments has allowed me to be present and spend the precious time with him that I would miss if I had a corporate job.”
If You Could Do a Task For Anyone…
An obvious answer for all the Chicagoans out there—“It would be cool to do a task for someone I grew up idolizing such as Michael Jordan.”
For those who still need an introduction (or simply aren’t familiar with sports at all), Michael Jordan is a former basketball player who played 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association from 1984-2003, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
“Helping out a superstar athlete or movie star would also be really cool,” he adds.
What Excites You Most in Life Outside of Tasking?
“Some of my favorite activities and hobbies include working out, playing softball and playing poker. Over the last few years while working for Taskrabbit I actually really enjoy watching videos to learn how to do tasks that I’m not signed up for yet so I can expand my client base.”
Eric also appreciates being able to share his love of sports with his children.
“What excites me the most is coaching my children in sports and seeing them develop as good athletes and even better human beings,” he says.
If you’re in the Chicago area and need a friendly, sports-loving Snow Removal Tasker, be sure to book Eric N.! Your driveway, and any other snow piled areas, will immediately thank you.
