At Taskrabbit, our mission is to transform lives one task at a time. Few things are more rewarding than seeing the unique journeys Taskers build through their work. This month, we’re excited to spotlight two remarkable Taskers who have not only transformed the lives of their clients but also experienced transformative growth themselves.
Jonathan Chan went from “not handy AT ALL” to working on Taskrabbit’s San Francisco headquarters, while Ricardo Torres turned his struggle as an artist into a thriving consulting business, complete with a custom mural on our office walls. Below, they share hard-won lessons and invaluable advice about building success on your own terms.
Jonathan Chan: The Accidental Handyman
What are misconceptions people have about being a Tasker? What surprised you most about the job when you began?
People think Tasking is just a side hustle or only for those who want part-time work. In reality, Tasking is very personal sometimes, and you must carry yourself professionally. What surprised me most is how much demand there is for skilled help and labor, especially for smaller jobs most contractors won’t take on.
Have you built any long term client relationships through Taskrabbit? What makes a client memorable to you?
I have been Tasking for the founder of Taskrabbit for many years now.
How have you grown personally since you began Tasking? Has your perspective on work, community, or yourself changed since you became a Tasker?
I have gotten more social and outgoing, less of the introvert I believed that I was. I enjoy doing new things every day, and work doesn’t have to be boring if you challenge yourself. Before Taskrabbit I was not handy AT ALL. Now I can help my friends and family too.
What part of helping with the San Francisco office are you most proud of? Were there any unique design or assembly obstacles you faced while bringing the office to life?
I am most proud of that clock wall. It looks amazing. We had a few designs we had to figure out, like repurposing bed headboards into vertical wall slats and installing clocks into picture frames.
What would you say is your superpower or secret weapon as a Tasker?
Talking with clients and getting to know what they need. A lot of times they don’t know exactly what they want, but I can step into their shoes and find solutions to their problems.
What is something about yourself that would surprise someone?
I had a Youtube piano channel that had millions of views way back in my college days. Now my wife and I have a Youtube channel: YesWeChan for our truck adventures in nature and on 4×4 trails.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t say I can’t do something before at least trying.
Pro Tip from Jonathan:
“Don’t be discouraged with the time it takes to grow your business. Ask yourself if I were doing this for myself, how would I want it accomplished?”
Ricardo Torres: When Consultation Meets Execution
What’s a moment you’ve felt truly proud of yourself while Tasking? Have you developed any unexpected skills or talents while Tasking?
One of the biggest moments was when a client vocalized some uncertainty about the right paint color. I started bouncing around ideas with her, using my background as an architectural designer and artist’s assistant, and helped her finalize a decision in person. The color we went with was so different from her original thought, and she was overjoyed. This is when things began changing for me. I started leaning into the consulting part of painting jobs, setting myself apart from a Tasker who doesn’t just paint but can also design and consult.
How have you grown personally since you began Tasking? Has your perspective on work, community, or yourself changed since you became a Tasker?
I have grown tremendously. Before Taskrabbit, I was struggling to secure enough work to continue my artwork, which forced me to debate jumping back into full-time work in a field I didn’t love. Since building myself up on Taskrabbit and growing my skills, I’ve gained confidence in myself, my work, and my abilities to connect with clients to bring awesome visions and projects to life. It’s pushed me to seriously pursue my own business in art, design, and curation.
How has the flexibility of Tasking supported your journey as an artist? Has it allowed you to take on more passion projects or explore new techniques you might not have otherwise?
This has been one of my biggest obstacles, trying to continue the artwork I do and the life I love. My work sometimes has me full-time for months, sometimes I have 2 months with no artwork, and sometimes it requires me to move to another city for months at a time. The only reason I have been able to continue this and finally feel financially secure is because of the flexible work I get on Taskrabbit. It’s helped me go back and forth between NYC and San Francisco, knowing I’ll always have work when I open the app. It’s provided consistent income that allows me to take more risks with my artwork. What a privilege I now have.
As a Tasker who uses our platform to grow your business, what did it mean to you to leave a permanent mark on the Taskrabbit San Francisco headquarters?
I swore I was being pranked at first when I got an email from Taskrabbit inquiring about this. But being seen, valued, and trusted to do the work at Taskrabbit’s new office was such an honor and has grown my portfolio tremendously. It’s also opened up doors for more companies and offices to reach out for paint jobs, murals, and design consults.
Pro Tip from Ricardo:
“Ask the right questions about the job, get clear photos, and have super clear communication. This will be the most important thing over everything, no matter that service you offer””For painters: Invest in a few sizes for brushes including a tiny one for details and touch-ups, a small can of primer and putty just in case, a multi-tool scraper, and GOOD QUALITY TAPE (Frog Tape is the best) will be a great start. These essentials will set you up for success.
Want to book a task with Jonathan or Ricardo?
Jonathan is based in San Francisco, and Ricardo works in both NYC and SF. Check out their profiles for skills and availability!
Last updated on January 20, 2026 by Isabel Gottlieb
