Meet TC Chesser of Armor Tek Services: Remodel, Renovations and Handyman Services - is an Army Veteran and a true Craftsman, I'm proud to know and work with.

In this interview we show off his work at house right here in Bay Park he was working on and we give you an introduction to TC and his construction services.
As a Bay Park Residential Specialist and a San Diego REALTOR* I become my clients "personal Google" in that I'm always referring the tradesmen and professionals I work and network with each week.

Describe your business

Residential Remodeling & Renovations. We coordinate with designers, architects and workers to turn a set of plans into a finished project. This includes keeping schedules & budgets on track, ordering materials, client communications and doing administrative paperwork.

Where are you originally from?

I lived in almost every state on the East Coast. Parents were in the Navy so we moved every few years. Spent the most time in Virginia and ended up getting my Finance degree at the University of Virginia.

What made you decide to open this business?

I had a Corporate Finance job in Manhattan but didn’t have the time or skills to do my own renovations & remodeling. I hired several handymen who had “decades of experience.” They were horrible though: constant quality issues, lack of communication, and general lack of professionalism. I found there was a real need for homeowners, like myself, for organized and reliable trade services.

How did you get started?

I bought a home improvement franchise which helped me with getting systems down but after 5 years, I really wanted to expand to other services that were needed in the market place. That’s when Armor Tek was created. The shield on my logo represents the durability & service life of our installs—
Don’t Wrek it, Armor Tek it!!!

What drives you to do what you do? What motivates you?

I also get a lot of gratification helping a client transform their homes and improve their lifestyles.

What has surprised you most when owning a business?

The connection with my clients. I never thought I would really enjoy helping clients as much as I do. There’s a lot of partnering on the more complex projects but the utter delight clients get at the end was something I wouldn’t have expected.

What was it like when you first started?

It was tough! It was a time when every dollar paid to a worker was burdened 50% by different tax and state government agencies. Made it very difficult to compete especially when there were so many unlicensed and uninsured contractors were out there.

What is something most people don't know about the business?

Even with the best planning, perfect labor situation and supply chain, there will be challenges. There will be emotional highs and lows throughout the project. That’s why it’s important to go with someone that you like, trust and has the competency to manage the project.

What would your customers say they love most about your business?

Our willingness to help. We are very responsive to clients’ requests which is a relief for many since the “trades industry” is notorious for being apathetic or uncaring.

What are some odd requests you've had from clients?

We had a client who only wanted a small bathroom paint job. They kept asking us to do more and more work. It literally turned into a complete remodel for a home and backyard ADU.
The second oddest was a faux finish paint job for an NFL player—we ended up faux finishing the entire exterior of his home. Faux finishes are usually done on the interior of a home and sparingly.

How do you motivate and encourage your staff?

I live by the saying, “the beatings will continue until morale improves” ;-P
But seriously, sincere appreciation and gratitude for a job well done goes miles, even if it’s just a “great job!” or “looking good” comment on a job walk.

What are your goals over the next year?

Automate business systems and hire a sales person.

What are your greatest challenges?

Helping clients prioritize their needs vs their wants.
Sometimes compromise is needed to help the client fit their budget and time constraints. Being open with the job accounting really helps client’s see where their value is going and that things are on track.

What do you love most about the neighborhood?

Bay Park has some wonderful homes with lots of unique character and many with spectacular views of the bay and ocean!

What is something most people don't know about you?

I have an electric dirt bike which I really enjoy. I am getting a second road-oriented custom bike built right now—has lit up LED side panels and wheels! E-bikes are very quiet and clean, unlike gas bikes. They also offer a nice bit of freedom and are really fun!

What is your most memorable customer experience?

Working on one of the only properties in Pt. Loma that had a private dock and tennis court. Learned our client sold his business to Warren Buffet years ago. Also, worked on his dad’s home that was in a trailer park. Dad could have lived anywhere else but decided that was his place. Such a juxtaposition in lifestyles!

Anything exciting going on that customers should know about?

You can recoup the value of remodeling almost immediately. Even homes that just have a facelift will move twice as fast when being sold. Our favorite REALTOR* Thomas can attest to that!

What is the best way for customers to contact you?

Call / Text Me: (858) 504-1001 (best way to reach me)
Email: [email protected]
or visit us here - https://armor-tek.com/