Sometimes, life throws curveballs when we least expect it—moments that can either derail us or propel us forward. For Adam Graham, getting locked out of his house during the Covid-19 lockdown wasn’t just an inconvenience; it became the spark that ignited his entrepreneurial journey. What began as a frustrating situation quickly transformed into an innovative business idea that would go on to help countless others facing similar challenges. This is the story of how Adam Graham turned a setback into an opportunity and built JustFix, an app that connects people with local tradespeople to handle odd jobs and urgent repairs.
What if a problem became your next big opportunity? Adam Graham’s inspiring Startup Business story began with a lockout during lockdown. From that moment, he built JustFix, an app connecting customers to tradespeople in real-time. Read his full journey on BBC News and learn how innovation can transform personal setbacks into business breakthroughs!
A Frustrating Lockout Leads to a New Venture
The year was 2020, and the world was in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. The sudden changes in daily life forced many people into unfamiliar routines. For Adam Graham, the lockdowns and restrictions meant having to navigate a world where simple tasks were suddenly more difficult. One such challenge occurred when he returned home after a dog walk, only to realize he had locked himself out of the house.
Without the option of calling a locksmith, due to the restrictions and lockdowns, Adam was left standing outside in frustration. But instead of letting the situation get the best of him, he began to think about how others were likely facing similar difficulties. Many people were in need of odd jobs being done around the house, yet had no easy way of finding someone to help—especially with the added complexities of the pandemic.
It was in this moment that Adam had an epiphany: Why not create an app that would connect people with tradespeople for small, urgent tasks like home repairs? The idea felt like a natural solution to a real-world problem, one that could serve both homeowners in need and local tradespeople who were struggling to find consistent work during the lockdown.
Turning Frustration into Innovation
Turning frustration into innovation isn’t always easy. For Adam, the initial concept for JustFix wasn’t something that fell into place overnight. The road to creating the app was filled with uncertainties, obstacles, and self-doubt. At the time, Adam had already faced business failures, and his financial situation wasn’t stable. The pandemic had made everything even more uncertain. But despite these challenges, Adam believed in his idea. He had no job prospects, and with the economy in a slump, he realized that starting his own business might actually be less risky than waiting for a traditional job offer.
“I decided that if I didn’t try, I would regret it forever,” Adam explains. “I thought, ‘Why not go all in?’ Even if I fail, I’m doing something for myself. At least I’ll be in control of my own future.”
The idea behind JustFix was simple but powerful: create a platform that connects customers needing quick repairs with local, trusted tradespeople. It would be an app that allowed people to book services like plumbing, lock repairs, and other small tasks in real-time, offering a fast, on-demand solution for urgent home issues. And with the pandemic limiting access to traditional service providers, this was a perfect time to innovate.
Overcoming the Challenges of Building the App
As with any new business venture, turning an idea into reality is no small feat. Adam faced numerous challenges while developing JustFix, from financial limitations to technical hurdles. With the pandemic disrupting the economy and many businesses on the brink of closure, Adam had to be resourceful.
He didn’t have access to vast amounts of capital, so he relied on his network and a small, dedicated team to get the app off the ground. Adam also had to tackle technical challenges, including designing an intuitive user experience and building a platform that was both user-friendly and reliable. He wanted the app to be simple to navigate, yet comprehensive enough to handle all types of odd jobs.
But what truly made the app stand out was its ability to create a win-win scenario. JustFix wasn’t just a platform for homeowners; it also served the tradespeople. During the lockdown, many workers in trades like plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry were seeing their jobs dry up. Adam’s app provided them with a way to reach customers who needed help, even when other traditional channels were closed.
The Launch of JustFix: A New Solution for a New Time
The launch of JustFix was an important milestone, but it wasn’t without its challenges. Adam had built a platform that could meet the needs of people who had urgent tasks at home, but he needed to ensure that tradespeople were on board and ready to deliver quality service. Building a reliable network of professionals was key to the app’s success.
Adam used his background in business development to reach out to local tradespeople and help them see the value of using the app. By offering them a platform where they could easily connect with clients, Adam knew it would benefit them in the long run.
When the app finally launched, it quickly gained traction. Homeowners were thrilled to find a simple, reliable way to get things fixed, and tradespeople appreciated the steady flow of jobs that JustFix provided. The app offered fast solutions to problems that many people had been dealing with for months, especially during the pandemic when traditional service options were limited.
The Impact of JustFix: Helping Both Consumers and Tradespeople
As JustFix grew, so did its impact. The app wasn’t just helping people with urgent repairs; it was also empowering local tradespeople by providing them with a platform that allowed them to grow their businesses in a time of uncertainty. The pandemic had made it difficult for many small businesses to thrive, but JustFix gave tradespeople a lifeline by connecting them with a broader customer base.
For homeowners, the app was a game-changer. JustFix allowed people to solve problems quickly, without waiting days for a service provider to become available. Whether it was fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a broken lock, or handling a home emergency, users of the app could find someone to help in a matter of minutes.
Lessons Learned from Adam’s Journey
- Find Opportunity in Adversity
Adam’s journey proves that setbacks can often lead to the best opportunities. What seemed like a frustrating situation—a simple lockout—became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial success. - Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks
Adam’s decision to take a leap of faith in creating JustFix despite financial challenges shows that sometimes the greatest rewards come when you take a calculated risk. - Resilience is Key
The road to building a successful business is rarely smooth. Adam’s resilience in the face of obstacles, failures, and doubts allowed him to stay focused on his goal. - Solve Real Problems
Adam’s app succeeded because it addressed a real, tangible problem. By offering a solution to the everyday challenges people face, JustFix quickly gained a loyal following. - Adapt to Changing Times
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted many industries, but Adam’s ability to adapt to the new reality and see opportunity in it allowed him to create a business that has flourished.
Conclusion: A Lockout That Changed Everything
Adam Graham’s journey from a frustrating lockout to a successful business is a perfect example of how setbacks can lead to success. JustFix is more than just an app—it’s a story of perseverance, innovation, and the belief that even the most challenging situations can lead to positive change. Adam’s entrepreneurial drive, fueled by frustration and determination, has created a platform that continues to make life easier for homeowners and tradespeople alike.
His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected moments—whether it’s a lockout, a setback, or a challenge—can become the catalysts for the greatest achievements.
