Teen Spends $23 on a Domain—Now His Handyman Business Makes $1.3 Million a Year
From Teen Dreamer to Million-Dollar Entrepreneur
At just 16 years old, Zames Chew bought a website domain for $23—a seemingly small investment that would eventually change his life. Fast forward nine years, and his Singapore-based company, Repair.sg, now generates $1.3 million annually, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas can turn into huge success.
What makes Zames’ story even more remarkable is that he never planned to become a handyman entrepreneur. Growing up, he dreamed of working a white-collar job at a tech giant like Google, but life had other plans.
The Spark That Started It All
Zames recalls how the idea for Repair.sg first came about in 2016.
“Our parents were looking for someone to fix things around the house,” he said. “I went online, and it seemed impossible to find service providers back then. There really wasn’t a platform for connecting people with reliable handymen. So I thought—why not build one?”
At 16, instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, Zames took action. For $23, he purchased a domain that would eventually become the foundation for his future business.
Turning a Simple Idea into a Thriving Business
By 2024, Repair.sg had grown into a profitable operation co-run with Zames’ 24-year-old brother, Amos Chew. Together, they’ve created a blue-collar service company that brings in 1.7 million Singapore dollars annually—roughly $1.3 million USD.
Their platform connects Singapore residents with vetted handyman service providers, offering convenience and reliability for everyday household needs.
Zames explains: “It was never about reinventing the wheel. We just wanted to make it easier for people to get things fixed without the hassle of searching endlessly online.”
Lessons from a Young Entrepreneur
Zames’ journey offers several key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Start Small: Buying a $23 domain doesn’t sound like a big step, but it was the first step toward a million-dollar business.
- Solve Real Problems: Repair.sg’s success comes from addressing a genuine gap in the market—finding reliable service providers online.
- Act Early: Zames started experimenting with the idea while still in his teens, giving him years to refine and grow the platform.
- Team Up with the Right People: Working with his brother Amos, who shares his vision, has been crucial for scaling the business.
From Tech Dreams to Practical Solutions
Interestingly, Zames’ entrepreneurial path began with a love for tech, even though he didn’t end up at Google or another white-collar tech firm.
“When I was younger, my dream was always to work in big tech,” Zames said. “But I realized that tech doesn’t have to be in a corporate office to create impact. I can leverage it to solve everyday problems and still build a thriving business.”
This mindset is central to Repair.sg’s model, which uses technology to simplify blue-collar services while remaining highly customer-focused.
The Business Today
Repair.sg now offers a range of services, from plumbing and electrical repairs to home maintenance and installations. By maintaining high standards for service quality and using technology to streamline bookings, the company has grown steadily over the years.
Revenue growth reflects their strategy. From a small online platform in 2016 to over $1.3 million in annual revenue by 2024, Repair.sg shows that scalable blue-collar businesses can be just as lucrative as tech startups.
Why This Story Inspires Entrepreneurs
Zames Chew’s journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t always follow a straight line. You don’t need billions of dollars in venture funding or a corporate pedigree to succeed.
- A small idea can grow into something huge if you spot a gap in the market.
- Persistence and experimentation matter more than perfection early on.
- Technology can empower traditional services, not just tech products.
Zames proves that even a teen with $23 and a big idea can create a business that brings in seven figures annually.
Looking Ahead: Repair.sg’s Future Plans
While Zames and Amos have achieved impressive growth, they are not stopping here. The company plans to expand its network of service providers, improve its booking and payment systems, and continue leveraging tech to make life easier for homeowners across Singapore.
“Our goal is simple,” Zames says. “We want every household to be able to fix their problems quickly and reliably without the stress. Technology makes that possible, and we’re just getting started.”
The Takeaway
From a $23 domain purchase at 16 to running a $1.3 million-a-year business at 26, Zames Chew’s story proves that entrepreneurship is about spotting opportunities, solving real problems, and taking action early.
It’s a modern reminder that success isn’t always about following the conventional path. Sometimes, the road less traveled—starting small, thinking practical, and using tech creatively—can lead to life-changing results.
