NearU began a revolution in the home services industry utilizing a people centric and process driven model. Ashish Achlerkar, Founder and CEO at NearU, started the company in August 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina; since then, NearU has acquired a total of six companies – two companies are
in Fayetteville. Two are in Carthage, and one is in Holly Springs and one is in Dudley.

These locations are all in the Fayetteville region and surrounding areas. NearU stands out as a family of home services companies. Seasoned visionaries create a dynamic industry niche. First, the company focuses on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical brands to serve residential and commercial markets. Coupled with acquisition management teams and employees of acquired companies, NearU provides methods and resources to better the lives of customers, employees, and communities.

NearU works to build their home services industry to benefit everyone. Whether an employee, customer, or business owner, all see great benefit within this revolution. Employees can expect better pay and excellent benefits. Paid training at the onset and continuous training while working on the job to assist employees. NearU recognizes that the success of their employees reflects the success in the home services industry with their concept to invest in those they hire. They will even assist with licensing and certification and a career path for growth. Flexible work schedules deliver another perk.

Achlerkar, when asked about the issues with the labor market by Carolina Business Review, noted that labor continues to be a challenge. He stated
that the situation could escalate to a crisis mode unless addressed promptly. Achlerkar sees gaps between skills in available talent versus market
requirements that increase day by day and takes a proactive approach to address the widening skills gap. According to Achlerkar, “It is – it continues to be – and if someone does not proactively address that, it will become a crisis very, very soon. We are kind of on the cusp of crisis.”
 

Where can trades seek talent? Historically, diversity within skilled trades remains low so an expansion of this talent pool needs consideration.
 

More women in the industry and more minorities such as people of color, for example, are necessary to create a diverse workforce. Careful speech with potential candidates and attracting them with a solid, long-term career path and employee value may prove successful. Rather than just an hourly job in the trades and regular paycheck, growth potential and incentives must be incorporated into the package.
 

Regard and respect for talent when they onboard into the system remains a top priority. The millennial workforce brings the focus to ecosystems compatible with millennials.
 

Correct technology and dedicated training keep employees engaged and productive. This focus gives a long-term workforce family a home base.
This dynamic must remain a high priority.
 

The key to labor force participation identifies the key to what these potential employees crave. The market perspective must focus on the target audience. Rather than a reactive approach – a proactive perspective must exist.

Achlerkar takes great strides to address employee retention issues. “We have an understanding for what it takes and the key to that is understanding what these people are starving for, right? So, is it pay, is it benefits? Is it work/life balance, is it a happy workplace where they would like to come enjoy working for those companies? We have to really understand,” he told Carolina Business Review.

One alarming statistic shows the average age of the home services technician or installer is 55, Achlerkar told Carolina Business Review. Fresh talent must flow quickly to the home services market sector. Diversity and inclusion needs demand focus. This talent pool requires quality education. Talent must see the purpose behind a financial reward as incentive besides the reward itself. Workers in trades serve customers dynamically so they require a strong support system behind them to stay energized. NearU follows this model.

The reach for talent begins with technical schools and community colleges. Students who enjoy customer interaction and possess natural talents for technical repairs or installations can see these open opportunities when presented and reviewed with them. The door opens and sheds light and a new perspective on career directions and possibilities.
 

Targeted outreach can help. The labor shortage remains currently most prominent in the various trades sectors and the demand to keep workers in the trades and prevent turnover persists. Traditional talent pools need a “think outside the box” approach to attract diverse populations into the trades. The implementation curve falls far behind here with pronounced failure to address these issues years ago. The more proactive approach can circumvent
the fallout we see today.
 

NearU recognizes the growing requirements and expectations customers desire for quality and dedicated customer care, reliability, and convenience. Companies receive the resources, training, and tools to deliver high-quality service to the customer thus a seamless experience. Trade sector workers realize how their valuable contributions make a difference on so many levels. Customers receive quality and courteous help with jobs done right the first time. The overall concept creates a win-win, positive experience for everyone.
 

The NearU approach to acquisitions allows for a very smooth transition for the business owners and their employees. Customers are always held in the highest regard within the transition and continue to receive personal care, service, and value. The customer remains honored utmost. Business owners retain more control over the sale of their business with NearU acquisitions. The seller-focused transaction allows for the business to continue their
individual legacy. Businesses receive fair value for efforts and time investment recognized, and NearU provides ongoing support and builds the
business stronger with more resilient growth.
 

To find Skilled Trades Champion podcasts Achlerkar has developed, visit the NearU website at www.nearu-services.com. To contact NearU by phone, call 215-341-7561. The headquarters for NearU is located at 2101 Sardis Rd N, Charlotte, North Carolina 28227.