Licensed & insured NJ Lic#13VH07697000
get to know derek...
THE STORY SO FAR.....
Ever since I was little, my dad would take me to work with him on weekends or when I was off from school. I would climb into his van and accompany him to Channel Lumber or Rickels after dinner to pick up supplies, and ice cream. I remember trying to keep up with him in the store as I looked at all the shelves filled with tools, hardware, and lumber. He always included me in what he was doing, and from that, I learned so much.
I worked in various fields throughout my life, attended the Hartt School of Music for percussion, and was a pastry chef for about 12 years, I even worked in bakery in Matsumoto Japan for a little while, but I always found myself coming back to carpentry and home remodeling. I spent some years working for other contractors providing home renovations, bathrooms, kitchens, and tile work. Eventually, I decided to work for myself and have my own business and be the company I would want to hire for my own home.
Moving to Mount Olive Township in 2015 has changed my life. Getting to know this area of NJ and the people in it has made my job so much sweeter. I have spent the last six years building my business in an area where nobody knew me, and now have a long list of references and referrals. From extensive home remodeling to the small repairs, I am grateful for all my customers. I have performed several small jobs for seniors and helped widows maintain the home their husbands’ spent their lives building up.
My wife and I love driving around the beautiful roads of Morris, Warren, and Sussex Counties, we even got our boating license a few years ago. I am so grateful that my dad saw the first two years and shared in building my company. I always told him about my customers, the jobs I was working on, and the new tools that I bought. That’s what I’ll miss a lot. Because of him and what he taught me, I get to serve all of you.
AND THE STORY CONTINUES.....Introducing Silver Hammer Handyman Bakery and Crafts. Autumn 2021 A handyman who sells desserts? Yes you read that correctly. You don't see a bakery section on a contractors website very often I bet, so if you are wondering how we got here, here's the story.
In 1999 I began working in the restaurant business and after a few years as a waiter and cook, my enormous sweet tooth led me to the pastry department. I worked in several restaurants around New Jersey, New York, and even Japan for a little while. It was a fun and rewarding career and I loved making desserts but after I met my wife and got married I wanted to work "normal" hours, When the restaurant lifestyle wasn't for me anymore I returned to what I grew up with...home repair and carpentry. In 2013 I started Silver Hammer Handyman but never lost my love for baking so I would continue to bake for family and friends on holidays and special occasions.
I moved to Mount Olive in 2015, and as I began to build a reputation for my handyman business I would often make sauces and baked goods for my customers as an appreciation for their business. They would be so surprised to see me at their doorstep with cinnamon rolls or fudge sauce. The smiles on their faces, appreciation and compliments always made my day and reminded me of what I loved about the pastry business. I would often be asked if I sold my goods but unfortunately at the time New Jersey was still not allowing home made goods to be sold. That changed in 2021 when New Jersey finally passed the bill for their own Cottage Law for home bakers.
As much as I love working in my shop and building my wood projects I also love spending time in the kitchen and cooking. Both require attention to detail and accurate measurements for a successful (and delicious) result. It's so much fun to spend time doing what I enjoy every day. I think my passion and enjoyment for both shows in my work. I am very excited and I look forward to baking for everyone. The house always smells good!
My products will incorporate fruit and produce from local farms such as Ashley Farms in Flanders and Ort Farms in Long Valley.
I will have staples that are hits with family, friends and customers in addition to rotating some items based on the season. Follow me in Instagram and FB for updates facebook.com/silverhammerhandyman
As for crafts...
my wife Barbara Ann and I have decided to take our love for decorating our home to the next level.
From cutting boards to decor, I am always building something to add to our home. We love spending time together and creating things we can enjoy for years to come.
Now we get to share our joy with you!
Like the baking goods we will do seasonal crafts that celebrate holidays and the time of year.
I am a huge Star Wars fan
and I am always looking to add to my collection!
Will exchange services for vintage 1970s Star Wars toys!
I started Silver Hammer Handyman out of the back of my wife's Honda CRV many years ago.
I am so proud of what I have accomplished since then and grateful for the lessons learned and friends made along the way.