How to Create a Profitable Career in Your 20s without Traditional Education
We had the opportunity to interview Joe and Noah Gebara, a father and son duo who run j. ediSON interiors, Inc., a window treatment installation business in southern Florida. Their story is inspiring on many levels and their success illustrates the power of stepping up, keeping the faith, and being willing to take risks - even in the face of stage 4 cancer.
Our interview began with Noah Gebara. We asked him to share what it was like going from college life to instant manhood when his dad needed him the most.
Meet Noah Gebara, upcoming window treatment installation professional.
“I graduated from high school in 2019 and started college while working part time for my dad’s window treatment installation business, thinking my career path was going to be predictable. However, my dad’s cancer diagnosis two years later made me rethink my plans.
“In May 2021, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer and given a year to live. At that point, I decided it was best to join the family business full time and put college on pause.
“Initially, I was nervous. I was worried about my dad. I was questioning my ability to step up, and honestly I didn’t even care about college at that point. I just wanted to help my dad as much as I could.
“It got overwhelming at times, having to deal with customers and everything that goes with running a business. There was a lot I had to learn on the fly, but I would say that this has helped build my character.”
Noah’s advice for fellow young adults who want to make a great income in the home industry:
“I’m capable of more than I realized. Because of this, I encourage work-based learning as much as possible. There are just some things that you can’t learn in a classroom. Getting hands-on experience and going through trial and error has taught me more than a classroom ever has.
“I've seen my dad run this business for over 20 years, and I'm trying to follow his route. Ultimately, I plan to take over his business. It makes great money, and the demand for installers is high.
“My advice for other young professionals is to listen when someone with more experience is giving you advice. Just listen, take the criticism, take the feedback and work on improving yourself.”
“I’d tell other young people to consider a career in the window treatment installation industry. The barrier to entry is really low. All you need are tools, a van, and a willingness to learn.”
Then, we switched perspectives by speaking with Noah’s father, Joe.
“Noah was willing and ready to take over for me during my cancer treatments, and he was only 20 years old at the time - that worried me a little bit. Before he joined my business full time, he was not an early riser, nor was he willing to work late. But it’s almost as though he became that type of man overnight. He’s far more mature than I was at his age: Now, Noah gets up at 5 AM, goes to the gym, and then goes to work.
“In the two years since my cancer diagnosis - yes, I’ve already outlived all expectations! - and Noah’s full time career with my business, our company's volume has increased. And I have to say, there are some things that a 21 year old thinks of that I wouldn’t even consider because I’m too close to the situation. Noah has helped us advance on the technology side of things. It’s an honor to be in business with my son.”
Rapid Fire Q&A with the Gebaras
Tell us about your team and services.
Our team consists of five people total, two full time employees and three subcontractors. Additionally, we also partner with workrooms to produce draperies. We do everything from measure and design window treatments to final installation. I (Joe) focus on the drapery end of our business, and Noah does all the hard goods. He recently earned his Hunter Douglas certification.
What is the most enjoyable part of your work?
Meeting new people daily and having a sense of accomplishing tasks daily with a finish to every project.
What is difficult about your career?
Traffic and dealing with logistics. Miami is densely populated and we can typically spend more time in traffic than working.
How has this career changed your life for the better?
Joe and Noah: It’s given me independence from the 9-5 routine. I make my own schedule and can plan better for family time.
What training or education, if any, did you have prior to starting this career?
Joe: I was a school teacher. I grew up in the industry and it helped pay for school. After teaching for a few years I decided to return to installing.
Noah: The best training for me has been installing with my dad from the time I turned 14 until now. I worked with him on weekends and during the summer. This past year, I completed all of the Hunter Douglas online modules in order to travel to Denver for their live certification classes.
What ongoing education, if any, are you pursuing to further your career?
Joe and Noah: We elect to attend all available training and trade shows - most recently, The Network event in Ft. Lauderdale. We plan on attending the Hunter Douglas event in Orlando this summer, and we continually do the online modules at Hunter Douglas to maintain our good standing and certification.
Where do you get the majority of your projects and clients?
Word of mouth and social media Working with workrooms? Referrals?
How has the WCAA helped shape or improve your career?
The WCAA has elevated our presence in the industry. Prior to being a member, we started creating videos on IG live. After getting a WCAA membership, we continued doing those videos and routinely had audiences of nearly 300 and over 7.5K views. Being a WCAA member has helped grow our audience.
Where can people find you?
You can follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ByJEdison and on our blog at byjedison.tumblr.com.
Resources
Get trained to become a profitable window treatment installer through our industry partner, Trading Up Consulting