From Teen Dreamer to Million-Dollar Boss
At 16 years old, Zames Chew made a tiny investment that would change his life forever: he spent $23 on a website domain. Fast forward nine years, and that small decision helped him build Repair.sg, a Singapore-based handyman business that now earns $1.3 million a year.
What’s even more remarkable? Zames never planned to run a handyman company. He dreamed of a white-collar career at a tech giant like Google. But life—and a simple observation—took him in a very different, lucrative direction.
The Spark That Started It All
In 2016, Zames noticed a simple problem:
“Our parents were trying to find someone to fix things around the house,” he recalls. “I looked online and realized there was no easy way to find reliable service providers. That’s when I thought—why not create it ourselves?”
With just $23 and a domain, Zames planted the seeds for what would become Repair.sg, a platform connecting Singapore residents with trustworthy handymen and service providers.
Turning a $23 Idea into $1.3 Million
By 2024, Repair.sg was generating 1.7 million Singapore dollars annually—roughly $1.3 million USD. Co-run with his brother Amos Chew, the platform now handles everything from plumbing and electrical repairs to home maintenance services.
Zames says the key to their success was simple: making life easier for customers and connecting them with reliable professionals.
Lessons from a Teenpreneur
Zames’ journey proves that you don’t need millions or a degree from a top university to succeed. Here’s what his story teaches aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Start small: A $23 investment was all it took.
- Solve real problems: Repair.sg filled a market gap no one else noticed.
- Act early: He started at 16, giving himself years to grow.
- Team up wisely: Co-founding with his brother helped scale the business efficiently.
From Tech Dreams to Hands-On Success
Zames originally wanted a career in tech, but he discovered that technology can empower traditional businesses, not just white-collar jobs.
“Tech doesn’t have to be in a corporate office,” he says. “I’m using it to make everyday services better, faster, and more reliable.”
That’s exactly what Repair.sg does: using technology to streamline blue-collar services while keeping customers happy.
Why Repair.sg Works
Repair.sg succeeds because it combines trust, convenience, and technology. Vetted service providers and a seamless booking system make it simple for users, while scalable operations allow the company to grow steadily.
From a small website in 2016 to a seven-figure business in 2024, Repair.sg proves that blue-collar businesses can be just as lucrative as tech startups.
A Story That Inspires
Zames Chew’s journey shows that success doesn’t always follow the conventional path. You don’t need billions in funding or corporate connections.
- A small idea can create massive impact.
- Persistence beats perfection every time.
- Tech isn’t just for office jobs—it can revolutionize everyday services.
From a $23 domain purchase to $1.3 million in annual revenue, Zames proves that bold action pays off.
What’s Next for Repair.sg
The Chew brothers have big plans. They want to:
- Expand their network of service providers
- Improve booking and payment systems
- Make Repair.sg Singapore’s go-to platform for home services
“We want every household to get things fixed quickly, reliably, and stress-free,” says Zames.
Takeaway: Small Steps Can Lead to Big Wins
From a teen with $23 to a million-dollar business owner, Zames Chew’s story is proof that entrepreneurship is about spotting opportunities, taking action, and solving real problems.
It’s a reminder that even the smallest investments—when paired with vision and determination—can lead to life-changing results.
