Contractor Nation | School of Entrepreneurship Founder: Larry Janesky's Journey
“Success is the steady progress toward one's personal goals. First you have to be very clear what they are.” - Richard Bach
The Carpenter Who Built a Blueprint for Success
Every great story begins with a spark. For Larry Janesky, it wasn’t a flash of lightning or a sudden epiphany. It was the simple, honest work of a young man who started a small carpentry business out of his truck and home at the age of 17. It was the feeling of sawdust on his hands and the quiet determination to build something that would last. He didn't know it then, but he wasn't just building houses; he was laying the foundation for a revolution in the home service industry.
That young carpenter went on to found Contractor Nation, a network of the most successful home improvement contractors in North America, and the School of Entrepreneurship. His journey from a one-man operation to a celebrated industry leader wasn’t easy. It was filled with challenges, mistakes, and invaluable lessons. Now, Larry’s mission is to share the blueprint he created—the systems, frameworks, and wisdom he earned—with a new generation of leaders. He wants to give young people the tools he wishes he had, empowering them to build their own legacies without the burden of debt.
From a Leaky Basement to a Breakthrough
Larry Janesky's story is one of relentless problem-solving. In the early days of his business, he was just like any other contractor: working hard, trying to please customers, and struggling to make a profit. The turning point came from a common problem: leaky basements. At the time, the solutions were ineffective and temporary. Customers were frustrated, and contractors were stuck in a cycle of callbacks and complaints.
Larry saw an opportunity not just to fix a basement, but to fix the entire system. He became obsessed with finding a permanent solution. He spent countless hours researching, experimenting, and developing new methods. This obsession led to the creation of Basement Systems, a company that would go on to redefine the waterproofing industry with its innovative products and reliable approach.
But creating a great product was only half the battle. Larry realized that to truly succeed and grow, he needed to build a great business. This meant creating systems for everything:
How to answer the phone and set appointments.
How to train salespeople to build trust, not pressure.
How to manage production crews for quality and efficiency.
How to track financials to make smart decisions.
He developed these frameworks through trial and error, learning from his mistakes and refining his approach. He discovered that success wasn't about working harder; it was about working smarter. It was about creating a repeatable, teachable process that guaranteed excellence every time.
The Birth of Contractor Nation
As Basement Systems grew into an international success, other contractors started to take notice. They saw what Larry had built and wanted to know his secret. They were facing the same challenges he had overcome: inconsistent profits, employee turnover, and the constant stress of running a business.
Larry had a choice. He could have kept his hard-earned knowledge to himself. Instead, he chose to share it. He believed that a rising tide lifts all boats. In 1990, he founded Contractor Nation, bringing together a network of home service contractors who were committed to Excellence.
He opened up his playbook, sharing the very systems he used to build his own company. He taught them how to market effectively, how to implement proven sales processes, and how to create a culture of "Wow!" service. Contractor Nation became a community where business owners could learn from each other, support one another, and grow together. It was proof that his blueprint for success wasn't just for him; it could transform any business willing to embrace it.
A New Mission Begins; Empowering the Next Generation
After decades of helping established business owners, Larry noticed a new, pressing problem. He saw countless bright, ambitious young people being pushed toward a single path: a four-year college degree and the mountain of debt that came with it. He saw talented individuals with a gift for hands-on work, leadership, or sales being told their skills were less valuable than a diploma.
He knew this was wrong. He knew from his own life that a different path was possible—a path where passion, hard work, and the right training could lead to immense success and fulfillment. He looked at the thriving businesses within Contractor Nation and saw a massive need for skilled, dedicated leaders in every department: marketing, sales, appointment center, production & service, accounting, recruiting, and general management.
This realization sparked his next great mission: the School of Entrepreneurship.
Larry founded the School of Entrepreneurship to give young people a direct, debt-free path to a rewarding leadership career. At the heart of this vision is the SoE Blue Collar Training Program—a modern approach to career development that recognizes the unique strengths of every individual. This program offers clearly defined training paths, including Entrepreneurial Leadership, General Business Management, Marketing Management, Appointment Center Management, Sales Management, Accounting Management, Production & Service Management, and Recruiting Management. Each path is designed to equip participants with industry-specific skills and real-world leadership training.
By embracing these programs, young people gain the practical knowledge, mentorship, and frameworks they need to thrive—not just as employees, but as future leaders. This is an invitation to build a fulfilling, high-impact career in the trades while avoiding college debt and unlocking their true potential.
The Blueprint You Can Follow
The School of Entrepreneurship is the culmination of Larry Janesky's life's work. It is his way, of passing the torch to those who are just starting their journey. He is sharing the very essence of what made him successful, so that others can achieve their own version of success faster and with more support than he ever had.
This isn't just about teaching a trade. It’s about building leaders. It’s about showing young people that their natural talents for organizing, communicating, or problem-solving are the keys to a powerful future. It’s about providing a clear blueprint for a life of purpose, security, and impact.
Larry’s journey from a young carpenter to a mentor for an entire industry is a testament to the power of a clear vision and a systematic approach. He built more than a company; he built a repeatable formula for Excellence. Now, through the School of Entrepreneurship, he is inviting you to use that formula to build your own legacy.
Your journey starts here.
