At just 16 years old, Singapore teen entrepreneur Zames Chew spent only 30 Singapore dollars (about 23 U.S. dollars) to buy a website domain for a small handyman idea. Nine years later, that small step has grown into a blue-collar business earning around 1.3 million dollars a year.
A Simple Teen Idea Turns Into a Big Business
Chew started Repair.sg in 2016 after he had trouble finding good home repair services online for his parents. He saw that there was a vacuum in the market and he developed an elementary site, which linked people with labourers who were capable of repairing typical domestic issues.
His father assisted in registering a business since he was underage. However, Chew is the owner of the site and he was still in school. He, together with his younger brother Amos, at the onset of their life, did much of the repairing on their own, and acquired new knowledge as they proceeded.
Breaking the cycle of a Side Hustle to Full-Time Career
Repair.sg remained a small company over the years as the two brothers were attending school and working. They used to wake up early and remain late taking any form of job available.
In 2021, they had a huge move: they did not go to college and pursue office jobs, but entirely worked on their repair business. The fact that Repair.sg is being treated as a full-time company aided them in growing at a significantly faster pace.
Strong Revenue From Everyday Repair Jobs
In 2024, Repair.sg made about 1.7 million Singapore dollars (about 1.3 million U.S. dollars), according to business records reviewed by CNBC. The company now has more than 20 employees and continues to expand across Singapore.
Chew believes the business could reach around 2.3 million U.S. dollars in revenue by 2025 if growth continues. Most of their income comes from simple home repair jobs, showing how steady demand can build a strong blue-collar business.
Breaking the Stigma Around Manual Work
Even with their success, Chew and his brother faced comments from people who looked down on blue-collar jobs. Some said repair work was only for those who “don’t succeed” or told them they should be in school instead.
For a while, the brothers felt embarrassed and kept their work quiet. But as more customers thanked them and the business grew, they became proud of the value they provide to families who need reliable repair help.
Part of a Bigger Gen Z Movement
Chew’s journey is part of a growing trend among Gen Z workers, who are choosing skilled trades over traditional office jobs. Reports show more young people are interested in hands-on work because the demand is high, the hours are flexible, and there’s real room to build a business.
Chew says he is happier running a repair company than he would be sitting in an office, even though the work can be tough. He believes more young people will start seeing blue-collar careers as a real path to success.
A $23 Risk That Became a Million-Dollar Company
Repair.sg began with a small risk: buying a cheap domain name. With hard work, long hours, and real-world skills, that simple website grew into a seven-figure business in one of Asia’s most modern cities.
Chew’s story shows that even a low-cost idea can turn into a million-dollar company when you stay focused and keep working hard. For young people thinking about their future, his journey proves that blue-collar ideas can lead to big success.
