Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruben —an enthusiastic allround handyman in his free time, with a well-stocked toolbox and a passion for practical projects. He lives in Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood, is originally from the Netherlands, and has been supporting Helferei since our very beginning by indulging in one of his favorite hobbies: DIY.
Ruben's main job is in project management. But he loves creating things with his hands in his free time, whether it's assembling furniture, installing lamps, or tackling everyday repairs. Even during his studies, he worked part-time in the construction industry and gradually acquired more and more professional tools and equipment – drill, cordless screwdriver, tape measure: he's got it all. "I like practical tasks where you can see the results of your work right away," he says. As founders, we can certainly relate to that!
Just two months after moving to Berlin-Schöneberg at the time, Ruben happened to come across a flyer for Helferei. He liked the idea right away: finding local jobs and working flexibly, helping people, getting paid fairly, and not having to worry about invoices or red tape. “I was able to just get started, and Helferei takes care of the rest.” Since then, Ruben has taken on many jobs, both big and small. Often just a few blocks from his apartment.
"Helferei feels more personal than other platforms - more like neighborhood help. You help real people nearby, not anonymous people somewhere in the city." Depending on the job, he still travels all over Berlin to provide manual help. True to the traditions of his homeland, he does so by bike, of course. The large toolbox on the steering wheel doesn't throw him off balance.
We had the opportunity to accompany Ruben on a job in Berlin’s Charlottenburg neighborhood: Two lights needed to be installed—a challenge for many, but routine for Ruben. With a steady hand, an open ear for feedback and customer requests, and, of course, the right equipment, the job was quickly completed. The customer? Satisfied. The atmosphere? Relaxed. Challenges? Of course, but definitely solvable.
Even with experienced handymen like Ruben, not everything always goes perfectly:
"Sometimes it's difficult to correctly estimate the work involved in advance - especially with older homes," explains Ruben. It is therefore important to maintain good contact with the customer even before the handyman starts the job. Whether by phone, WhatsApp or video call. Preparation is the be-all and end-all in the trade. And, of course, patience counts: "People are usually very polite and understanding," says Ruben. "Whether in German or English."
Whether it's small repairs, assembly assistance, or extensive renovations when moving in – with helpers like Ruben, Helferei offers professional tradespeople on call in Berlin, Leipzig, Cologne, and Munich. And if you don't need a general handyman but require expert assistance: For complex jobs such as electrical work, painting, flooring, plumbing, or interior work, we collaborate with qualified specialists. For our customers, this means: fast availability, fair and transparent pricing, and reliable support right in their neighborhood.
People like Ruben make all the difference: They bring skill and reliability to the table – and they simply enjoy their work. This is evident, by the way, in the numerous transparent reviews from customers on Helferei's platform. That way, everyone knows right from the start what—or rather, who—to expect.
So if you need a lamp installed, a shelf mounted, furniture assembled, or any other handyman assistance, there's a good chance someone like Ruben will do a reliable job for you. It doesn't matter whether you live in Berlin's Friedrichshain, Wedding, or Prenzlauer Berg districts, a few hundred kilometers further south in Munich's Maxvorstadt, Neuhausen, or the beautiful Glockenbachviertel, or in the east of Germany in Leipzig's Gohlis, Waldstraßenviertel, or south of Leipzig's city center in the Sürvorstadt district.
If you're looking for a handyman or tradesperson, or if you'd like to pursue your hobbies as part of Helferei's team and earn money through flexible jobs, book an appointment or sign up with us at www.die-helferei.de.
