I founded Charlottesville Handyman Services with a simple motto, "Honest, Reliable Service". This is what I found missing in the construction industry. Many people just don't do what they say they are going to do. I've been disappointed with businesses not calling and showing up when they say they are going to. I also believe in doing things right the first time. No one is perfect, but you have to have high standards and be willing to do things right. I believe my customers deserve to have high-quality work done at reasonable prices.

I was a teacher at William Monroe High School from 1996 to 2004. I taught Marketing and Business classes, as well as being the Webmaster for the school website. While at Monroe I was also Yearbook Advisor, DECA Advisor, Technology Training Coach, InteGrade Teacher Trainer, G.E.D. Teacher, and P.V.C.C. computer instructor.

I was born in Dayton, Ohio and lived there until the 8th grade. I finished school in Hampton, Virginia and graduated from Kecoughtan High School in 1982. I earned a B.S. degree in Marketing Education from Virginia Tech in 1987. I completed a Masters in Education with an emphasis on Integrating Technology in the Classroom from Walden University in 2004. I taught Marketing at Madison County High School for five years. While at Madison, I started and coached the wrestling team for two years. I left teaching for four years. During that time I had my own business selling insurance and investments for Lutheran Brotherhood (Now Thrivent), a fraternal benefit society for Lutherans. After doing that for three years, I was in management training with Eighty-Four Lumber for 15 months before going back to teaching. 84 Lumber had a rigorous training program that gave me a solid foundation in building fundamentals.

I am married to a former teacher, Angela, and have four children.  I keep busy with my kids; coaching and/or supporting them in baseball, soccer, swimming, basketball, Destination Imagination and cub scouts (I volunteer as webmaster). I also enjoy golf, tennis, juggling, and I'm an active member of Peace Lutheran Church.

-Russ Melton

Founder and Owner

I started working for Charlottesville Handyman in the summer of 2005 when Russ said he needed an extra hand for a condo he was renovating.  I thought that it would be a good way to make a little money while I focused on working as a Real Estate agent.  I had no idea I would eventually be working full time as a handyman and really enjoying my job in a few short months.  I look forward to going to work Monday mornings and I have not been able to say that about every job I‘ve had.

I’ve spent most of my life living in Charlottesville.  In 1997 I graduated from Albemarle High School and started working at a local pawn shop for about 1 ½ years.  I then went to work for the Little Gym as a gymnastics instructor for children.  Over the years I’ve worked with children in several different aspects. I was an after school coordinator for a day care in Roanoke VA and I was also a teaching assistant at Buford Middle School.  About 1 year before working at Charlottesville Handyman I had an internship at Peace Lutheran Church which is were I met Russ. 

My free time is spent co-leading a worship service Friday nights in a building off Market St. in downtown Charlottesville.  I like to play the guitar, go on mission trips, and work in ministry.

-Robby Sobeck

After 15 years as a Project Manager at U.Va. and two years as the Water and Wastewater Administrator for the City of Charlottesville,  Jeff gave up his desk job to join  Charlottesville Handyman Services in the summer of 2006.  Jeff is a native of Staunton, Virginia where he played basketball at Robert E. Lee High School with one of the “winningest” coaches in high school basketball history.  Jeff worked for the National Park Service at Shenandoah National Park as a water/wastewater treatment plant operator, spent a bit of time as a “Farrier” shoeing horses and even drove a truck for RC Cola.  He has worked as a carpenter on numerous occasions. He completed an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Design Technology from Blue Ridge Community College and a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.   

Jeff’s wife is a Dean of Student Services at U.Va. and they have three children, John, Jim and Abi. In additional to fixing things, Jeff enjoys fishing, coaching, watching kid’s sporting events, and working crossword and jigsaw puzzles.