#TaskerSpotlight: Yuri D.

“Methodical about measuring.” “Able to ask helpful questions and make suggestions.” “Hung two heavy mirrors, 1 that involved some acrobatic skill.”  You guessed it: Yuri D. specializes in Mounting tasks! 

On top of grad school, stand up comedy, and building furniture on his own time for fun, Yuri has tasked part-time in a variety of categories for the last 5 years. But he has become quite knowledgeable–and passionate–about wall types and tools, making him a go-to for Clients who need Mounting done. 

Read on for how Yuri strives to constantly learn and improve. 

Why did you become a Tasker?

I was unemployed and had trouble landing a flexible workplace while attending school full time.

What interested you in TaskRabbit vs. another platform?

I wanted to work with my hands, to help build and create something new. I was also motivated to learn more about household work and how to do things myself in anticipation of becoming a husband/father in the future!

Do you have other jobs or activities that you are involved in?

I’m in grad school, training to be a therapist. I also write and produce songs with my friends. I used to be more active with stand up comedy and filming my sketch comedy too before the COVID pandemic, but try to fit that in between semesters!

Do you have a specialty that Clients hire you for?

Mounting! I’ve learned how mount on various wall types and with so many different tools and screws/anchors. It’s actually fun and still challenging. Walls are always tricky–it never ceases to amaze me how each and every wall is slightly different.

How did you learn your skills?

Honestly through a lot of trial and error while I practiced at home. To master what I do for Clients, I always research the best materials for the job, and the best way to use my tools. Early on I would ask my step dad, but have surpassed his expertise and knowledge.

What were your biggest learnings as you got started on the app?

Efficiency! The right tools allow you to do more, faster, and move on to another task. The right tools also help prevent your wrists from getting too tired with all the twisting and bending. Although expensive, they’re worth it.

Can you share how you’ve built your career/business on TaskRabbit? 

With honesty. I’m here because I know what I’m doing, and you need someone who’s affordable and knows how to get it done. I offer time efficiency, and good customer service. I ask my Clients several times from start to finish what they want and how. It’s not a good look to leave a task with a Client who’s still staring at your job with a question mark over their head. Ya gotta go for the smile!

Can you describe ways in which TaskRabbit has impacted your life? 

Yes! I’m able to save up for an apartment and invest my money (super important). Tasking has allowed me the time and flexibility to attend school without worrying about “which job will hire me if sometimes I need time off to study for a whole week or two?”.

Have you made any meaningful connections with Clients or fellow Taskers that you’d like to share?

Some Clients have hired me back to complete longer tasks, which is a great feeling! Your hard work pays off not only through income, but through trust. And tips are always a huge encouragement! The smile I seek to put on a Client, is the smile I get with a tip ^_^

What makes you successful as a Tasker?

I keep learning how to improve my skills, I care about what makes my Client happy, and I know that my relationship with my Client is almost as important as the task at hand. Some Clients don’t want to talk, and that’s fine. But Clients enjoy socializing nowadays, I think due to lack of interaction from sheltering in place. So I’ll joke around and help them feel more comfortable with a stranger in their home for an hour or two.

What are your personal interests or hobbies outside of tasking?

So many! Writing, music, woodwork, gaming, rock climbing, soccer, hiking, camping, plants/hydroponics… It’s a long list, this is enough probably.

We’re glad to hear that tasking has been a flexible way to help Yuri invest in his future, enabling him to attend school but also save and invest his income. Yuri said: “Ya gotta go for the smile”–mission, accomplished!