Our people… helping people, because
“service before self” best defines our purpose!

We believe in putting the needs of our customers first and providing exceptional service with integrity and professionalism. Our team is dedicated to helping people maintain and improve their homes, and we take pride in the quality of our work. We are committed to building long lasting relationships with our customers, and we strive to exceed their expectations in every project we undertake. Because we value service above all else, our focus will be on assisting you with what you need done within your home. We are not happy unless you are happy!

Our Story

In early 2020, my wife and I, having just completed a four-year home remodeling project in Southwest Michigan decided it was time to try and sell our beloved home. The real estate market was unexpectedly hot, and our home sold within days! We’d long held a dream of relocating to Northeast Michigan, to a cherished piece of lake property in our family for 75 years. Embracing the adage "you only live once," we seized the moment. The sale’s condition was a 30-day move-out, a daunting task after 22 years of living in our old home. Unsure of my next steps professionally, I knew my 40+ years of construction skills would be in demand in the Alpena County so finding work should not be an issue.

As moving plans unfolded, a conversation with a construction company owner, a family friend, led to a potential partnership. He envisioned expanding to Alpena and saw my experience as a perfect fit. We began making plans for a joint venture amidst the chaos of moving. Then, life threw its curveball: the COVID-19 pandemic. Our business plans were halted as the world entered a standstill. The economic uncertainty was palpable, making job hunting a significant challenge. However, opportunity arose in unexpected ways. Neighbors, aware of my skills, began requesting small jobs, and word-of-mouth referrals followed. Our business evolved organically from there. During the journey since launching the business, we have encountered numerous people who had been mistreated by inexperienced or overpriced contractors, or who simply couldn't find help with minor home repairs. The consistent issue was a lack of communication within the contracting community. I’d experienced this firsthand when needing Heat System work done at our home with winter looming.

These experiences shaped our business. We have heard from many people who needed assistance to stay in their homes comfortably, or "age-in-place." We realized that core values like honesty, trustworthiness, communication, professionalism, and fair pricing were often missing. TBD Handyperson Services was founded to address these gaps, with a primary focus on helping people. We believe in service above all else, and our customers know it. Our slogan reflects this: "With TBD your needs aren’t just ‘to be determined’, they’re ‘TO BE DONE!"

Meet the Team

  • Daniel Zielke

    Founder, President & Chief Operating Officer

    With an extensive background in management with over 40 years experience in the Residential and Commercial construction industries having most recently held the position of Operations Manager. Other positions/titles held over the course of Mr. Zielke’s successful career include: Foreman, Superintendent, Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Quality Manager, Safety Director, Infrared Services Manager and Contractor Warranty Program Manager.

  • Kathleen Zielke

    Co-Founder, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

    Mrs. Zielke is an accomplished business professional with over 20 years of experience who is proficient in supply acquisition processes,  financial oversight and other associated business management and administrative tasks.

Mission Statement:

“Our reputation is built on a foundation of integrity,  professionalism, reliability, transparent communication and commitments to relationships. These elements drive our dedication for delivering exceptional customer service, convenience and high quality results”

Licensing, Insurance & Certifications:

  1. State of Michigan Licensed Building Contractor : (Individual & Company Licenses)

  2. Business Liability Insurance : Auto-Owners Insurance

  3. Association of Certified Handyman Professionals : Certified Lifetime Member

  4. Construction Specifications Institute : Certified Construction Documents Technologist (Construction Specifications Developer/Writer).

  5. Infraspection Institute : Certified Infrared Thermographer (Utilization of infrared equipment for predictive and preventative applications).

  6. Troxler Institute : Certified Nuclear Density Gage Operator(Utilization of nuclear specialty equipment for sub-surface investigations).

  7. Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce : Business Level Membership

  8. Better Business Bureau Accreditation : BBB Rating: A- (Current as of 3/2025)