Our History

January 1999
Pete’s Calling…“God chooses people for certain purposes” Isaiah 49:1
Pete Brady was attending Mass one Sunday at Saint Joseph Catholic in Brookfield CT and the Pastor was delivering his homily on the wonderful works of Saint Peter. Listening attentively, Pete felt a calling which inspired him to write a note to the Pastor suggesting that he be a Handyman for Seniors in the parish community doing all the work at no charge.

February 1999
HDHM Ministry is established…“Find your own Calcutta…Find the sick, the suffering right where you are” Mother Teresa
Pete answered God’s call and launched the Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry. In the spirit of Mother Teresa, he focused on people in his local community. Since this was a part time endeavor Pete took on one client at a time. Throughout 1999 work was performed on weekends with 10 volunteers including Pete’s 3 amazing daughters and dedicated wife Carol Ann. The Church provided spiritual and financial support by covering the cost of materials.

March 2000
Pete goes all-in on HDHM…”Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him and He will act” Psalm 37:5
At 58 years of age Peter decided to take early retirement after serving Nestle USA for 38 years. March 1st 2000 became the start of Pete’s full time commitment to put faith in action by helping seniors, widowed, divorced, handicapped, and unemployed with home repairs, property maintenance and other odd jobs and challenges.

January 2004-December 2024
HDHM grows and expands…”The plans of the diligent leads to abundance” Proverbs 21:5
In late 2003, it was decided that the Ministry was growing to be too large for the Church to effectively manage the administration of the expenses and the donations so with mutual agreement Pete applied for a Non-Profit 501-C-3 status which became official on January 17, 2004. This move would open doors to Grants, Corporations, and other financial supporters interested in playing a role in the growth of this newly formed Company being run as a Ministry. It was around this time that people started calling Pete “Bossman” for his unique leadership style that blended courageous and decisive decision making with compassion and a sense of humor. The Bossman would lead the HDHM ministry to growth and success by helping thousands of clients over the next 2 decades!

December 2024
Pete makes decision to retire…”Demonstrate the transfer of leadership through mentorship and preparation.” 1 Kings 19:16
Pete made the bitter sweet decision to retire from HDHM on December 31, 2024 and appointed Chris DeMarco, long time dedicated HDHM volunteer who loyally served HDHM as Pete’s “Wingman” over the years as HDHM President. Pete committed to providing advice and counsel to Chris into the future. Chris surrounds himself with a strong team including HDHM Board members who chose to remain in place to continue supporting the ministry and newly added board members including Pete’s 3 daughters who grew up serving this great ministry and fully understand Pete’s vision.