From Teen Dreamer to Million-Dollar Boss
At just 16 years old, Zames Chew made a tiny investment that would change his life forever: he spent $23 on a website domain. What seemed like a small expense became the seed of a million-dollar business.
Fast forward nine years, and the 26-year-old entrepreneur now runs Repair.sg, a Singapore-based handyman service earning $1.3 million annually. And he’s doing it alongside his 24-year-old brother, Amos Chew, as co-founder.
The Moment That Sparked It All
Zames didn’t always dream of running a handyman business. Growing up, he wanted a white-collar job at a tech giant like Google. But one day in 2016, he noticed a huge gap in the market.
“Our parents were looking for someone to fix things around the house,” he said. “I looked online and realized there was no easy way to find reliable service providers. That’s when I thought—let’s build it ourselves.”
And with just $23 and a domain, the idea for Repair.sg was born.
From $23 to $1.3 Million: How Repair.sg Grew
By 2024, Repair.sg had grown into a 1.7 million Singapore dollars business (about $1.3 million USD). The platform connects residents with vetted handymen for plumbing, electrical repairs, and general home maintenance.
Zames explains the secret to their success: “It’s not about reinventing the wheel. It’s about making life easier for people and connecting them with the right professionals.”
4 Lessons Every Young Entrepreneur Can Learn
Zames’ journey proves that success isn’t about degrees or venture capital. Here’s what we can learn from him:
- Start Small: A $23 domain turned into a seven-figure business.
- Solve Real Problems: Repair.sg filled a gap that no one else had noticed.
- Take Action Early: Starting at 16 gave him years to learn and grow.
- Work with the Right Team: His brother Amos helped scale the company efficiently.
From Tech Dreams to Practical Impact
Zames may have wanted a career in tech, but he realized that technology can empower everyday services too.
“Tech doesn’t have to be in a corporate office,” he says. “We’re using it to make home services faster, more reliable, and easier for everyone.”
Repair.sg is a perfect example: a blue-collar business powered by tech, solving real problems for customers.
Why Repair.sg Works
The platform succeeds because it combines trust, convenience, and technology. By vetting service providers and offering a seamless booking process, the Chew brothers created a business that is profitable, scalable, and highly valued by customers.
From a small website in 2016 to a million-dollar company in 2024, Repair.sg shows that even traditional services can achieve massive growth when paired with smart technology.
Why This Story Inspires
Zames’ journey proves that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to follow a conventional path. You don’t need millions in funding or a prestigious degree.
- A small idea can create huge impact.
- Persistence beats perfection.
- Tech isn’t just for corporate jobs—it can revolutionize everyday services.
From a $23 domain to $1.3 million in revenue, Zames demonstrates that action matters more than age or resources.
What’s Next for Repair.sg
The Chew brothers have bigger plans:
- Expand their network of service providers
- Upgrade booking and payment systems
- Become Singapore’s go-to platform for home services
“Our goal is simple,” says Zames. “We want every household to get problems fixed quickly, reliably, and stress-free. Technology makes that possible, and we’re just getting started.”
Takeaway: Small Steps Can Lead to Big Wins
Zames Chew’s story proves that a single small decision can change your life. From a teen with $23 to a million-dollar business owner, he shows that entrepreneurship is about spotting opportunities, solving real problems, and taking bold action.
Sometimes, the smallest investments lead to the biggest returns.
I am Aparna Sahu
Investment Specialist and Financial Writer
With 2 years of experience in the financial sector, Aparna brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to Investor Welcome. As an accomplished author and investment specialist, Aparna has a passion for demystifying complex financial concepts and empowering investors with actionable strategies. She has been featured in relevant publications, if any, and is dedicated to providing clear, evidence-based analysis that helps clients make informed investment decisions. Aparna holds a relevant degree or certification and is committed to staying ahead of market trends to deliver the most up-to-date advice.
Alex V 
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