Starting a business takes courage. Building one that lasts takes something more: a willingness to keep learning, take chances, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.

For Eric Mishefske, owner of Mishap Solutions LLC, that journey is still unfolding.

After spending more than a decade learning from established remodeling professionals within the NARI Milwaukee community, Eric decided it was time to take everything he'd learned and build something of his own.

But while the company may be new, Eric is no stranger to NARI Milwaukee. And as he navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship, he's finding that the relationships, education, and support he's built over the years are more valuable than ever.

Finding His Footing in the Trades

Eric's journey into remodeling didn't begin with a carefully mapped-out career plan. "My adult life started rough," he shares.

Looking for direction and opportunity, Eric joined YouthBuild, a program that helps young people develop skills and prepare for their futures. He excelled, eventually landing a position with Story Hill Renovations.

There, he worked alongside Tom Mainville, MCR, UDCP, Jack Golatke, CR, and Matt Hafemeister, CRPM, who helped establish the standards that would shape his approach to craftsmanship.

They taught him the importance of paying attention to every detail and taking pride in doing things right. Eric jokingly compares their expectations to Gordon Ramsay on Hell's Kitchen: nothing less than perfect.

After exploring a plumbing pre-apprenticeship and realizing it wasn't the right fit, Eric found another opportunity with longtime NARI member Bingo Emmons, MCR, CRPM, UDCP of Creative Construction of Wisconsin. That experience brought a different kind of education.

"Bingo taught me how to improvise and think outside the box, take smart chances and push myself further." Perhaps most importantly, Eric learned the value of recognizing what you don't know, and being willing to figure it out. Together, those experiences gave him a foundation built on craftsmanship, problem-solving, adaptability, and the confidence to take on difficult work.

Taking a Chance on Himself

After years of learning from others, Eric began thinking about what he wanted to build for his own future. "I really wanted to try to create something that was mine, something that I could pass down to my children." It wasn't simply about becoming his own boss. It was about taking a risk, creating something meaningful, and seeing what he was capable of accomplishing.

That ambition led to Mishap Solutions LLC, a company specializing in high-quality repairs and restoration.

Rather than focusing primarily on large remodeling projects, Eric found his niche in the challenging work that others sometimes prefer to avoid. He particularly enjoys working on older and historic homes, where unexpected conditions, unique materials, and complicated repairs require creative thinking. It's a fitting specialty for someone whose career has been shaped by attention to detail and learning to think outside the box.

And Eric has a simple way of describing what his company does: "If you have a Mishap, we have a solution!"

A Familiar Community, A New Perspective

When Eric launched Mishap Solutions, LLC and joined NARI Milwaukee under his own company in 2025, he wasn't entering an unfamiliar organization. He had already spent approximately 11 years connected to NARI through the companies where he worked. He knew the people. He understood the opportunities. And he had seen what being part of a professional community could mean.

But becoming a business owner gave that membership an entirely new purpose.

"NARI has been a part of my whole working life. I trust in what NARI does for the community. To have started a business without their support, I would have felt completely alone." Eric initially joined as an Emerging Member and has since taken the steps to become a Regular Member, an important milestone as he continues establishing his company.

Still, he doesn't see that accomplishment as a finish line. "My business has a very long way to go yet. I am proud to be a full NARI member and will continue to gain more knowledge on better business management and the day-to-day tasks of running a business."

And he adds with characteristic honesty: "I have a long way to go yet with a lot more to learn, good thing NARI has my back."

Turning Education Into Direction

One of the ways Eric is investing in his future is through NARI Milwaukee's Business 201: The Next Steps, a program designed to help business owners strengthen their skills, develop strategies, and build a foundation for long-term success.

For Eric, the biggest takeaway so far has been something every new business owner needs: direction.

"From the Business 201 class I have written out a path. A sense of direction was an important lesson, still trying to find my way but at least I know where I am headed."

It's a simple statement, but an important one.

Starting a business often means balancing the work you know how to do with an entirely different set of responsibilities: managing operations, making financial decisions, finding customers, and planning for growth. Eric is learning that being a skilled tradesperson and being a successful business owner require different, but equally important, skills. And he's committed to developing both.

Showing Up to Keep Moving Forward

That commitment doesn't stop with Business 201.

Eric continues to make time for NARI Milwaukee's educational opportunities, including the Remodeler & Supplier Expo, where he can learn about changing industry practices, maintain certifications, and connect with fellow business owners. "The industry is constantly changing and is extremely important as a business owner to stay up to date on installation methods and meeting other owners and getting advice."

He also regularly participates in After 5 networking events and NARI Milwaukee Foundation activities, making connections across different areas of the organization.

For Eric, showing up isn't just about attending another event. It's about learning from people who have faced similar challenges, discovering better ways to operate his business, and building relationships he can turn to when he needs advice.

His involvement is also a reminder that you don't need decades of business ownership experience to benefit from NARI's resources. Sometimes the most important time to get involved is when you're still figuring things out.

The Reality Behind Building a Business

Eric isn't afraid to acknowledge that entrepreneurship has been harder than he expected. Between managing projects, running the business, and being a father, there are plenty of competing priorities. "I go through a lot of highs and lows. It's hard balancing my duties as a business owner and a father."

Having people he can call when challenges arise makes a difference. "It is nice to have someone I can call when I have a problem."

It's a side of business ownership that doesn't always make it into the success stories: the uncertainty, long days, difficult decisions, and moments when having another experienced professional to talk to can change your perspective. If Eric could go back and give himself advice when he first started Mishap Solutions, he'd keep it straightforward. "This is going to be a lot harder than you think. You started the company at the right time, keep that momentum."

He's learning as he goes, and he knows there's still plenty ahead. But he's moving forward.

Building Something Worth Passing Down

When Eric thinks about the future of Mishap Solutions, he has a clear picture of the kind of company he wants to create. "I want Mishap Solutions to thrive. To be successful. A company that is honest, with its own workforce, and known for its quality work."

His ambitions aren't just about growing the business. They're about building a reputation, creating opportunities, and eventually having something meaningful to pass along to his children. And when asked what he hopes customers and fellow professionals will say about his company years from now, his answer comes back to something even simpler. "Honestly, all that I want is for my customers and friends to say that I cared about what I do and that the jobs I have completed speak for themselves."

It's a philosophy that reflects the lessons he's carried from the mentors who helped shape his career: take pride in the details, keep learning, and let the quality of your work tell the story.

You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out

Eric's journey offers an important perspective for other emerging business owners and remodeling professionals.

You don't have to wait until your company is established, your schedule is manageable, or you have every answer before getting involved. In fact, those early years may be when relationships, education, and mentorship matter most.

When asked what he'd tell another contractor who's considering joining NARI but thinks they should wait until their business is further along, Eric doesn't hesitate. "There is no reason to wait. Do it now."

Years ago, Eric was learning the trade alongside experienced NARI professionals who challenged him to do better and think differently. Today, he's applying those lessons to his own business while continuing to learn from the community around him. And perhaps one day, he'll be the experienced business owner offering guidance to someone just starting out.

For now, he's focused on the next project, the next lesson, and the next step toward the company he hopes to build. Because Eric may be forging his own path, but he knows he doesn't have to build it alone.

To learn more about Mishap Solutions LLC, visit their website, and be sure to connect with Eric in person at an upcoming NARI Milwaukee event, whether it's an After 5 or the Remodeler & Supplier Expo!