A career in field service seemed almost destined for James Vollmar. Growing up around technology, he always had a knack for understanding how things worked. This curiosity led him to technology-focused roles where he gained valuable experience working with tech products and effectively communicating with customers.

James started his career in retail, working as a floor associate. He quickly found himself in the tech center, selling computers, printers, and other gadgets. His ability to explain complex products in simple terms made him a valuable resource for customers. Later, he became the manager of the digital imaging department at a consumer electronics retail company. These early roles allowed James to expand his technology knowledge and communication skills—abilities that would later serve him well in the field service industry.

A turning point in James’s career came when he met an independent technician who was finding work through the Field Nation marketplace. Intrigued by the idea of contracting in field services, James shadowed the technician for a day and was immediately drawn to the diversity of the work and the freedom it offered. “It seemed pretty good,” he recalls. “He helped me set up a profile, which  completely changed the course of my career.” From there, James dove headfirst into the world of field service, driven by a love for solving problems and a fascination with technology. “It’s something different every day,” he shares.

Since then, James has been working professionally on the Field Nation marketplace for about five years. Throughout his time leveraging Field Nation to find and complete work, James has taken on projects across various work types, including low-voltage cabling, point-of-sale, and networking. His journey hasn’t been without challenges, but his willingness to learn and adapt has been key to his success. He took various courses, read books, and leveraged his background in tech to build a solid foundation. James particularly enjoys the troubleshooting aspect of his work. “I love to solve puzzles,” he says. “If you know how a network communicates and what it’s looking for, you can figure everything out from there.”

James’s approach to field service work is methodical and customer-focused. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency with clients. “If you play fair with them, they’ll play really nice with you,” he notes. This approach earned him a strong reputation and allowed him to build meaningful relationships with clients.

Leveraging Field Nation to find and complete work has given James the flexibility he values most. “If I don’t want to work on a Friday because I want to go go-karting, I can do that,” he shares. This flexibility has also enabled him to pursue his side projects, like building a woodshop where he crafts and sells his creations. Working on Field Nation, James can fund his passion projects and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

James’s advice to those just starting in the field service industry is to be patient and persistent. “It takes time because your clients have never met you face to face, and for the moment, you’re representing their business,” he explains. He encourages new independent technicians to focus on building a good reputation by fulfilling their commitments. “Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself,” he adds, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and improvement.

For James, field service work is more than just a job—it’s a journey filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference. His story is a powerful reminder that with passion, dedication, and a bit of improvisation, it’s possible to carve out a fulfilling and rewarding career in field services.

Are you a field service company looking for qualified and reliable independent technicians like James? Visit the Field Nation website to learn more and get started. If you’re an independent technician ready to build your own schedule and find work on Field Nation, click here to create your profile.