Austrian couple Philipp and Maria Orso’s venture German Handyman Technical Services LLC, which is based in Dubai, specialises in waterproofing. The young ambitious couple attribute their success to the city because of the ease of doing business here. It motivated them so much in fact that they decided to settle down here.
“While opportunities exist globally, the UAE, particularly Dubai, provides an exceptional environment for ambitious individuals. The ease of company setup and hiring, coupled with the strong appreciation for entrepreneurship, is unparalleled. I believe our rapid growth would not have been possible elsewhere,” said 42 -year-old Philipp Orso, who is the co-owner and CEO of the business.
Maria, who is 36 and also a co-owner, added: “In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, people are generally more open and supportive, and the city exudes a unique spirit that I haven’t experienced anywhere else. This energy has been a major source of motivation for me and has significantly contributed to our success here. The mindset of the people and the opportunities that arise from it have played a key role in driving our growth.”
The couple recalls landing in the UAE in 2023 and discovering a shortage of skilled labour in the waterproofing sector. ”The shortage of skilled craftsmen, particularly in the field of waterproofing reinforced our decision to offer services in this area, and we saw a great opportunity to meet the growing demand,” added Maria, who ran a small B2B business and sold it before moving to Dubai in order to start afresh.
Easy opportunity
For Philipp, ‘widespread dissatisfaction with existing handyman services’, presented a clear opportunity to differentiate themselves and elevate service standards.
The couple met through a business network about a decade ago, Maria recalls. From the very beginning, they understood how important business was in their lives, and it didn’t take long for them to realise that they shared similar ideas and dreams. This connection laid the foundation for the duo to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. “We were members of the same business network for many years. We shared the same vision and professional energy. However, after some years we started to combine business and private life,” said Philipp, who is trained in optometry, a field he worked in for many years.
Alongside his optometry career, Philipp earned a Master of Science in Business Management , managing a small chain of optician retail stores. He simultaneously gained expertise in roof waterproofing.
Six years ago, he established an online medical device company in the US. Upon relocating to the UAE, he decided to focus on the region’s promising business landscape, which led to the creation of German Handyman.
Philipp’s most significant and enduring mentor is his father, who built a successful company after immigrating to Austria as a young refugee. He also seeks guidance from prominent US business figures like Andy Frisella and Ed Mylett.
“Both my parents played active roles in our family business. My father handled customer interactions, while my mother managed the back office. He emphasised the core principles of doing your best, maintaining honesty, and honouring your commitments. These values are fundamental to my own business practices,” added Philipp.
Maria, on the other hand, said she started her first business at 22. “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with experienced clients who have played a significant role in shaping my business skills. These mentors, through their guidance and feedback, have been a constant source of learning and inspiration,” she added.
Maria’s parents have been strong supporters of her work. “I’ve been fortunate to have a few close friends who have always been there for me, even when my long working hours and limited time for them made things challenging. The understanding and support have been invaluable in shaping my entrepreneurial journey. Over time, I’ve also expanded my circle of friends, connecting with new people who share similar goals and values, which has been incredibly enriching both personally and professionally,” concluded Maria.
