Every so often, a regular weekend turns into something a little more meaningful. Last Saturday, I loaded up the white work truck, threw a couple of folding chairs in the back, and took my two older kids down to the Santee Swap Meet for the first time.
We had a few things around the house to let go of—mostly books, a few tools, and odds and ends—and I figured it was a good excuse to teach the kids a thing or two about earning, helping, and connecting. We got there early, coffee in hand, air still crisp, watching the other vendors roll in with everything from toys to tools to tamales.
There’s something special about that scene—the way the community comes alive before most people are even awake. It’s not fancy, and it’s not flashy, but it’s real.
A few booths down, we met a man who’s been collecting antique telephones for decades. Turns out, he’s been featured on shows like Pawn Stars and runs multiple businesses—a vintage phone company, a movie prop rental shop, and a restoration workshop.
You could see the spark in his eyes when he talked about his work. No “retirement plan” in sight—just passion, purpose, and the joy of keeping old things alive and working. My kids were fascinated, and honestly, so was I.
It reminded me of why I started Unstoppable Handyman in the first place. There’s a deep satisfaction in fixing, restoring, and helping people hold on to the things that matter. Folks like him keep that spirit alive, one rotary phone at a time.
Directly across from our booth was an abuelita who’s been making and selling tamales at the swap meet for over forty years. No fancy storefront, no big marketing plan—just tradition, love, and the kind of flavor that can only come from years of dedication.
Watching her, I couldn’t help but think about how many hands, hearts, and stories have passed through this little swap meet over the decades. The place may not be the biggest or most spectacular in San Diego, but it’s packed with heart—and a few hidden treasures if you take the time to look.
Running a booth at the swap meet isn’t so different from running a home improvement project:
In both life and handyman work, showing up and caring about the details makes all the difference.
Not everything goes smoothly—sometimes the morning starts slow, or the weather decides to test your patience. In handyman jobs, it’s the same story: a simple install turns into a surprise repair, or a part doesn’t fit right. The key is to adapt, smile, and keep going. That’s what separates the pros from the rest.
The Santee Swap Meet might not make the news, but it’s where real San Diego stories are written—by people who love what they do, who take pride in their craft, and who keep showing up, year after year.
Whether it’s a collector who refuses to retire, an abuelita serving tamales with heart, or a dad teaching his kids how to shake a hand and make a deal—it all circles back to the same thing: connection, community, and craftsmanship.
That’s what we’re about at Unstoppable Handyman.
Real work. Done right.