Amy Ecklund is handy to have around the house, and while James Taylor's "Handyman" fixed broken hearts, this West Seattle entrepreneur fixes leaky faucets, repairs electrical outlets, and teaches others, mostly women, how to remodel and do their own improvements.

Ecklund's business, Amy Works Home Maintenance and Repair, states on its website, "Getting that long-awaited big kitchen project started can be similar to an act of God. Getting it finished can BE an act of God. Hiring contractors is like putting your hand in the hat and drawing out a slip of paper with a name on it.  It doesn’t have to be..." She then gives tips on how to choose wisely.

Those interested in learning how to tool around in their own home can take one to five courses Ecklund instructs at South Seattle Community College's Continuing Education Department. The first begins Jan. 27. The last begins Feb. 24. While her classes are geared toward women, men are welcome. Classes include:

• POWER TOOLS 101: LOSE YOUR FEAR NOT YOUR FINGERS,
• HOME DO-IT-YOURSELF: HOME MAINTENANCE SERIES,

This home maintenance series includes:

• HOME DO-IT-YOURSELF: MAINTENANCE,
• HOME DO-IT YOURSELF: PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL,
• HOME DO-IT-YOURSELF: FINISHING THE JOB, and
• HOME DO-IT-YOURSELF: TILING.

Ecklund has taught at SSCC before, also at Highline and Bellevue.

"It was a huge hit," she said. "I started in 2005. Classes were always full."

She has carved a niche with her tools and instruction and said it fills a big need for women.

"Women are more comfortable talking about this stuff with other women," she said of home repairs and equipment. "They feel that men are condescending. That's what I hear all the time. They don't get any response from people at the big hardware stores. When they need help they stand there in the aisle and guys working there walk right by them. When I go in there, they don't ignore me, but I go in with my Carhartts on."

Carharts is a popular brand of work clothes.

"I've had guys in the class, too, usually guys whose wives have pushed them into the class," she said. " I don't make any assumptions as to what they know or don't know. Women ask things like, 'What do I need a hacksaw for?' 'Which cordless electric drill should I buy?' Women seem to be more savvy shoppers than men."

Ecklund recommends the brand Ryobi over the pricier DeWalt drill.

"You're probably not going to use it much so you won't notice the difference."

Ecklund was born in Northwest Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, and worked 14 years in the lab. She was a quality assurance manager for an aerospace facility that made paint and sealants for Boeing and others. She then sold Tomboy Tools, a line designed by women, for women, sold at home parties. Some of the grips on their tools are smaller, and they sell hammers with a magnetic portion on the head so the nail can sit still.

"During these parties the presenter gives little tips on home repair," she said. "I had a mock-up toilet. These women would always ask me, 'Would you come over to my house to fix this?'"

That's when Ecklund transitioned into professional consultant and handyperson.

"There are more single women homeowners then single men homeowners," she said. "Even with a married couple, the woman is the one who normally schedules work to be done.

"If someone wants to try a remodel I will go there and be a coach to them," she said. "I'll explain what kind of plan and tools they need, and pretty much hold their hand. Sometimes all someone needs is an hour or two of showing what needs to be done. Then they have the satisfaction of doing it themselves instead of paying out all that cash."

Even while off-duty, Ecklund is always the inspector.

She explained, "When I am sitting in a restaurant bathroom, I'll stare at the tile work and plumbing and think, 'What a horrible job they did', or, 'They did a good job.' Tiling can get tricky."

Check out Ecklund's website: www.amyworks.com. You can also reach her at (206)478-2019.

To enroll in one of her classes at South Seattle Community College, you can register online at www.LearnatSouth.org, or phone the Continuing Education Department at (206) 768-6895.