At TaskRabbit, we’re proud to help people make a meaningful living on their own terms. From finding flexibility to pursue other passions, to building a business, to saving money for a life goal, Taskers join our community for a diverse range of reasons. In our Tasker Spotlight series, we highlight the people at the heart of TaskRabbit.
If you’ve ever worked in the entertainment industry, you’re probably well versed in the temporary and cyclical nature of the work. Whether you’re an actor, producer, writer, makeup artist, or any of the other myriad creative types it takes to make a film or TV show, there are often quiet times between paid projects. And then there are the labor-of-love projects — the ones you’ll keep working on regardless of whether they’ll ever bring in substantial income. It’s the business of art, after all, and art is an unpredictable thing!
Tasker Ace M. knows all about this world. As an actor in Los Angeles, he has appeared in numerous TV shows, including Body of Proof, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: Los Angeles, 2 Broke Girls, Murder in the First, and more. On top of acting, Ace also produces content and works full time to pursue this passion.
Read on to see how Ace got his start participating in electrician competitions (yes, that’s a thing!), what task he’ll never forget, and how he plans to tackle his next big task: parenthood.
What brought you to TaskRabbit?
I used to be a highly sought-out electrician right out of high school. I had participated in state-wide competitions and had developed a great skill set with technical building and tools. So, when I saw TaskRabbit would provide a place for me to put those skills to use, I jumped on it!
What was the most rewarding thing about your transition to becoming a Tasker?
The most rewarding thing for me is that I can fit tasking in around my full-time job as an actor and producer. It allows me to work different parts of my brain — but at my leisure.
What is your best tasking memory?
I once was hired to help a sweet woman and her daughter move. The mother was helping guide me in and out of their massive apartment complex as I carried items to my truck, and after a few hours, she turned to me and said that even though I was a stranger, she felt she could share with me why they were moving. Her daughter was having a really challenging time and had recently almost lost her life in her battle with depression. The mother told me she was out of town when this happened and had felt completely helpless.
My wife is currently pregnant, and it just really hit me: “Wow, I can’t imagine getting that phone call.” I felt honored that this mother shared all this with me. It seemed communicating all this to me was relieving for her in some way. After completing the task, I left her a message in the chat thread letting her know that if ever she needed someone on the ground here in town to provide peace of mind, she could reach out. She wrote back and remarked how grateful she was for this. It made me realize that, as Taskers, we’re sometimes more than just hired hands. The social element of this platform really is something that can serve a greater purpose at times.
What types of challenges has TaskRabbit allowed you to overcome?
Communication is everything to me. People are different, as are their needs. I’ve been able to bring my experience from running my own production company to my TaskRabbit business, being proactive and resourceful to help solve problems for Clients. I’ve also been able to take things away that I can bring to my entertainment business, particularly regarding dealing with people and listening to what they need.
What values and attitudes do you try to live by?
Simple. Treat people, their belongings, and their needs as you would treat yourself and your own. Think about what you would do if you were in other people’s shoes. Pause when times are tricky, take a step back, and then look for an opening to where you can improve the moment.
How has TaskRabbit improved or affected your life?
My wife is currently pregnant with our first child, and she has been very sick and not able to work as much. I’ve been able to pick up more work to help us during this time of major preparation. It’s the craziest thing: Coincidentally, I have never been paired up with more parents than now. I’ve also received loads of brand-new baby gear on tasks from parents as well. It’s crazy how life works!
Interested in booking a Tasker like Ace? Get started here.
