Handyman Hal: 10 Extraordinary Facts Behind the Hit

The story of Handyman Hal began during the challenging days of 2020 when the world was in lockdown. Behind this beloved character stands Shawn Goins, a dedicated youth pastor with a vision to connect with kids in a meaningful way during isolation. 

What started as Sunday school lessons has evolved into a YouTube sensation with global reach and influence. This article explores the remarkable journey of Hal and his creator, revealing how genuine passion and creativity can transform lives.

10 Surprising Facts About YouTube Star Handyman Hal

During the pandemic, many educators and mentors struggled to find ways to reach children. Shawn Goins created the fun character of Handyman Hal to bridge this gap, bringing entertaining and engaging content to children’s screens everywhere. His infectious energy and genuine love for learning quickly resonated with viewers. Through hands-on DIY projects, Hal captured the hearts of families worldwide. 

Today, with over 836,000 subscribers, his channel features viral videos that teach children about the world around them. From fixing things to exploring trucks and construction vehicles, Hal wears his hard hat and uses his tools with purpose. Beyond entertainment, this youth pastor has a clear mission: to inspire curiosity and build confidence in every child who watches.

1. The Idea Was Born During the Pandemic

When COVID-19 struck in 2020, communities everywhere faced unprecedented lockdowns. At The Refuge Church in Murrells Inlet, SC, Shawn Goins needed a creative way to stay connected with his children’s ministry. Drawing on his skills as a part-time construction worker and handyman, Goins created a character who could teach kids through fun, engaging videos. Handyman Hal brought practical lessons to life at a time when children needed both education and entertainment. 

The character combined Goins’ professional experience with his pastoral heart, offering children stability during uncertain times. Each video featured simple projects and clear messages that resonated with young viewers. Parents appreciated the wholesome content that kept their children learning while schools were closed.

2. He Started Out Making Sunday School Videos

Originally, Handyman Hal was created to teach Sunday School lessons to children who couldn’t attend church in person. Shawn Goins developed this alter ego to keep kids entertained and learning while stuck at home during lockdown. The character was well-received by the church community, who appreciated Goins’ dedication to ministry despite limitations. 

Children eagerly anticipated each new video, often asking parents when the next Hal adventure would be available. Seeing this enthusiasm, Goins decided to take the concept to the next level. He began incorporating more educational elements alongside the spiritual lessons, expanding Hal’s appeal beyond his immediate congregation. This transition period saw improvements in production quality and content variety, setting the foundation for future success.

3. The Car Wash Episode Went Viral

Among the most popular episodes on Handyman Hal’s YouTube channel is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a car wash. Released in January 2021, this video quickly went viral, racking up over 13 million views! This unexpected success helped transform Handyman Hal into a full-blown YouTube star. The channel took off as viewers shared the engaging content with friends and family. What made this episode special was Hal’s genuine enthusiasm for explaining how car washes work. 

His step-by-step tour through the washing process satisfied children’s natural curiosity about everyday mechanisms. The video’s success demonstrated that educational content could be wildly popular when presented with authenticity and energy. After this breakthrough, Goins invested more resources into production quality, knowing he had found a winning formula.

4. He’s a Youth Pastor by Day

When he’s not Handyman Hal, Shawn Goins serves as a youth and children’s pastor at The Refuge Church. With over 9 years of experience in youth ministry, Goins is passionate about helping kids learn and grow. His work involves teaching spiritual lessons and encouraging young people to use their talents. Goins brings the same energy to his pastoral role that viewers see in his videos, creating engaging programs that connect with today’s youth. 

His background in ministry informs the positive messages woven throughout Hal’s adventures. Church members often remark how Goins’ ability to build things with his hands complements his spiritual guidance. This dual calling allows him to reach children through multiple channels, reinforcing values of kindness, curiosity, and perseverance. Colleagues praise his innovative approach to youth education both in church and online.

5. Handyman Hal’s Educational Mission

Handyman Hal’s videos go beyond fixing and building things—they’re carefully crafted vehicles for learning and exploration. Goins and his team create content that helps kids discover everyday places and activities in new ways. By encouraging curiosity and a genuine love of learning, they’ve built a platform that parents trust. The family-friendly content aims to both entertain and educate, providing real educational value with each episode. 

Hal’s adventures often incorporate basic science concepts, vocabulary building, and problem-solving skills. Children learn about community helpers, how everyday machines work, and the value of persistence when facing challenges. The production team researches each topic thoroughly to ensure accuracy while maintaining an approachable presentation style. 

6. He’s Got Over 836,000 YouTube Subscribers

Since launching his channel, Handyman Hal has gained an impressive 836,000 subscribers across five different YouTube channels. His main channel, “Handyman Hal – Educational Kids Show,” features a wide variety of adventures, from visiting fire stations to exploring farms. This content has made a huge impact on young audiences worldwide. 

Each video averages hundreds of thousands of views within days of publication. The subscriber count continues to grow steadily each month, demonstrating consistent audience engagement. Channel analytics show that viewers often watch multiple videos in a single sitting, indicating strong content appeal. Comments sections reveal a dedicated community of families who incorporate Hal’s lessons into their daily lives. 

7. Handyman Hal Is Now a Full-Time Job

What started as a way to teach kids during lockdown has turned into a full-time career for Shawn Goins. Handyman Hal has become Goins’ main job, and he now spends days creating, filming, and producing content for his channels. These videos entertain and educate thousands of young fans around the world. 

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The operation has expanded to include a small production team that helps with filming, editing, and social media management. A typical production schedule involves filming several episodes each week, with careful planning for seasonal and special content. Goins has established a home studio for indoor segments, while continuing to arrange location shoots for experiential learning. 

8. He’s Touring with Ridemakerz and Big Air

Handyman Hal isn’t just staying on YouTube—he’s hitting the road! Shawn is currently touring with Ridemakerz, a company that lets kids build their own custom radio-controlled cars. He’s also set to tour with Big Air, a trampoline park, next year. These meet-and-greet events give young fans the chance to interact with one of their favorite YouTube stars in person. 

Tour schedules typically include weekend appearances at locations across multiple states. At these events, Hal performs mini-shows featuring hands-on activities similar to those on his channel. Parents report that children are thrilled to meet the character they’ve watched so often on screen. Merchandise sales at these events help support the channel’s continued production. 

9. Handyman Hal’s Family Helps Out

Shawn’s wife, Heather Goins, sometimes makes appearances in Handyman Hal’s videos, bringing a family dynamic to the channel. The couple shares a passion for creating family-friendly content that entertains while teaching valuable lessons. Shawn and Heather, along with their children, emphasize the importance of learning, teamwork, and having fun in everything they do. 

Behind the scenes, family members often assist with props, ideas, and occasional cameo roles. This family involvement ensures the content remains relatable to the parent-child viewers who make up most of the audience. The Goins children sometimes suggest topics they find interesting, providing authentic insight into what appeals to young viewers. 

10. He’s a Big Believer in “You Are Awesome”

At the heart of Handyman Hal’s message is the belief that every kid is special and has a unique purpose. Goins consistently incorporates this positive affirmation into his content. His signature slogan, “You are awesome the way God created you,” appears in most videos, encouraging kids to feel confident in who they are. This positive message has resonated with families who appreciate Hal’s role as both an educational figure and an inspirational voice in their children’s lives. 

Educators have noted the impact of this consistent affirmation on children’s self-esteem and willingness to try new activities. Parents often share stories of children repeating the slogan when facing challenges. Child development experts recognize the value of such positive reinforcement in building resilience and healthy self-concept. 

Comparing Handyman Hal to Other Children’s YouTube Channels

Feature	Handyman Hal	Blippi	Ryan’s World	Cocomelon	Miss Rachel
Creator Background	Youth pastor and handyman	Former military serviceman	Family-run business	Professional animation studio	Early childhood educator
Primary Content	DIY projects and exploration	Educational field trips	Toy reviews and challenges	Animated nursery rhymes	Educational songs and activities
Target Age Group	4-10 years	2-6 years	3-8 years	0-4 years	1-3 years
Religious Content	Occasional references	None	None	None	None
Subscriber Count	836,000+	16M+	33M+	150M+	7M+
Launch Year	2020	2014	2015	2006	2019
Production Style	Authentic, single-host format	High-energy, single-host format	Family participation, multiple formats	Professional animation	Educational approach with music
Merchandising	Limited	Extensive	Extensive	Extensive	Moderate
Live Events	Growing presence	Regular tours	Limited appearances	None	Limited appearances
Educational Focus	Practical skills and values	General knowledge	Entertainment with some learning	Basic concepts and songs	Early childhood development

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Handyman Hal get started?

Handyman Hal began as a character created by Shawn Goins during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown to teach Sunday school lessons to kids who couldn’t attend church in person.

Is Handyman Hal appropriate for all ages?

Yes, Handyman Hal creates family-friendly content suitable for children of all ages, with a primary audience of children aged 4-10 years.

Does Handyman Hal make money from YouTube?

Yes, what started as ministry outreach has become Shawn Goins’ full-time job, generating income through YouTube monetization, sponsorships, merchandise, and live appearances.

Can we meet Handyman Hal in person?

Yes, Handyman Hal is currently touring with Ridemakerz and has upcoming tour dates with Big Air trampoline parks, offering meet-and-greet events for young fans.

Does Handyman Hal have an educational background?

While not formally trained as an educator, Shawn Goins has over 9 years of experience in youth ministry and creates content that encourages learning and exploration.

Conclusion

Handyman Hal represents much more than entertainment for today’s digital-native children. Shawn Goins has built a platform that combines practical education with consistent positive messaging. From humble beginnings during the pandemic to becoming a YouTube sensation with 836,000 subscribers, Hal’s journey demonstrates how authentic content can thrive in the competitive children’s media landscape. The core appeal lies in Goins’ genuine love for learning and his mission to inspire curiosity in young minds.

What sets Handyman Hal apart is the seamless integration of values-based messaging within entertaining content. Children absorb lessons about perseverance, kindness, and self-worth alongside practical knowledge about how the world works. Parents appreciate this holistic approach to children’s entertainment that supports rather than undermines their efforts to raise confident, curious kids.