How a 63-year-old took statue restoration from a side hustle to full-time job

One of the trend lines in the American labor market since the pandemic is that people are looking for change. Not just to change jobs, but often to get into a whole other career.

Plenty of workers are looking for a better work-life balance and better pay, but some are also looking for more meaningful or fulfilling work.

Douglas Distefano of Rumson, New Jersey is among those American workers making a change. After getting laid off three years ago from a tech company at age 63, he started Monument Conservation Partners, a business that restores outdoor bronze sculptures, bronze plaques, and architectural medals.

Getting a new venture going is no small feat, though.

“It's a long sale cycle,” said Distefano. “I mean, this project I finished last week in Raritan, [New Jersey] — I've been talking to the town for three years before they finally found the meager funds needed for me to restore the statue.”

Listen in the player above to hear what it takes to run his business and what he gets out of it.