What experienced painting contractors wish they’d known when they started
The painting industry may be constantly changing thanks to new trends, products, and technology, but experience never goes out of style. With new painters joining the market every day, we invited veteran painting contractors to share their wisdom with the next generation. Here’s what they said they’d tell someone getting into the trade.
Getting Started
Andrew Campagnone, owner of Finished Work Painting in Swansea, Massachusetts, recommends starting with the fundamentals.
“Get with a really good company that is willing to invest in you and your painting education,” says Campagnone. “There is more than just painting to learn, such as knowing the correct brush to use, roller nap size and thickness, and the correct paint products and applications, just to name a few. Learn and keep learning!”
Jason Phillips, owner of Phillips Home Improvements in Plano, Texas, encourages young contractors to find mentors and network with organizations like the Painting Contractors Association (PCA).
“If I could do it all over again, I would connect with industry groups and leaders and learn best practices regarding the painting business,” says Phillips. “Although the last two decades have been very fruitful for me, I learned every single thing the hard way. I could have done so much more if I would have coupled my drive and work ethic with leveraging the mistakes and successes of others instead of trying to reinvent the wheel at every turn.”
And Javier and Oscar Sánchez, owners of SB Painting and Wallcovering in West Palm Beach, Florida, says it’s important to lead with integrity: “Make sure you begin by building your business on a strong foundation, with humility, hard work, and dedication.”
Lessons Learned
Some contractors pointed out lessons they had to learn the hard way over the years. Paul Jordan, owner of HTD Painting in San Francisco, California, gave a couple important tips.
“Never bid a job for less than what you are willing to do it for,” Jordan says. “Take every job you can, no matter how small—you never know what doors it may open.”
Sher Payne, owner of Perfeck Painting by Sher in Midway, Texas, warned young contractors not to get nitpicky about money. Instead, she says, go the extra mile for customers in order to build a positive reputation.
“Help customers with the colors if you can,” Payne says. “Do a follow-up call after about three days just to make sure everything looks alright and to make sure you didn’t miss anything. Be honest, and clean up your mess! Leave their home looking more beautiful than it ever has before, and you will always have a project to work on.”
Chris Gardner, owner of PaintRite Pros in Elk Grove, Sacramento, says it’s important to never be satisfied with yesterday’s accomplishments. A successful painter is always looking forward.
“To quote Lou Holtz, ‘If you’re not growing, you’re dying,’” Gardner says. “Maintaining is not an option. If you’re not committed to it 150 percent—or if you’re not willing to sacrifice, put in long hours, and adopt the mentality that giving up is not an option—then entrepreneurship is not for you. If you are willing to do these things, it will be one of the most satisfying and rewarding things you’ll ever experience.”
Rewarding Work
Being a painting contractor isn’t easy work, but it can be very rewarding. Steve Tomlinson, a Bullard, Texas-based painting contractor since 1979, says he loves his job.
“If you don’t mind working hard, this could be a good career for you,” Tomlinson says. “The painting trade is some of the hardest work you will ever do. Set some achievable business goals and work hard to meet or surpass them. The painting business is the most rewarding job out there for me. I love it and have a deep passion for the work and my customers.”
Dan Cavagnaro, owner of Golden Boys Painting in Rochester, New York, says there’s never been a better time to become a professional painter.
“This is such a great time to get into the industry because the baby boomer generation is starting to think about retirement, and there are very few young entrepreneurs entering the field,” he says. “Yes, you will have to work hard, but if you are committed, motivated, and you truly care about the quality of your work, then the opportunities are endless.”
So to anyone considering joining the painting industry, the Rossi brothers of Triad Coatings & Sandblasting, LLC in Morristown, New Jersey have a simple response: Do it. “Take a chance on yourself and build a company that you would like to work for.”