Mandatory Questions –
• Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located, and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
◦ American Painting Specialists is a residential and commercial painting company based in the Denver metro area, serving surrounding Front Range communities for 38+ years. We focus on interior, exterior, and cabinet painting with an emphasis on preparation, clear communication, and long term results. We currently operate from a single primary location.
• Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
◦ I am a retired corporate professional turned entrepreneur who acquired and now leads a legacy painting company founded in 1987. My background is hands-on business operations, financial management, and leadership development. Major achievements include completing 75 hard, competing in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament, giving up alcohol for over a year, and most importantly serving our community, earning over 100 5-star reviews in my first couple of years leading American Painting Specialists.
• What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
◦ I was seeking a career that would be fulfilling, stimulating, and impactful. I was tired of sitting behind a desk working in spreadsheets, climbing the corporate ladder. I was called to serve a greater purpose. I started learning about Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, which led me to this incredible industry.
• What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
◦ Network, ask questions, seek mentorship, hire a coach. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.
• What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
◦ Being decisive (speed kills deals), Communication, Execution.
• How many hours do you work a day on average?
◦ More than I care to admit! And then some days, just a couple hours.
• To what do you most attribute your success?
◦ Never quitting, always moving one step forward even when unmotivated.
• How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
◦ Marketing is a beast, I feel like I’ve earned an MBA specializing in Marketing over the last couple years just from operating this business. We used many channels of marketing but the most successful will always be turning customers into raving fans.
• Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from, and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
◦ I had a mix of seller financing and SBA loan to acquire the business.
• What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
◦ Consistency compounded over time. Doing the boring things well.
• Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
◦ Leading a multi location painting company with strong operators in place and focusing more on strategy and leadership development.
• Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
◦ I like what Aleph Holding Co. is doing and the leaders at that organization.
Recommended Questions –
• How important have good employees been to your success?
◦ A-players are what make a business successful.
• How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
◦ I like to listen to my gut, test, and decide.
• What motivates you?
◦ Building something that provides opportunities for employees, my family, and the communities we serve.
• What are your ideals?
◦ Grace, Vitality, Authentic Excellence, Growth Mindset.
• How do you generate new ideas?
◦ Listening to customer feedback and consulting industry leaders.
• How do you define success?
◦ Leading a company of integrity while being present for my future wife and kids.
• How do you build a successful customer base?
◦ Truly care about them.
• What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
◦ I am learning and improving both personally and professionally everyday.
• What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
◦ Navigating challenging situations that led to happy customers.
• What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
◦ Entrepreneurs don’t clock out.
• What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
◦ Grace, Vitality, Authentic Excellence, Growth Mindset. Lead by example and instill these values in training.
Optional Questions –
• If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
◦ I would have learned sales sooner.
• Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
◦ Consistency compounded over time. Enjoying the journey. Doing the boring things well. Always learning.
• What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
◦ How to Win Friends and Influence People, Traction, Atomic Habits
• What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
◦ Work out, Sauna/Cold plunge, Run, BJJ, Play with dogs, Ski, Yoga.