Tag Archives: business skills

Pro Tips: Use a Report Card to Improve Customer Satisfaction (video)

“Customer service is having a policy for dealing with the small percentage of clients that are very, very difficult to please,” says Kevin Nolan of Nolan Painting. In this episode of our Pro on the Go video series, we talk with Kevin about one of the most effective ways his company has found to measure customer satisfaction and improve service.
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7 Steps for Solving Business Problems, or Learning How to Eat an Elephant

Successful people all do one thing: they solve problems. They don’t just stare at a problem and wish it would go away. In this article, Mitzi Perdue, author of How to Make Your Family Business Last, shares her seven steps for solving your business problems. Continue reading 7 Steps for Solving Business Problems, or Learning How to Eat an Elephant

Contractor Q&A: Ron Adderley on 50 Years of Taking Care of Customers and Why Quality Beats Quantity Every Time

Ron Adderley has been working as a professional painter since 1968. He is the owner of Prism Painting in Bellingham, Washington, running a three-generation crew that includes his son Ben and grandson Nick. PPC sat down with Ron to find out a little bit of what he’s learned in his 50 years in the painting business.
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Contractor Q&A: Nick Slavik on Being a Master Craftsman and Hiring Right to Grow Your Company

Nick Slavik is a firm believer in the value of master craftsmanship, and he has carved out a profitable niche using “traditional finishing methods to create the best finishes for modern applications.” He’s also a savvy marketer and hosts a popular weekly Facebook Live show called Ask A Painter. PPC had a chance to sit down and talk shop with the owner of Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co. in New Prague, Minnesota. Here are some excerpts from our conversation:
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Contractor Q&A: The Rossi Brothers on How They Meet the Challenges of Large-Scale, Multi-Million Dollar Projects

Run by three brothers, Triad Coatings & Sandblasting, LLC is a painting contracting company based in Morristown, New Jersey. PPC sat down with Nick, Jeff and Taylor Rossi to find out what makes their company a success. Continue reading Contractor Q&A: The Rossi Brothers on How They Meet the Challenges of Large-Scale, Multi-Million Dollar Projects

Contractor Q&A: Sean Kennedy on Learning How to Structure, Delegate and Let Go

Sean Kennedy has been working as a professional painter since 1993. He is the owner of Kennedy Painting, a residential painting contracting firm in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Contractor Q&A: Dan Petrulak on Staying Small to Keep Customers Happy

Dan Petrulak is the owner of DP Ready 2 Paint, a painting contractor based in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania and serving the Mid Mon Valley and surrounding areas of southwest Pennsylvania. Continue reading Contractor Q&A: Dan Petrulak on Staying Small to Keep Customers Happy

Contractor Q&A: Rodrigo Vasconcellos on Growth, Communication and Community Service

In 2009, Rodrigo Vasconcellos founded Palette Pro Painting and Renovation in White Plains, New York, about 30 minutes from New York City. The company specializes in residential repaint and remodeling. PPC sat down with Rodrigo at the PDCA Expo, an annual industry education and networking event to learn about the secrets of his company’s success. Continue reading Contractor Q&A: Rodrigo Vasconcellos on Growth, Communication and Community Service

Leadership: Chad Jeffries on How to Find and Keep Good Workers

What’s the toughest challenge in the painting business today? If you said employee retention, you’re on the right track. A veteran contractor offers advice on how to get better at it. Continue reading Leadership: Chad Jeffries on How to Find and Keep Good Workers

Contractor Q&A: Dave Theobald on How to Compete from Multiple Locations

Dave Theobald spent 17 years as a general contractor before joining his father-in-law’s company, Turman Commercial Painters. Founded in 1972, the company has grown under Theobald’s leadership into a nationwide firm that has completed more than 10,000 locations across the U.S. Continue reading Contractor Q&A: Dave Theobald on How to Compete from Multiple Locations

Contractor Q&A: Chris Gardner on the Costs and Rewards of Being an Entrepreneur

Chris Gardner started working in the painting industry in 2009. He is the owner of PaintRite Pros based in Elk Grove, a city of 168,000 just south of Sacramento, California. According to census records, it was the fastest-growing city in the U.S. between July 1, 2004, and July 1, 2005. Continue reading Contractor Q&A: Chris Gardner on the Costs and Rewards of Being an Entrepreneur

Contractor Q&A with Dan Ross: Know Your Goals, Focus on Quality and Enjoy Your Work

Born in Atlanta, Dan Ross grew up in San Diego and graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the owner of Ross Painting in San Rafael, California. He believes exceptional materials and execution are critical to an outstanding result. Continue reading Contractor Q&A with Dan Ross: Know Your Goals, Focus on Quality and Enjoy Your Work

Leadership: Annie Newton on Setting Priorities and Staying Focused

Too much to do, not enough time? Annie Newton, COO at 4 Seasons Color in Walla Walla, Washington, shares some of her secrets for setting priorities and staying focused. Continue reading Leadership: Annie Newton on Setting Priorities and Staying Focused

Contractor Q&A: Luis Inclan’s Leap of Faith

Luis Inclan is the owner of Inclan Painting and Waterproofing. Founded in 1981 in Elizabeth, N.J. under the name of Inclan Color, the company was established in South Florida in 1995. PPC sat down with Luis to learn about his company’s success secrets. Continue reading Contractor Q&A: Luis Inclan’s Leap of Faith

The Worst Thing to Do When Working with Architects

Before joining the family painting business, Gina Koert of Shamrock Painting studied to be an architect, so she has a unique perspective on the sometimes challenging relationship between architects and painting contractors. Continue reading The Worst Thing to Do When Working with Architects

Contractor Q&A: Jason Fitzgerald

Originally from New Orleans, Jason Fitzgerald spent nine years as an outfielder and first baseman with a number of AAA and other minor league baseball teams before embarking on a second career as a painting contractor. He owns the King Paint Company in Charlotte, North Carolina. Continue reading Contractor Q&A: Jason Fitzgerald