Javier and Oscar Sánchez started their own commercial painting contracting company in 2010. Even in the midst of recession and financed with the small capital of a tax refund, the owners of SB Painting & Waterproofing managed to break through quickly in Florida’s West Palm Beach market.
Born in Nicaragua, the brothers moved with their family to the U.S. when they were very young and their father familiarized them with the world of construction. When they got older, they became supervisors and sales representatives of paint firms until they decided to take the big leap.
“Our father’s dream has always been that one day we had our own company,” they say.
Today the firm offers a wide range of commercial and residential painting services, covering new construction, repaints and high-rise buildings, and has expanded its market reach to Key West and the Bahamas.
What has been the biggest challenge of running your own company?
Even being well-trained, when we started the company we were eliminated from consideration for not having enough work referrals. Fortunately, a large project fell from the sky and from then on, we began a steady march. Another challenge was that, as first-time owners, we wanted to do everything in our power for each project but still there were cases when we were unable to achieve customer satisfaction, so we had to take it and learn from it.
What’s your favorite part of running your own paint company?
Being able to work with family and knowing that everyone that comes along becomes family. We are so blessed to have built a team that will not only help us reach our goals, but their goals too.
What is the best business advice you have ever received?
It came from a good friend of ours. He said: “Do things the right way, whether it’s personal, or in your business. Never do wrong to anybody and do not lie to anybody. Never lose your integrity. It’s what will make you successful in life.”
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