Category Archives: Business

Hiring? Think About Character First

“Hire character. Train skill.” That directive was made popular by Peter Schutz, the former CEO of Porsche whose book, The Driving Force: Getting Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People, was a bestseller. Schutz applied this principle at several Fortune 500 firms along his career path, but would the same idea apply to hires that a painting contractor might make? Continue reading Hiring? Think About Character First

Get More Flexibility with a PRO+ 0% Interest Credit Account

Sherwin-Williams recently surveyed professional painting contractors about their needs from a supplier. The takeaway? Those needs are evolving, but one item showed up on their wish lists frequently, and that was a way to expand their purchasing power and improve their cash flow with a professional account. Continue reading Get More Flexibility with a PRO+ 0% Interest Credit Account

Cash is King: 5 Strategies to Help Generate and Manage Your Cash Flow

The “new normal” caused by COVID-19 is presenting many of us with new, unique challenges. For painting contractors and many small to medium business owners, one of those challenges is ensuring the necessary cash is on hand to keep ahead of your debts, whether paying the rent or paying your team.

The following are some ideas from various sources that merit consideration in any current cash flow strategy. Continue reading Cash is King: 5 Strategies to Help Generate and Manage Your Cash Flow

How to Make More Money on Every Estimate

Do you feel like the only way to make more money in your painting business is to find more clients, but you hate the thought of spending extra cash on marketing?

In this article, Brandon Lewis of the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors shows how a simple upselling strategy can add thousands of dollars (or more) to your personal income each year – without investing tons of money or time. Continue reading How to Make More Money on Every Estimate

‘You Are Not Alone’: PCA Offers Education and Support for Paint Pros During COVID-19

“You are not alone.”

That is the message members say they’re getting from the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading ‘You Are Not Alone’: PCA Offers Education and Support for Paint Pros During COVID-19

Need to Decompress? These Stress Relievers Can Help

Stress levels may be high these days in the paint contracting world, and if you’re among those struggling to deal with the pressure, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by the University of Chicago for the Data Foundation found that roughly two-thirds of Americans say they felt nervous, depressed, lonely or hopeless on at least one of their last seven days. Continue reading Need to Decompress? These Stress Relievers Can Help

Are You An Exterior Expert? Here’s How To Raise Your Game

The time is right for exterior painting, especially with interior painting demand down due to COVID-19. If you’re not an exterior specialist, this article will give you the building blocks to elevate your outdoor painting game, from proper surface prep and when to prime to topcoat sheen, applicator options and cleanup. Continue reading Are You An Exterior Expert? Here’s How To Raise Your Game

New Rule Affects PPP Loans For Contractors

A new rule regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) could help contractors running small and mid-size businesses gain greater access to low-interest loans for meeting short-term payroll needs. Continue reading New Rule Affects PPP Loans For Contractors

3 Smart Ways to Keep Your Company Strong through a Down Economy

The COVID-19 emergency is presenting numerous challenges for painting contracting companies. In this article, we explore three ways you can mitigate your risk and build for the future during these challenging economic times.
Continue reading 3 Smart Ways to Keep Your Company Strong through a Down Economy