American painting contractor article - Paint Talk

DeanV · 10-05-2007, 08:22 PM

Did any of you read the article in American Painting Contractor painting contractor by Victor DeMasi (i think that was the name). It was basically about finding your business niche. He did not provide specific numbers, but mentioned that painting business of 8-10 painters are the least profitable/ look the worst on paper. The really large companies are good, since they can handle huge jobs and the small companies with a good niche do really well also.

I always thought I would like to grow to a company of around 8-10 painters, since I figured it would take around that number to be "out of the bucket." Maybe around 3-4 painters and spend half the time painting, half the time on business would be better.

I would rather build a crew on repaints, but it seems like new construction would be essential to running a crew.

Right now, I run a summer crew (4 or 5 guys) and have one year round employee and am trying to figure out where to go next.

Any thoughts?

Tmrrptr · 10-05-2007, 09:20 PM

Sounds like DeMasi is a smart guy.
r

painttofish · 10-07-2007, 03:37 PM

Dean, I run a similar size crew out of Traverse City. Never had a larger company, but I have talked to other painters who have said similar things like demasi

Humble Abode · 10-07-2007, 03:57 PM

What issue is it in? Volume and issue number.

NuView Painting · 10-07-2007, 08:31 PM

it makes alot of sense...im trying to find my niche right now..getting rid of a partner turned pillhead

DeanV · 10-09-2007, 07:10 AM

Humble Abode, it is in the Aug./Sept. 2007, Vol. 84 No.7