Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendrick Glover.
Hi Kendrick, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Columbia, SC. I attended Eau Claire High School when I started working for my uncle Robert Bates at Robert’s Painting Service part-time. I eventually worked as a full-time employee for 6 years. This company is the foundation of my business today. I learned a lot about painting, or should I say the process of painting during that time, but I never considered it a career. It was one of the first jobs I had out of High School. This was such a great experience working in this field. Not only did I learn a lot I also seen a lot. We painted everything from Apartments, Schools, Million Dollar homes to Helicopter Hangers at Airforce Bases. It fed me opportunity. In 2002, I moved to Atlanta to attend college at Dekalb Tech and earned my Class A commercial driver’s license. While there I started working for a Private Probation company, J.A.G Probation or Judicial Alternatives of Georgia.
One of the best opportunities I got to experience. I work there for 13 years, 11 years as an EM Specialist (Electronic Monitoring) or House Arrest Officer for Hall, and all surrounding counties of Atlanta, then two years in the IT department. Although I learned how to paint at my uncle’s company, I learned how to run a business at JAG Probation. There were 3 owners, Craig Taylor, Kenneth Kight and Tim Donovan. All three were very sharp guys and great businessmen. Each one had something that I took from them in the 13 years of working there that I use in business today. I worked under Craig Taylor, who is the president of the company. From him, I learned professional appearance, organization, and customer service. If there were ever an issue it was handled professionally, in person and very prompt. Kenneth Kight was big on taking care of his employees. He always made sure they knew he appreciated them whether it was being treated to lunch, a tank of fuel or even a gift card. Tim Donovan kept a hand on logistics with his operations so you were always on your game because you will be called out for it Lol. Not to say they all didn’t do these things, it’s just what stood out to me.
Again, together they run a successful business and in the years they’ve employed me they taught me a lot more than they will ever know and I am grateful for that. Eventually there became a fork in the road. The county was taking Private Probation in-house, and I had a choice to make, relocate and stay with the company or jump in business painting full-time for myself. I decided to jump! August 11th, 2015 Kolors By Kendrick Painting was registered with the Georgia Secretary of State. Nearly eight years later I still apply the lessons, commitment, dedication, and work ethic I learned from Roberts Paintings Service and J.A.G. Probation. These four men were unknowingly a mentor to me when it came to starting my business and how I operate. My advice to anyone looking to start a business or even in business now is to shadow some of the successful people around you. Business is not easy. It’s hard work and takes a huge commitment to wanting to stay in it when things are not producing. Get a mentor, there will be something you can learn from any business that you can apply to yours. Never stop learning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not been a smooth road. Starting out is the most difficult. Establishing your name. Making sure you have the correct licensing and Insurance for not only property damage but also workers comp insurance for your employees. Most commercial jobs won’t even allow you on a project or even pay you if you don’t submit these particular insurance documents to them. Learning how to quote projects not only for price so you are not under or over bidding the job, but also learning how to quote for materials and labor needed to complete a project. Obtaining the necessary equipment for particular projects can be very costly and often take years to recoup the investment cost.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My business is commercial and residential painting and remodeling for Interior and Exterior. We specialize in kitchen/bathroom cabinet refinishing and mostly known for the amazing transformations in the before and after the process. These are usually well documented in the form of a video. I’m most proud of the consistency in staying committed to the business. There have been a lot of days and nights where I just wanted to walk away and start over in something else, but I stayed the course. I believe what sets KBK apart from others in this field is the professionalism and appearance of the workers on site, the latest equipment, project cleanliness, timeliness on a project, and social media presence that gives you the documentation from start to finish on a project, and definitely customer service. I answer the phone, which is big in this field, and constant communication of details during the project with the homeowner and or project manager.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey is to know your numbers. Know where every penny is being spent on a project. You have to stay on budget, or everyone will get paid on the job but you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mr.kbk @kolorsbykendrick
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054312229324&eav=AfZRVz1S7uvCiCZRAjolUdAZ_XJUBUBy1KEKSlBtv3z5_-Tj-d7BxOZxlO0bdClJwG4&paipv=0&_rdr
Image Credits
Kendrick Glover
