Stephen Lange - Lange's Painting On Working With a Business Partner: "Once we understood what our defined roles were, we were able to stay in our own lanes." So you want to start a painting business. But where do you start? Just about anyone can grab a truck, a bucket, brush and ladder and call themselves a painter. But what if you want to actually grow your painting business? Stephen Lange, alongside his brother Bernie, embarked on a bold entrepreneurial journey by starting their painting business in the midst of a pandemic. He unpacks his story of navigating the challenges of setting clear roles within a family-operated business, maintaining quality service with both residential and commercial clients, and fostering a culture of trust among employees. One of the secrets to their success has been insightful business coaching. Stephen details how their company has grown through strategic coaching and a commitment to high standards. Listen as Stephen explains how he and his brother have built their painting empire and the things they have learned throughout the process. Enjoy! Visit Stephen at: https://www.langespainting.com/ Podcast Overview: 00:00 Starting Lange's Painting 04:10 "Belief in New Business Venture" 09:20 Assessing Candidates: Listen for Past Complaints 12:22 Direct Communication and Responsiveness Sought 13:00 "Professional Appearance Requirements" 17:32 "Community Growth and Support Evident" 20:54 Sherwin's Global Painting Expertise 23:41 Understanding Paint Quality Levels 25:59 Employee Training Video Assessment 29:01 Unified Excellence 32:31 Employee Engagement and Support Activities 36:21 "Exploring Trade Careers" 39:14 Miscommunication in Recruitment Spending 43:24 "Create a Default Calendar" 46:38 Prioritize High-Value Tasks 50:54 Networking vs. Backend Efficiency 55:55 Understanding Financial Statements Efficiently Podcast Transcription: Stephen Lange [00:00:00]: I would say make sure that roles are defined Alright. And on paper for what people are responsible for and what their job roles entail. Standards of procedures as far as, hey. Like, if we're gonna go hire someone, I have a list of questions that I go by every single time. That way, when you wanna come by our company in a couple years because you see that we run on 14% efficiency, you know, you can make Stephen Lang [00:00:28]: some bank off of that. You have found Authentic business Adventures, the business program that brings you the struggle stories and triumph and successes of business owners across the land. Downloadable audio episodes can be found in the podcast link found at drawincustomers.com. We're locally underwritten by the Lange of Sun Prairie and today, we're welcoming slash your In to learn from Stephen Lang of Lang's painting. So Stephen, how is it going today? James Kademan [00:00:51]: Good. Thank you for having me on. Busy day so far. We we've started in, started in Stoughton and then made it to Verona for a chamber thing. And now I've been graced with your presence. Stephen Lang [00:01:02]: Nice. I think I've been graced with yours, man. So you've been hustling, working on the Business. Yeah. Or is it on the Business, not in the business? Yes. James Kademan [00:01:11]: Alright. That's the goal. Stephen Lang [00:01:12]: Kissing babies, shaking hands, all that jazz? James Kademan [00:01:15]: No babies. Stephen Lang [00:01:15]: No babies. I James Kademan [00:01:16]: have one, but no no babies today. No. Stephen Lang [00:01:18]: Right on. Yeah. Let's just start with from the bottom chronologically here. K. When did you decide to start Langes painting? James Kademan [00:01:25]: Really good. I yeah. Small history about us is we've always In been around it. My brother and I own it 5050. Stephen Lang [00:01:31]: Okay. James Kademan [00:01:32]: Born and raised in the Madison area. We have, you know,
