In the world of business, relationships are everything. Today, we’re diving into the journey of Joseph Lodato, owner of Five Star Painting of McDonough. He transitioned from a long career in hospitality to the painting industry, emphasizing the importance of customer service and relationship building. Let’s explore Joseph’s insights on how he built his business, the challenges he faced, and how he continues to grow through community connections.
From Hospitality to Painting
Joseph’s journey began with a 33-year career in the hotel business. He decided it was time for a change and attended a career fair, where he gave a 30-second elevator pitch. This opportunity caught the attention of someone in the franchise world, leading him to Five Star Painting.
“I’ve never been a painter in my life professionally,” Joseph admits. However, he saw the parallels between hospitality and painting—both industries revolve around customer service and providing informed information to help customers make good decisions.
Joseph emphasizes that painting is not just about applying color to walls; it’s about creating an experience for customers. He aims to educate them, guiding them through their choices and ensuring they feel comfortable in their decisions.
The Importance of Education and Guidance
One of Joseph’s key strategies is to educate his customers. He believes that an educated customer is the best kind of customer. By providing more information and guidance, he helps them make informed decisions, which ultimately leads to better relationships.
“It’s all about building relationships,” he says. “My greatest asset is the repeat customer—someone who refers me to another person.” Joseph understands that referrals are crucial in this business, as they make introductions much easier.
He also acknowledges that many customers come with misconceptions about the painting process, often influenced by DIY shows. Joseph’s approach is to demystify the process, ensuring that customers understand what to expect when they hire a professional service.
Providing Exceptional Customer Service
Joseph’s philosophy centers around exceptional customer service. He recognizes that customers often expect quick results but aims to exceed those expectations by providing a thorough, consultative experience.
“We want to keep the place clean, clean up after ourselves, and ensure that our staff is professionally dressed,” he explains. Joseph’s team is trained to bring all necessary tools to each job, and he personally oversees every project to ensure that customer needs are met.
He mentions, “If there’s an issue, we try to address it immediately.” This proactive approach helps build trust with customers, making them feel valued and understood throughout the process.
Project Management and Flexibility
Five Star Painting doesn’t just focus on residential jobs; they also tackle light commercial projects. Joseph emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and providing tailored guidance.
Every project is assigned a project manager who acts as the eyes and ears of the job. This ensures effective communication and helps manage customer expectations. Joseph also makes it a point to be flexible with scheduling, understanding that life can throw curveballs—like unexpected weather changes.
“Money is tight for everyone,” he states. “We want to work within that budget.” This understanding allows them to maintain goodwill with customers, reinforcing the value of their services.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Joseph has valuable advice for those looking to start their own businesses. “Be self-motivated,” he advises. “Not every day is beautiful, but you have to find a way to motivate yourself.”
He highlights the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, especially when challenges arise. For example, if weather conditions disrupt a project schedule, Joseph ensures that his team remains motivated and productive.
“Know that you’re your own boss,” he adds. “You create your own schedule, but you also need to be the one who keeps yourself moving forward.”
Supporting Local Businesses
Joseph is also a strong advocate for supporting local businesses. He frequently visits local spots, including 15th Street Pizza, where he has built relationships with the owner, Patrick.
“Never leave a job on a bad note,” he advises. “You never know when paths will cross again.” This philosophy of maintaining good relationships is key to success in business.
Joseph’s story is a testament to the power of relationships in business. By focusing on customer education, exceptional service, and community connections, he has built a thriving painting business that stands out in a competitive market.
Conclusion
Through Joseph Lodato’s journey with Five Star Painting, we see the importance of building relationships, providing education, and maintaining a customer-first mentality. His insights serve as a valuable guide for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike.
To learn more about Five Star Painting of McDonough, visit their website or check out their reviews on Google.
