After three decades in finance and accounting, Kevin Sweetnam decided it was time to make his dream of business ownership a reality. WOW 1 DAY PAINTING checked all his boxes: a great culture that 'feels like a family', a business model centered around the customer, and proven systems for success. Now he's building a legacy that he can be proud of as our Franchise Partner in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
Here's Kevin.
So, Kevin, what made you want to start a business?
I've been in the corporate world for close to 30 years, seen a lot of changes, a lot of downsizing, and I just got tired of being caught up in all that. Owning my own business is something I've thought about for years, and now felt like the right time. So much appealed about finally doing it - the daily challenge, working for myself, and knowing that everything I put into it, I'm gaining something out of it. I'm working towards something that is for me now. A legacy.
Why WOW 1 DAY PAINTING?
I was looking for something in the service industry, something that isn't going away - an industry that's been around for years and years and will continue on for years and years. But what really interested me was that WOW 1 DAY PAINTING's whole model is focused on the customer, and providing that exceptional experience for them. You know, causing them minimal disruption, but also delivering on what you promise. Those things really checked the box for me, because it's those things that are important to me as a consumer. The other piece that was really important to me was that I've come from toxic environments working for corporations, so I wanted to be in something that I felt really comfortable with. When I went to Vancouver for my discovery day and met everyone - that was what sold me. It felt like a family, and there was this knowledge that I'm not going to be out there in my own business alone. It's not a 'thank you, just send me your royalty and that's it' - I'm going to get something for that, and in the down periods they're going to be there for me - not just in the up periods.
Is that why you decided to go down the franchising route, for that reason?
I wanted a business that has a proven formula for success. Another piece that really attracted me to WOW 1 DAY PAINTING was when I heard that they're the same people and company as 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, because I know how well that's doing. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to me is like... I don't know of anyone else I would even call for junk removal, you know? They have the industry owned, and if they've done it once they can do it again. WOW 1 DAY PAINTING will be synonymous with painting, and I want to be on board for that.
How do you think your background and experience will help with running a business?
I was in finance and accounting, which will definitely help me on the business side of things. The sales and marketing side will be my steepest learning curve, but that's what the support team is there for. The thing with finance is that it's all following a process and procedures, and WOW 1 DAY PAINTING has those processes and procedures in place - so as long as I follow them, I know I'll be OK!
What are you looking forward to most about being a WOW 1 DAY PAINTING owner?
Getting out there and giving the customer a really exceptional experience. A 'WOW', you know? I want them to walk away and say 'wow! you did that!'. Following through and delivering on something first class - first class experience - I'm really excited about that.
What are your interests outside of work?
I like the outdoors: camping, hiking, boating, swimming. All the outdoor things. I'm very involved in my community too. I'm the Scout Master of the local Boy Scouts of America troop, and I've been doing that for over 10 years, but I've been involved in the organisation my whole life. SoI'm heavily involved in community service projects, working with the youth of my town. I have 50+ scouts in my troop every year, and seeing them develop into leaders and contributors to the community, that's so great.
Tell us about your territory, what makes it unique?
It's a good mix of people. We're from the Jersey Shore, so we have a good mix as the suburbs of New York City - a lot of people who commute into Manhattan. I was born and raised in Monmouth County. I've lived in the same town my whole life, I went to school in my county, and now I'm going to WOW the people that live in it! I know the community, I know the people. So to bring them this service is just great.
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