Simon Hermant, Hugh McKee and Brent Sharpless are the guys behind 1-888-WOW-1DAY! Painting, a unique service that is changing the way people see the painting industry. What does that mean exactly? Find out in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
We will paint your home or business in ONE day. Guaranteed. All our work is the highest quality and backed by a comprehensive 2-year warranty. We are changing the way people view the painting industry, one project at a time.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
Our business fundamentally disrupts the painting industry business model and that is pretty exciting. Is there really a legitimate reason it takes most companies weeks to paint your house or business? The answer is a resounding ‘no’. We take projects and break them down into manageable compartments and then do extensive planning up front to ensure execution with experienced staff. For example, if we have an 80-hour project, we will use 10 of our excellent painters and have them each work an 8-hour day to complete the job in just one day.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Growing a business is always challenging. We love changing the way people look at painting. You can see their minds turning when they hear “one day painting,” and once they learn more about our business, they just have to give us a shot. The best part of what we do is the satisfaction of seeing our customers come home to a house or business that has been transformed in one day – they are truly blown away. We leave flowers and a card signed by all the painters on the project as a way for us to show our thanks. We love what we do and appreciate the opportunity.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
The business has grown exponentially in the short months we have been in operation. In five years, 1-888-WOW-1DAY! Painting will be the most recognizable painting brand in North America and signify high quality and excellent service.
What does success look like to you?
Success is subjective in many ways. For us, success is doing exactly what we promise to do for our customers…and more. If we can execute on our promise and provide top-notch service to WOW all of our customers and leave them happy, we will have a successful business. So far so good!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
No single milestone stands out, though that first day we launched 1-888-WOW-1DAY! Painting and our fleet of branded vehicles hit the streets of Toronto for the first time was a pretty good day.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Take a chance while you are young, and get out there and do something. There are always reasons not to do something – but no one has ever been successful by doing nothing. You have to take a chance.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We have always been closely aligned with Schools Without Borders, as one of our close friends founded the organization. The opportunity to facilitate leadership in youth around the world is important to our collective future. We are also big supporters of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Movember because the disease has affected so many people we know and we think a cure is just around the corner. We are also actively working with TerraCycle, a ‘green’ initiative working to eliminate waste.
What is Notable to you?
Notable is making a difference! Notable is creating something that helps people, employs good people and positively changes the way we look at something.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Blackberry and iPhone.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
We are all sports nuts. You will find one of us on the ice, in the gym or on the field on any given day of the week. We work hard and play hard, too.
