“We Painted the Wrong House” - Lessons Learned from My Son’s Summer of Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle sits down with his son, Thomas Hunt, for a candid and entertaining conversation about what it’s like to run a painting business at just 19 years old. From cold calls and hiring friends to the unforgettable moment when his crew painted the wrong house, Thomas shares the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons of managing a $100K student-run business. Whether you're mentoring young leaders, running a seasonal crew, or just need a reminder that mistakes can still lead to momentum, this episode is packed with practical insights and a few laughs along the way.
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Takeaways
Kyle was inspired to join Student Painters after a class talk.
The interview process was extensive and professional.
Marketing is crucial for success in the painting business.
Sales techniques involve building rapport with clients.
Support from mentors is invaluable in entrepreneurship.
Failures can lead to significant learning experiences.
Time management was a key area of growth for Kyle.
The trades offer valuable career opportunities.
Kyle's summer experience boosted his confidence in business.
Entrepreneurship can be a viable path for young people.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Hunt Family Dynamics
03:58 Thomas's Journey with Student Painters
07:11 The Preseason: Training and Preparation
09:54 Marketing Strategies and Insights
13:20 Sales Techniques and Relationship Building
16:07 Support from Young Entrepreneurs Across America
25:20 Reflections on the Summer Experience
26:49 The Lightning Round Begins
28:28 Epic Failures and Lessons Learned
31:46 Building Rapport and Overcoming Challenges
32:13 Self-Discovery Through Hard Work
33:37 Revenue Goals and Business Realities
35:31 Struggles with Team Management
36:55 The Importance of Organization
39:06 Understanding the Value of Hard Work
41:24 Reflections on College vs. Real-World Experience
43:20 Gaining Confidence in Entrepreneurial Skills
46:32 Perceptions of the Trades Among Peers
51:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections