NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
TOOLSdown A QUICK Q&A WITH PDA MEMBER
Lee Sullivan
How long have you been a painter and decorator? Over 30 years. My Dad had a successful building business and he introduced me to the painting and decorating side of it when I was teenager.
Do you have a specialist area? Around 70% of our work is internal and external decoration of domestic properties from small to large, and 30% is commercial property work.
How long have you been a Member of the PDA? Almost ten years.
How has membership of the PDA benefitted you? Membership gives potential customers confidence, and many have mentioned that it was a contributing factor to approaching me for a quote. Membership provides me with support, access to knowledge and skills, an enhanced market profile and legal advice.
What would you say to encourage young people to become a painter and decorator? It’s a wonderful business to work in, whether as a sole trader or part of a larger organisation. There are many areas to specialise in, plenty of use of initiative and a great deal of satisfaction to be gained in seeing a happy customer.
Are you currently training any Apprentices? How do you market your business? Via my website, Dulux Select Decorators, TrustMark, Trading Standards Buy with Confidence, Rated People and MyBuilder.
No, but I did look into it last year and will reconsider at some point.
What are the most annoying problems you come across? Seeing the unprofessional work of others.
Are you on social media? Facebook and Google for searches.
Do you have any tips on maintaining a successful business? Good communication, professionalism, wide-ranging skills, ensuring a steady flow of repeat customers and recommendations, training with the Dulux Academy, keeping up with industry innovations, great staff and responding appropriately to the current Covid issues.
What do you most like about your job? The huge variety of people and places I come into contact with, and interpreting customer needs.
What products would you recommend? Mirka dust-free sander, Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt, Zinsser Allcoat, and Arroworthy microfiber roller sleeves.
Lee is a PDA Member based in Essex, trading as LAPD, you can call him on 07971 003 423 or visit www.lapdpaintinganddecorating.co.uk
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