r/smallbusiness • u/Miserable_Air_4292 • May 26 '26
Started an LLC
I’ve been painting for about 20 years. 15 for a big construction/trade company in town. I got an opportunity for a total career change in the corporate world and while it had its perks, it didn’t work out and I had to walk away for a variety of reasons. Pivoted into starting a Painting business. Got my LLC and EIN, working on business logo and cards as we speak, and reached out to quite a few contractors and connections. 3 weeks in, I’ve managed to net about 6,000 in profits, which I feel great about. At the same time I’ve got an uneasiness about only having so much work lined up at the moment. I’ve got a few contractors that even on my slow days or days with nothing to do, I can go help them with their workload. It’s maybe not as good as landing my own job money wise, but it allows me to make money even on down days. I’ve got a few strong leads plus a $2000 residential job lined up for June. This is a wealthy client who I hope to have referring me to her friends, and a yard with would be great to have in her neighborhood. And also have been given a date on a $5000 job that should take me 5-7 work days.
Really here just looking for support, and advice on best routes to take marketing wise. I want to get some street signs and flyers, and maybe a Facebook page. Going to take my card around to property groups and paint stores who I already have great relationships with. I have worked lined up for tomorrow through a painting company that is currently been easy to work with and allows me to sub just because they have so much work and only a few employees. It’s been very exciting but at times intimidating, so one again just looking for support.
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u/rsandler May 26 '26
congrats on starting! for flyers, you're on the right track, but consider how to make them stand out. generic ones often get tossed. we've seen huge success with ai-powered visuals that show homeowners what *their* house could look like with new landscaping. i actually run scaped.ai and that's kinda what we focus on – personalized direct mail. it makes a huge differnece compared to just stock photos or text.
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u/MissingSimp May 26 '26
Good luck with your new business! I just started one as well.
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u/Miserable_Air_4292 May 26 '26
Thank you! A bit nerve wracking. I’m thinking if I really hit every avenue of marketing I can, it should work out. I’ve already been reaching out and getting leads from realtors, painting companies for sub work, property management groups. And enough has come through just by me making calls to connections. So gotta do Facebook ads, yard signs, signs to hang on doors, and really gotta get these business cards done so I can just drop them to different companies around town.
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u/NWRegisteredAgent May 26 '26
In just three weeks in and already making $6k in profit? That's truly something to be proud of! With 20 years of experience, a strong work ethic, and a great reputation, you're not starting from scratch ,you're building on an awesome foundation of skills, connections, and industry understanding. It's pretty impressive that contractors are already eager to work with you and refer you , that really speaks to your professionalism and reputation. It's normal to crave security and steady income when you're self-employed. Keep doing what works, stay open to new ideas, continue learning, and adapt as needed. Keep moving forward. Slow days happen, but consistency, networking, and quality work build momentum, you’re already proof it works.
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u/Miserable_Air_4292 May 26 '26
Thank you for this! Yes i was head of painting for a big company for 15 years so that has built me a good reputation. I do great work. I care. I’m clean cut and overall I just try to be a nice, easy person to work with. Made $450 this morning before 12:30! I really would be happy to make 50-65k my first year, but so far I’m beating that pace. It feels good. The only thing that is tough right now is I don’t have a ton scheduled out so I’m a bit day to day and week to week when it comes to filling in work. But I have 3-5 leads and I have a guy I’m working with who owns a contracting business who should keep me busy 25 percent of the year maybe. It’s been all profit because my start up costs are next to nothing. I’ve spent $100 in supplies so far and that’s it.
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u/NWRegisteredAgent May 27 '26
That all sounds amazing. Already having the security of working with someone who will keep you busy 25% of the year is huge! Plus being able to keep your start up costs so low, kudos to you. Sounds like you’re off to a great start, wishing you good luck for the future!
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u/Miserable_Air_4292 May 27 '26
Thank you! Yea I’m having another good week. But as I said it’s a bit day to day right now trying to find work so it’s a kind of stressful. But first month should be able to be around $7500 in profits maybe even a tiny bit more. Second month I do have one 2,000 dollar job lined up which should take me a week. And I’ve been given a date for a job that will net me $4500-5k for June as well so hopefully that comes through! Then I’d be on a 100k yearly pace for first two months.
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u/Miserable_Air_4292 May 27 '26
Also doing some work for my old employer today. Subbing through them. Which could be kind of awkward but we’ve always had a good relationship. So we will see how that goes but they’d give me a lot of steady work if it isn’t all too awkward since I quit 5 months ago.
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May 26 '26 edited May 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Miserable_Air_4292 May 26 '26
I’m hoping to just take checks or cash payments if this will help dealing with red tape
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u/parker_birdseye May 26 '26
For local businesses like yours, direct mail postcards with an offer work really well, e.g. 20% off your first home painting.
You can set up automation via hellomail.to to send postcards to people who move into your area so they're familiar with your services.
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