“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