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Three Keys to Prospering in Your Work

terry@tlhart.com (Terry Hart) — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 20:39:10 GMT

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“And every work that [Hezekiah] undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21).

There are here in this one verse three keys to prospering in your work.

One, whatever you do should be in accordance with the word of God. God’s will is revealed in his word; it is to be found in no other place. I realize the Bible does not tell us whether we should be a carpenter or a financial advisor, a realtor or a nurse, but it does tell us to do what we do as unto the Lord. So if what you are doing can be so done, it is well and good as far as God is concerned. Better yet, find out what God wants you to do, and do that. I teach that a person should get a word from God as to his occupation. It could be that God puts a certain thing on your heart, to be and do such and such a thing. This is also good in God’s sight, as he gives us the desires of our hearts. He is in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure. That said, let it be “in accordance with the law and the commandments.”

Two, seek God. He is a rewarder of them that seek him. Jesus taught, “seek and you shall find.” Having sought God as to what he wants you to do, keeping seeking him as to how to do it.

This is a never ending endeavor. There is a verse in Scripture that goes like this: “As long as he sought the Lord, he prospered” (see 2 Chronicles 26:5). So if you are seeking God and prospering, if you want to continue to do so, keep seeking God.

Three, do what you do with all your heart. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). What is to be noticed here is who you are working for. You may think you are working for the government, or the auto-maker, or the real-estate broker. Or, if you are self-employed or own your own business, that you work for yourself. The Christian, however, is to work for the Lord. Verse 24 of this same book and chapter says, “You are serving the Lord Christ.” So, if you think a half-hearted approach to your job pleases the Lord, then go for it. Otherwise, you had better up your game.

There is another verse in Ecclesiastes that addresses how you work. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (9:10). In other words, in everything you do, whatever it is—your job, your service to your family or church, or even mundane things like mowing the yard or shoveling snow, give it all you have. Do it as for Jesus, as this greatly pleases him.

It should be apparent, then, that if you wish to prosper, be applying these principles. And if you want to keep on prospering, don’t let up. I have found that after enjoying a measure of success, it is easy to ease off on the intensity with which you approach your work. Jesus says it best when speaking about prayer: keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking. The key words here being “keep on.” The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

What Goes into the Cost of a Paint Job

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 03:57:00 GMT

While you can get your property painted for just about any amount, hiring a reputable commercial painting contractor will ensure you get a quality end-product with a firm that stands behind its work. To provide this, there are three cost-factors that go into a good commercial contractor’s price: labor, materials, and profit.

Labor

While many ‘contractors’ have painters that work for them, not all painters are paid equally, and not all contractors pay the appropriate insurances and taxes. Painting contractors in all sectors are notorious for paying their help either ‘under the table’ or as 1099 subcontractors. This latter arrangement most always violates simple IRS rules stipulating who is, and who is not, an independent contractor. Reputable commercial contractors treat their painters as employees, pay a fair and competitive wage, and pay all appropriate insurances (liability, worker’s compensation, unemployment) and taxes (FICA). These additional costs are typically referred to as the labor burden, and can include health and dental insurance, plus contributions to retirement plans—all of which support those committed to the professional trades.

In summary, a viable commercial contractor pays his help well and covers all required insurances and taxes.

Materials

While it can vary, materials typically constitute about 15%-20% of the overall cost of the job. Paint products are available in various price ranges. Some can be very cheap, while others are extremely expensive. A good commercial contractor will avoid poor, unsatisfactory materials and use paints suitable for the substrates being painted. With most major brands, there are commercial lines that are appropriate for the usual commercial property. These are best suited for the conditions typical to commercial settings.

Overhead & Profit

Where non-professional painting contractors will work for wages, viable firms know that to stay in business they must cover their non-production costs and make a profit. So once labor and material costs have been tabulated, the commercial contractor will add an amount that exceeds the hard costs of the project. Profits go toward the purchase of equipment and machinery, provide for operating expenses, plus accruing cash on hand for the unforeseen and often, inevitable downturns in the market.

T. L. Hart, Inc. is in its 36th year and has built its company around sound business principles and practices. When providing a quote for painting or related work, you can be assured that the conditions and needs of your commercial property have been assessed, and a fair and reasonable proposal is offered you. Call us today to get a free estimate . We are currently booking work for 4th quarter 2020 and 1st quarter 2021.

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Ready to take the first step? Get a free, detailed estimate for your painting project today! Customer satisfaction is our number one priority, and we're ready to get to work for you! Click on the button down below and request a free quote.

Keep Your Commercial Property Watertight

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 22:05:19 GMT

Moisture is among your commercial property’s greatest enemies. Wind-driven rain, leaky gutters and downspouts, old, deteriorated caulk or glazing, plus improperly painted substrates are all factors in moisture penetration. The result of water getting into unwanted places include peeling paint, damaged substrates, and—worse yet, mold and mildew. This is why you want to keep your commercial building waterproofed.

While no one can prevent unwanted weather, and leaky gutters and downspouts are outside the scope of this article, proper preparation and a good quality paint job can go a long way in preventing moisture penetration. The following will contribute to a watertight building:

Caulking. It is surprising how much damage a little water can do and how small an area allowing access will allow a lot of water in. Gaps in building materials, open joints, holes, plus splits and cracks may seem insignificant, but they’re a major entry point for moisture. This is easily solved by installing a good quality caulk. Since building components vary, caulks vary as well. They can be as simple as latex caulk, acrylic, siliconized acrylic, polyurethane, butyl, and pure silicone. The key is to seal up points of entry.

Painting. Your commercial building is properly painted when all the paintable substrates have an adequate and cumulative amount of coating on them. I say adequate and cumulative as typically one coat of paint applied too thin will typically not do the job. Every substrate, that needs to be protected from moisture penetration, must have the right amount of millage installed. The proper mill thickness can be found in the manufacturer’s product data sheet (PDS).

Of particular concern are those commercial buildings comprised of concrete masonry units (CMUs), or block. Concrete block is extremely porous, and unless coated properly will allow a huge amount of water into the walls of your building. The most important aspect of waterproofing a masonry building is filling the pores of the CMU. This is done by applying a block-filler as a first coat, with no more than ten pin-holes (the pore) per square foot. Once this is achieved, a good quality topcoat of any sort will provide water tightness.

Best for CMUs are elastomeric coatings. These are rubber-based paints that, once dry, form an impenetrable rubber film over the substrate, and are the best for preventing moisture penetration—even wind-driven rain. Another advantage to elastomeric coatings is that they expand and contract, and will actually bridge small cracks in the masonry that may develop over time.

There are other options for waterproofing—actual waterproofing sealers, stains, and cementitious coatings, all of which we have applied over our 36 years in business.

In summary, to keep your commercial building looking good and free of moisture damage, keep it sealed up and make sure it is properly painted. Here at T. L. Hart, Inc. our goal is to ensure your commercial property is always in excellent condition. Our team of professional painters stands ready to keep moisture out of your property. Contact us today to request a quote.

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Regular Maintenance Extends Life of Paint

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 21:14:25 GMT

On commercial buildings, maintaining newly painted surfaces will, in the long run, save time and money by extending the life of the paint job. Here’s how to keep your commercial property looking good.

On exteriors

1. Begin with a professional contractor who will do things right the first time. Many painting projects fail because of poorly prepared surfaces or cheap paint. Professionals know to produce great and lasting results. Paying a little more up front will pay off in the long run.

2. Be sure to eliminate sources of unwanted moisture. Moisture penetration, whether it is painted wood or masonry, is a prime reason for paint failure. A sound roof, proper flashings, gutters and downspouts unclogged and in good shape, plus windows, doors, and joints properly caulked, all contribute to a water-tight building.

3. Keep your building clean. One sure way of maintaining the good looks of your commercial property is to have it power washed regularly. Most contractors offer this as a regular service, but few customers take advantage of it.

4. Touch-up the paint. Inevitably, and over time, paint will chip and peel. This is true especially in climates like Michigan, where temperatures can vary ten or twenty degrees in a day’s time! This means the expansion and contraction of the substrates. Even metal siding will expand and contract with temperature variations. The best practice is to review your commercial building’s painted surfaces once a year, noting if there are any areas that need paint repair. Then, contact a good commercial painting contractor to take care of the issues before they become a major problem.

On interiors

1. When initially painting or repainting, be sure your contractor uses a good commercial grade enamel. In most environments, an eggshell finish is the industry standard. The goal is a durable and washable surface.

2. Regularly take care of the painted finish by washing when and as needed. Cleaning walls is far less expensive than repainting them, and in most situations, a business’s cleaning company can take care of minor dirt and smudges. For larger projects, your commercial painting company will typically provide this service, and if not, many cleaning companies offer wall washing as well.

3. As on exteriors, you can extend the life of your interior paint job by taking care of scratches, nicks and gouges by spot patching and touch-up painting. It is particularly effective if you have some of the original paint left in store. Of course, if you want a professional to do the touch-up work, call your commercial painting contractor.

4. Use protective measures such as corner guards. Outside corners are usually the first areas to become damaged over time; a good plastic corner guard will solve this issue. Also effective are chair rails, vinyl wainscotting, fiberglass reinforced panels, kick plates (on doors), and proper door stops.

Of course, nothing lasts forever, and even great paint jobs need to be redone in time. In taking the above measures, you will extend the length of time before repainting is needed. Like a car, it is cheaper to maintain it than to neglect it and end up with an expensive repair—or, having to purchase a new one as a result.

Maintaining your commercial property's paint job requires a lot of work, which is why you need the help of a professional painting contractor like TL Hart. Our team of expert painters use tried and tested techniques to guarantee the longevity of your building's paint job. If you're looking to repaint your commercial facility, give us a call today and we'll provide you with a detailed estimate on the painting project you have in mind.

Do you need painting advice?

What Goes into the Cost of a Paint Job

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 21:17:38 GMT

Labor

In summary, a viable commercial contractor pays his help well and covers all required insurances and taxes.

Materials

Overhead & Profit

T. L. Hart, Inc. is in its 36th year and has built its company around sound business principles and practices. When providing a quote for painting or related work, you can be assured that the conditions and needs of your commercial property have been assessed, and a fair and reasonable proposal is offered you. Call us today to get a free estimate. We are currently booking work for 4th quarter 2020 and 1st quarter 2021.

Do you need painting advice?

Proper Preparation Key to Lasting Results

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 21:31:15 GMT

Whether commercially or residentially, a good paint job depends on the work done before the first coat of finish is ever applied. This is what professionals refer to as preparation--or, more simply, prep work. Prep work is the process of getting the job ready to paint. Proper preparation helps ensure adhesion, color and sheen uniformity, plus longevity. Skipping this procedure or skimping on thoroughness most times will result in an unsatisfactory finish with a short life-span of the coating.

To make for a good-looking and lasting commercial or residential paint job, professional painting contractors will follow these important steps in properly preparing the surfaces before finishing.

Protection

The first step is protecting those items and areas that are not being treated. This is done by masking and covering. On exteriors these would include windows, doors, lights, hose bibs, and landscaping. On interior projects it would be furniture, flooring, and fixtures. Key to a quality project is making sure the paint goes where it is intended!

Exterior Preparation

Power-washing

While not 100% applicable, most exterior projects should be power washed. Power washing not only removes dirt and other contaminants, it aids in the removal of loose and peeling paint (if present). In some cases a simple washing is required; in other instances a more aggressive approach is needed. The key is a clean and stable surface (substrate), which power-washing provides. Typically, depending on the finishes being applied and the weather conditions, a building should be allowed to dry for 1-2 days before painting.

Hand-prep

Where loose, peeling or bubbling paint exists, it must be removed prior to priming and finishing; this is typically done by hand, although in some cases other mechanical means may be employed. Too, loose rust, where present, must be removed--as well as loose caulking or glazing. Depending on the application and the wants and needs of the customer, it is not uncommon to feather-sand the edges where loose paint has been removed and intact paint remains. This aids in the appearance as well as in the integrity of the finished product.

Caulking and priming

Typically, all bare wood and metal must be primed before painting. In some cases, entire surfaces must be primed; in others, simply spot priming is needed. The type of primer must be compatible with the substrate (e.g., wood primer for wood surfaces, metal primer for metals).

Caulking gaps in wood members, joints, and holes is an important step to prevent moisture penetration, insects, and weather to enter your building--maybe even causing structural damage. There are a variety of types of caulk on the market, from urethanes and silicones, to acrylics and latex. A professional commercial contractor will know the right type of caulk to use.

Interior Preparation

Most interior preparation includes patching minor imperfections, caulking dissimilar materials, filling holes, spot priming, and sanding. Here again, proper prep work provides for a well-adhered, uniform finish that provides for aesthetic beauty, washability, and durability.

Prep work can be time-consuming and certainly adds cost to the job, but omit these key steps and most likely you will end up with an unsatisfactory project. This is why you need the help of a professional painting contractor like T. L. Hart, Inc. With over 35 years of experience in commercial, industrial, and residential painting, T. L. Hart has the knowledge to assess and properly prepare the surface of your building. Call us today to learn more.

Do you need painting advice?

When to Repaint Your Commercial Building

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 21:42:36 GMT

Every year, your commercial building takes a beating--hot summers, frigid winters, ice, snow, moisture, plus daily wear and tear all contribute to the deterioration of your property. Like all structures, your building requires regular upkeep to keep it looking good and well maintained. When the exterior paint of your building reaches the end of its service life, it can lead to:

Rust
Mold and mildew
Cracks and holes
Warping
Exposed wood, metal and steel

What to look for

Knowing when to repaint is key to preserving its value and appearance. Unfortunately, many property owners fail to notice the signs of paint deterioration, which can result in extensive and irreparable damage. Most commercial exterior paints are designed to last from 3 to 10 years, depending on the building materials used, exposure to the sun, weather-tightness, and so forth. Here are signs to look for when determining when to repaint:

#1 Fading color
While newer acrylics hold their color longer, fading is inevitable over time. Mostly an aesthetic issue, it can also point to the need to repaint for other reasons. While you want your building to look good to your tenants and the public, when the paint begins to fade it is time to assess whether there are other problems areas needing correction.

#2 Chalking
Chalking occurs when a chalk-like powder forms on the surface of your building's paint film. Again, while modern and high quality acrylic paints rarely chalk, older products often do. This occurs as a result of weathering, which causes the binder to slowly degrade. If left unchecked, excessive chalking can:

Seep into your building's brickwork and deface its surface appearance
Erode the paint film
Give the exterior paint a lighter look

#3 Mold and mildew
Are black, gray, or green stains starting to form on your building's exterior surface? If so, it's a sign of mold and mildew growth. This occurs as a result of poor air circulation and excessive moisture. Mostly unsightly, these can also have an adverse effect on people's health.

#4 Cracking paint
Another sign of paint deterioration is the appearance of web-like cracks in the paint film. This is common for buildings with many coats of paint. Also called alligatoring, these cracks can spread across large areas of your building and lead to paint chipping or peeling. Moisture then can enter through the cracks and gaps and lead to rotting wood, rust (if ferrous metal), and spalling (if concrete or brick). A

#5 Bubbling paint
Also called blistering, bubbling is the localized loss of paint adhesion as a result of:

Applying the paint on a hot surface or under direct sunlight
Exposing the paint film to rain or high humidity after being applied
Escaping moisture that's trapped inside the wall
Poor preparation by the previous paint contractor

#6 Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a white, chalk-like substance collecting on the surface of masonry products. These are salts that are common to concrete, brick, and block and result from moisture penetration and heat. Mostly unsightly, these salts can also cause paint to blister and peel.

If you're not sure if your commercial building needs repainting, contact T. L. Hart can help you. Our experts can inspect your property, identify any potential issues with its exterior paint job, and recommend the ideal solution. To learn more about our commercial painting services, give us a call today.

Do you need painting advice?

Residential and Commercial Painting Contractors–Are They Different?

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:47:30 GMT

While the location of the business has a great deal to play into the market focus of the painting contractor—that is to say, smaller geographical areas will necessitate contractors be multi-disciplined, there are distinctions to be made between the residential and commercial painting business.

The first is just that: is it a legitimate business?

As is common in many of the trades, many painting companies are not businesses per se; instead, rather, they are individuals engaged in the painting trade. Some might refer to them as ‘one-or-two-man shops.’ A major difference between the residential and commercial contractor is their business designation—they have a business address, are registered with the state as a bonafide entity (e.g., LLC, S-corp, etc.), and have employees. They are distinguished by having a quality website, uniforms, and labeled vehicles.

Let me say this about employees: companies who have persons working for them, who exercise control over what they do, how they do it, and when, are required to treat them as employees—not independent contractors. While the latter is a practice rampant among some trades, the IRS says if you control your workers, they are employees. You are responsible to pay them overtime if they work it, withhold and pay their taxes, and properly insure them.

Another feature of legitimate businesses is their affiliation. Membership in the local and state chambers of commerce is a good indicator that you are dealing with a business and not an individual. Memberships in trade associations are telling also. For painting contractors these might be The Painting Contractors of America (PCA), or The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

Another distinction is this: a safety program.

Since safety is paramount in any market sector, commercial contractors are more likely to have a detailed safety program and provide safety training to their employees. The painting business can be very hazardous; painters work with dangerous equipment and oftentimes hazardous materials. Both can put at risk both the company and the end-user. Moral of story: make sure the contractor you use, residential or commercial, has a viable safety program.

Insurance.

A contractor that is fully insured is vital to the end-user, and while all painters should carry insurance, not all do. General liability, auto, and worker’s compensation are not only required, but offer protection to both the contractor and their employees—plus the entity receiving their services.

Legal compliance.

The painting trade, like everything else, is highly regulated. While licensing is no longer required by the State of Michigan, there are DNR, EPA, and MIOSHA requirements that a contractor must know and abide by. In general, the commercial contractor is more likely to comply with these requirements.

Size and scope of projects.

Whereas there are, of course, smaller commercial jobs just as there are residential ones, the commercial contractor is more geared toward larger and more complicated projects. This means they must be knowledgeable as to staging and sequencing this kind of work as well as staffing it. Again, speaking generally, the commercial painting company is typically larger and able to accommodate more customers and projects than the residential contractor.

Longevity and reputation.

Finally, a major distinction between residential and commercial painting contractors is duration. Whereas many smaller companies come and go, commercial contractors—because they tend to be more bonafide businesses—generally are around much longer. They develop a reputation; and if they have served their customers well, it is a good one.

While these differences are not exhaustive, they do give you a good idea of what distinguishes commercial painting companies from residential contractors.

If you're looking to have your commercial property painted, make sure you choose the right painting contractor for the job. T. L. Hart has been in the business of painting since 1985. We have completed thousands of projects large and small all over Michigan as well as in other parts of the U.S. Contact us now to get a quote.

Do you need painting advice?

The Benefits of Repainting Your Commercial Building

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:18:45 GMT

If there is anything that tells of your care for your property--or the lack of it, it is a poorly maintained building. Shabby landscaping, an unkept parking lot, and a faded, peeling paint job not only detracts from your property’s road appeal, but its value and your tenant’s morale. Just about every building, with the exception of brick, needs maintenance painting at some point, even prefinished metal buildings. Here are some benefits of having your commercial property repainted.

Painting increases your property’s value

A well-maintained commercial building will have a more competitive price on the market compared to one that's not. While you may consider some maintenance works and renovations to increase your property’s value, repainting is one of the most cost-effective methods to achieve that.

Painting extends your property's life span

Today's paints are formulated to provide extra protection against snow, rain, and UV exposure. In addition, the latest paints and paint additives can keep pests from infesting the wooden parts of your building.

Painting can attract new clients and customers

A well-maintained and newly painted building will likely invite new and potential clients. When they see how well you take care of your property, they can be confident that you will take care of them equally well.

Painting sets your property apart

Repainting and maintaining your commercial building regularly is a good way to set yourself apart from nearby businesses that offer the same products and services. Using vibrant and eye-catching colors is also a good way to attract more customers to your business. Painting your building in your company's colors is a good way to reinforce your branding.

Painting improves employee morale and productivity

If your commercial property houses several businesses, giving it a fresh new coat of paint on a regular basis can have a positive effect on the employees working in your building. Here's how certain colors can affect the productivity of employees.

Blue – Considered as a stable and calming color, blue can help employees focus on their tasks which makes it an excellent color for promoting productivity.
Green – Ideal for employees working long hours, green prevents eye fatigue and also has a calming effect that keeps employees efficient throughout the day.
Yellow –This color is said to spark creativity. Yellow is the perfect color when working with designers, artists, and musicians.
Red – Red helps increase blood flow and heart rate, making it the ideal color for tasks involving physical activity. The color red also stimulates passion, as well as a person's appetite.

Painting keeps your property compliant

Depending on where your commercial property is located, there are regulations and local laws about maintaining a commercial building that you have to comply with. One example is the use of lead-based paints on commercial properties. Since lead-based paints are hazardous to both humans and the environment, certain states prohibit the use of this type of paint altogether.

Giving your commercial property a fresh coat of paint is the perfect way to breathe life to its aging exterior or interior walls. If you're looking for a professional painting contractor, look no further than T. L. Hart, Inc. Our team of professional painters will provide you with a high-quality paint job at an affordable price. Contact us today to request a painting quote .

Do you need painting advice?

What to Look for in a Painting Contractor

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 15:34:09 GMT

A lot of commercial property owners take painting for granted, but a fresh paint job has the ability to instantly transform the look and longevity of their building for years to come. However, that largely depends on the paint contractor they hire. Hiring the wrong contractor for the job can cost you both time and money.

Before you hire a painting contractor, here are some things you need to consider.

#1 Check if the painting contractor has insurance

Before hiring a contractor, make sure they have general liability insurance. This ensures that your property is protected from damages caused by the contractor while they work on it.

A good contractor should also carry workers’ compensation. This is to protect the contractor's employees while working on your property. Workers’ compensation also protects you from any liability resulting from accidents that occur while the contractor is working on your commercial building.

Note that many painting contractors simply issue 1099’s to their workers. That is, the painters are not employees of the contractor and may not be covered under the contractor’s insurance. Additionally, can be a violation of IRS rules regarding independent contractors. So your best choice in a contractor is one that is fully insured and that uses its own forces to do the work.

#2 Licensing

Recent changes in Michigan Law removed the requirements for painting contractors to be licensed. That said, contractors performing work other than painting on residential structures should be licensed for the work they are performing.

In addition to this, contractors working on homes built before 1978 are required by law to be certified under EPA’s RRP rule. This status refers to work done on structures that do or may contain lead-based paint.

#3 Request for references

References can speak millions about the work of contractors. Past clients will tell you just how good or how bad a contractor is. It's a good way for you to check if your potential contractor has some complaints that were left unresolved. Try to talk to more recent clients if you have the chance. They can give you a good idea of how the contractor works.

If a contractor is hesitant when asked for references, you should consider that a red flag. You're probably better off looking for other options.

#4 Ask if the painting contractor provides a guarantee or warranty

Reputable contractors will usually provide you with at least a one-year warranty. This warranty should cover the materials used and labor in case of work defects. Exclusions should also be clearly pointed out.

#5 Check if the painting contractor uses high-quality materials

When doing any projects, contractors should use materials of the finest quality and should specify them in writing. Remember, substandard materials may be cheap, but they won't last long.

When it comes to painting a commercial property, make sure your investment in the integrity and aesthetic quality of your building pays off. Using high-end materials suitable for the need is the best choice.

#6 Make sure the painting contractor prioritizes safety

Commercial buildings are often full of people, so unless you plan to close down the entire property, the contractor you choose should have workers who take the proper safety precautions before, during, and after a project to ensure the occupants' safety.

All painting contractors are required by OSHA to have written safety programs and to provide regular safety training to their workers. Such training is for the health and safety not only of the painters, but also those persons around whom they are painting.

Areas affected by painting projects should be blocked off properly. Tenants should be informed in advance about the upcoming painting jobs, and visitors should be guided to safe areas accordingly.

#7 Other things to consider

Does the contractor have a legitimate place of business? Many painting contractors are self-taught and operate out of their trucks or homes. There is little investment in the company and it is often here today, gone tomorrow. A legitimate place of business indicates the contractor is here to stay, a comforting thought for the property owner who wants assurance of quality and longevity.

How long has the contractor been in business? New painting contractors appear on the scene all the time; it is rare to find one that has some history. Years in business is one indicator of a contractor’s ability to meet ongoing customer demands.

Does the contractor have a website? While websites are much easier to come by nowaday, still many painting contractors do not have one. Additionally, many who do have one have not put much time or effort into it. A good quality website that informs the customer is another indicator of a quality painting contractor.

The painting contractor you choose can make or break your commercial property. Here at TL Hart, our workforce is specially trained to meet your needs. Contact us today and we'll give you a free, detailed estimate .

Do you need painting advice?

Choosing the Right Commercial Wall Paint

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:37:37 GMT

Your Michigan commercial property is an important investment, which is why constant maintenance is required to ensure it always looks good. If you're thinking of repainting your commercial property, remember, the finish you choose is just as important as the color. The various types of paint not only affect how a color looks, but also how well it covers imperfections and cleans up.

If you're not sure of what paint finish is best for your commercial property, this article will show you how different paint finishes affect the overall look of your building.

Flat (or Matte)

Flat paint is generally not recommended for commercial environments. Typically used in areas and on surfaces that receive minimal use (e.g. ceilings, storage areas, etc.), flat paint is non-reflective and is not washable. The one advantage to using flat paint is that it tends to hide imperfections and usually touches up well. It is also good for high turn-over properties such as apartments.

That said, there are high-end mattes on the market that are great for most any room or area. One such product is O’Leary Paints Ceramic Matte. Other manufacturers may offer similar products. If a finish is desired with a very low sheen (i.e., shine) and high washability, this is an ideal one.

Eggshell

Eggshell finishes are T. L. Hart's go-to product for almost every commercial paint situation. Offering a modest sheen, this finish is more durable compared to flat and is easier to clean. Eggshell paints provide a pleasant, non-glare appearance, overall good washability, and can be touched up. They are not, however, good for high-traffic areas and are not recommended for use on trim and doors.

Satin

Satin paints are products with a sheen in between eggshell and semi-gloss finishes. Popular because they are generally easier to clean and more durable, they are a great alternative to the shinier semi-gloss.

One thing to keep in mind for all products is that they come in varying degrees of quality. There are both low and high-end paints in all types of finishes. In the satin line, for example, there are latex products, and there are acrylic products. The latter is always more expensive--and is a better paint, than the former.

Good quality, acrylic satin finishes are well suited for wood or metal trim and doors. They are also good for use in high-traffic and ‘wet’ areas (i.e., restrooms). As they are less shiny than semi-gloss paints, they make for good products in homes and other high-end properties.

Semi-gloss

Semi-gloss paints are the commercial standard for restrooms, high-traffic areas, and industrial settings. Significantly more durable and washable, semi-gloss finishes are also the usual product used on windows, doors, and trim. Shinier than all the other products, the end-user should consider carefully before using on walls in offices or other low-use areas, as they are not only highly reflective, but they highlight imperfections and can be somewhat gaudy.

Again, as mentioned above, there are varying grades of quality in this finish line. Less expensive semi-gloss paints can be rubbery, even somewhat ‘sticky’ once dried. Low cost semi-gloss, for example, should never be used on horizontal surfaces such as cabinets or shelving. In general, and depending on usage, T. L. Hart, Inc. recommends a good quality acrylic paint if semi-gloss is the choice of products.

Gloss

Rarely used in interior commercial situations, high-gloss finishes typically offer maximum durability and cleanability. Common usages include restrooms, labs, and other potentially wet areas. Gloss products are also typical to floor coating paints. Other applications include structural steel and protective components such as guard posts, columns, stair steel and railings, etc. Generally, gloss finishes are either oil-based, acrylic or epoxy products--epoxies being the hardest and most durable. In general, high-gloss paints are not recommended for walls except as noted.

When it comes to painting and choosing the ideal finish for your commercial property, you need a quality painting contractor that can advise you . Call T. L. Hart, Inc. today for a recommendation on what paints to use as well as a free painting estimate.

Do you need painting advice?

Painting an Occupied Building

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:13:46 GMT

There comes a time when you need to repaint your commercial building. That's an easy proposition if the building is vacant, but what if it's full of people? Painting an occupied building can present its challenges, so here are some things to consider before getting started.

Set a schedule

To avoid disruption, T. L. Hart recommends scheduling the work on days when your business has the least amount of activity. If your building is full of offices that cannot be vacated, it is best to paint after business hours, on weekends, or during the holidays. Doing this will minimize or eliminate the risk of disrupting your operations or those of your tenants.

Inform occupants in advance

If you are leasing out space, your tenants should be made aware of the upcoming painting project. The notification should come days or even weeks before the project begins. Provide them with the specific times and dates the painting will be done, as well as the areas affected. The earlier you notify your tenants, the easier it is for them to plan accordingly.

Paint in stages

If you cannot or do not want to completely shut down your buildings operations, painting in stages is the best solution. Doing this ensures that your building remains functional for the duration of the project. For example, instead of blocking off all the bathrooms on a certain floor, you can paint each one alternately, ensuring that there are always bathrooms available for your tenants and their guests.

Stay safe

Safety is paramount, so here are some tips for protecting your personnel or tenants and keeping everyone safe:.

Choose a contractor with a proven safety record
Choose a contractor with a verifiable safety program
Depending on the application, request the use of low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints.
Provide for adequate ventilation if needed
Request Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) if you are concerned about the paint product hazards
If applicable, use the appropriate warning signs

T. L. Hart, Inc. performs regular safety training and can provide both MSDS and signage upon request.

Be aware of paint fumes

Low or zero VOC paint products are not always available for certain applications. For example, when painting concrete floors solvent-based epoxies or urethanes are often required. This is true also for applying paint-on white or black boards, a common application in commercial environments. These can emit hazardous fumes. In these instances you will definitely want to have the work done on days and at times when the space is unoccupied. Note also that even with low or zero VOC paints there will still be some odor, but it is not hazardous to health.

Of course, using fans or other means of ventilation is the best way to remove paint fumes from the areas being painted.

You don't have to put off a planned painting project just because your building is occupied. Here at TL Hart, we can help you find the best options to paint your building without disrupting its occupants. For more information about our painting services, give us a call today.

How Color Affects Us

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:33:24 GMT

Believe it or not, the color of your walls can influence productivity, mood, and satisfaction. If you’re having a bad day, walking into an office that's painted all gray is not going to help elevate your mood! If you want to raise morale and see an uptick in the productivity of your employees, consider having T. L. Hart, Inc. add some color to your rooms. The following are ways that color can affect us.

Warm colors

Using warm colors are ideal for stimulating the senses. Red has an energizing effect that helps increase brain activity and creates a feeling of urgency. Orange helps promote social communication and interaction. Overall, warm colors can make your people feel energetic, cheerful, warm, creative, and productive. These colors can also stimulate appetite, which is why many restaurants use them.

The downside of using warm colors is that too much can lead to overstimulation. Yellow, for instance, should be used sparingly, as too much of it can provoke a sense of anxiety. This is why T. L. Hart, Inc. recommends these colors should be used more as an accent rather than painting entire rooms.

Cool colors

Cool or restful colors such as blue and green are the favorite colors of many business owners. This is because they can help employees feel more focused, positive, and relaxed. Blue is known for its calming effects and can keep people focused on their tasks throughout the workday. It is the perfect color to use in a conference room because it will encourage new ideas and intelligent solutions. Blue also creates a soothing and tranquil ambiance to help get through tough meetings.

Another cool color that is popular is green. Associated with nature, rejuvenation, and relaxation, green is ideal for reducing eye strain from prolonged computer use and also helps in reducing anxiety. Cool colors are perfect for high-stress organizations.

Neutral colors

White, light grays, browns, cream, and beige all fall into the neutral color category and can be useful in almost any environment. Colors like these are used to invoke a sense of comfort in the home and workplace, but by themselves are not very exciting. Accenting neutral colors with bolder, brighter colors on the spectrum will aid in not only enhancing the look and feel of your rooms, but help energize the people in them.

What are the best colors for productivity?

If you want to increase employee productivity, the best colors to use on your office walls are red and blue. This is because red is ideal for tasks that require great attention to detail, recollection, spelling, and punctuation. Blue, on the other hand, promotes imagination and invention, and is ideal for brainstorming and conceptualizing new ideas.

Using a combination of desirable colors on your office wall is an effective way of inspiring and motivating your employees. If you need help picking what color scheme will work well in your office, give us a call . We'll sit with you and discuss the possible color options you can use for your office.

What to Consider Before Starting a Painting Project

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 19:09:35 GMT

The overall appearance of your commercial property, especially its paint job, is very important. An outstanding paint job will leave a positive first impression that will encourage buyers and tenants to come back to your business again and again. If you're considering painting, here are some tips you can use to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Determine the scope of the project. Planning for the project should be your first priority, especially if it will affect your operation or staff. How disruptive will it be? Will you need movers to tear down and move furniture? Does the work need to be done after hours? Is this a good time to replace your flooring? Whereas for many companies never is a good time, for some it may be during a historically slow period, or on a weekend, or perhaps over a holiday. Take time to consider what you want to do and its impact on your particular business, then move forward once you have a grip on this.
Consider your budget. Of course, the cost is almost always an issue, so determine what your budget is for the scope you would like. In securing estimates, have the contractor give you some cost options, maybe breaking down various areas and listing them separately. In this way you can choose the areas that fit the amount you wish to spend.
One other recommendation: don’t go cheap. You will get what you pay for. Use a painting contractor with a good reputation and a history of satisfied customers. They are not always the least expensive, but they have been around for a while for a reason.
Pick your colors. Color is everything. It can cheer or depress, attract or detract, enhance productivity or hinder it. What is the look and feel you are after? Do you need help? A good contractor may well be able to help you make the right decision; if not, he or she might be able to refer you to a designer who can assist you. Too, you can request color samples--even having color swatches painted on your wall. Realize the paint color(s) you choose can make the difference between your property standing out or looking dull.
Use the right paint. Not all paints are created equal, and all have qualities that can positively affect the quality and longevity of the finished product. In most commercial environments the current standard is a good quality commercial grade water-based eggshell finish. These are typically easy to clean, resist burnishing and dirt, and have a pleasant sheen. That said, in high traffic areas, a semi-gloss enamel might be a better fit, or even a gloss epoxy (depending on the area). Avoid flat paints as they are usually not washable and will soil easily--an exception this would be the newer ceramic-based flats. These products look and perform great, with almost no angular shine.
Keep everyone safe. The safety and well-being of your employees and customers must be number one in any endeavor. Be sure to use a contractor with a proven safety record and one with an active safety program. If you plan to have the work done during normal daytime hours when people are present in your facility, ask to have zero VOC paint products used. If your facility requires the use of professional-use only products, such as urethanes or epoxies, allow for adequate ventilation or have the work done off hours. Furthermore, if the work requires the contractor to utilize ladders or aerial lifts, keep the area clear of people while the work is being done. Accidents happen, but they can be prevented if proper products and procedures are used.
Will you need additional services? To make your commercial property really stand out, besides a new paint job, you may consider added services such as a new door or window, new flooring, wall covering, or floor coating. On exteriors it could include caulking, pressure washing, removing old, failed paint (stripping), or wood restoration work.
Choose a reputable contractor. When it comes down to starting a painting project, hiring a competent and trustworthy contractor will be the deciding factor between success and failure. Here at T. L. Hart, our passion is to serve you, that's why we do whatever it takes to get the job done with outstanding results. Our employees are carefully screened, trained in safety and customer service, and are capable of meeting the specific requirements of your commercial property. If you're ready to work with us, give us a call or go online at www.tlhart.com and we'll provide you with you a free, detailed estimate on your painting project today!

Blasted into Business

Thu, 31 May 2018 18:14:33 GMT

Sometimes you have to be careful about what you ask for.

It was a cold November morning in 1977 and I was working for the City of Lansing on their street patch crew. Our job that day was burning high spots off the asphalt pavement. To do this, we used a hand-held burner attached to a kerosene tank strapped to the rear-end of a dump truck. The four-foot high tank had a bicycle-style hand pump on the top; it was my job to keep the tank pressurized to run the burner.

During that time I was looking to transfer to another department, and since I had an interview scheduled, was praying about it. In fact, as I was standing in the bed of the truck pumping up the tank, I was asking to be led in the situation.

That’s when I got my answer.

At the precise moment I was praying, the welds on the bottom of the tank gave way and the tank shot up like a missile, bursting into flames. I was blown upward and backward to the front of the truck bed and, being surrounded by flames, dove over the side of the truck to avoid being burned alive.

Miraculously, though my eyelashes and eyebrows were singed from the flames and my hat and three layers of clothing soaked with kerosene, I did not catch fire. My only injury was a broken wrist and a few minor lacerations.

It took surgery and six months for my wrist to heal, and during that time off I did considerable thinking and praying. One day it became clear to me that I was to start a painting business.

Thus began my career as a painting contractor.

Thankfully, prayer is not always answered in such a dramatic way. With me however, God probably knew there was no other way I would accept the ‘call.’

What I learned then is that everyone has a work to do, a specific purpose unique to him, one that fits the universal plan of God. Someone has to paint buildings; that’s what I was chosen to do. Many reject this view, that God is concerned about our jobs. They have bought into a form of dualism, one which separates the ‘sacred’ from the secular, the latter being the lesser important of the two.

This is not the Judeo-Christian ethic though, which teaches that God put man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it. In other words, man was made to work. It is this belief – that work is sanctified, that gives meaning even to the most menial task.

Martin Luther put it this way: “The works of monks and priests, however holy and arduous they be, do not differ one whit in the sight of God from the works of the rustic laborer in the field or the woman going about her household tasks, but that all works are measured before God by faith alone.”

And so all life is sacred, including its work. There is no dichotomy of callings; all are called by God to God, and to each is given his or her assignment in life.

And so Jesus was a carpenter. Peter, his right-hand man, a fisherman. Luke, who wrote The Gospel of Luke, was a doctor. The Apostle Paul, a tent-maker.

Me, I am a painting contractor. Blasted, as it were, into business.

Tips for Upgrading Your Property

Thu, 31 May 2018 18:12:08 GMT

If you are a building owner or manager looking to upgrade the look and feel of your property--or, simply maintain what you have in place, repainting can provide an economical solution. Here are some tips to consider.

Consult with a professional. If you are not sure where to start, try consulting with a professional painting contractor. Invite him to walk through with you and offer some ideas. A contractor with any history in your sector should be able to suggest improvements, colors, and other applications that may be able to solve your problem. With over thirty-five years in the business, T. L. Hart, Inc., has a wide range of solutions to most any painting need.
Try cleaning. Sometimes, simply cleaning can make a huge difference in how your property looks. On exteriors, applying a biodegradable cleaner and power washing it off can make a dingy building look new. Interior wall-washing is uncommon these days, but can often be employed in lieu of painting. That said, the wall paint needs to be of the quality that can be cleaned; inexpensive paints can wash off with the dirt! Industrial cleaning can often help increase productivity by enhancing existing lighting, and safety by reducing slip and fall hazards.
Maintenance repair. In its 35-year history, T. L. Hart, Inc. has--at the request of owners or managers--painted entire buildings when isolated, maintenance painting would have sufficed. Buildings with southern exposures, for example, often need painting before the other elevations. On interiors, it might just be a wall or two that needs to be done to get your space looking good.
A word about maintenance painting. T. L. Hart, Inc. recommends regular maintenance of existing coatings. A program where performing annual as-needed touch-ups and isolated repairs can extend the life of the current paint job.
Accentuate your space. Color accents can greatly enhance the look and feel of any room in your house or office. It can be a contrasting color on a wall or two, or a different color on the windows, doors, and trim. This is very common is office environments and is a regular application that T. L. Hart, Inc. makes. Additionally, and while outside the purview of this company, window treatments and flooring can make a huge difference in the quality of your space. If you need a recommendation for contractors specializing in these amenities, call T. L. Hart, Inc.
Use wall covering. While out of vogue in recent years, wall covering-- or, wall paper as referred to in the residential market--can add a beautiful and lasting effect to any room or office. Like paint colors, options for wall covering are almost limitless. Too, commercial grade products, typically fabric-backed vinyls, can far outlast traditional painted surfaces. T. L. Hart, Inc. has been in buildings recently with wall covering installed by it twenty years ago--and it is still intact and on the wall! That is to say, though more expensive up front, wall covering can outlast a paint job many times over.
Paint your floors. Garage floor coatings have become increasingly popular, with options ranging from clear sealers, to solid colors, and solid colors with colored chips imbedded in the paint film. Sidewalks, patios, and even driveways can be stained. In commercial settings, janitor closets and warehouses can be clear-coated. And factory floors can receive epoxy or urethane coating of many types. T. L. Hart, Inc. applies all types of floor coatings.
Build a wall or add a window or a door. While T. L. Hart, Inc. does not perform construction services for residential customers, it does perform considerable work like this for its commercial and industrial clients. While not a general contractor, T. L. Hart employs persons skilled in drywall, ceiling tile and grid, window and door installation, plus many other specialty services like these.

Here at T. L. Hart, Inc., our aim is to serve you where you have a need. Our goal is to not only help boost the value of your property, but make it a better place to live and work. We stand ready to help you with your cleaning, painting, and related needs, so call us for a free and detailed estimate. Call us today to request a quote .

Our Core Values

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 19:17:08 GMT

T. L. Hart, Inc. has gone through a process of boiling down who we are and what we believe. I’m convinced that what we believe is who we are—or, at least aspire to be. We have concluded that four values describe our company as we envision it: love, service, excellence, and teamwork.

Our primary core value is love and is best defined by what is referred to as The Golden Rule: “Do unto others what you would have them do to you.” Taken from the Bible (Matthew 7:21), it is hard to think of a better axiom to live by. Whereas everyone wants to be treated well, what better thing can we do as a company than to treat others well. Imagine everyone looking out for the interests of others! That’s the point.

Second is service. I have long felt that ‘he who serves best is best.’ In corporate terms, the better we serve our customers the better we will be. And, since our vision is to be the best provider of painting and related services to our mid-Michigan clients, the only way to fulfillment is to work hard at serving better than anyone else.

Our third core value is excellence. The idea is to be above average, first class, exceptional. Not just in the quality of our finishes—though this is vital, but in everything we do. From the way we respond to people, to how we produce our proposals and follow up, to executing our work and closing out our projects. Inclusive is how we dress, the cleanliness of our job sites, and the efficiency with which we perform our work. Everything.

Finally, there is teamwork. I believe there is a blessing that comes with unity. Everyone benefits when there is a unified effort. This is why we teach our team how to work together, settle disputes, and approach our projects. Teamwork is built around everyone doing their part to satisfy the customer by striving to do their best.

These four core values are what we as a company have decided to live by. They play into every aspect of our operation, from who we do business with and how, to who we hire, conduct our work, and--above all, treat people. While we have a long way to go, we have at least started down the path to becoming who we want to be. It began with identifying what was truly important to us.

The Power of Gratitude

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 19:19:41 GMT

The late Bob Briner, author of Roaring Lambs, taught me the most important words you can say are thank you. I knew from years of reading the Bible and associating with thankful people that giving thanks was important, but Bob, a successful businessman, emphasized gratitude in the workplace. As a result, I’ve made it my practice to say thanks as often as I can, to as many as I can, and for whatever reason I can.

Saying thank you is so powerful that only the naive and ignorant would fail to employ it. Here are two reasons why:

First, everyone needs to feel appreciated. When you tell someone you are grateful for what they have done, it lifts them up, it makes them feel good. It inspires them to excel since they know they’ll not go unnoticed.

Second, gratitude is powerful because it produces something good in you. When you give thanks it changes your outlook on life. Your perspective becomes more positive; you realize there is so much to be thankful for. You feel better about yourself.

When to give thanks? Always—and for everything. Most will say thank you when something good is done for them; gratitude is easy when things go well. However, one of the best ways to deal with tough situations is to be thankful! It may or may not change the circumstances, but it will change how you face them. The best path out of trouble is thanksgiving.

As a business owner, I hate complaints, but have learned to appreciate them. Truth is, a dissatisfied customer could not say anything to you, but go tell others how bad your company is. Instead, they are calling to tell you they're unhappy. This is great news, as a complaint can go from something negative to a chance to improve—hopefully saving a customer too!

Two examples of gratitude come to mind.

Jim and Phyllis Russell were expecting a child, but not the child they got. On delivery day the baby born to them had down-syndrome. During dinner with Jim, he recalled the occasion of their daughter Amy's birth. He remembered the biblical admonition, “In everything give thanks”; so Jim and his wife thanked God for the precious gift they had just received. Jim is gone now, and the child a mature adult—known all over the world as the “Amy” in the Russell’s private charity, The Amy Foundation.

The second example is simple but impacted me greatly. My wife and I were dining at the Amway Grand in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each time the waitress served us and I thanked her, she replied, "My pleasure." You could tell she meant it and not only enjoyed waiting on us, but was grateful for the opportunity.

There is so much to be had by taking the time to say thanks. What would the workplace be like if we took the time to express some gratitude?

A Rude but Welcomed Awakening

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 18:23:57 GMT

I’ll not forget an experience I had late Spring 1990. We were in our 6th year as a company, having enjoyed five straight years of rapid growth and profitability. I had added personnel and our firm was working all over the state of Michigan. However, it was May and we had lost a considerable amount of money the first four months of the year. T. L. Hart, Inc. was in trouble.

I had had a goal of becoming one of mid-Michigan’s best and largest painting contractors. And we were well on our way. Our list of reputable customers was growing and, as for me, I was active in the area’s trade association and had worked my way to the top as president. Working with this association and the state, I had developed an apprenticeship program to train new painters. All of this was in jeopardy because of the losses. Not only was what I had built at risk, but so was my family. We had sold our house in town—and couldn’t get a loan approved for the new house we wanted because of the financials.

I was humiliated and my world was fast falling apart.

One day, laying on the couch and commiserating with myself, God reminded me of a Bible verse I had read before. It was from the book of James, chapter four, verses 13-15:

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.’”

There’s a lot to be learned in these three short verses, but my take away that day was this: “if the Lord wills.” That is, whatever I do—in this regard grow the company—it has to be in harmony with God’s will.

Most folks think that God and religion are to be relegated to Sundays and church, but that’s not true. Even a casual reading of the Bible instructs us that God cares about even the most mundane things, like eating and drinking and sleeping—not to mention business, employer/employee relations, profit, and so forth. I had come to understand this through many years of not only reading the Scriptures, but also being part of a Christian businessman’s group which studied such things.

God’s will is paramount to any endeavor, and it is important for the earnest believer to be always putting that ahead of his own aspirations. I think mine had gotten way out ahead of God’s

Life is too short to be messing around with pursuits motivated by pride and personal ambition. In fact, James goes on to cite the reason for his admonishment: “But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil” (verse 16).

I’m certain my inward attitude resembled at least to some degree such arrogance. Success, especially quick success, breeds such things. Thank God He interrupted the course of things and interjected His thoughts into the matter. I stood corrected.

If I remember it right, we went on that year to recover the losses and ended the year with a small profit. And I was able to get a mortgage. God is good.

I had a lot more to learn—but I shall save these for another time. What is important, albeit with respect to business, marriage and family, church, and other personal interests, is the will of God. The take-away is this: we ought always to say when considering anything, “If the Lord wills.” Or, “God-willing, we will do this or that.”

Why Core Values are Important

Tue, 04 Oct 2016 18:51:57 GMT

Everyone has principles by which they live. For the business owner it might be financial freedom; for the school teacher, impacting the lives of the next generation; for the Christian, faith. Whether they are aware of it or not, all have values that shape their attitudes and direct their actions. Consciously or unconsciously, they constitute the heart and soul of the person; its who they are.

Companies also have tenets they operate from. Many that have identified them may refer to them as core values. These are the things that make for the culture of a company. They might be written in mission statement on the wall or simply assumed, but these are what makes the firm tick; they constitute its core.

Whether you are an individual or a huge, multinational corporation, it is important to dig deep and find out what these are. Once found, wrap yourself or your company around them and bring everything you do into alignment.

Author Gino Wickman, in his book Traction, provides a wonderful process for determining what your businesses' core values are. The book is worth the read just for this helpful information. He even provides tools to guide you through the discovery--and yes, it is a process of discovery; what you really believe in your heart may surprise you, good or bad.

Core values can be changed. My mentor for twenty years, the late Jim Russell, once told me, "Terry, your business will take off when you change your thinking about it." What he meant was, the underlying guiding principles that held my company at bay needed to be altered. What I held to be true about T. L. Hart, Inc. had to change.

I believe it was Michael Gerber in his book, The E-myth, who pointed out that your business is you. In other words, your business is a direct reflection of who you are as a person. I understand that most companies may have more than one person to be considered, but the maxim is the same; who you are--or, who your team is, will be seen in the firm as a whole. This is why you not only need to do some digging yourself, but include other key players in your organization.

I went through the process a few years ago and included some team members. We came up with a list of seven or eight key qualities that we thought best represented our company. I wrote them down, and for a year or so taught them at our monthly staff meetings. After a while, I quizzed the group at to what they were; not one got them right.

I learned what Wickman presents in his book: keep them to a few; no more than seven or eight, but better yet four or five. So we took another look and boiled them down further. I am now confident that our four core values truly represent who I am and what I stand for. There is buy-in from the team, and they are fast becoming corporate culture.

To put this to work your core values need to permeate the entire operation. You hire and fire by them, you make your decisions based on them, and you build your products and services around them. Your core values dictate what you do and how you do it.

In my next article I will tell what my company's core values are and why, and how I incorporate them into what we do.

Why Legal Marijuana is a Bad Idea

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 18:54:35 GMT

Last November, Lansing, Michigan voters approved a measure prohibiting the city from regulating the "use, possession or transfer of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, on private property, by a person who has attained the age of 21 years.”

A similar move is currently underway in MSU’s hometown of East Lansing.

As a resident of the Lansing area and a business owner, here is why I believe legal marijuana use—for medical or recreational purposes—is a bad idea.

1. Adverse effects.

I first smoked dope—appropriately termed—in the fall of 1967. I was a starting end on the high school football team, and within two weeks of my first high I quit the team, became seclusive, depressed and suicidal. That didn’t stop me, though; I continued to use the drug and quickly moved to stronger ones like mescaline and LSD. My life was miserable for the next 7 years until, in 1974, I found relief through faith in God.

My experience is not isolated. I have witnessed many whose drug use, beginning with marijuana, effected them much in the same way. One person I’ve worked with recently, a young man suffering from schizophrenia, traces his problem to drug use. Others I know have lost their jobs, their families, gone to prison, and one boy committed suicide.

I have been an employer for over 35 years. Literally hundreds have worked for me at one time or another. No stranger to drug use, I know what it looks like. At first there is a shift in the attitude, then an increase in absenteeism, then overall performance. Ultimately the person quits, fall off the map, or does something to get themselves fired.

Working under the influence of marijuana is also unsafe. Unlike alcohol, the drug remains in a person’s system for up to 30 days, so the weekend’s high carries over into the workweek, posing a safety issue in the workplace.

2. Dangerous to society.

A bane to workplace safety, marijuana users behind the wheel of a car are just as dangerous on the road as those under the influence of alcohol. Last I checked there were over 834 traffic deaths in Michigan—many the result of alcohol use. So we want to add to the numbers those killed by drivers high on pot?

3. Unnecessary.

While I understand the problem of chronic pain, with myriads of over-the-counter as well as prescription pain killers, medical marijuana is unnecessary. And, as anticipated, cards issued for medicinal use are being abused, with people obtaining the drug for simple headaches, upset stomach, and other non-reasons.

4. A legal quagmire for employers.

Marijuana use for whatever reason presents a legal mess for business owners with employees.

Not long ago I interviewed a potential worker who possessed a medical marijuana card. He was issued it because he feared taking other pain killers and claimed he used it only occasionally. Since we have a clear substance abuse policy in place and a claim a drug-free workplace, I had to consult an attorney to determine the legality of hiring or not hiring the individual. Not surprisingly, with most laws fresh off the press, there are few legal precedents. How this plays out in the courts—and how it impacts the workforce remains to be seen.

Think about it: Your doctor or nurse, lawyer, dentist, plumber, grocery check-out clerk, bank teller—high on pot. Worse yet, your bus driver, school teacher, or fire-fighter! The move is on to legalize pot, and if it goes where I think it is going, we’re in for a stoned society.

Bad idea no matter how you look at it.

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Lessons Learned from Near Bankruptcy

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 19:26:50 GMT

Most times its the things you learn when you’re down that stick.

Having begun in business in 1985, I built a larger, viable commercial painting company that grew from nothing to 60 employees and $3 million in sales. We had systems, procedures, a good grasp on the market, and even bought land and constructed a 10,000sf office/warehouse.

Then the market tanked and T. L. Hart, Inc. was left holding the bag of considerable debt, declining sales, and a building that lost half its value. In 2010 the bank called all our loans, including our mortgage on the property.

The good news is, we survived the storm, averted bankruptcy, and came out the better for it. On top of that, I came away with some valuable lessons. Here is a summary of what I learned during tough times.

1) Your business model must fit the locality in which it is located. My son John, an investment banker, told me this many years ago—but I didn’t listen to him. My business model would have worked well in a large metropolitan area, like Chicago or Atlanta, but not Lansing, Michigan.

2) You have to have the ability to adapt to an ever-changing marketplace. The bigger the ship the longer it takes to turn it around. I had accumulated so much overhead that when sales dropped by 2/3’s, I couldn’t unload it fast enough. Times change, and you’ve got to be ready for change whenever it occurs.

3) Use credit wisely and pay your debts quickly. It is hard to avoid using credit in today’s world, but the mistake I made was to rely on it. Not only did I fork out tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the years, but when things got bad economically, I had a difficult time making payments. Currently, we have virtually no debt and pay cash for everything—and it feels great!

4) Choose your employees carefully. I look back over my 29 years with T. L. Hart and wonder how I hired some of the people I did. I once heard a reputable contractor say, “Your only as good as the people you work for.” It is equally true that you’re only as good as the people who work for you.

5) Pray and believe God for good things. This really should have been first, but it certainly proved valuable when going through the loss of everything I worked hard to earn. In fact, it was faith and prayer that got us through, and not just by the skin of our teeth, but victoriously!

6) Don’t give up. When our banking official advised me to file bankruptcy—and file it fast, I told him I didn’t believe in bankruptcy. Had I quit I would have owed the bank and others close to a million dollars. As it turned out, I not only didn’t file bankruptcy, 2010 was among the best years T. L. Hart ever had!

7) Always make a profit. My mentor, the late Jim Russell, used to tell me this all the time. I would always respond (in my heart—I didn’t say this to him!), “Yeah, but. . .” Well, he was right. You have to make a profit every single month, even if it is a dollar!

8) Be aware that seasonal aspects and fluctuations in the market can affect your business. I struggled with the ups and downs of business cycles for decades. Finally, I faced the reality that ski resorts and golf courses face: you make your money when you can, when the weather allows. There are seasonal cycles, construction cycles, economic cycles; you’ve just got to come to grips with it. And. . . make sure your business model compensates for it.

9) Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. This was a hard lesson! I made the mistake of casting aside even the good things we had going for us during our fight for survival. Now, four years into a great recovery, I’ve still not put back into place many policies and procedures that helped grow T. L. Hart to begin with.

There are likely more, but these are the things that stand out to me as being the most significant. I am grateful that God not only led us through and of out of those difficult 7 years, but He taught me some valuable principles in the process.

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CERAMIC PAINTS AWESOME!

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 21:00:00 GMT

Ceramic paint products have been on the market now for several years, and they have fast become T. L. Hart’s product of choice. Sold in both interior & exterior formulations, ceramic paint is 100% acrylic, low odor, and formulated with ceramic spheres to impart excellent stain resistance properties. On interior surfaces, finger prints, soil, grease, and many other stains wash off with mild soap and water without harming the film. This product complies with LEED Green Building Rating System GS-11 for interior flat paints. The interior products, both flat (for walls and ceilings) and semigloss (great for trim and doors) are perfect for hospitals, schools, homes or any area where odor is a concern. It allows a flat finish in high use areas, with maximum durability. The exterior products-formulated last and available only recently, perform excellently and represent perhaps the best acrylic coating on the market. Ceramic products are sold by various manufacturers, O’Leary Paint being a T. L. Hart favorite. In fact, O’Leary’s Ceramic Semigloss product was rated the 2nd best paint on the market of all brands in its category. Though somewhat more expensive than standard acrylic products, Ceramic Paint is T. L. Hart’s choice when it comes to interior architectural products.

Written by Terry Hart

Terry "TL" Hart is President and CEO of one of mid-Michigan's largest painting companies. Entering its 29th year, T. L. Hart, Inc. has served thousands of customers both in and out of state. It's projects ranges from large industrial facilities to private home owners. In each and every instance TL and the firm m<>aintains a firm commitment to customer satisfaction. TL resides in Lansing, Michigan with his lovely wife of 41 years. The couple has five grown children and ten grandchildren, and are active in their local church.

HOW INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS HELP MAKE A PROFESSIONAL PAINTING CONTRACTOR

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 20:31:45 GMT

One thing that differentiates the painting industry from other types of businesses is its lack of professionalism. By this I don’t mean that there aren’t many highly skilled painters in the market—because there are; being a great painter, however, does not make one a good business owner.

When I started my company in 1985 I was privileged to have a group of men who volunteered to oversee my first year in business. One of the first things they recommended was to find out what associations represented my trade and join them. So I did a little research and found two: the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA), and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

I quickly became a member of these two organizations and from that point began to build my company on the resources they provided. While not trade specific, ABC provided me with materials to write my first employment manual and safety program. Not long after, it helped me craft an apprenticeship program for my workers. Too, my involvement with ABC helped me learn leadership skills, as I quickly took roles on committees and in 1989 became an area chapter president.

PDCA has provided the greatest benefit. Virtually everything we do at T. L. Hart has been directly or indirectly shaped by this outstanding organization. From writing policies and procedures, to marketing my firm, to reading blue prints and writing estimates, to knowing our costs—our company has been built upon a foundation that has helped establish tens of thousands of contractors during PDCA’s 129-year history. It has helped T. L. Hart become a truly professional painting contractor.

This is why industry associations should matter to the customer, as not all painting companies are equal in their approach to business.

A case in point is the estimating process. Because PDCA has such a rich history, it provides the member contractor with the tools to compile an accurate bid proposal to the end-user. It provides not only the information on how to accurately measure and accumulate the data for an estimate, but also the approximate time it will take for a skilled painted to complete a given task. In other words, PDCA has long set the norm for measuring and calculating painting costs.

Another example is standards. PDCA is the only trade group representing the painting industry and, as such, has produced a set of standards that define what professionalism is in real time. From what constitutes a properly painted surface (PDCA-P1), to a method for providing samples (PDCA-P5), to procedures for pressure washing (PDCA-P22), these standards establish benchmarks for the contractor as well as the customer, thus ensuring a satisfactory end-product.

This sets T. L. Hart apart from the competition, in that, being one of only 47 contractors in the State of Michigan—and only one of two in the mid-Michigan area, it operates on the basis of established and certified-professional operating principles that govern its approach to business.

This is a true benefit to the customer because the information they receive from T. L. Hart is not based on a whim, or a subjective feeling of how long something should take or how much it should cost, but on sound information derived from a trusted knowledge base—PDCA.

Whether or not a painting company is associated with an industry trade group may not seem important to the buyer, but if professionalism matters, then a contractor member of PDCA or ABC is the best choice.

Written by Terry Hart

WHAT IS A PROPERLY PAINTED SURFACE?

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 20:28:41 GMT

In my 38 years as a Lansing-based painting contractor, customer-expectations for a finished product have been all over the map. From the warehouse owner who just wants his space brightened up with a quick coat of paint, to the home owner who with flood lamp in hand looks for flaws, it can be a challenge for painters to know exactly what to do.

That’s why I appreciate belonging to the only association that represents my industry, the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA). Thankfully, PDCA has taken the guess work out of what constitutes a properly painted surface. While in my view the customer is the one who ultimately defines quality, it is good to have a base–line, and PDCA’s P1 Standard does just that.

What is a properly painted surface?

“A ‘properly painted surface’ is defined as uniform in appearance, color, texture, hiding and sheen. It is also free of foreign material, lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or insufficient coverage. It is also a surface free of drips, spatters, spills or over-spray caused by the painting and decorating contractor’s workforce. In order to determine whether a surface has been ‘properly painted’ it shall be examined without magnification at a distance of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter, or more, under finished lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position.”

Here is an example from my own experience.

Recently, I hired my own company to perform some painting work in my home. We re-did our master bedroom, epoxied our basement floor, and upgraded our kitchen. I had our painters use the best possible paints and, really, they did a fantastic job. One day however, I came home just as our painter was leaving. We have a short, light-bearing wall in our kitchen which when viewed normally revealed an uneven sheen-even after two coats of paint. Since the standard requires uniformity of sheen, I had my painter recoat the wall, and now it is beautiful when viewed from any angle.

Here’s the point: someone has to define quality, and PDCA has done that for both painter and end-user. Having a standard to measure quality provides our company as well as the customer the plumb line for the work we do. And that is a relief in an industry where almost anything goes.

Written by Terry Hart

An Advisory Board Can Help Your Business

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:41:27 GMT

If you’re like me – a small business owner with minimal staff – no doubt there are times when you wish you had someone to bounce an idea off of or help you through a difficult decision. If this is the case, you could benefit by forming an advisory board.

Let me suggest several benefits that derive from meeting regularly with a group of individuals for the purpose of obtaining advice:

Unbiased perspective. Often the small business owner can't see the forest for the trees; they are too caught up in the day-to-day operations of their company. Given the proper information, a good advisory board can often see things that the businessperson can't or doesn't want to see.
Experience pool. If members are selected wisely, you will have a collective experience that surpasses your own. Oftentimes, though their industry may be different, they will have ‘been there, done that’ and be able to offer insight how you might handle a problem or tough decision. I call this benefit wisdom.
Encouragement and support. It is likely your board members will be serving because they value your relationship and desire your success. Just showing up – not to mention the advice they give, can be a tremendous encouragement. Depending on your board, it may not be unusual to get a call during the quarter, checking in on you and offering helpful comments or other suggestions.
Accountability. I'm a firm believer in accountability - it is, perhaps, the number one reason I’ve had an advisory board (in one form or another) for over twenty-five years. Being accountable to someone other than myself affects the decisions I make and the actions I take. It helps keep me honest, in check and on track. And for most small business owners, this is critical.

Who should serve? At one point, needing advice for selecting 1-2 new individuals to serve on my board, I asked one long-standing member (who also had an advisory board) what criteria I should use in selecting candidates. Here are some of the highlights of that discussion – along with a few things I've learned over 20 years:

If they are business owners, their company should be larger or more profitable than yours
Avoid lawyers, accountants and bankers - you already have relationships with these people and can obtain the information you need when you need it
They should represent a cross-section of general industry – not just yours
They should possess expertise in areas that you are deficient in
They should be willing to serve for less than what their time is worth
They should have a sincere interest in seeing your company succeed

Notice I've said they should be paid. For sure, the financial pressures of small business are huge, but when weighed against the wealth of information and experience to be had from an advisory board, the cost is minimal. What is the right amount? That is between you and your potential candidates, but the compensation should reflect the value you place on their time, given your means.

When should you meet? I recommend quarterly, because it is often enough for your members to stay in tune with your business and its unique challenges. Not only that, in most small companies there are always issues to be addressed and if you only meet once or twice a year, it is difficult to get the help you need when you need it.

What should you look for and where do you find these people? Although every company is different, there are key areas common to most: finance, marketing/sales, operations, HR, and systems/management. I suggest that you build a board that, at least collectively, will provide the needed expertise in these and other critical fields.

I found the best way to build a board is through the relationships in the marketplace I already have. For a new start-up, however, the owner might ask other, more established owners or solicit names through the local chamber of commerce or an industry association.

There’s a proverb that says, “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” I believe an advisory board is just what the small businessperson needs to help ensure their corporate success.

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Momentum: A Leader’s Best Friend

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:47:02 GMT

I'll not forget the spring of 2002, which is when the effects of 9/11 finally hit my painting firm, T. L. Hart, Inc. Like most other companies the world had been a good place to do business in; Michigan had been booming during the 90's along with the rest of the country. And we had all built business models on what had become the norm. That all changed for this company that first and second quarter - here we were with an organization fitted to large amounts of projects, with little to no work. It was during an advisory board meeting when one of the members said, "just do something, start something; just get moving." It didn’t matter what it was, and it didn’t matter if what we did endured. All that was important was for us to get something going, get something in motion.

His advice proved to be absolutely correct. In May, closing the company's doors was a serious consideration. By the end of December, however, we had realized our second highest sales year ever, and we ended the period in the black.

I had been studying John Maxwell's The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership during that period. Maxwell is arguably America's leading authority on the topic of leadership, with multiple books, DVD's and audio versions of his various seminar presentations. In this book Maxwell presents what he believes and others agree are twenty-one laws that apply to everyone at all times without exception. One of them is the Law of Momentum.

The Law of Momentum (or, the Big Mo) says this: there has to be forward progress - some movement, and that's the leader's responsibility. In some way, shape, or form things have to get moving. That's why small victories are important, because with each success you build momentum that helps move the organization further.

“It's hard to steer a parked car,” Maxwell point out, "but when you have momentum on your side, the future looks bright, obstacles appear small, and trouble seems temporary." That’s why momentum is a leader’s best friend.

It reminds me of what Jim Collins writes about in his bestselling book, Good to Great. He talks about a flywheel, which at first is hard to get going. It takes a lot of effort initially. But then you gain momentum, and eventually it's as if it has a life of its own - it is literally flying, round and round, at high speeds. At this stage it requires little exertion to keep it going, and so much can be accomplished.

One vivid example Maxwell provides comes from his video presentation of these twelve laws, and involves a locomotive. At 55 miles per hour the train can break through a steel-reinforced concrete barrier six feet thick – with hardly anyone noticing. But when in a stopped position, a single concrete block placed against its drive wheel is enough to keep it from moving forward. That’s why you have to get and stay moving if you are to reap the benefits of this law.

How to use this law to your advantage? First of all, you have to understand its value. If you are like me, you’ve had an experience that demonstrates its power. Any forward movement – in any area or endeavor of life – is enough to provide the impetus to get you headed in the right direction. You have to understand just how important momentum is.

Secondly, you’ve got to figure out what are the motivating factors in your life or organization. For me in my company, it was the threat of fiscal failure. But maybe it’s the need to get physically fit, or financially stable. Whatever the circumstances, some sort of forward movement is critical to success.

The next step is to get rid of things that will prevent your gaining momentum. In some cases it may be apathy on the part of the leader, or people in the organization that are content with the status quo. To get things going however, the block in the front of the wheel of your corporate or personal locomotive has to go. You have got to remove the de-motivating factors.

Finally, you do what is right whether you feel like it or not. This is what Maxwell calls “character leadership.” You recognize the need to win, but you know you can’t win unless and until you do something. So regardless of the situation, you act. You get things going, and you recognize and honor others who do the same.

I am intrigued by the statement, “leaders are momentum-makers; managers solve problems.” I have often been party to the latter. Too frequently I have fretted about the circumstances, seeking to analyze the state of things, trying to come up with procedural or systemic solutions. The real problem, however, is to just get busy doing what you’re supposed to be doing – in my case, selling, getting projects started. I have found that once things get going, problems have a way of taking care of themselves; it is amazing how many problems go away when you’re moving forward.

I find it amazing what momentum does for you. From the vantage point of outsiders, if you are busy as a company, it is no matter whether you are making money or not – they think you are. If they’re a vendor, they are pushing product through your organization at a fast pace, and they are enjoying the company’s momentum. That’s because, as Maxwell teaches, momentum is the “great exaggerator.” It makes you look better than you really are – and it makes your people look better than they are. Conversely, if you are stopped in place with little to nothing going, the lack of momentum makes you and your people look worse than you are.

As an aspiring leader, there may be perhaps nothing more important thing you can do but to put something in motion. In my company, the things that de-motivate people the most is a lack of work and the feeling of inactivity as a company. So I have come to learn that the best thing I can do at times is just to get some work in the door – any work, at any price. I know this isn’t the profitable thing to do, but in a sense it is; it gets the blood of the organization moving. It makes everyone feel better about themselves and the company. And you see things begin to improve. Why? Because you’re gaining momentum!

There is so much truth in all this - both for small painting contractors like T. L. Hart, Inc., and for large organizations (like General Motors) and governmental entities (State of Michigan). Just get something going. Get pointed in the right direction, put forth all the effort you can muster, and get the ball rolling. That's the 'Big Mo' - the Law of Momentum.

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Vision for Lansing Unfolding

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:50:49 GMT

Listening to Robert L. Trezise, Jr., President and CEO of LEAP (Lansing Economic Area Partnership) two times in one month makes me think that former Mayor David Hollister’s vision of Lansing as a world class city is coming to pass. Consider the facts:

Lansing area ranked best in the nation for job growth in three major sectors
Lansing region’s GDP is 2nd best in the State of Michigan
Area population is growing
Greater Lansing named one of three in Michigan with growing housing market
Lansing is home to a number of major insurance companies and three state-of-the-art GM plants

I could go on (read all the good news at www.purelansing.com ).

Not only is Trezise to be praised for his outstanding work at spearheading development in the region, but Hollister more so, because everything begins with vision. Vision defines the long-term goal, which then frames the central effort required to achieve that goal and the strategies needed for the work to get done. All this is being played out as I write this article.

But there is a greater vision overarching Lansing that transcends economic development and is, in large part, responsible for it. It has nothing to do with keeping GM or other companies in the area or luring them here to begin with. It is a spiritual and moral vision that encompasses all others.

For years pastor’s groups have prayed for the well-being of Lansing. One pastor I know of walked around the entire city interceding for its people. Another prayer group drives around the city’s highways, praying over it. Recently, Mt. Hope Church held a rally on the Capitol lawn, speaking blessings over the city, following the gathering by donating two tons of food to the City Rescue Mission. The impact of such people and events cannot be overlooked in Lansing’s rise in economic growth and other terms.

I can’t help but remember Mayor Hollister, who saw the strip joints and prostitution on Michigan Avenue as blight on the city. Today – as a result of his vision, we can be proud of the approach to our capitol, with its beautiful street lights and planters, Cooley Law Stadium, the Lansing Center being the highlights.

The truth is, by the blessing of the upright a city is exalted. In other words, it is the spiritual condition of its people that causes a city to be what it is. Economic development springs from spiritual development and, ultimately, is the blessing of God, not solely the works of men. True spirituality and prosperity go together; in many ways they are inseparable.

I am grateful for the vision Mayor Hollister had years ago - and Mayor Benaro is to be praised as well for continuing the effort. And Trezise - our appreciation goes out to him too. But the real praise goes to God, who cares for Lansing and its people and desires earnestly to see it thrive and prosper. The vision for Lansing is unfolding – all under His beneficent rule.

2 Comments

Terry Hart

November 9, 2012 3:03 am

I actually thought that way too – and I believe McCane really did get the ball rolling. However, when I shared the draft with Ray Tadgerson who worked with Mayor Hollister, he said it was really Hollister that got the MI Avenue mess cleaned up.

mike

October 27, 2012 1:34 am

actually it was mayor mccain who first began to remove the strip joints and peep show houses on michigan ave. he was a christian connected to the lansing churches, hollister not so much

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A Lesson from Booker T. Washington

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 20:03:13 GMT

One person you will seldom read about in history books is Booker T. Washington.

Unlike many contemporary black leaders, Booker T. taught a lesson that many would do well to heed today, that regardless of skin color or social environment, it is man’s relationship to God that determines the outcome of his life.

Washington was such a man. Born into slavery in 1856 and feed at the end of the Civil War at the age of 9, Booker found himself working in the salt mines of West Virginia. Waking up before 4 a.m. to begin his shift in the mines, he ended the day by learning to read from a literate black ex-soldier hired by his parents. In 1872, at age 16, he was ready to attend Hampton Institute, a new high school for blacks some 500 miles from home. After nine years, at age 25, he was invited to head a new school in Alabama, the Tuskegee Institute.

Washington was a religious man. According to his daughter Portia, “We never at home began the day without prayer, and we closed the day with prayer in the evening. He read the Bible to us each day at breakfast and prayed; that was never missed. Really, he prayed all the time.”

He saw Christianity as the remedy for all social ills, saying, “What is the remedy for lynching? Christian education of the white man and the black man.”

Entitled to be embittered for the injustice of slavery, he chose a different view, a biblical one. “We went into slavery in this country pagans; we came out Christians.”

He believed that religion “must be woven into the warp and woof of our everyday life.” His teaching was exemplified by his life.

There is a lot we can learn from studying the lives of men like Booker T. Washington. Faith in God, hard work, and personal responsibility are among the characteristics that mark men like him. Yet these are qualities we often overlook in modern day America. We forsake God, rely on government, and shun personal responsibility. We emphasize the color of a man’s skin and his ethnic background rather than the content of his belief. This breeds fear, resentment, and unforgiveness, qualities that enslave again – only this time, it is both black and white.

If racism is to cease, it will not be by protests, marches, or social programs. It will be by embracing what Washington referred to as “Christian teaching.”

In this body of truth, we are taught to accept one another, as Christ has accepted us. We are commanded to forgive, if we want to be forgiven. We are instructed to look at a person’s heart, not his outward appearance.

Washington did not let his social environment or the color of his skin determine the outcome of his life. It was faith in Christ and obedience to His word that made him the man he was. I wish I could have known him. He is my brother. What little I have learned about him has enriched my life.

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The Call to Entrepreneurship

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:30:39 GMT

Sometimes you have to be careful about what you ask for.

It was a cold November morning in 1977, and I was working for the City of Lansing on their street patch crew. Our job that day was burning high spots off the asphalt pavement. To do this, we used a hand-held burner attached to a kerosene tank, which was strapped to the rear-end of a dump truck.

The four-foot high tank had a hand pump on the top; it was my responsibility to keep the tank pressurized to run the burner.

During that time I was looking to transfer to another department; and since I had an interview scheduled, I was praying about it. In fact, as I was standing in the bed of the truck pumping up the tank, I was asking God to lead me in the matter.

That's when I got my answer.

At the precise moment I was praying, the welds on the bottom of the tank gave way and the tank shot up like a missile, bursting into flames. I was blown upward and back to the front of the truck bed, and surrounded by flames, dove over the side to avert being burned alive.

Miraculously, though my eyelashes and eyebrows were signed from the flames, and my clothing satuarated with kerosene, I did not catch fire. My only injuries were a broken wrist and a few lacerations.

It took surgery and six months for my wrist to heal, and during that time I did considerable thinking and praying. One day I received the 'call' to start a painting business.

Thankfully, prayer is not always answered in such a dramatic way. With me however, there is no other way I would have chosen to start my own company - especially a painting business!

Truth is, everyone has a work to do, a purpose unique to him, one that fits the overall plan of God. Someone has to paint buildings; this is what I was picked to do.

Not all hold this view however, that there is a divine purpose for our work. There is this dualistic mindset that separates things secular, like work, from that which is deemed sacred. The Judeo-Christian ethic, upon which our economic system is predicated, teaches that man is made to work. It is this belief - that work is sanctified, which gives meaning to the most menial of jobs.

Martin Luther put it this way: "The works of monks and priests, however holy and arduous they be, do not differ one whit in the sight of God from the works of the rustic laborer in the field or the woman going about her household tasks, but that all works are measured before God by faith alone."

And so all life is sacred, including its occupation. There is no dichotomy of callings; all are called and to each is given his or her assignment in life. Jesus - he was a carpenter. Peter, his right-hand man, a fisherman. Luke, who wrote The Gospel of Luke, was a doctor. The apostle Paul, a tent maker.

M e, I was called to be a painting contractor.

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Why I Like Capitalism

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:53:08 GMT

I was a bum in the late 60's. I barely made it out of high school, and I flunked out of college at least three times before I finally buckled down and got an Associate's degree. Though I hated to paint and was anti-business at the time, I ended up taking painting job in 1974 with a view to making more money.

In short order my workload increased and I was forced to deal with such things as payroll, taxes, advertising, and the like, learning to keep accurate records of it all. After 10 years of this and weary of wearing all the hats, I was looking elsewhere when, as Providence would have it, I caught a vision for business. Thus in 1985 T. L. Hart, Inc. was born.

Now, 27 years later, having generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue, made and lost money, built a building and lost it, seen 100's of employees come and go, T. L. Hart is still in business. During this time I've not only supported my family, bought and sold homes, contributed to charity, and provided employment for others, I have established a name in the industry and created an entity which, if I play my cards right, will endure long after I am gone.

All this because I have had the liberty to do so.

My entrepreneurial story has been played out by countless others all across the United States. The freedom to take an idea and invest your time and money into it - with the potential for succeeding and the risk of failing, this is the stuff of America. It is called capitalism, and it is this economic system that has built and prospered this country for hundreds of years.

Regrettably, there is a movement underway that threatens our way of life; ostensibly, it's goal is to help the so-called 99% reclaim what is presumed to have been lost; in reality, its aim is to undermine the very structure that has made America great. To be sure, there is corruption and greed in the corporate halls of America; but not every corporation is corrupt, and not every executive greedy. To make these kinds of claims is simply dishonest.

With all its apparent weaknesses, capitalism remains America's best bet for the ongoing betterment of its people; all the proof one needs is seen in other economies of the world. In comparison there is no comparison.

I believe the late Jim Russell was in his early 40's when he sold his car for $2,500 and started Russell Business Forms in a spare bedroom of his home. Eventually renamed RBF, Inc., Jim built an organization that spanned multiple states and employed dozens of people. Very conservative as it pertained to business and finance, Jim's company profited wonderfully over the years and, as he was philanthropic, he contributed millions of dollars to various charities, not the least of which was his own Amy Foundation. Not only that, he helped many others like me and my family, fronting the money for a building program and assisting with my daughter's college tuition. Shortly after his death at age eighty in 2005, RBF was sold and the proceeds went to his family, many of whom took the money and started their own businesses.

Such is the beauty of capitalism. That is why I like it. And that is why I will stand up for it.

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I Believe in Miracles

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:55:25 GMT

Unlike some taking to the streets lately, I like banks. I like the idea of depositing my paycheck and having the assurance that the money is there when I need it. I like using my debit card, even if there are sometimes fees attached.

But some things banks do make no sense.

After leasing for 17 years, we had just started building when terrorists attacked the U.S.in September of 2001. Our company had grown considerably during the 90's, and our space needs grew as well. After the trauma of a move in early 2002 we were nicely situated in our new digs; thankfully, we had had considerable work to carry us through the winter.

By April, however, it was a different story. Here we were in a brand new building - with a brand new (and fairly large) mortgage - and Michigan's economy began to tank. T. L. Hart could hardly buy a job and was over-staffed. And so became the saga of a long and painful decline in revenues and net worth with the resulting down sizing.

Fast forward to January 2010: our long and friendly relationship with our local bank turns adversarial when a loan officer whom we have never met shows up at our door and informs us that the bank is calling our loans, all of them - two separate mortgages and two commercial loans. Without using the words he essentially told my wife and I to file bankruptcy immediately.

By that time we had become quite unshakable. We had already lost virtually everything we had gained from 1985-2001 but were not giving up; what we had left was our personal integrity. Bankruptcy was not an option.

It is amazing how trials can strengthen your resolve. We were determined to see the thing through regardless of how long it took. Even though we had never missed a payment on any of the notes, we were being rewarded by the threat of having what assets we had left stripped from us.

We decided to exercise our faith - and hire a good attorney. Both paid off.

Within nine months we witnessed a vast majority of our debt dissipate. Yes, the bank took our properties, but they not only forgave the deficiencies (mortgage balance minus market value), they also forgave our commercial loans. By the end of 2010 we had not only enjoyed one of our best profit years ever, but saw what had been liabilities drop directly to the bottom line.

Miracles do happen - even in the corporate world. God is good. I believe in miracles.

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The Power of (Constructive) Criticism

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:58:29 GMT

I've done a considerable amount of writing in the past, and one thing I learned early on was the practice of submitting my article to others for critique. Humbling at times and often uncomfortable, my writing skills became better over time as a result. I believe there is a powerful principle here that is applicable to the entrepreneur, and for the following reasons.

But first I should clarify what I mean. The American Heritage Dictionary defines criticism as "the act of making judgments or evaluations," and critique as "a critical review." Thus when I speak of the power of constructive criticism I refer to a process whereby an assessment is made by the entrepreneur - or, by others - of any one segment or the whole of an organization, which, if acted upon, results in its betterment.

I believe this can and should happen on one or more levels.

The first I would identify is self-criticism, and there are at least three venues for this.

The most basic is where the business owner evaluates the enterprise, identifies areas needing attention, and takes corresponding actions to correct or improve them. As most entrepreneurs are naturally inclined to do this anyway, this is an ongoing and continual process, albeit a mostly unplanned one.

Closely associated is the input available from company personnel. A valuable HR tool I've used over time is the Same Page© format of employee evaluations. In this format not only does the company evaluate the employee's performance, the employee evaluates the company's performance. Admittedly, criticism obtained here is not always constructive, but it is valuable from the standpoint of obtaining an employee's perspective of the operation. Plus, what it says to your team is that their input is important and their ideas welcome.

The final venue for self-criticism is a more formal one, that of the SWOT analysis. Here, the management team or select individuals take a close look at the company and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This process can also be discomfiting at times, but the information garnered provides an invaluable tool for goal setting and planning.

The second and most important level of constructive criticism should be sought outside the organization; namely, from the customer or an independent consultant or group. I'll address the latter first.

Perhaps the best counsel I received early in my business career was to form an advisory board for my company - which I did, maintaining it for over 20 years. Meeting quarterly, this group - comprised of successful business people - reviewed my financial statements, pending major decisions, and future plans, all with an impartial perspective and unafraid to point out deficiencies. In recent years it was a CEO group I belonged to that gave me what I needed to move forward in the new economy.

None of the above compares however with the input the customer provides. While I can't say I love complaints, I can say the ones I have received and responded to have served to make T. L. Hart a better company. It isn't all about complaints, though; it is finding out what the customer likes and dislikes about what you do for them. This input must be solicited, whether by way of a personal phone call, an online survey, or a client-satisfaction response card. There are also companies that can provide this kind of service for you.

As far as I know, no individual or company has fully arrived and cannot improve in some way. Inviting and applying constructive criticism goes along way toward achieving this end.

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The Law of Adaption

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:01:03 GMT

It wasn't long ago that my son, John - who happens to be in corporate finance - challenged my business model. At the time, I wasn't so sure that I knew what a business model was, let alone what ours was. Over a period of years, however, I have learned that whatever your business model is, it must of necessity fit the market you are in. And, if it doesn't, you have to change it. I call this the Law of Adaption, and this is the way it works.

1. The Law of Adaption says that if the shoe doesn't fit, then you had better try a different shoe. The point is, markets vary; there are geographical realities, demographic realities, and economic realities. If, for example, your business model is geared toward manufacturing, and manufacturing in your area has dwindled, then you had better look for something else to gear to.

2. The Law of Adaption says that it is not about what you want, it is about what your customer wants - and this is subject to change. That is, what is important to the customer today may not be the same as what is important to the customer tomorrow. And while some things never change, other things are always changing. A case in point is the current emphasis on environmentally friendly products and services. What was non-existent in the customer's mind ten years ago is now becoming predominant.

3. If changing customer wants and needs are not enough, changes in your customer's personnel compel your company to adapt. The Law of Adaption says you must adjust to the people within the organization you serve. The face of corporate America has changed dramatically in recent years. In some cases entire levels of management have been eliminated as a result of downsizing. In other companies seasoned personnel have been replaced with younger, less-expensive individuals. In each case it is imperative to keep track of changes, and quickly acclimate your firm to new people.

4. The Law of Adaption says that you must constantly assess your product and service offering, adjusting it where necessary and eliminating things if need be. I have seen this in my own industry. Whereas vinyl wall coverings were in great demand in the 80's and 90's, multicolor paints became the product of choice in the past decade. Now, however, it is slowly changing back. For us, this has meant a change in personnel and the skills required for employment at T. L. Hart, Inc.

5. Finally, the Law of Adaption says that a company must fit the dimensions of its market. In this case, if the shoe doesn't fit, then you had better try the other foot! Put another way, the market you are in determines the size of your company and the room it has to grow. A company located in a relatively small geographical region cannot look and act like one in a large metropolitan area if it wants to survive long. In other words a large company in a small market doesn't work unless it expands it scope.

I'm sure there is more, but the point is things are always changing, and if you and your business do not adapt to the changes, then chances are you'll succumb to the company that does

1 Comment

Stephen Isaacson

December 24, 2010 1:29 am

Found this link through linkedin…
Just wanted to say that I like what you say…

Since teaching, I have learned to always remain “positive and
flexible” in my approach to any given situation, with it’s ‘merely assumed’ or hidden structural constraints; with any positive or surprisingly negative customer feedback or expectation; or, whenever dealing with any unforeseen opportunity or incalculable risk that only manifests itself through the vigorous sifting of our own actions and attitudes toward the problem…in other words, our work, our vocation.

In other words, I am a teacher that always tries to learn more from my ‘stakeholders.’ I know the importance of change, because i am in the business of change…I need it, and I expect it. Nothing is sure, but in order to survive, I need to cause change. The kind of change I am looking for, though, is improvement. So I know that Change will always happen…whether I am here to see it tomorrow, or not…but, today, I know that I must put something in motion that hasn’t moved in quite some time. Sow a good seed way before it is harvest-time – that I might not ever get another chance to sow again – and watch for the harvest.

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Restoring Vision

Thu, 13 May 2010 18:03:42 GMT

Ancient text informs us that "without vision the people perish;" it is during challenging times like these that vision is tested and often lost.

My mentor for twenty years and author of "Awakening the Giant," the late Jim Russell, used to say that vision is the definition of a long-term goal. No wonder then, that without it businesses lose their bearings and find themselves in a morass of problems that threaten their existence. By nature, entities must have purpose for being - a long term goal, if you will - in order to provide impetus for progress. When lost by reason of economic upheaval or other types of duress, it must be restored. This process, the restoration of vision, involves at least the following four points.

Perhaps most important is to re-establish first cause. In other words, to go back to the beginning and revisit the purpose for which the company was established to begin with. Whether it was to be your own boss, create jobs, or save the environment - whatever the reason, chances are it is still valid and, once reinstated, will enable the enterprise to move forward.

I should caution here that in order for a vision to advance anything, it must have sufficient power. Being your own boss, for example, gets old in time, especially when recession and financial pressure makes life uncomfortable. A vision has to be larger than that, big enough and powerful enough to drive the company towards it. Jim Collins, of Good to Great fame, refers to it as a "big, hairy, audacious goal" - or a "BHAG." It has to be big, it has to be scary, and it must be bold enough to qualify. If it is not, then a new one is in order.

The second step is for management to make a firm commitment to the fulfillment of the vision. This pledge cannot be unlike that made by our founding fathers, who dedicated their lives and sacred honor to the realization their long-term goal - a free and open society. In other words, the vision must be worthy of our dedication to it.

What is amazing about America today is the fact that fewer and fewer citizens posses a working knowledge of the Constitution, and are, as a result, suffering the loss of freedoms guaranteed by that document. This is largely because it is no longer taught in our schools and universities. The lesson is this: vision must be communicated. It is not enough to have one. It is not enough for the owner(s) to be committed to it. It has to be communicated to every level of the organization. This is the third point along the way of restoring vision.

Finally, vision must be policed. By this is meant the patrolling of the BHAG. One does not have to look far to see companies and organizations that once had brilliant vision statements and noble causes now a far cry from their original purpose. And this is an ever-present threat for those brave enough to establish and pursue something larger than themselves. For this reason the goal must be carefully watched and protected.

Vision is a powerful thing; it has driven men and nations to achieve both the extraordinary and the atrocious. It relatively easy to obtain but difficult to maintain. Once lost, it is very hard to get back. There is hope, however, for those whose dreams have been shattered, whose vision obscured, and whose goals hindered. They can be restored. You can get them back. Re-establishing your original purpose, committing yourself to it, communicating and policing it, are actions you can take to do just that.

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What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:33:32 GMT

Common parlance says one thing that characterizes a good CEO is that he or she always has the right answer. Yet research indicates this is not always so. "Leading from good to great," author Jim Collins says, "means having the humility to grasp the fact that you do not yet understand enough to have the answers." In other words, sometimes it is best to admit, "I don't know."

I find that there are many saying this these days. From the real estate investor whose property values have dropped, to the contractor whose revenues have tanked, to the charitable organization whose donations are down, there is a heart-felt cry for understanding. I know the feeling - which is why I have given considerable thought about what to do when you just don't have a clue.

I have come to the following conclusions:

1) Don't quit. The temptation to give up is strongest when the leader and his company are at its weakest. Yet who knows when the next break-through comes? Will your business be there to take advantage of it? Not if you throw in the towel! For sure, there may be situations where you are forced to do something you don't want to do; regardless, if you stay the course you can win - you can not win if you quit.

2) Ask questions. Collins goes on to say that great leaders don't stop with an "I don't know" response; they "ask the questions that will lead to the best possible insights." The truth is that there are many who have successfully weathered the storms a lot of us face; if asked, most will lend a hearing ear and helpful advice.

3) Consider what has worked in the past. Too often when faced with difficulty, we throw the baby out with the bathwater. But just because some things don't work in this economy does not mean that everything must go. Certainly there are things that have contributed positively to your firm in the past; take a look at them and employ those that will help move your company forward.

4) Get back to the basics. The best businesses are those that stay put with the essentials. Building and maintaining relationships, providing great customer service, and financial integrity are those things which, if practiced consistently, will help move your company over the hump.

5) Start something new. This may not pertain to everyone, but sometimes what is needed is doing something different. Maybe it's a unique product or service offering, an innovative approach to the market, a new business model or a fresh logo. Whatever the case, companies that survive downturns like this one are often those that are willing to get out of the box and adapt to shifting customer needs and wants.

6) Pray. Most folks approach prayer like this: When all else fails, pray. My suggestion is to pray before all else fails. It is unfortunate that it often takes trouble to get us praying. Certainly, challenges will come, but it is better to be prepared for them through prayer than to be knocked off your feet and utter "Help!" on the way down. I have learned that the single most effective means of navigating my way through difficulty is to pray ahead of time, in the meantime, and all the time.

In conclusion, not knowing what to do - and being humble enough to admit it - can mark a great leader. Yet doing nothing can result in corporate death. A firm resolution to continue, a willingness to learn from others, and prayer are among those actions that will undoubtedly ensure a future for you and the enterprise you represent.

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What Matters Most

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:05:40 GMT

It wasn't long ago that I enjoyed lunch with a long-time customer and friend. He was undergoing cancer treatment at the time, and was doing quite well. He told me one thing that had come of his illness was a realization of the importance of faith and family. Those comments had an impact on me and have stayed with me ever since.

Among those qualities that make people great is the proper ordering of priorities. It is all about focus. Whether a thing is important to us or not is seen in the amount of time and energy we put into it. If we spend ourselves climbing thecorporate ladder, it is clear that being at the top counts. If playing golf is important to us, we'll be sure to work it into our calendar. My point is that where our time is spent is a strong indicator of what is important to us.

My friend was a good man and well-respected in the community; sadly, he won his first go-around with cancer, but lost the second. In the interim, however, he came to grips with an issue that often eludes us. What really matters in life is not how big our businesses are or the size of our bank accounts, but our heart condition toward God and those closest to us.

I realize faith in God and the marketplace seem worlds apart for some, with little room for religion in the fray of day-to-day business. Not a few feel that way. Maybe my friend felt that way - until he was hit with a life-threatening disease. I have observed that regardless of your persuasion, faith becomes important at some point in your life. It may be the death of a loved one, an impossible situation at work, or simply a question as to life's purpose. Whether it is embraced or allowed to pass is another issue; nevertheless, faith is not a stranger to most people.

Unlike faith, which relates to an unseen world, family is flesh and blood, and too often they are neglected in our race to achieve. Success provides little succor, however, in times of duress, and no P&L will comfort you when you most need it. Your family will.

I have been happily married 38 years now and am the proud father of five children. In my race to build a business, I was often gone and frequently worked late; and when things were not going my way it showed up in my demeanor at home. Though deeply committed to my family, I look back with some regret for not spending more time with the kids, and not being more emotionally present when with my wife. Those are days I can never get back. But what I can do is put 'first things first' today - intentionally placing my focus where it best belongs.

It is unfortunate that it often takes tragedy to put things in proper perspective. Maybe that's one reason bad things happen to good people - like my long-time friend. I am glad he had the time to refocus his attention on what mattered most; what is really tragic is that many people don't.

1 Comment

Erica Jackson (Hart)

February 4, 2010 6:38 am

Reading this makes me feel like I could be sitting next to you in the living room, listening to you speak. I am so blessed to have you as my father. And you have blessed me every day of my life, raising me and guiding me into love and truth. I wish I could be with you more… because you and Mom are what matters most.

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Why the Detroit Lions Don’t Win

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:52:27 GMT

I am not a sports fan but happened to be watching the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. My son John, who is a sports fan, was watching with me. I asked him: "Why is it that the Pistons win, the Redwings win, and the Tigers can win, but the Lions never win?"

The response he gave was one I could be thankful for. He is a finance guy, and the issue, he said, really boiled down to money. The owners simply don't pay to get the talent they need. For sure, they have one or two outstanding players, but they need a team of outstanding players. That they don't have.

Whether this is correct or not, I don't know; but what I do know is the principle I got from that brief discussion: If you want to be a winning team, you've got to have a winning team. Put another way, if you want to win you must have a team of winners. Not just one or two. Not half the team - the whole team.

This point was brought out by Jim Collins in his best-selling book, Good to Great. His analysis of great companies - winning companies - was that they had the right people 'on the bus.' In fact, he said that before you do anything else, you've got to have the right people in the right place on the bus. In other words, you've got to have a bus full of winners.

Most small business owners are a work in progress. I don't know of any who want to lose. At the same time, there are certain things the entrepreneur must do in order to develop a winning team.

First, you've got to have the right attitude. Arguably, the ownership and management of the Detroit Lions don't care whether they win or not. This may be debatable, but its truth is apparent in that they rarely ever win. Compare that with other franchises whose sole aim is the Super Bowl - every year! The point is, you've got to want to win; losing is simply not an option.

Second, you must act. The desire to succeed is one thing; doing what is necessary is another. Developing a team of winners may require that you make some hard choices. Decisions such as rates of pay and benefits, training, providing proper resources, plus trimming non-productive people all play into the process of building a group of men and women who can make it in the marketplace.

Third, there needs to be a culture of winning. No one likes to lose, and few like to play on losing teams. In this culture of winning, everything in the organization is geared toward ending the game with the highest score. Every policy, every program, every tool, every role, every keystroke of the computer, all is designed to play its strategic part in coming out on top.

Somehow I don't think the Detroit Lions have got hold of these basic truths. If they did, imagine the excitement their long-discouraged fans would exhibit. Imagine the excitement of winning virtually every single time. Wow!

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Beyond the Buck

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:51:00 GMT

Booker T. Washington once stated that the essence of success is not goals met or achievements made, but the obstacles overcome in the process. For the entrepreneur, then, this means there is more to small business than just making money. There are intangibles that - in the long run - can be worth far more than the bottom line.

Take for example the impact you can have on others. I believe it was 1983-84 when I heard the late Bob Klineman (RBK Building Materials) speak. He had recently been recognized by the local chamber for his accomplishments, and was placing the praise where it belonged - to God. What inspired me was a comment he made about the 'bully pulpit' - that is, the platform you have as a business owner for influencing others. What an incredible opportunity we have to add value to lives of our employees, customers, and vendors!

Closely related are the life long relationships that are forged through the venue of business. While there are too many to list, one such relationship in my case was with a man named Jim Russell (RBF, Inc.). Russell, who passed away in 2005, took me "under his wing" in 1985, and for the next two decades poured into my life the things he had learned in the corporate world. Not only that, but he and his lovely wife, Phyllis, became the closest of friends, inspiring us by their faith, love, and good works. I will forever be indebted to Jim for the positive influence he had on me and my family, not to mention, my company.

And then there is the issue of character. Being in business can make you a saint or a crook, depending on how you choose to fulfill the role. There is ample opportunity for doing what is right or doing what is wrong - and plenty of occasions for that gray area in between. I've met men whose accomplishments made them greedy and proud, forgetful of how they got there and who helped them along the way. Then there are others whose dreams have been dashed and their lives devastated by failure. Character is the stuff of which we are made; it's what we do with what happens to us. It is the choices we make when under the gun. Being an entrepreneur can make you a better person - or, it can destroy you.

Finally, there is charity. All too often successful organizations are criticized for making money. And the rich are vilified for being so. Yet rarely are their contributions to the welfare of others recognized. Without benevolence, without philanthropy, where would the funds come from for fighting cancer, providing for the homeless, or feeding the hungry? Charity is the greatest motive for success; we make it so that others might make it too. Personal and corporate achievement paves the way for others to advance in life as well.

This is where the buck comes in. Earnings are not just ends, but the means to greater good. Income not only provides for corporate growth and advancement, but for those organizations that rely on the generosity of others for their support. All benefit, and the sum total of the positive is far greater than the dollar that drives it.

Way beyond the buck.

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Regress – or, Progress?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:49:06 GMT

A question we all need to be asking ourselves these days is whether we're going to buy into the mentality of fear, lack, bailouts, and bankruptcy. Or, if what is going on around us simply represents great opportunity; challenges that if overcome will move us forward to becoming the individuals and companies we want to be. Will we cower in fear and pull back? Or, will we lurch forward with determination?

Borrowing from a good friend of mine, Kevin Berry, I'd like to present three things that will enable us to move beyond being just survivors to becoming victors in this present economy. I should say too that these three actions can apply to any area of life, not just business.

1) Look up. I know it's not politically correct but it's what virtually everyone does when they're in a tight spot, and that is pray. Surveys consistently show that most folks pray on a regular basis, and I guarantee they pray when in trouble. So the first and best thing to do when facing the challenges of the day - individually or corporately - is to pray. When we do this we're taking our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances, and placing them squarely where they ought to be to begin with: on God, who is quite capable of providing aid in the most difficult of situations. History is replete with examples of men and women, including the most prominent, who turned to God in times of distress only to find a listening ear and a helping hand. So the fist step toward progress is to look up, pray, and expect God to answer. And we must not forget to give thanks when help arrives, directing it to the One who provided it!

2) Hook up. There is a Proverb that says, "In the multitude of counselors there is safety." Another states, "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established." All of which is to say there is no substitute for good advice. The second thing we must do then - if we want to progress, is to hook up with others who, by virtue of their character and experience, can help us through to the next level. This might be on a one-to-one level with a trusted business associate, a paid coach or consultant, or perhaps the context of a group of others whose collective wisdom exceeds yours. Too, the value of listening to seminars on your CD or MP3 player cannot be discounted. The idea is to connect with others that can help you. In fact, oftentimes answered prayer comes in the form of other people. So look up to God and hook up with others.

3) Keep up. More often than not, our individual battles are won by pure and simple perseverance. We never know when the next breakthrough is coming, and if we give up we may never find out. How many successes have not been realized by people who have quit just short of the finish line? The idea of quitting ought not to be entertained for a moment! Unfortunately, the business climate is such that, not only are we sometimes tempted to give up, but the legal system in the United States seems to encourage it. After all, why keep going - with all the attendant risk and potential for failure - when you can walk away and be protected from your creditors? But "Quitters never win, and winners never quit." So then, the only way out of this economic predicament is through it. It's a race that can and will be won - not by the fainthearted or easily discouraged, but by those who are determined to move forward with endurance.

In summary, then, ours is a choice as to whether we will regress - shrink back, even give up - or progress - move forward toward our goals and aspirations. Remembering and acting on these three principles, look up, hook up, and keep up, will help us do just that.

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It’s Not the Economy, Stupid!

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:47:09 GMT

I remember well the campaign slogan of the Clinton era - "It's the economy, stupid!" Its basic message was that most of us had it wrong; that it wasn't about politics, policies, competence, or character. It wasn't about abortion, gun control or the definition of marriage. It was all about money, yours and mine, and how all around bad it was. (Interestingly, those look like the good old days now.) Today, it is the same tired mantra; but the more I think about it, it's not about money per se; and it is not the economy.

To be sure, my company and I have been affected by the economic downturn; I am challenged as much as other small business owners. But I believe the root cause of our problem lies well below the surface of interest rates, credit availability, taxes and regulation. It's does not have to do with economics; it has to do with how we view economics - our attitude towards money and how it plays out in real time.

It has been said that people don't have money problems, it's how they think about money, how they handle it, and what they do with it that are the real issues. Here are some things I have identified as being underlying causes of our economic woes:

Entitlement. By this is meant the mentality that we have certain rights to things - economic, material or otherwise - regardless of whether or not we qualify for them, have earned them, or whether they are good for us or not. This attitude permeates our culture, rich and poor alike. The reality is that, by our own Constitution, our rights extend to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They do not extend to things, but the freedom to pursue things. Thus happiness is not assured; its pursuit is. Compounding the effects of this mindset is a government that plays to it.

Debt. There was a time when there were no credit cards; if you didn't have the money, you didn't have the money, and you either saved for what you wanted or you didn't get it. The problem with debt is that it presumes upon the future; either you believe that things will stay the same or get better, or you don't care. This kind of thinking has a lot of folks foreclosing on their homes, working multiple jobs to keep up with minimum balances, or filing for bankruptcy. Certain types of debt can be useful, but for the most part it creates a false sense of prosperity, causing many to live beyond their means, often resulting in financial failure for both people and nations.

Sloth. There is a biblical proverb which goes like this: "He who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys." In other words, laziness is not a good thing. Being an employer for 35 years, I think I have seen everything. But one thing I have noticed recently is an overall change in people's attitude towards work. The prevailing mentality is do as little as possible for as much as possible, retiring as soon as possible so we can continue to do as little as possible. And then complain about how bad the economy is. "All hard work brings a profit," is another saying. It seems to me that there are few problems that cannot be solved by plain old hard work.

Charity. "As you sow, so shall you reap." This is a truth the nation's farmers understand, but it escapes most everyone else. History teaches there is a cycle to all great nations, and part of that cycle is that they go from abundance to selfishness. Though Americans are the most generous of the world's peoples, their level of charitable giving pales with their level of income. Perhaps the answer to our economic woes is to take a larger chunk of what we do have and support those who have less - and I don't mean the forced redistribution of wealth. I mean freely giving to meet the needs of others, through the local church, charitable organizations, or directly to those less fortunate than we are. I have found that the more you give the more your get; benevolence always pays off in the long run.

In summary, the nation's economic situation is real and it affects all of us. However, the answer is not adding fuel to the fire by increased entitlement programs and debt, but by fostering a culture of generosity and hard work.

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Against All Hope

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:45:07 GMT

In his business classic, Good to Great, author Jim Collins recounts the remarkable story of Admiral Jim Stockdale, the highest ranking U.S. military officer to be imprisoned during the Vietnam War. Tortured over 20 times during his eight-year imprisonment, Stockdale is quoted as saying, "I never lost faith in the end of the story. I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which, in retrospect, I would not trade."

The title of the chapter - one I've read many times - conveys its central theme: "Confront the Brutal Facts (Yet Never Lose Faith)." In other words, you don't deny your present circumstances; but you don't accept them as final. Stockdale continued, "You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end - which you can never afford to lose - with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."

This is an important message for us all. Rarely are things the way we want them to be. In many cases the truth of our situation gives cause to fanciful delusions on the one hand, or a throwing in of the towel on the other. Ironically, it was the optimists who never made it out of the infamous Hanoi Hilton. These were the ones who refused to face the facts and made baseless claims of impending release. Tragically for them the day never came.

There is another historical figure that faced a similar challenge. Being the recipient of an extraordinary promise made to him by God, the Hebrew Abraham anticipated a son, upon whom the promise rested. Yet the years passed by and the time came when neither he nor his wife, Sarah, were physically capable of having children. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans recounts Abraham's posture:

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed . . . Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead - since he was about a hundred years old - and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver. . ." (Romans 4:18-20).

The reality is that many people's hopes and dreams are being shattered these days. Long-standing companies are going bankrupt, investments are disappearing, and jobs are being lost. Others are severely tested in other ways. These are the brutal facts. Yet they needn't be final, providing we believe that we can and will prevail in the end - even if there seems to be no basis for doing so. Like Jim Stockdale and the biblical figure Abraham, we've got to have faith in the "end of the story."

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Two Economies

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:40:47 GMT

I'm excited about 2009 - I think it's going to be a great year. That's because I am on a different economy.

I believe there are two economies at work in our country. One is the economy that you read about in the papers and hear on the news everyday - even on conservative talk shows. It is the economy of gloom and doom, of catastrophe, of bankruptcies and bailouts and billion dollar loans and trillion dollar debts. It is 7.6% unemployment (10.6% in Michigan) and millions of job losses.

The other economy is the one where the other 90% of people work for companies who may not be doing what they did in the nineties, but they're still providing a wide range of goods and services to those of us who use them. Locally speaking, it's the Meijer's and Kroger's of the world, the Spartan Motors and Demmer Corporation's, the C2AE's (an engineering and architecture firm) and the O'Leary Paint Company's that, despite all the dour predictions, are doing really quite well.

My wife and I were quite taken aback as we listened to Governor Granholm's State of the State address recently. If anyone has cause to be negative and grim, it is Governor Jennifer Granholm who, as leader of the State of Michigan, by and large bears the responsibility for its undesirable economic condition. Yet Governor Granholm was anything but grim; on the contrary, she was upbeat, positive - even somewhat excited. Why? Because she was not focused on all the bad news, but the good. While acknowledging that there would have to be more budget cuts (which are not necessarily bad), she cited case after case of new companies coming into Michigan, others expanding, still others venturing into new territory. I got the sense that Michigan is on a roll; that we're moving forward, and that good things lie just ahead. I actually felt good after listening to her - and I am not even a democrat!

I belong to a local networking group, and the leader of that group happens to be in a position where he has inside information as to what the job climate in Michigan is really like. And, according to him, there are tens of thousands of jobs in Michigan just waiting for qualified people to fill them. Maybe it's not so bad after all.

My point is this: notwithstanding that these are indeed uncertain times, and many people have been negatively affected, still there is every reason to be hopeful, to believe the best about the future. It is certainly not a time to sit back and wait for opportunity to come knocking, or to expect old business models to work. But neither is it time to lay down and die - figuratively speaking.

The two economies I speak of are, on the one hand, one of gloom and doom; and on the other hand, one of positive expectation. The reason I am excited about this year has to do with the latter.

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Be an Overcomer

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:36:14 GMT

Years ago I heard something that has stuck with me ever since. The man I was listening to said, in no uncertain terms, "it's either overcome, or be overcome." In other words, you have two options in life: you either win or you lose; there is no 'tie game.'

I teach John Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership on a regular basis, one of which is The Law of Victory. This law says that "leaders find a way for the team to win." Thus no matter your position in life, albeit husband, father, wife, mother, business owner or manager, team leader - you have some degree of influence, which Maxwell says is leadership. And your responsibility is to make sure you and those you are responsible for win.

"Victorious leaders," Maxwell states, find the alternative to winning unacceptable, so they find out what needs to be done to achieve victory, and then they go after it with everything at their disposal."

I have to admit that I have not always been of this mindset. In fact, I thought for the longest time that there was no way I could ensure winning, since there were so many variables outside my control. That's until - not long ago - a trusted friend sat across the lunch table from me and said, "Terry, your business will take off once you change your thinking about it."

Since that time I have come to understand that there are certain characteristics of an overcomer, some of which are as follows.

Relationship. If you stop and think for a moment, it's all about relationship - who you know and who knows you. Not in a strictly sales sense, but in the sense of being in the context of others where there is the potential for encouragement and the exchange of ideas. No man is an island, and I don't think you can win without others.

Tenacity. There's a proverb that speaks of men who "may trip seven times, but they will get up again." That to me is tenacity. You don't give up. Even though you experience set-backs, you keep going.

Focus. The Wall Street Journal some years ago ran this little poem on their editorial page: "The bumper sticker in my view was clever, I admit it; as soon as I had read it through, I laughed so hard I hit it" (Dick Emmons). Moral of story: don't get distracted from your central purpose.

Creativity. I am of the opinion that there is simply no way you can win in this current economic environment without coming up with new ways of doing things. Maxwell says "creativity is essential."

Diligence. This is similar to tenacity but to me implies a determination, a pressing forward, a relentlessness. I picture a person with this quality forging ahead, nothing lagging. He has a mission and won't rest until it is accomplished.

Process. We must understand that certain things take time. Short and long-term thinking is required if we are going to make it through. Overcoming is almost always a long term endeavor. If we are short-sighted and base our decisions on the immediate we'll likely make the wrong choices.

Right thinking. There is another proverb that says, "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." In other words, in order to get it right in the marketplace you've got to get it right in your heart and your head. Your attitude is everything, and as a leader it will shape your entire organization. You've got to think, act, and carry yourself like a winner.

Right speaking. What we say has incredible power. The words that come out of our mouths will shape not only our enterprises, but the very course of our lives. Our choice of words is very, very important if we want to win.

Faithfulness. This characteristic understands that the little things are the big things. It means attention to detail. Faithfulness sees that it's the little foxes that spoil the vine. The basics are important to any undertaking, and to be an overcomer we must practice them consistently.

In summary, I am not aware of anyone who is not currently challenged, and I think there may be more tests on the way. Regardless of the circumstances, however, our approach to business - and to life - must be to win. And that is my take on being an overcomer.

2 Comments

Terry Hart

January 15, 2010 4:07 pm

You’re welcome. There is always the temptation to get discouraged – believe me, I know! However, if we have a choice in the matter, and we do, it is better to opt for the positives. Good always – always – overcomes bad. I have found the best thing to do is to be faithful with what we have, are given to do, and leave the rest up to God. Glad the article helped.

sab13

January 15, 2010 12:20 pm

Thanks. That was encouraging and helpful. I’m now in a position where I have to manage without any real authority, and am trying to establish myself as a potential leader at a company I just recently joined. I had to start a couple of rungs lower than my last position as Operations Manager. I am now a program manager, and responsible for everthing related to my customers from cradle to grave, but have no real authority. I see that the culture is poisoned and am constantly trying to lead them, by example, in a direction that better suits the growth and success of the company. As you can imagine, it is easy to get discouraged. So, once again, thank you.

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The Extra Mile

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:43:35 GMT

It has been said that there are no traffic jambs on the extra mile because so few elect to travel there.

Not long ago Barb and I were dining at a local restaurant with my son and his wife when all of a sudden the manager showed up with a luscious dessert for the four of us. It was on the house, he indicated, having learned we were there to celebrate Barb's birthday. A short while later the waiter brought out our bill, and - to our surprise - $40 had been deducted from the total! "The manager wanted you to have that," he stated. Needless to say, we will certainly patronize that place again!

Outside of that instance I had to think long and hard as to whether I had ever been the recipient of something extra like that, over-and-above what was expected, and I couldn't recall another occasion. I even asked Barb, and she couldn't think of one either. I believe that's because there are not many willing to go beyond the norm. In fact, these days you have to check to make sure you're getting what you paid for to begin with!

What do I mean by the "extra mile"? It is a valuable principle that derives from a statement made by the world's greatest teacher, Jesus Christ, who said,

"Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two" (Matthew 4:41).

In other words, do more than you are required to do. Anyone can do what they are supposed to do, but it the rare person or company that goes a step further and does more than is expected of them. It is the difference between average and excellent, the good and the great.

Of course there are risks involved. One such hazard is the person who takes advantage of your generosity, expecting more from you than you are willing or able to give. After all, even the smallest gestures have costs associated with them. Another is the individual or entity who compels you to go two or three miles - what do you do then?

I have to admit there have been times when I have retracted from applying this principle for these very reasons. In the long run, however, I am convinced that it is the little things that add value to your organization, that keep customers coming back.

Pastor and author Dave Williams recently stated that "the second mile is short compared to the benefits at the end of that mile." The truth is that there will never be any want of opportunity for the company that is committed to exceeding expectations. These are the businesses that will thrive regardless of economic conditions. Some companies will cut corners and at the same time try and make you think you got what you paid for. Others will simply deliver on their promises. A few others, however, will go above and beyond the call of duty, adding that small extra touch that makes you want to call on them again and again.

I want my company to be one of the latter.

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Why Jesus was Born on Christmas Day

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 21:55:03 GMT

It=s easy to forget that the person whose birth date we celebrate December 25, 2008, came for a purpose. And while I may be saying things that have been said before, I would be remiss if I didn’t recall the reason why this child whom they named Jesus appeared on the scene some 2,000 years ago.

The answer is simple. It was for guys like me.

You see, I am one of the people this child, when he grew up and became a man, said he came to seek out and save. AIt is not the healthy who need a doctor,@ Jesus said, Abut the sick.@

An accurate description for a man who despaired of life and had no hope of it ever getting better. A man who knew he needed God but rejected Christianity and wanted nothing to do with this purported >son= of God.

Yet, for reasons perhaps I=ll never know, I was wanted by him, and somehow, by means even more mysterious, he was able to persuade me that his ways were better than mine, and that what I really needed was a relationship with him.

It was a relief I must say, to realize there was help for this illness I suffered, this disease of the heart. The cure was this Christ I had resisted. But now I welcomed him.

What would compel a man who was said to be the savior of the world to come for a person like me?

He came because he was compelled by love.

It was because God loved the world that he sent his son. Christ so loved God that he came. Both knew that my deepest need was love.

What an amazing love it is. Why else would one by whom and for whom the heavens were made and the earth sent spinning in space condescend to such a low estate?

Why would he who was eternal and immortal confine himself to a body that grew hungry and thirsty and felt pain and sorrow and joy?

Why would such royalty stoop to hay and rubble and the smell of animals at the time of his birth?

Why else would this all-powerful being live in relative obscurity for thirty years, knowing who he was and what he came to do, yet keeping it secret until the time came for him to be revealed.

Why else would this one who could call down legions of angels in his defense allow wicked men to beat him and nail his tattered body to a tree?

Why else would this one of a kind allow himself to be cut off from his Father, from whom he received direction for every word and step? AMy God, why have you forsaken me?@ he cried from the cross.

I tell you that he did it because of love, and he did it for me.

But that=s not all. Not only was he born on Christmas day to die for sorry souls like Terry Hart, he came to tell us of a new order, a heavenly one. AThe kingdom of God has arrived,@ he said. AYou must change your hearts and minds and believe the good news!@ (Mk. 1:15, Phillips)

His was a call to people who wanted something better and who recognized their ways to be so far from those of God=s that only a miracle could bridge the distance. This is what this God in man=s body came to do.

His was a kingdom Anot of this world,@ the government of which would be his responsibility. He was called AWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.@ His kingdom would grow and grow and never come to an end.

All this love, all this purpose, all this power, wrapped up in a tiny babe, whose mother and father gathered >round on a cold winter=s night in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.

All this, for a man like me, who could never dream of such riches in a million years.

This is why Jesus came. This is why I remember the day he was born.

1 Comment

spinnakerjksc

December 20, 2008 10:04 pm

You’re Right. God’s Love is truly amazing.

Jordan
http://www.theriverjordan.net

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The Change We Really Need

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:57:13 GMT

We kept hearing during the presidential campaign the mantra of change - not a small attraction for those who were fed up with the current state of things, and a common call to youthful idealism. And now we are getting a glimpse of what that change will be - all three branches of government controlled by the same party, an administration comprised largely of previous and liberal politicians, and an approach to ruling that has a definite socialist bent.

The change we really need, however, is of a different sort. It is not political per se, but it will affect one's views on politics. It is not financial, although it will put us in the right concerning money. And it is not ideological, but it will direct our thinking as to how things ought to be. The real change required to make our lives and our country better is one of the heart, and it is referred to in the Bible as repentance.

Repentance in the holy writ is really twofold. In one testament it means to change course, go a different direction, change your behavior. In the other, written in the Greek language, it denotes a change of mind, a change of thinking. And both meanings indicate moving away from one thing, and toward another.

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," were among the first words of Jesus the Christ. Before him, the prophet John the Baptist was saying the same thing. And Jesus, upon sending out his first missionaries, instructed them to preach the exact message. All throughout the the Bible, and especially the New Testament, and right to the very end, this message is repeated, both to Christians and the Church, and to those outside the church.

It is a message we all need to hear once again.

The apostle Paul, speaking in Athens at the time, told his audience that God was now commanding all men to repent, because he had appointed a day on which they would be judged. The point being that, regardless of whether we agree or not, there is forthcoming a judgment, whereupon we all shall give account of ourselves to God. A good reason, I believe, to make sure our heads and our hearts are in the right place.

But it isn't just future judgment we should be concerned about - and this is what I am aiming at. It is our present situation that warrants our attention. Call it what you may, but the current financial crisis could well be a clarion call to us to make a drastic change - a change as to where we put our trust, whose drum beat we march to, and where our affections lie.

The change the Bible calls for is one in which we shun our reliance upon ourselves, our elected officials, and the almighty dollar, and direct it instead to the living God - the God who has told us in the Bible how we ought to live, and who says with longing in his heart, "repent or perish." It is a change were we leave our worthless idols of money, material goods, and false security, and turn instead to the One to Whom our forefathers went in times of trouble, and Who gave us all these things to begin with.

Indeed, unless we heed the call to go back to our roots - and I mean our Christian roots, I fear our going forward, that we shall have to learn our lesson the hard way. And it will be very, very hard.

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For Openers. . .

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:58:59 GMT

Those of us who are Christians - and many non-Christians for that matter - make the mistake that we have God pegged, all figured out; that we know what He is going to do and when He is going to do it and how He is going to get it done. What foolishness! Even the apostle Paul did not presume to know fully the mind and ways of God. So should we?

This is what Paul concludes after he has just laid out God's extrordinary plan for His people Israel:

"O the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has (Iever) been His counselor? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things (For all things originate with Him, and come from Him, all things live through Him and all things center in and tend to consumate and to end in Him). To Him be glory forever! Amen" (Romans 11:33-36, Amplified).

This puts things in perspective. While I firmly believe a person can know the will of God for his or her life, I have also learned from experience that we don't always get it right, we don't always get full disclosure, it doesn't always play out the way we think it will. Ultimately, God knows precisely what He is going to do, when and how - and He's not necessarily obligated to tell us! Our job is to trust Him.

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Three Keys to Prospering in Your Work

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What Goes into the Cost of a Paint Job

Labor

Materials

Overhead & Profit

Do you need painting advice?

Keep Your Commercial Property Watertight

Do you need painting advice?

Regular Maintenance Extends Life of Paint

Do you need painting advice?

What Goes into the Cost of a Paint Job

Labor

Materials

Overhead & Profit

Do you need painting advice?

Proper Preparation Key to Lasting Results

Protection

Exterior Preparation

Power-washing

Hand-prep

Caulking and priming

Interior Preparation

Do you need painting advice?

When to Repaint Your Commercial Building

What to look for

Do you need painting advice?

Residential and Commercial Painting Contractors–Are They Different?

The first is just that: is it a legitimate business?

Another distinction is this: a safety program.

Insurance.

Legal compliance.

Size and scope of projects.

Longevity and reputation.

Do you need painting advice?

The Benefits of Repainting Your Commercial Building

Painting increases your property’s value

Painting extends your property's life span

Painting can attract new clients and customers

Painting sets your property apart

﻿

Painting improves employee morale and productivity

Painting keeps your property compliant

Do you need painting advice?

What to Look for in a Painting Contractor

#1 Check if the painting contractor has insurance

#2 Licensing

﻿

#3 Request for references

#4 Ask if the painting contractor provides a guarantee or warranty

#5 Check if the painting contractor uses high-quality materials

#6 Make sure the painting contractor prioritizes safety

#7 Other things to consider

Do you need painting advice?

Choosing the Right Commercial Wall Paint

Flat (or Matte)

Eggshell

Satin

Semi-gloss

Gloss

Do you need painting advice?

Painting an Occupied Building

Set a schedule

Inform occupants in advance

Paint in stages

Stay safe

Be aware of paint fumes

How Color Affects Us

Warm colors

Cool colors

Neutral colors

What are the best colors for productivity?

What to Consider Before Starting a Painting Project

Blasted into Business

Tips for Upgrading Your Property

Our Core Values

The Power of Gratitude

A Rude but Welcomed Awakening

Why Core Values are Important

Written by Terry Hart

Written by Terry Hart