Interview with Rob Davenport, sole proprietor
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: As an artist, I needed a business that allowed me to use my talents. I, of course, paint canvases as well, but that is a notoriously fickle way to make a living, so I came up with the idea to also provide a service painting marble, granite or tile onto electrical plates, switches and outlets, to blend with the backsplashes in kitchens.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: There are, to my knowledge, only a handful of people anywhere that do this as a full-time business. So there is really no one to even compare me with, I suppose. However, I did develop a special system that, though labor intensive, results in a highly durable end result. Some of my jobs are 14 years old, and still looking like the day I painted them. I guarantee my paintwork will not chip. And I have never seen anyone get a closer color match than I do.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I get to play with color all day. For an artist, it doesn’t get much better than that. And it’s always a challenge. Plus, I am in nice houses, doing work for really nice people who really appreciate what I do. I get lots of great compliments. I think I do the best job of its kind on the planet, so I feel good about it at the end of the day. Life is pretty sweet.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Marketing is the main challenge. It is just me working, so there is not a budget for big ad campaigns that might help me find that small percentage of people who, no doubt, wish they knew about me. So it’s mostly referrals. The other issue is, I am the very last one coming in on remodels. Sometimes all the money is spent before I get there.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: That I paint more than outlets. I have painted everything imaginable. Heaters to look like stone or wood, vents. Speaker grilles. Electrical boxes to look like brick. Wall phones and even weight scales. I also do repairs, which includes wood and stone, but also lifesize Chinese statues and even a number of Gucci purses. I am always wondering what people will want me to do next.
Profile
Business: Taken for Granite LLC
Address: 2919 S. Lafayette Drive, Englewood
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Founded: 2000
Contact: 303-249-3431,
Employees: 1
