Ryan Parr of Nashville Painting Professionals: Five Things I Learned As A Twenty-Something Founder
An Interview With Doug Noll
Despite the challenges, running your own business offers freedom and independence. Waking up every day excited to work on something you’re passionate about is incredibly rewarding. While it’s a constant challenge, having a clear vision and knowing you’re working towards your goals makes it all worthwhile.
As a part of our series called “My Life as a TwentySomething Founder”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ryan Parr.
As the owner and president of Nashville Painting Professionals, Ryan Parr launched the company in July 2020 with a vision to provide top-notch painting services to residential and commercial clients in the Nashville area. Building upon the success of Nashville Painting Professionals, Ryan expanded his venture to Charlotte in January 2022, establishing Charlotte Painting Professionals. Leveraging his skills and experience, Ryan has led the growth of both companies in two competitive markets, offering high-quality painting and remodeling services.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! What is your “backstory”?
My journey begins in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I attended UNC Charlotte. From a young age, I aspired to emulate the entrepreneurial success of my uncles and grandfather. Fresh out of school, I secured a position with Sherwin Williams in their product finish division. However, the onset of COVID-19 resulted in the discontinuation of my program. Despite this setback, I pivoted to another division within Sherwin Williams. It was during this period that I embarked on the journey of establishing Nashville Painting Professionals on the side. Over time, we experienced steady growth, shaping our path to where we stand today.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you since you started your company? What lessons or takeaways did you take out of that story?
One of the wildest experiences occurred when I was only nine months into the business. We undertook large project — 9000 sq. ft. of walls, trim, and ceilings — that we were clearly unprepared for. Every possible mishap unfolded. I had to leave town briefly for family matters and received a shocking call from the client: the crew was hosting a spontaneous party on-site. As a young entrepreneur, I was left speechless; I never fathomed such a scenario. Despite the setback, I was grateful when the client granted me another chance. I spared no effort to rectify the situation, even if it meant a substantial financial loss. This incident taught me a valuable lesson: in times of crisis, exhaust every option to set things right. As it turned out, perseverance paid off, and we saved the project in the end.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
What sets our company apart is our unwavering commitment to communication, exceptional quality of work, and a team that takes immense pride in everything they do. As evidenced by my previous story, facing challenges head-on and refusing to walk away, even in the toughest times, is the true essence of our resilience and longevity in the industry.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I can’t take sole credit for our business’s success. Over the past 3 and a half years, it’s been a collective effort involving many individuals. It all began with my entrepreneurial uncles from North Carolina, who encouraged me to take risks and emphasized the importance of resilience. My family has been my pillar of support through thick and thin, always pushing me to excel and instilling in me the values of hard work and integrity. However, the person who has had the most significant impact on my business is my grandfather, Lou Padilla. Coming from humble beginnings, he taught me invaluable lessons about success and cautioned me against hasty decisions. Our daily conversations about life and business have been instrumental in shaping my journey, and if I can emulate his qualities, I’ll consider it a great achievement.
Are you working on any exciting projects now?
Currently, we’re engaged in a variety of exciting commercial projects alongside custom residential homes. Among them, one project stands out as a personal favorite: Restoration Hardware. Spanning 45,000 sq. ft. of walls, trim, and ceilings, we initially estimated an eight-week completion timeline. However, we faced an unexpected challenge when the deadline was shortened to just four weeks, requiring night shifts. Overcoming this daunting task was a testament to the dedication of our project manager and team, who persevered through 26 consecutive nights. Successfully completing this project ranks among the most significant achievements for Nashville Painting Professionals.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I believe I’ve been able to make a positive impact in the world, both financially and through encouragement. Starting a company requires support and encouragement from others. I’ve had the privilege of receiving assistance from several individuals who have encouraged me along the way, and I’ve also been able to offer encouragement to others embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys. When someone provides encouragement and instills confidence in another person, it can truly make a difference in the world.
Do you have a favorite book that made a deep impact on your life? Can you share a story?
One of my all-time favorite books is “The E Myth.” Many people believe that to run a successful business, you need to be involved in every aspect of it. However, this book teaches you the importance of not just working in your business, but on your business. Learning this concept early on has been instrumental in our growth. I believe in finding the best people for each area of the company, whether it’s marketing, branding, accounting, or sales, and delegating tasks to those whose strengths align with these areas. This approach has helped steer the business in the right direction.
Can you share 5 of the most difficult and most rewarding parts of being a “TwentySomething founder”. Please share an example or story for each.
Being your own boss is not easy, and it’s not for everybody, but I encourage everyone who wants to try it.
1 . One of the most challenging aspects is getting people to buy into the company’s vision and culture. Building a strong team where everyone understands their value and importance is crucial. When everyone is aligned and committed to the company’s mission, the results speak for themselves.
2 . Another significant aspect of running a business is leadership. As the owner, you don’t have a boss to turn to for guidance. You’re responsible for making all the decisions and leading your team forward. Encouraging and supporting your team, especially during challenging times, is essential. When employees know you have their back, they’ll give their best.
3 . Learning to say no is another challenge, especially for young entrepreneurs. While it’s natural to want to please everyone, sometimes it’s necessary to decline opportunities that aren’t the right fit. Saying no can lead to better outcomes in the long run.
4 . Growing too fast can also be detrimental to a business. While ambitious goals are great, rushing growth can lead to costly mistakes. It’s essential to take things step by step and listen to mentors who advise patience and careful planning.
5 . Despite the challenges, running your own business offers freedom and independence. Waking up every day excited to work on something you’re passionate about is incredibly rewarding. While it’s a constant challenge, having a clear vision and knowing you’re working towards your goals makes it all worthwhile.
What are the main takeaways that you would advise a twenty year old who is looking to found a business?
For a twenty-year-old aspiring entrepreneur, there are several crucial takeaways to consider when venturing into the world of business. First, building a strong team is essential. Surrounding oneself with individuals who share the same passion, values, and dedication can significantly contribute to the success of the venture. Developing leadership skills is equally important. Taking ownership of decisions, inspiring team members, and effectively managing challenges are key aspects of leadership that can propel the business forward. Learning to say no is another valuable lesson. While it may be tempting to pursue every opportunity, discerning between what aligns with the long-term vision and what doesn’t is crucial for sustainable growth. Strategic growth is also paramount. Rather than aiming for rapid expansion, focusing on steady, deliberate growth ensures stability and quality control. Finally, embracing the journey is essential. Entrepreneurship is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, filled with ups and downs. Maintaining resilience, staying committed to the vision, and finding joy in the process are integral parts of the entrepreneurial journey for any young business founder.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this.
When I think of an exemplary figure in entrepreneurship, Jimmy Hiller of Hiller Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Services immediately comes to mind. As a young entrepreneur eager to expand my own company, I greatly admire how the Hiller brand has grown. Their smiley face logo is iconic; I’d wager that more than half of Nashville residents recognize it instantly. I’m particularly impressed by how they’ve scaled from a local Nashville operation to a multi-location enterprise. Sitting down with Jimmy, I’d love to ask him to reflect on his journey and seek advice on how Nashville Painting Professionals can become the go-to name in Nashville for all painting services.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanparr2/
https://www.instagram.com/nashvillepaintingprofessionals/
https://m.facebook.com/tnpaintingprofessionals/
http://www.nashvillepaintingprofessionals.com/
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
About the Interviewer: Douglas E. Noll, JD, MA was born nearly blind, crippled with club feet, partially deaf, and left-handed. He overcame all of these obstacles to become a successful civil trial lawyer. In 2000, he abandoned his law practice to become a peacemaker. His calling is to serve humanity, and he executes his calling at many levels. He is an award-winning author, teacher, and trainer. He is a highly experienced mediator. Doug’s work carries him from international work to helping people resolve deep interpersonal and ideological conflicts. Doug teaches his innovative de-escalation skill that calms any angry person in 90 seconds or less. With Laurel Kaufer, Doug founded Prison of Peace in 2009. The Prison of Peace project trains life and long terms incarcerated people to be powerful peacemakers and mediators. He has been deeply moved by inmates who have learned and applied deep, empathic listening skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills to reduce violence in their prison communities. Their dedication to learning, improving, and serving their communities motivates him to expand the principles of Prison of Peace so that every human wanting to learn the skills of peace may do so. Doug’s awards include California Lawyer Magazine Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year, Purpose Prize Fellow, International Academy of Mediators Syd Leezak Award of Excellence, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals Neutral of the Year. His four books have won a number of awards and commendations. Doug’s podcast, Listen With Leaders, is now accepting guests. Click on this link to learn more and apply.
