Dear prospective franchisee,

Two years ago I was in your shoes. I had a contract, a pen, and a student works manager all smiling  back at me. I signed that contract. At that point in time, I never had a chance to read testimonials from previous franchisees (what I am writing today). I would like to tell you a little about my experience with student works painting. The good, as well as the bad.

What you are about to embark on is a journey that will mature you as a person beyond belief. You will mature in countless ways, I believe that I changed from an immature kid to a savvy student more prepared for the “real world.” Nothing will prepare you for your future endeavours in business quite like this opportunity. This job is 100% you. The tools are put in place for you to succeed beyond your wildest beliefs in terms of monetary value as well as a great resume builder, that employers do look at. The choice is yours weather you want to run with it, or fail.

Everything from training to the support system is top notch, the reason why this company is successful, and continues to operate is because of this. You can rely on the systems put in place by student works painting to help you succeed.

Back in November 2008, I was the stereotypical “chatch” student. I partied, I relied on my parents money, and was generally lazy and ignorant to any other lifestyle besides this. The previous summer i worked in a kitchen doing day prep with my friends. It was fun, but it was useless. I made about 6 thousand dollars that summer (which was barely able to cover my expenses for a semester). Essentially, at school I lived a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. Debt was building. Did I care? not really, I had mommy and daddy to fall back on in case of that. That November I saw an advertisement for student works at my school. I went through the interview process, which was quite long (longer than anything I have been used to). I was offered the job and “signed my life away” and basically forgot about it until January when the training started.

As January approached, I did not know what to expect with training. I was unsure how much information of painting and running a business i could retain from a three day seminar. I came out of training feeling nervous yet confident in the new information i received. The training provided is excellent (I was scared of signing as well, I’ve never painted before).  I’m not sure what else to say about the training provided, other than the fact that it is excellent. If you go, take notes, listen, and take it seriously you will be prepared for the challanges that await.

The next few months was a blur for me. The pre-season, doing estimates, booking work, studying for exams was intense. It will be the hardest semester that you have ever faced. Take it seriously, put in the time neccessary, follow the systems. You will succeed. All this job is is a numbers game. You put in the time, you will be rewarded. If you don’t want to put in the time, don’t waste your time.

As soon as school was over for me, painting was coming. I was terriffied.  I have never painted in my life, people were paying thousands for paint jobs, and i have to train people to paint for me. It was a lot to swallow.  The district manager provided for you is your life line, but unlike the show “who wants to be a millionaire” you can use that life line again and again. Do it. Phone your manager every day. Ask questions. When you feel like your being annoying, ask him more questions.

The summer will be one of the hardest endeavours you will have faced so far. Your stress level will be through the roof, your social life will be put on hold. However, at the end of the summer you will come out on top.  At the end of summer I was out of debt. In one year, I cleared my debt.  one word. Unbelievable. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I won a free trip to mexico. As a bonus, my school life got much easier. I was used to a crazy work schedule, so when school started in september again, if almost felt like a vacation for me.

If you are thinking about taking the leap, I say do it. However, as a warning, If you are not willing to put in the time don’t bother.. but if you do, the sky is the limit.

Erik Marchand

Senior Student Works Manager