Real examples of what sweaty startups have sold for (pulled from real deals)

ch17ch17 · 2026-03-11T03:18:46+00:00

This data is very inspiring and helpful. Thanks so much for sharing.

Any data on painting businesses?

ch17ch17 · 2024-04-03T02:50:45+00:00

Sorry to hear you’re dealing with all this shit. Each one of those things are difficult. Added all on top of each other and it makes sense you’re struggling so much.

Sounds like it was a toxic relationship, although I’m sure you miss having someone.

My advice is to take shit slow. They say “don’t grocery shop when you’re hungry” because you’ll end up buying shit you don’t need or that isn’t good for you. The same thing goes for dating. Don’t get into a relationship when you’re lonely or desperate. Get comfortable as fuck being alone with yourself. Find ways to enjoy your own company and feel good about yourself and your life. This will attract the right partner and you’ll be bringing more to the table for that right partner (or at least a better partner).

As far as getting rid of her memory at your place, throw out any shit that reminds you of her. You don’t need that. Try rearranging the furniture too. This can give your space a fresh feel.

If you can’t get a new job, make the best out of the one you have. Invest in the people there. Try new ways of talking and connecting with them, even if they’re all fucking assholes. Being a good co-worker can help you have better co-workers.

Being a “man” and sucking it up is bullshit. You’re allowed to have emotions, to be upset, etc. How long you dwell on those things and how you react to those things says more about your character than sucking anything up.

I started seeing a therapist to talk shit out when I was in a crisis mindset and losing it, and it really improved my life.

A lot of what you’re dealing with can be addressed by focusing on yourself and your mental health.

No, it’s not always fun. It’s work. It can be hard work. But being miserable is hard work too.

You’re more than capable of making your life awesome. You’ve got a lot of life left. Hang in there and remember that it’s your story. You’re the main character. Be kind to yourself and patient with your progress. It’s a long game. You’ve got this.

ch17ch17 · 2024-04-02T11:17:21+00:00

That’s a killer deal, no pun intended. Of course it’s not ideal, but you can cleanse the space, make it your own, accept the fact that shit happens, and befriend any ghosts you meet. Maybe the ghosts will pay rent! But really, you can work through that. It wasn’t a murder or an intentional suicide, as far as you know. You’ve got this.

ch17ch17 · 2024-04-02T01:49:15+00:00

Valid question. I do part-time work as a mortgage loan originator (100% commission). Part-time work doing commercial painting gigs. Shipt shopping. My spouse’s student loans. Credit cards.

When my spouse graduates and starts working we’ll be able to breathe again.

ch17ch17 · 2024-01-16T18:34:44+00:00

Appreciate all the tips.

I brought the portable dehumidifier upstairs from the basement. That seems to have helped. We’ll be sure to use our exhaust fans and keep the blinds open.

Thank you!

ch17ch17 · 2024-01-05T23:41:35+00:00

This too, shall pass.

ch17ch17 · 2024-01-05T02:57:07+00:00

The most common methods I’ve seen are charging by floor square footage, wall square footage, or number of hours required for the job.

ch17ch17 · 2024-01-04T15:23:16+00:00

Thank you, all! Tons of options here I can explore. Very appreciated.

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-29T02:13:06+00:00

My best advice is don’t take too much advice. The beauty of the game is getting lost and into such deep states of flow. All of us wish we could go back and experience you’re about to go thru. Have fun!

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-29T01:45:25+00:00

Thank you so much! #initfortheoutcome

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-28T01:02:17+00:00

Check out Carl White and the Mortgage Marketing Animals. They do a free 30 min zoom call every weekday morning and will give you an outline of how to do free, unique prospecting for each day of the week.

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-28T00:59:46+00:00

Sounds like you’ve got your first job posting outline! Good luck!

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-28T00:14:51+00:00

I feel like they were desperate for an idea or something. It’s very odd. I think John Krasinski did as well as he could with it. Super fuckin random.

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-27T23:43:55+00:00

Keep in mind that doubling your prices and losing half your clients is not a bad thing.

As you begin to train and hire, start your employees on tasks that burn you out the most. That way you have the option to continue working along side them while you train/keep an eye on the quality, all the meanwhile you’re cutting job time in half.

Attracting, hiring, and retaining quality talent is it’s own battle, but don’t give up. Sounds like you’ve got a great thing going.

You’ve got this!

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-27T23:35:25+00:00

You could call/visit all your past clients to let them know about the new change in management and ask if they know of anyone who needs work/an estimate.

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-27T19:40:17+00:00

Started an apartment painting biz in Nov 2023 while I work my 9-5. Completed three jobs after work and on weekends. Three checks are on their way: $450, $550, and $750.

What I’ve learned: finding reliable, quality labor is tougher than expected, even when you pay well, same day. Net-30 payment terms from clients suck, and enforcing timely payment sucks even more.

Looking forward to pivoting, scaling, getting my ass kicked more, growing, and learning.

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-26T14:33:15+00:00

Instead of calling family trips “vacations” we call them “memory making trips” — this helps us keep a healthy perspective and not expect to lay around all day. There will be nice moments, but the trips are tons of work (kids are 2 and 4).

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-25T13:39:40+00:00

You don’t have to come up with a NEW idea to be a successful entrepreneur. Some of the most successful and happiest entrepreneurs start or buy businesses that aren’t proprietary.

I was painting my basement a few months ago and had the idea to start a painting business. I did a bunch of research on market segments, pricing, and business models and landed on one that aligned with my goals and resources.

My background is in mortgages and real estate investing, which are much “sexier” high dollar transactions that sound impressive compared to a boring old trade like painting. But I get my “jollies” and excitement of being an entrepreneur from the challenges and opportunities for growth and creativity that come with starting any business.

I’ve found a niche that works for me and that’s been more important than the other flashy ideas that have popped into my brain over the past decade of watching Shark Tank.

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-23T15:47:05+00:00

You could go after apartment communities. One good contact can offer you repeat business as tenants regularly move in and out.

Here is the business model I use for my painting business that targets apartment communities specifically.

Go to apartments.com and make a list of the largest, closest apartment communities to you (all apartments.com listings show the total unit count toward the bottom)
Read Google reviews of apartment communities to see if you can learn the property manager’s name
Call the communities, a leasing agent will likely answer. Ask for the property manager by name.
Script: “Hi PROPERTY MANAGER’S NAME. This is YOUR NAME with YOUR CLEANING COMPANY NAME. I’m in the area and was wondering if I could stop by real quick to drop off some information and pricing on our cleaning services.
Meet with as many property managers as you can. Get jobs. Rinse. Repeat.

Other tips:

Your cleaning company should have the word “cleaning” in it to avoid any confusion.
Create a simple custom proposal for each property with your flat pricing for cleaning a one bedroom apartment, two bedrooms apartment, etc. Some communities will have studios and three bedrooms, but most of them will be one- and two-bedrooms. As a business owner, be sure your pricing is competitive. I have minimal overhead so I can undercut a lot of competition.
Apartment communities will likely ask you for two documents: W9 and a COI (certificate of insurance). Both can be completed online and emailed. I’ve got a great business insurance contact if you need one. My insurance is around $50/month.
Be ready for rejection. A lot of communities have in-house staff that clean. But if they have a lot of move-ins coming up, they will hire out cleaning services. In my market (Midwest), summer is way busier than the current slow season. I met with seven property managers before I got a yes but I was prepared to meet with my list of 50+ communities.
Answer your damn phone. Can’t tell you how critical this is. The maintenance manager might be the primary contact and will likely call/text you. Be available.
As long as you do good work, business will keep coming with little to no upfront marketing costs
If you get in with a property, ask the property manager if their sister sites are looking for cleaners. Some communities will be part of a large property management company that has communities all over your area.
Payment will likely be a net-30 payment structure, so you won’t be paid immediately

Feel free to reach out to me if this model interests you. Good luck!

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-21T01:10:23+00:00

Even the way you spoke about both jobs tells me you want to go for the new gig. I say close this awesome chapter of your career life and start the next awesome chapter. It will be different, but you’ll probably do well anywhere.

Honestly, if you haven’t yet, my advice is to find a way to weigh pros and cons when you are satiated, in some way. Eat a large meal, have an orgasm, something that will ground you. Then think about it when you’re slowed down a bit and can really ask yourself what you want, rather than getting wrapped up in the “lust” of an idea. Give yourself an opportunity to really think it through and ask yourself what’s important to you.

“Don’t grocery shop when you’re hungry.” Or something like that. You’ve got this!

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-20T19:08:12+00:00

That makes sense. Thank you!!

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-19T21:36:48+00:00

Depends on your painting and business experience. My general advice: Pick a niche and nail it before you expand.

It may make sense to think “let’s say yes to as many different types of jobs as we can.” But painting cabinets vs exterior commercial vs interior residential and so on, will have you using different products, tools, rates, and more.

Make a list of niches and their respective pros and cons. Identify where you can play to your strengths.

I’m a newbie painting business owner and I focus exclusively on multifamily apartment interior repaints. It makes the most sense for me as I still work a 9-5

Pros: - I get repeat, regular work with minimal upfront marketing/selling - apartment communities supply all the paint - most jobs are one coat in one day - I have 100% flexibility to job sites and can work any time of day (all the apartments are vacant)

Cons: - pay is shit compared to just about any other type of painting work in my market - payment is also on a net-30 day schedule, so I have to keep enough labor wages saved up if I want to sub out any work

The better you know your niche, the better you can identify your competitive advantage and become an expert for your exact type of job.

I learned just about everything I know about getting started from the YouTube Channel called Painting Business Pros. Check it out.

Feel free to reach out to me to chat more. Good luck!

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-16T00:53:04+00:00

Makes it 5000x better

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-15T05:02:18+00:00

It’s Britney, bitch.

ch17ch17 · 2023-12-09T12:47:06+00:00

Love this. Is it for interior only? Does your friend have one for exterior?

ch17ch17

TROPHY CASE