Longtime Entrepreneur Finds Stability and Flexibility With Trusted Painting Services Brand
Earl Gelineau never set out to build a career in the painting industry. It just always seemed to find him. Looking back, he understands why. “No matter the economy or trends, people will always need paint,” he says. “Homes, businesses, new construction — there’s always something that could use a fresh coat.”
From the time he was 12, Glena was part of that ever-present demand, working for his family’s painting business and later painting through college. Even when he pursued a sales career after graduation, painting followed. His first job happened to be with industry giant Sherwin-Williams.
After years of being surrounded by it, he realized he didn’t just want to be part of the painting industry — he wanted to take control of his future within it. “I wanted what my dad had back when I was a kid — my own schedule.” So when the opportunity to own a painting business presented itself, he didn’t hesitate. “A friend told me that someone was selling a painting company, and it happened to be CertaPro Painters.”
That was in 2000. More than two decades later, Gelineau has built a thriving business in Rhode Island, owning all three territories in the state and enjoying the flexibility of being his own boss. “As a CertaPro franchise owner, I have been able to catch my kids’ games and travel with my family. It’s been a game changer.”
Today, his operation includes 11 office employees, 12 field workers and between 25 to 30 team members who handle specialty tasks like wallpapering. The mix of residential and commercial work has helped the business stay steady. “Even through downturns like the mortgage crisis, our brand has always been consistent,” he explains. “Maybe people didn’t have their whole house painted, but they’d paint two sides of it. They knew we weren’t going anywhere. People trust CertaPro.”
A Strong Industry
Painting is a booming industry with no signs of slowing down. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global paints and coatings market was valued at over $160 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $235 billion by 2029. This ever-present demand makes painting franchises a strong investment, even for those without industry experience. CertaPro Painters provides the training and support needed to thrive, whether a franchisee has a painting background like Gelineau or is new to the business.
While residential projects have long been a staple of his business, Gelineau sees huge potential in commercial painting. “The commercial market is so untapped,” he says. His company started with condo associations before moving into more specialized projects. “Now we do high-end industrial work with wastewater treatment plants fabricating and installing gutters and downspouts.”
To stand out in these competitive markets, Gelineau and his team invest in training and safety. “We spend a lot to make sure our guys are certified and knowledgeable,” he says. “It’s a slow process to build trust, especially when working with million-dollar equipment.”
Support and Collaboration
Gelineau says CertaPro’s Flight Group Program has been one of the biggest advantages of being part of the franchise. This mastermind-style support group is designed to help franchisees grow and refine their businesses. “We have four or five franchisees in our group, and we meet three to four times a year in person to work on business plans, leadership development and hiring strategies,” Gelineau explains. “A corporate staff member helps guide us, which is great for Type-A personalities like mine.”
The Flight Group Program fosters peer learning and collaboration. “You’re constantly learning. You might get insights from someone ahead of you, or you might be the one giving advice,” he says. “I even learn from people who are new to the system. Everyone brings different ideas.”
CertaPro’s marketing support has also played a crucial role in Gelineau’s success. “Corporate is always creating new opportunities,” he says. “If you’re willing to invest in your business, they’re willing to invest in you.” Franchisees can participate in co-ops where pooled funds enhance advertising efforts in specific regions. “They move advertising dollars around the country, offering additional radio or TV exposure.”
Each region also has dedicated marketing consultants who specialize in different areas like direct mail, SEO and digital campaigns. “It’s nice to have access to people who really know their stuff.”
For more information about the CertaPro Painters franchise, visit the company’s website.
