Spotlight on...
Chris Kerfoot Painter and Decorator
How long have you been a painter and decorator? I started on a YTC in 1989 before undertaking an indentured apprenticeship.
Do you have a specialist area? I don’t specifically have a specialist area as I cover all aspects of decorating, mainly domestic. I gave up commercial and new build to enjoy a more stress free work environment.
How long have you been a member of the PDA? I have been a PDA Member since February this year after plenty of thought about joining. I was eventually sold after weighing up all the pros and cons.
How has membership of the PDA benefitted you? The membership fee has paid for itself already, with some help I received from the legal advice team.
Do you have any tips on maintaining a successful business? Having a professional presentation in all areas: from paperwork, uniform to van. I believe customers look at vans and think ‘if that's the state of your own belongings I don't want you touching mine.’ It's been said by customers that I was chosen above others due to my van and the professionalism of my quote packs.
Other than that be approachable and respectful. I've found customers need to feel comfortable with you in their property, especially females. Remember you’re sometimes working in areas of their house they keep private.
What would you say to encourage young people to become a painter and decorator? Organisation is the king. The old boy I was paired with mostly on my apprenticeship used to always say, "Work smart, not hard kid". That has always stuck with me. Hence anyone who knows me knows how obsessed I am with organisation. ‘Particular’ was how some work friends called my methods!
Which aspect of the industry do you find most rewarding? Seeing the final project come together. We are nearly always last on the job, but we get to see the finished project other trades don't. Bringing a customers’ ideas to fruition. When they walk in the room and you can see the delight on their face from that wow factor.
Where do you think the industry is going in the future? I think the industry is heading more towards water based paints technologies and I believe one of the biggest things to enter our trade will be uPVC painting with companies like Kolorbond transforming the plastics trade.
Are you currently training any apprentices, and if not, do you intend to do so in the future? I'm not currently training any apprentices at the moment, after a poor experience last year, prior to that it was 10 years ago. I won't take any on now (which is a shame) unless indentured apprenticeships are brought back in.
What are the most annoying problems you come across at work? Following poor unskilled tradespeople that are chancing it. There seems to be an upsurge
in property maintenance
companies that sell on the fact they can do anything. Some of the work I've followed in recent years has been appalling.
How do you advertise your business, and what do you think is the most effective way of keeping a full order book? I advertise in a small parish magazine, social media, signed van, word of mouth (most important) and reputable companies where customers can leave feedback.
Are you generally satisfied with water-based paints? Yes, I'm satisfied with the majority of water based products on the market. There’s plenty of new kids on the block keeping the traditional brand names on their toes, if not excelling them. Although there's always room for improvement. I believe (if it's possible) that whoever gets to the line first with a water based gloss with the sheen of traditional gloss, that doesn't yellow, will have the holy grail we all hanker for!
Chris Kerfoot is a member of the PDA, call him on 01964 533170 or visit his website
www.chriskerfootpainteranddecorator.co.uk
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