Local Business: Shawn Ryan of Bravo Property Services

Businesses come in all shapes and sizes…and colors. Patch recently caught up with Shawn Ryan, owner of Bravo Property Services in Tampa. We asked him what it’s like to own a local painting company where seemingly the whole world is just one blank canvas.

1) What have you learned while starting and operating your own business?
In starting and operating my own business I have learned that the relationships you form with your customers are a vital aspect for longevity and business growth.

2) What was the biggest thing that surprised you as a business owner?
The biggest surprise for me has been the transition from employee to owner. For years I got to paint side by side with my guys in the field and I really enjoyed the satisfaction of completing a job and making sure the customer was happy. Now as owner of the company my role has changed, and I do not paint all day like I used too. Believe it or not I miss it.

3) If you were starting a business today what would you do differently, if anything?
If I were starting a business today I would probably do most things the way we have. So far it has worked for us and we are steadily growing.

4) What’s the best part of owning your own business?
The best part of owning my own business is I truly enjoy the work we do. I look forward to each job we take on in knowing that we are improving someone’s home or property.

5) What have you learned through the challenges of owning your own business?
Through the challenges that our business has encountered it has taught us that it is the quality of the work we do that brings our customers back.

6) How important is it for people to support independent business owners in their community?
Community support is very important for small independent business owners like us. When homeowners choose us they are hiring a company that has grown up in this community and is very proud of it.

7) What do you love about being an American business owner?
I love the challenge, the risks, and the rewards that come with being an American business owner. Our challenge is to provide an excellent paint job at a price that people in our community can afford. We do this by working big, but staying small. We try to keep our cost down and in turn we try to give our customers the best possible price without sacrificing the quality.

8) When did you decide to go into business for yourself? Was it a dream come true?
As a child I always said I wanted to own a business but I never knew what type or field. After college I started painting for my uncle and his business. I found I enjoyed it and liked the work I was doing. Instead of entering the criminal justice field, which I studied in college, I decided to start my own business. Twelve years later I am still happy with my decision.

9) What is the most important thing that you’ve learned since going into business for yourself?
The most important thing I learned is time management. Owning a business can be a 24 hour job. Emails and phone calls from customers and employees can come at anytime. We try to reply and answer each customer as soon as possible. It takes a team to do this, and fortunately I am surrounded by a strong one that works together to get this done.

10) Are there any traditions that have been passed down over the years that your business follows when it comes to pleasing the client?
Each customer’s happiness and satisfaction is our #1 goal. Our employees are empowered to do what it takes to make this happen. We do not submit a final invoice until the homeowner or customer has had a chance to look over the work and to make sure everything is approved. So our saying is “we don’t get paid, until you’re satisfied.”

11) What inspires you to get up every morning?
My family is my ultimate inspiration. As a father of two growing sons, there is no more inspiration needed than knowing my hard work gives us what we need. My wife is also very supportive of the business. I’m blessed to have such a good family.

12) How do you ensure quality in your work?
By being hands-on in the field. Unlike most paint companies, the owners of Bravo actually still paint. It is not uncommon to find me in my painter whites painting alongside my employees. As an owner, knowing what is going on at the job sites firsthand is important to ensure it is being done properly.

13) What makes for a good day at your business?
Everyday is a good day in my business. I really enjoy it all, even the struggles. I enjoy seeing hard work pay off and I enjoy learning from our failures. I know we are not perfect but we constantly strive to get better and improve.

14) What makes the people who work for your business unique?
Our employees are unique because we all genuinely care for each other. We all look out for one another.