Congratulations on being voted the “Best of Lawrence”! How does it feel to receive this recognition from the community?

Being voted the “Best of Lawrence” is an incredible honor for us at KB Painting. It is rewarding to know that our hard work and commitment to providing quality results and exceptional customer service are recognized and appreciated by the community we serve.

What do you believe sets your business apart?

We would say it is the customized service we provide for our customers. We understand that painting your home is an investment no matter how large or small. That is why we take the time with every customer when estimating the project, providing free professional color consultations, and most importantly painting so that the project is done with excellence. We truly care about providing a great customer experience with our team of painters and support staff.

Can you provide a brief overview of your business’s history, including its founding, initial goals and how it has evolved over the years?

We are a family-owned business led by Andrea and AJ Babin and their daughter Victoria Perdue with her husband Randy Perdue. We became the owners in June 2019. The company was a successful painting business serving Lawrence for over 20 years. When we became the new owners, our goal was to maintain the excellent customer service it was known for while expanding the team and services. We expanded our initial team of 5 to over 16 and growing!

Andrea serves as the operations manager KB Painting, while Victoria is the business manager of both KB Painting and their sister real estate company, Complete Home Advisors, a KW Integrity team. Both Victoria and Andrea serve as the team’s Realtors. AJ manages the business shop and environmental cleaning services, and Randy, a full-time Petroleum Engineer, handles the company projections. Together, we bring extensive experience in real estate, construction, customer service, crisis management, and project management to better serve our customers.

Community support is crucial. How do you engage with the local community, and how has this engagement impacted your success?

We love our community and know it is crucial to contribute to it. In the past, our owners have volunteered at numerous natural disaster areas throughout the country. Here in Lawrence, we are Chamber of Commerce members, promoting small businesses, while our owner, Victoria, serves on the Lawrence Board of Realtors Board of Directors. And to contribute to our community, the KB Painting team completes a volunteer project annually through painting projects or other community service projects.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to create their own successful ventures?

Our advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to create strong relationships within your business community and consistently deliver exceptional products or services. Address issues promptly and without making excuses, and always strive to improve. Leave your customers so satisfied that they become your biggest advocates.

The “Best of Lawrence” title often indicates a commitment to excellence in customer service. How do you ensure that every customer has a positive experience with your business?

We ensure every customer has a positive experience by dedicating time and attention to personalized service. From the moment we receive your call or booking, whether it’s for a single room or a full-scale painting project, we provide consistent support and communication. Our project coordinator, along with our operations manager, reviews every aspect of the project to ensure its success, while communicating with our painters, ensuring they have all the information needed to deliver a high-quality result.

What does being an integral part of the Lawrence community mean to you, and how do you plan to continue contributing positively?

You can count on exceptional service and quality from us, but it goes beyond that. We strive to be active members of the community, making Lawrence even better through community involvement, supporting other small businesses, volunteering, sponsoring events, and transforming homes.

What role does employee training and development play in maintaining the level of excellence your business is known for?

The information needed to safely perform the job and understanding the product you are working with is incredibly important in contracting. From safety training to product knowledge, we integrate those components throughout the season so we can all learn and grow. We take the team approach to learning together. At our Monday morning breakfast meetings, we use the opportunity to have a training session or to just hang out and discuss what is happening in our lives.

Could you share a memorable customer success story that exemplifies the impact your business has on the community?

One memorable customer success story involves a family facing a major life change who needed to move quickly. Overwhelmed by the prospect of selling their home, we alleviated their stress by preparing the home with fresh paint and repairs, then our real estate team was able to get it sold quickly and painlessly. We take great pride in helping people during their time of need, and this experience reinforced our commitment to making transitions smoother and less stressful for our clients.

What do you believe has been the biggest contributor to your business’s growth and reputation in the Lawrence area?

Hands down, it is our outstanding painting teams. We can have the best processes and marketing but the painters and their abilities to deliver a high-quality product are what matter the most.

What long-term goals do you have for your business, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Our long-term goal is to serve the people of Lawrence and surrounding communities by creating a seamless experience through the partnership of KB Painting and Complete Home Advisors (CHA), KW Integrity. We aim to be the go-to solution for homeowners looking to prep and sell their homes efficiently. By combining our services and offering exclusive discounts on painting for CHA clients, alongside our extensive experience as Realtors, we help maximize property value while minimizing hassle. This partnership allows us to deliver exceptional customer service and embody our tagline: Maximize Value, Minimize Hassle, Experience Excellence.

Staying ahead in your industry requires keeping an eye on trends. How do you anticipate and respond to changing market dynamics?

With more environmentally friendly products, we are always seeking the best products for our customers. From low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to more durable products, we spend time testing and investigating the best options.

How do you ensure that your business remains an inclusive and welcoming place for customers of all backgrounds?

At KB Painting, we are proud to have work teams comprised of cousins, husbands and wives, and nieces and uncles, truly making us a company run by and with families. When you choose KB Painting, you not only work with a company that supports individuals but families. We value diversity and welcome our differences, understanding that our unique strengths and perspectives create a stronger, more cohesive team.

Reflecting on your experiences, what leadership lessons have you learned that you believe have been instrumental in your business’s success?

We’ve learned the importance of clear communication and building strong relationships, which ensure projects run smoothly and meet client expectations. Fostering a culture of teamwork and prioritizing customer service has been fundamental in building our “Best of Lawrence” reputation.