The Band Behind the Brand

How We Attract the Best – and Why They Stay

At CertaPro Painters of the Main Line, people often say we’re known for fair prices and amazing people.

But here’s the real question behind that reputation:
How do you actually attract – and keep – the best people?

It’s not just about pay.
It’s not just about systems.
And it’s definitely not just about “treating people with respect.”

It goes deeper than that.

It’s About Who We Are to Each Other

A portion of our painters were born here in the U.S. But most of our team came from somewhere else – different countries, different cultures, different journeys – all chasing a better life.

And when you really stop and listen… you realize something powerful:

These aren’t just employees.
These are people who have taken risks, left family behind, endured challenges most of us will never fully understand – all for a shot at something better.

That changes how you see your team.

You don’t just “manage” them. You learn from them. You respect them on a deeper level. You look up to them.

And over time, something even more meaningful happens…

You stop being just a workplace.
You start becoming a home.

A Moment That Changed My Perspective

As our business grew to over 50 painters, I started to feel like something was missing.

We had a strong team – hardworking, talented, loyal – but I didn’t really know many of them.

So I did what a lot of leaders do… I started planning events.

Phillies games.
Eagles tailgates.
The “usual” stuff.

And hardly anyone showed up.

At first, I blamed timing. Busy schedules. Work commitments. But one honest conversation changed everything.

A couple of our guys told me: “Chris… most of us didn’t grow up with baseball or football. We love fútbol – real football.”

That was the moment it clicked. I wasn’t creating connection. I was asking them to step into my comfort zone.

So We Flipped It

Instead of pulling them into my world… we stepped into theirs.

We started going to Philadelphia Union games. But it wasn’t just about the game.

It was about:

• Long tailgates before kickoff
• Food from their cultures
• Music that meant something to them
• Kids running around playing soccer together

Something shifted.

People showed up. Then they brought their families. Then they brought friends.

Connection became real.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a small adjustment turned into something much bigger.

Other CertaPro owners started hearing about it. They tried it with their teams. And now, across the country, crews are building community in a way that actually resonates.

All from one simple insight:

Connection doesn’t happen when people adapt to you.
It happens when you meet them where they are.

Why Our Team Goes the Extra Mile

When people feel seen…
When they feel understood…
When they feel like they belong…

They care more.

They show up differently.
They take pride in their work.
They go the extra mile – not because they have to, but because they want to.

That’s where “amazing people” actually comes from.

The Moment That Sticks With Me

One of my favorite moments?

Seeing my kids out in a parking lot…
kicking a soccer ball around with kids from all over the world.

Different languages. Different backgrounds. Same joy.

That’s what Painting Happy really looks like.

The Lesson

If you want to build something special – in business or in life – remember this:

Don’t just invite people into your world.
Step into theirs.

That’s where trust is built.
That’s where connection happens.
And that’s where the real magic begins.

To learn more about our amazing team, click here.