AJ is an Anderson University graduate with a degree in Finance and duel concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Investments. He has been with CertaPro since 2012 and was hired as a Project Manager before moving into his current role. Prior to his time with CertaPro he worked as a General Contractor and as the Construction Manager for a local property management company. AJ continually seeks to press the bounds of CertaPro’s performance and delivery to our customers. His commitment to Kaizen (one of our core values meaning continuous improvement) is evidenced by the continual success of the production team in gaining more loyal CertaPro customers every year. AJ and the production team are eager and ready to help you complete your next painting project.
What’s Your Role at CertaPro Painters Indianapolis?
I provide support to our production teams, help to guide overall business strategy, and work to help build out new technologies that make our teams more efficient.
What do you like most about being the VP of Operations at CertaPro Painters Indianapolis?
The team based culture has been a ton of fun to be a part of for the past decade. Everyone is willing to step in and take on duties outside of their roles to support their teammates. We all need a helping hand from time to time, and this group of individuals have always been willing to support one another. No praise needed. No politics. Just good people doing great work and supporting each other.
Tell me about your background before coming to CertaPro Painters Indianapolis?
Before CertaPro I had a short stint working in 401k & 403b analysis for the retirement services division of an insurance company. I learned a lot of formal company processes and compliance working there but wasn’t finding satisfaction in my work. Prior to that I had been the construction manager for an investment property company as well as operated my own general contracting business.
Tell us three things people don’t know about you?
I’m a pretty open book so there might not be much surprising here. 1) I owned an organic farm right out of college based on a business plan I wrote during my senior year. The business put my fiance (now wife) on the cover of the business school’s magazine. 2) I love to build things whether in the wood shop, a spreadsheet (I’m a bit of a tech geek), a new process, or renovating a home. Anything that will let me flex my creative muscles. 3) I need some opportunities to sit on a porch overlooking a lake and have a cup of coffee while the sun is low and mist is on the water. This is how I find peace and rest for myself. Then…that usually leads to fishing, which I also enjoy.
If you could have a super power what would it be?
As a kid I would have dreams of being able to fly, so I’m going with the power to fly.
What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?
In addition to supporting our church, my wife and I also sponsor children through World Vision to help provide education and food security to children. I also like to use my construction skills to help people in the community and to take meals to support friends/family in times of need.
What drew you to CertaPro Painters Indianapolis?
CertaPro had a great culture which was evident during the interview process. It is a locally owned small business and I had enjoyed working for small companies in the past. CertaPro also had a commitment to community impact and I liked the idea of working for a company that wasn’t just making profits, but lifting up others along the way.
