How Painting Cars Led to a New Life at CertaPro Painters®
Born on Oklahoma City’s South Side, raised in Tuttle, and educated in Norman, Jim Rogers brings a personal history and a unique set of life experiences to CertaPro Painters® as the owner of the South OKC location. His father was an Oklahoma City police officer who had a side business doing auto paint and body work. Jim gained experience with sanding and masking cars for his father’s auto paint and body business at the age of eight, graduating to painting at fourteen.
His career has taken him across the United States, in multiple roles for numerous industries, including stints as an investment banker, venture capitalist, management consultant, college professor, nightclub DJ, and hair show model (the irony is apparent). It’s not a far stretch to believe Jim developed a passion for painting and improving his community from his first job working with his father. He has chosen to give back to his community and get back to his roots by becoming a CertaPro Painters® franchise owner.
Jim is a proud father, loving husband, and a hardworking entrepreneur. He still lives in South Oklahoma City and in his free time enjoys fitness, travel, and reading.
Go for the Gold
Prior to joining the CertaPro family, Jim managed multiple corporate development teams for a Fortune 500 energy company, after building and running the corporate finance function of a $20 billion publicly-traded company. He has served in leadership roles for several philanthropic causes on both the city and state level. Jim is a member of Leadership Oklahoma City and the Venture Capital Institute. He earned both his BA and MBA from the University of Oklahoma, where he was named a Price Scholar and voted President of the Graduate Business Association.
After years in finance and strategy, Jim returned to where he began: management. In his words, “This time, it’s my show. I’m out on a limb creating an organization that produces value for everyone involved.”
Jim believes that by becoming a member of the CertaPro family, he has a chance to help his community flourish – both by providing jobs and by improving the community through his services. CertaPro puts an emphasis on helping those in need through doing good deeds and charitable service in local communities. Jim’s career has taken him many places, but he will always consider Oklahoma City his home. This is why he choose to partner with a company that focuses on giving back.
“I joined CertaPro because there’s a terrific opportunity in the coatings industry. There are lots of people who paint, but there’s not a lot of painting professionals. CertaPro of South OKC sees our mission as providing value to our customers, our painters, and our community. We serve our customers with the goal of protecting and improving their properties. We train and care for our painting partners by providing growth opportunities, training, and pathways to making the most of their profession. We work with our communities to help provide quality jobs, support partnerships, and always maintain a commitment to back our work with our integrity and our shared love for our city. When you see the color of Certa Gold, you should remember that our business holds itself to the Gold Standard via the Golden Rule. It’s not just what we say; it’s who we are.”
An Ex-DJ with His Finger on the Pulse of the Latest (Color) Trends
Looking for a paint expert who is on top of new trends and can help you modernize your space? Look no further than the man who has literally had his finger on the pulse of evolving tastes. In the 90’s, Jim owned a company that provided DJ and management services for various nightclubs around the United States. He has since turned his passion for making people dance with joy to providing perfect paint recommendations and offering advice on color trends. His experience as a DJ, as well as his years of private consulting, have given him a unique perspective on customer service. He strives for excellence in everything he does and understands that sometimes a conversation is more important than a sale.
Meet Jim:
Now that you know Jim a little better, contact him for an estimate, to ask him a question, or just to have a cup of coffee and a conversation.
