The Vibrant Vision of Kunst Painting: A Conversation with John Busick

Episode 19 is all about the enduring legacy of a family business that has withstood the test of time as John Busick, the fifth-generation owner of Kunst Painting, opens up about steering a historic painting company into the future. From learning how to clean deuces in the back yard for 25 cents a bucket, to a narrative rich in lessons about navigating the future of his family's business, John's journey epitomizes the transformative power of embracing one's heritage. Our insightful chat uncovers the complexities of managing a workforce in high-cost living areas, the craft of structured career development, and the delicate dance with California's subcontracting laws that keep this painting enterprise thriving.

Step inside the highly cohesive culture of Kunst Painting, where the switch from donuts to Mexican bread on Fridays is more than a menu change—it's a reflection of a company that values its people above all. John Busick shares how nurturing a supportive environment, complete with personal growth opportunities and a clear career path, has cemented a strong team ethos. This episode is a stirring testament to the role of employee recognition, the significance of in-house training, and the magnetic company culture that fosters long-term loyalty. Join me as we explore the secret ingredients to maintaining a dedicated workforce that feels more like a family than a collection of colleagues.

Wrap up your day with a dose of genuine appreciation for the wisdom that only a seasoned business owner like John Busick can offer. Our engaging conversation spans the gamut from the joys of annual team-building adventures to the strategic steps necessary for scaling a business. As we dig in, you'll find the true wealth of Kunst Painting lies not in its paint buckets, but in the richness of experiences and unwavering commitment to excellence that defines the company. We know this conversation with John will resonate with so many paint contractors out there. 

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About John:
John Busick is the 3rd generation owner of Kunst Painting Inc. His grandfather Bob Kunst (John’s mother’s father) founded the company in 1958. John grew up in the family business, painting during the summer months while finishing college. In 2008, he joined the family business full-time.

Today, John oversees all facets of the company and is thrilled to be able to offer real, growing, career oriented-opportunities to his Kunst Painting Inc. team. John also loves being involved in the community where he donates his time and resources as a Down Syndrome Association North Bay Board Member, a Miracle League North Bay Founder, and gives back to the painting industry through the PDCA National organization. 

When he is away from the office, John spends time with his family, coaches his kid’s sports teams, enjoys many outdoor activities and competes in ultra marathon races. Like his father (Mike) and grandfather (Bob), John has a passion for people, and intends to continue the legacy of service, integrity, and value for decades to come.

John also developed a cloud-based operations solution for the painting industry, which also serves adjacent sectors, called Workglue.  Obsessed with systems, workflow, and customer service John is Workglue’s visionary leader. John originally saw Workglue as a simple solution to run his staff of 30+ painters. It was such a game-changer, he wanted to help other business owners reap the benefits of more time out of the office. Hence, Workglue was born. Today, John continues to be