Transforming a Struggling Business into a Profitable Venture // Phil VanderLaan of PMV Custom Finishes

Discover the secrets to transforming your business and skyrocketing your profits in our fascinating conversation with Phil VanderLaan, owner of PMV Custom Finishes in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We discuss Phil's inspiring journey, from his time at college in Grand Rapids to founding and growing his own successful painting company. You'll learn about navigating the "Dutch mafia" in Southwest Michigan, the importance of asking for advice early, and the hard work that went into building a multi-million dollar business.

Join host Scott Lollar, host of the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast and owner/coach at Consulting4Contractors as Phil opens up about the strategic changes he made to maximize profitability and his "aha moment" when he realized he had the wrong people in the wrong seats. Through others' advice, including his own father-in-law's, Phil looked at the sectors of his business that were losing money and overcame his fear of "firing customers" and raising prices. By narrowing down his customer base, he saw positive results and used various funding options to expand his spray division's capacity and capabilities.

Finally, we delve into the operations, staffing, and company culture of PMV Custom Finishes. Phil shares his insights on streamlining his spray operation for increased efficiency, implementing the EOS entrepreneurial operating system, and the significance of reaching out for help. We explore PMV's org chart, revenue targets, and their unique "secret sauce," which includes a family-first benefits package, hiring based on skill and personality, and empowering those with no painting experience whatsoever. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation with Phil VanderLaan as we take you on his journey to success.

About Phil VanderLaan:

Phil VanderLaan founded PMV Custom Finishes in 2001 and has maintained an active role in company operations and management ever since. He also provides oversight of the company and its growth.

Phil holds a builder’s license and is a member of the Home Builder’s Association of Western Michigan. He and his wife, Katie, are the proud parents of three children, Taylor, Drew, and Mackenzie. They live in the Kalamazoo area and are active members of their community.

----Links from this Episode----

• Open invitation for a free discovery call with Scott Lollar
• Consulting4Contractors’ Website
• PMV Custom Finishes
• PMV Custom Finishes on Instagram
• Check out this video of Consulting4Contractors' Operations Module, one of our flagship Done-For-You tech offerings, and what PMV Custom Finishes utilizes as part of their tech-stack!
• Connect with C4C on Instagram
• Join the C4C community
• Connect on LinkedIn
• Submit to be a guest on our podcast

Credits: 

• Scott Lollar: Host & Founder of Consulting4Contractors
• Phil VanderLaan: Owner/President, Project Manager – Finishing Division, PMV Custom Finishes, Kalamazoo, MI
• Justin Hange: Original music, artwork, transcripts, show notes, audio engineering

-------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:00) - Introduction
Phil VanderLaan's journey from college to owning a painting company, the 'Dutch mafia' in Southwest Michigan, and hard work to grow his business are discussed.

(0:13:53) - Maximizing Profitability Through Strategic Changes
Phil VanderLaan pivoted from college to landscaping, then to eventually to owning a painting business, overcame fear of firing customers and raising prices, and used economic opportunities to expand capacity and capabilities.

(0:19:11) - PMV's Operations, Staffing, and Culture
Phil discussed streamlining his spray operation, EOS principles, org chart, revenue targets, and PMV's family-first benefits package.

(0:27:06) - Growing Business With Te