Interview with Charlie Chase CEO of CertaPro Painters

Date

Feb 01, 2010


Charlie Chase joined College Pro as a franchisee in 1982 while completing Queen's University. He pioneered College Pro's operation in the Mid Atlantic Region, becoming the Vice President in 1984. Believing that there was an opportunity to create a successful and significant full time painting company, in 1992 he became the founding President/CEO of CertaPro Painters. Certa Pro has since grown to over 300 franchises and has been ranked number one in its category by Entrepreneur Magazine for three years running. Charlie has served on numerous corporate and Not-for-Profit Boards, he has been involved with numerous Service Projects in Pennsylvania, Ontario, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Mr. Chase and his family reside in suburban Philadelphia.


BeTheBoss - What made you decide to franchise?

Charlie Chase - We believe that the most effective distribution methodology is one where the drivers have "skin in the game". We've found that franchising is very effective way to achieve our goals.

BTB - What have some of the challenges been in growing your franchise?

CC - This is not a 'sexy' industry, it is one of 'perfect competition'. In order to win in this business one has to create significant value over the competition.

BTB - Who has been your greatest inspiration?

CC - Ray Kroc. He believed that clean bathrooms and parking lots made a significant difference in the experience of the 60's patron. He focused on the customers' needs. Look where that can get you!

BTB - What are some of the advantages in being a CertaPro franchisee?

CC - We aren't retail, QSR or a fad. Painting has been around for centuries, cannot be done offshore, and, cannot be done by computers. We are a business that can be operated within the normal work-week within the family framework, and, it's an honorable profession. These factors add up to a sustainable long-term business opportunity.

BTB - What “Gadgets” ?

CC - I'm an Apple convert with an IPHONE and a MACBook Laptop.

BTB - What do you do in your spare time?

CC - In my non-working time, I spend time with my family; in my recreational time I play hockey and basketball; and my volunteer time is spent collaborating with three organization, and my surprising activity is flying, and since I'm a pilot, I use small airplanes to get around the eastern half of North America.

BTB- What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?

CC - Don't buy a job. Find a business that stirs your passions; come in well capitalized; engage assertively and focus on productivity and profitability.

BTB - In your opinion, why do you think that CertaPro Painters would be a great opportunity for someone?
CC - CertaPro is a great opportunity for leaders who are assertive goal attainers. Our results oriented culture is based on the vision of consistently delivering extraordinary experiences. Our core values honor delivering on our commitments; valuing people and their ideas; achieving results honorably, and, always challenging our stakeholders to be better. Executing our business plan is designed to provide a great business ownership opportunity.