Armstrong learning business trade by running Student Painters this summer
Camden Armstrong has enjoyed a productive summer "break."
The Shelby native and sophomore-to-be at the Ohio State University-Mansfield has been running his own business for Student Painters.
"It's not an experience most 19-year-olds get," Armstrong said, noting he has learned marketing, management and customer relations.
Armstrong has overseen a crew of five employees.
"I couldn't be more blessed with the crew I have," he said.
A 2022 graduate of Shelby, where he was an All-Ohio offensive lineman on the football team, Armstrong is majoring in accounting at OSU-M. He wants to pursue a career in the financial field, but he is not sure of what that might be.
"Accounting is pretty broad," he said. "There's quite a few things you can do with it."
Armstrong also might take part in Student Painters next summer.
Originating in Ontario, Canada, Student Painters made its way to the United States in 1987 with a goal of giving new and unique professional experience for college students.
The focus lies with ensuring high-quality painting services to customers by training and developing college students into young entrepreneurs.
Students learn to deal with real-world business issues
Student Painters is set up to train students to make decisions, handle change and deal with pressing issues in a real-world business environment in order to be successful.
Managers are taught how to employ a team of painters to ensure a high level of customer service and quality.
Student Painters handles the exteriors of buildings. The company has full liability insurance and workers compensation coverage.
Now located in eight states, Student Painters asks for a 20% deposit to reserve the job. Homeowners do not pay the rest of the balance until the manager completes a walk-around, and the customer is satisfied.
Armstrong and his crew cover much of Richland and Crawford counties, including Mansfield, Shelby, Lexington, Galion and Bucyrus.
They have painted about 60 houses, handling such duties as trim, shutters, garages and sheds. Armstrong will be scheduling jobs through the end of August.
"It's been really good," Armstrong said. "At the moment, I am second in Ohio (in total revenue) and No. 4 in the country."
He is working under Brock Ritzhaupt, who is a regional manager for Student Painters a year after holding the same position Armstrong is handling now.
"I appreciate the time he has invested in me," Armstrong said.
Ritzhaupt, a Colonel Crawford graduate, is a regional manager who oversees four branch managers. He will be a junior at Ohio State's main campus, majoring in finance.
Ritzhaupt said he has benefited from his time with Student Painters.
"It's kind of led me in the right direction," he said.
Armstrong might be in Ritzhaupt's position next year. He is going through a second round of interviews.
No matter what, he has gained valuable experience and a sparkling credit to his resume.
Anyone interested in hiring Student Painters for a job can reach Armstrong at 567-303-4738 or by calling 888-839-3385.
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
Twitter: @MarkCau32059251
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Shelby graduate running Student Painters this summer
