Topeka native learning the ropes of painting business while attending KU
Learning the fundamentals of the business realm and taking opportunities is something Adam Brooks Jr. has been ready to do.
Brooks, 18, is a freshman at The University of Kansas. He's now operating his own business through the College Works Painting program.
College Works provides undergraduate students the opportunity to gain real-world professional experience by working through every step of the business process, including marketing, selling, delivery, follow up and everything in between, according to its website.
Brooks said after looking for internships, College Works caught his eye because of the hands-on experience with clients while learning marketing and sales.
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College Works allows student experience as a North Topeka manager
Brooks is a graduate of Seaman High School and the branch manager for North Topeka, Hoyt and Meriden. He has built clientele by simply going door to door to offer his services.
As the branch manager, he is responsible for building clientele, finding his own employees and setting wages. He hopes to book more than 20 clients this summer. The program began in February and he is at a 45% booking rate.
"So, I don't do the painting myself, but I'm out there before, during the day and at the end just talking to the client, letting them know what's happening." he said.
Brooks will work throughout the summer ensuring that all of the booked homes will be taken care of. Though it may be new to him, he's ready for the opportunity.
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"I like challenges because I think if you really want to learn, you actually have to challenge yourself to something that's outside of your bubble," Brooks said. "That first weekend when I went house to house marketing for two days straight, about like eight hours just running around, I was really nervous. But then after I did it, it expanded my bubble."
In his process of running his painting business, the most challenging has been coming to a pricing agreements with his clients. He's learned the strategy of comparing his prices to other contractors during estimates to show potential customers why he is the best service option.
Services Brooks offers include exterior painting, deck and fence painting, prep work, pressure washing and more.
Brooks said his ultimate goal is to be able to build a strong bond with his clientele, so by the end of his college journey, he will be able to enter the business realm as a trustworthy person.
"This internship's definitely like a really good way to actually meet people and get those connections to where I can get my name out there," he said. "People can learn about me."
Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: College Works is preparing AJ Brooks to run his own business
