Values and Courage: The Foundation of a Resilient Business

A Choice That Changed Everything

There was a moment early in my business when I had to make a tough call. One that would either compromise my values or test my courage.

A client offered a sizable contract. The kind that could have made a real impact on my bottom line. But he asked me to cut a few corners. Nothing major, he said, just a small adjustment to save him money. No one would ever know.

I paused. It was tempting. In the early days, it would’ve been easy to justify. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t the kind of business I wanted to run. So, I turned it down and I lost the job.

But I gained something far more important: my team saw what I stood for, and clients who valued integrity took notice. Eventually, we began attracting the kind of work, and the kind of people, we actually wanted.

That moment taught me something I’ve carried with me ever since: values only matter if you have the courage to stand by them, especially when it’s hard.

Why Values Matter

Your values influence every decision you make, whether you realize it or not. From how you price your work, to how you handle conflict, to how you treat your team—everything points back to what you believe in.

The real question is: Are your daily decisions aligned with the kind of business you want to build? Because it’s easy to say you care about quality or honesty, but those words only mean something if your actions back them up.

Reputation is built quietly, decision by decision. That’s true whether someone is watching or not.

Building the Right Team

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that hiring for skill alone doesn’t work. You can find a painter with perfect technique, but if they don’t take pride in their work or respect your clients, they’ll hurt your business more than help it.

Values like honesty, reliability, and care can’t be taught—not the way skills can. That’s why I’ve learned to hire based on character first. The right people help you grow. The wrong ones drain your energy and damage your reputation.

Attracting the Right Clients

Not every client is worth it. If someone doesn’t respect your process, your pricing, or your standards, you’re setting yourself up for frustration—and in some cases, loss.

I’ve learned to spot the red flags early: people who push for cheaper work at the expense of quality, those who demand unrealistic timelines, or clients who treat my team poorly.

Being upfront about how we work, why we charge what we do, and the kind of results we stand by has helped attract the right clients—the ones who value craftsmanship, consistency, and trust.

The Role of Courage

Choosing values over profit takes courage. It means turning down work. It means letting go of people who don’t align with your mission. And sometimes, it means slowing down in order to grow the right way.

But in the long run, that kind of courage pays off. It’s what allows you to build something that lasts—and something you can be proud of.

Your values mean nothing if you don’t have the courage to stand by them.

Why I Created Painting Profit: Mastering the Business Behind the Brush

I created Painting Profit because I’ve seen too many skilled tradespeople struggle—not from a lack of talent, but from a lack of guidance on how to run a business with integrity. I wanted to share what I’ve learned about building a business that’s rooted in values, attracts the right people, and earns real trust.

Inside, I break down how to define your values, attract aligned clients and employees, and make strong decisions that build a lasting reputation.

Ready to push past fear and build the painting business you’ve always wanted? The best time to start is now. Check out Painting Profit to get started or book a Connection Conversation with Michael to learn more!