“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This phrase comes from the Bible and goes back to the idea that a child learns values and even interests early in life. For some, it might be manners but sometimes for entrepreneurs and business owners it could be learning how to run the business. Victor Tirondola of Manor Works Painting started working for the family business when he was 17 years old and eventually purchased his painting company continuing the legacy that started with his grandfather.
Tell us a little about your background and why you decided to start your business?
I have been in the painting industry for 18 years. I started my painting career in Essex county NJ. It all started when my Grandfather (also named Victor Tirondola) started his own business in 1955. My grandfather taught my Uncle Mark everything about painting and he then started his own business in the 1980's. I started working for the family painting business when I was just 17 years old. I learned not only the best painting and renovation techniques, including how to work with plaster and lead based paint safely, but also how to run a large painting company. After over a decade's experience with my family's business, I left New Jersey for Northern Virginia. I starting working with Manor Works Painting four years ago. When I recently had the opportunity to purchase Manor Works I had to accept the challenge. I felt the opportunity was a direct call from God. Somehow it feels like owning a painting business is in my DNA.
What does your company do? (Products and services)
Manor Works Painting offers interior and exterior painting and carpentry. For the painting portion we offer all different levels of interior and exterior preparation. Preparation is key to a successful paint job. On the exterior of a house we offer the option to fully sand the house to the bare wood, as well as power washing and hand sanding. On the interior we offer a variety of services, from sheetrock replacement to fixing nail pops in walls. For the carpentry portion we offer all types of wood replacement and molding installation. On the exterior we offer wood rot replacement with PVC boards. On the interior carpentry we offer molding installation like crown moldings, baseboard, and chair rail moldings. We install custom wainscoting and coffered ceilings.
What makes your company unique?
Our company has been offering the greater DC area top-notch painting services for the past 19 years. We bring years of experience in multiple different facets of the home industry. We provide an all-inclusive comprehensive detailed contract, and we deliver on that contract. We use high quality paints and products and each of our team members is highly skilled and knowledgable in paint and carpentry.
Our customers our pleased to work with a contractor that delivers on what they promise. There can be a disconnect when it comes to contractors and customer service. Manor Works excels in customer service, by keeping all customers fully aware of next steps, the customer schedule, and follow through with our extensive warranties. How we stand behind our work is a testimony as to how we feel about our customers.
Our clients have left us many positive online reviews, making us one of the most talked about local painting contractors with over 600 reviews on Angie's List.
What are some future trends that you see in the industry?
A trend that I am seeing more in my industry is the use of PVC. This is both by builders and carpenters. Some of the moldings used in the past are just not lasting anymore. It is a shame to go on an estimate of a house that is only 5-10 years old and see a huge amount of wood rot. PVC is now available in almost any style and once painted the difference between PVC and wood is not noticeable.
What would you tell someone who is a DIY (Do it Yourselfer?)
The most important thing I can say to a DIYer is to research the products you are using. Just as preparation of the surface is important, product knowledge is essential. Putting the wrong paint or primer on a surface it was not intended for can be disastrous.
What has been the secret to your success as a business owner?
I would have to say that my success is attributed to hard work and Jesus Christ. Anything I do, I give it 100%. I put in the time and the work and God does the rest.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners?
I would encourage an aspiring entrepreneur to find a business in which you are passionate and have great knowledge. I have been in the painting business for a long time. I have grown to love the people that I work with and the industry that we serve. I read a quote on Linkedin a while back that stuck with me. “I work 80 hours a week so I don’t have to work 40.” There is nothing worse than waking up and hating what you do for a living. Owning a business is a lot of work but if you love what you do it doesn’t always feel like work.
Any big plans or things that you are working on that you can tell us about over the next few years?
My big plan for the future is to be more involved in the communities we serve. Our company believes in serving as a family and we are excited to make a greater impact as we give back as a company. We also plan to continue to grow our loyal client list.
What makes the DMV a great place to be an entrepreneur or business owner?
The DMV is a great place to own a business. I have met some wonderful people here in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland who come from all over the world. I have learned a lot from our very diverse community and all of the many professional journeys they have shared with me.
Manor Works Painting is the DC Metropolitan area’s premier, full-service residential painting company. Manor Works Painting offers year-round interior and exterior painting as well as carpentry services.