Teaching Experience Earns Baltimore Entrepreneur Continued Success
Guy Pritzker is the owner, founder and president of Guy's Professional Painting. The company, which was established in 1979, is highly regarded in the greater Baltimore region for offering quality interior and exterior painting and other services. One of the many reasons why Pritzker's business is so esteemed is because Pritzker himself is such a trusted, reliable businessman. He is also a well-respected teacher in Baltimore County.
Pritzker graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in history and a minor in mathematics. He became certified to teach in 1977 and has been teaching primarily high school for 38 years now.
What inspired you to start your own painting business?
"My grandfather started Lasting Paints Company and my father operated a factory and 21 stores. The company collapsed when the factory burned down. Then my grandfather died and my father suffered a heart attack. I was preparing to start college at the time and had to find a way to support myself. I started working for E.J. Sheldon & Sons. This is what eventually inspired me to start my own business."
What are the responsibilities of your current role?
"I get and oversee jobs, work on the jobs myself, and hire proper subcontractors. I ultimately have responsibility for completing jobs on time with a professional guarantee."
What is your favorite part about your daily duties?
"People appreciating what we do and referring us to others. Customer satisfaction leads to referrals, which ultimately leads to more jobs."
How has your education and training prepared you for your current role?
"When people learn that I am also a teacher they know that I am reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable. My education has also taught me how to effectively communicate with others. Personal communication skills are essential in this business.
Do you have any advice for others looking to enter this field?
"Communication skills are very important, and having an education shows people that you are a hardworking, committed, persevering person. Respect is crucial. I run my business like a team. No one works for me; everyone works with me."
Laura Catherine Hermoza has a lifelong love for writing. In addition to serving as a contributor to various media publications, she is also a published novelist of several books and works as a proofreader/editor. LC resides in Baltimore County.