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Painters by summer
YOUNGSTOWN
A Youngstown native will gain experience in business one paint stroke at a time over the summer.
Through an internship with the Young Entrepreneurs Across America, Brooke Larney, an Ursuline High School graduate, will work as a branch manager of Student Painters, an exterior-painting company in Michigan, that was founded in 1987 and operates in nearly 20 states.
“I never imagined I would have the opportunity to own and operate my own business at the age of 19,” she said.
In May, Larney, a business- finance student at the University of Dayton, will provide exterior painting needs in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. She’s also in charge of other branch operations such as marketing, hiring and payroll. Larney said Student Painters uses only paints from the Sherwin-Williams Co., which also trains its painters professionally.
Her goal is to do $75,000 worth of work by the end of summer.
“It’s about helping the community while getting the experience,” she said.
Larney said the internship provides college students with all the tools, mentors and capital to start the business.
“She’s really one of the most dedicated and driven people I’ve worked with,” said Simon Fraser, Student Painters’ general manager of northern Ohio, who oversees 16 branch managers including Larney.
Fraser said the internship is another opportunity for college students to differentiate themselves when they enter the workforce.
“We like to prepare them for the real world as much as possible,” he said.
Fraser said the success of branch managers comes down to how much profit they make based on their revenue and expenses.
“The cool part is it really comes down to them,” he said.
Additionally, Larney already has received some recognition from the community. Mayor John McNally presented her with a proclamation for “Student Painters Day” on March 20.
“I hope she and her workers can paint up some houses in the summer,” he said.
Larney said the opportunity will help her toward her goal of starting her own business after she graduates from college.
“I can’t wait to get started,” she said.
For a free estimate, call Larney at 330-402-0425.