Success Story: DJ's Painting & Remodeling

David Juarez launched D.J.’s Painting & Remodeling, Inc. while completing his education at Illinois State University. Now, over 15 years later, Juarez runs a full-service company specializing in improving the appearance and functionality of commercial and residential buildings. D.J.’s offers many services, including remodeling, restoration, interior and exterior painting, and overall home improvement. (E.g., woodwork, drywall, carpet, tile, wallpaper, etc.)

Juarez contacted the Illinois SBDC at ISU in late summer of 2007. “David is always looking to improve his business, whether through improved internal systems or more targeted customer service efforts,” says SBDC Director Elizabeth Binning. The Illinois SBDC at ISU began by providing a detailed financial analysis for D.J.’s Painting & Remodeling, comparing his financial ratios to other businesses in the same industry and of the same size. The report included specific industry comparisons for payroll, rent, and advertising expenses.

Juarez also took advantage of the student consulting projects offered through the SBDC. A group of five students created a customer satisfaction survey for the company’s current customers, followed by a general “top of the mind” survey for homeowners in the area. In addition, focus groups were asked about D.J.’s current marketing efforts as well as possible changes.

“Working with Elizabeth kept me focused on what needed to be accomplished and provided some valuable labor that I could not have obtained without the assistance of the students. The end result was factual data that I could review and unbiased opinions about advertising and about my business in general from an outsider looking in.”

To learn more about D.J.’s Painting & Remodeling, visit http://www.djspaintinginc.com/.

To learn more about the student consulting projects or apply for the Fall 2008 semester, visit http://www.sbdc.ilstu.edu/student_projects/.