The Grit Blueprint Podcast
Riding the Wave of Change: Flanagan’s Paint and Supply
September 18, 2025 Length: 26 min Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
On The Grit Blueprint Podcast, Jay Donnelly of Flanagan's Paint and Supply tells Stefanie Couch how he has grown his father's business from one to five stores since joining in 2010. The conversation covers how younger leaders are reshaping businesses with new values and technology while navigating rapid change.
About This Episode.
The building industry is experiencing a massive generational shift as younger leaders reshape businesses with new values and technological approaches, while facing the challenge of navigating rapid change.
- • Jay Donnelly has grown Flanagan's Paint and Supply from one to five stores since joining his father's business in 2010
- • Making friends is the foundation of the paint business, relationships remain central even as technology advances
- • The millennial generation is approaching business ownership differently, prioritizing work-life balance
- • Buying existing businesses is often smarter than "greenfielding" when entering the industry
- • Industry associations like NHPA and buying groups provide crucial support and knowledge-sharing opportunities
- • Inventory management remains a significant challenge for paint and hardware retailers
- • Business opportunities are abundant regardless of market conditions when market share is still available to capture
- • AI and new technologies should be implemented strategically to solve specific operational pain points
- • Creating exceptional experiences for both customers and employees is essential for long-term success
Key Takeaways.
- Making friends is the foundation of the paint business, and relationships stay central even as technology advances.
- Buying an existing business is often smarter than greenfielding when entering the industry.
- Industry associations like NHPA and buying groups provide crucial support and knowledge sharing.
- Inventory management remains a significant challenge for paint and hardware retailers.
- AI and new technologies should be implemented strategically to solve specific operational pain points.
Questions and Answers.
How did Flanagan's Paint and Supply grow?
Jay Donnelly has grown Flanagan's Paint and Supply from one to five stores since joining his father's business in 2010.
How are millennials approaching business ownership?
Jay Donnelly of Flanagan's Paint and Supply discusses how the millennial generation is approaching business ownership differently, with a priority on work-life balance.
Is it smarter to buy an existing business or start from scratch?
The episode makes the case that buying an existing business is often smarter than greenfielding when entering the industry.
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