Thursday, 14 May 2026 09:20 AM
Company Update
Derek Candelore of Pittsburgh urges business owners and consumers to prioritize quality, systems, and long-term value over shortcuts.
PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESS Newswire / May 14, 2026 / Entrepreneur and franchisor Derek Candelore is speaking out about a growing issue in the home services industry: declining standards, inconsistent quality, and a lack of accountability. Drawing from his own experience building Roman Paint Pros, Candelore is advocating for a systems-driven approach to business that prioritizes craftsmanship, reliability, and long-term trust.
"The problem is too many people are cutting corners," Candelore says. "We have the highest standards in the painting industry. Our only goal is to deliver the highest-end product with great service. No shortcuts."
According to industry data, over 60% of homeowners report dissatisfaction with contractor communication or project quality, and nearly 1 in 3 projects experience delays or cost overruns. These gaps highlight a larger issue: inconsistent processes and lack of professional standards across the sector.
Candelore believes the solution starts with structure.
"I run a real business with systems, proven marketing, and we absolutely deliver to the client's expectations without exception," he explains. "Everything I do has a systems-based approach now."
A Push for Higher Standards Across the Industry
With more than a decade of experience building and scaling a successful painting business, Candelore has seen firsthand how systems can transform results. From hiring and training to execution and customer experience, he emphasizes consistency at every level.
His concern is not just about business performance-but about trust.
"When you don't have systems, you get inconsistency. And when you get inconsistency, you lose trust," he says.
Research supports this. Studies show that businesses with standardized processes are up to 50% more efficient and significantly more likely to retain customers long-term. Yet many small operators in the home services space still rely on informal practices.
Candelore is working to change that through mentorship, franchising, and education.
Turning Personal Struggle Into Professional Discipline
Candelore's message is shaped by his own journey. He grew up without financial stability after losing his father at a young age and experiencing his parents' divorce.
"I had to recreate myself into somebody that nobody believed I could be," he says. "I needed to fail hard in order to have the drive I have."
That mindset-embracing failure and learning from it-has become central to his philosophy.
"Failure is part of the process," he adds. "On the other side of darkness is a world that few will know."
Today, he applies those lessons not just to his own business, but to how he teaches others to grow.
Empowering Business Owners Through Systems and Mentorship
As a national business development trainer and Small Business Development Center instructor, Candelore works with entrepreneurs across the country. His focus is clear: help them build real businesses, not just jobs.
"I'm always continuing to learn," he says. "Always joining mentoring groups. Always being better than I was the day before."
He also encourages other business owners to seek guidance and invest in growth.
"I hire nationally respected mentors," he notes. "You can't do it alone if you want to scale."
His approach aligns with broader trends. Studies show that business owners who engage in mentorship programs are twice as likely to survive beyond five years compared to those who do not.
What Consumers and Business Owners Can Do Today
Candelore's message is not just for industry insiders. He believes both consumers and entrepreneurs play a role in raising standards.
For homeowners, he suggests asking deeper questions before hiring:
What systems does the company use?
How do they ensure consistent quality?
Do they use premium materials and proven processes?
"People need to stop choosing based on price alone," he says. "Quality and service matter."
For business owners, his advice is direct:
Build repeatable systems
Invest in mentorship
Focus on delivering consistent results
"Keeping level-headed and delivering high quality to the client is the most important thing," he says. "That never changes."
A Broader Mission Rooted in Family and Community
Beyond business, Candelore's motivation is personal. He is focused on providing for his family, caring for his elderly mother, and giving back to his community.
"Providing for my wife and kids, taking care of my mom, and helping those less fortunate-that's what drives me," he says.
He supports local initiatives, youth sports, and community events, reinforcing his belief that business success should extend beyond profit.
"My business and personal life go hand in hand," he adds. "Confidence in business carries over to personal life."
Call to Action
Candelore is encouraging both consumers and business owners to take ownership of their role in improving industry standards.
Start by asking better questions. Demand consistency. Invest in learning. Build systems that last.
"Be better than you were yesterday," he says. "That's where it starts."
About Derek Candelore
Derek Candelore is a Pittsburgh-based entrepreneur, franchisor, and third-generation owner of Roman Paint Pros. A former record-setting wide receiver and undefeated Golden Gloves boxer, he has built a systems-driven painting business known for high standards and premium service. He is also a national business development trainer and instructor for the Small Business Development Center, where he mentors entrepreneurs on growth, leadership, and operational excellence.
Contact: [email protected]
SOURCE: Derek Candelore