We were lucky to catch up with Ryan Parr recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan, appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest parts of scaling a business is maintaining quality as you grow. How have you managed to maintain quality? Any stories or advice?

Quality control is one of the most key areas of concern within small businesses. At Nashville Painting Professionals, maintaining quality as we grow is a top priority, and we have implemented several strategies to ensure that our high standards are consistently met. We adhere to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) for every project, from surface preparation to the final inspection, ensuring uniformity in our work regardless of the project size. Our team members undergo continuous training to stay updated on industry techniques and safety protocols, which allows us to maintain excellent workmanship. To further reinforce quality control, we have dedicated managers who oversee projects and conduct inspections at key stages, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed early. We also take customer feedback seriously, incorporating it into our processes to constantly improve. Utilizing Jobber, we track project milestones in real-time, enabling efficient communication and project management to prevent delays or oversights. Finally, our growth strategy is intentional and sustainable, allowing us to scale our operations while maintaining the high level of quality that Nashville Painting Professionals is known for. By integrating these practices, we ensure that our service quality remains consistent as our business continues to expand.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Ryan Parr, and I’m the founder of Nashville Painting Professionals (NPP), a residential and commercial painting company. I launched NPP at the age of 25, and in just a few short years, I’ve had the privilege of growing it into a million-dollar company. My journey started with a deep passion for craftsmanship and a desire to transform spaces, but it’s also been about solving problems for my clients—whether they need a fresh coat of paint, expert advice on choosing the right color schemes, or even Christmas light installation services to brighten their homes during the holidays.

What sets NPP apart from others is our commitment to quality and customer service. We’re not just painters; we’re partners in bringing our clients’ visions to life. Whether it’s a small residential project or a large-scale commercial job, we treat every project with the same level of detail and professionalism. Our team also stands out because of our dedication to sustainability. I’ve been deeply involved with the Tennessee Environmental Council and was recently honored as the runner-up for the 2024 Nashville Emerging Leaders Award (NELA) in the Environment and Sustainability category.

I’m proud to say that our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, as NPP has been featured in prominent publications like Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, Livingetc, and Family Handyman. These features highlight not just the quality of our work, but also the innovative strategies we employ to set new benchmarks in the painting industry.

The thing I’m most proud of is our ability to make an impact—on our clients, our community, and the environment. Whether it’s aiding in the recovery after the 2020 Nashville tornado or simply making someone’s home feel like their dream space, it’s those moments of connection and transformation that mean the most. For those considering working with us, know that NPP is more than a service; we’re dedicated to ensuring your experience is stress-free, seamless, and exceptional from start to finish.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One memorable story of having to pivot came during one of the largest projects our company has ever taken on. We won the bid to repaint the entire Restoration Hardware store at Green Hills Mall in Nashville, TN—a massive 45,000 sq. ft. job that could only be done at night. As you can imagine, this was no small task. Initially, we planned for an 8-week timeline, but we were thrown a curveball when their corporate office requested the project be completed in just 4 weeks.

Faced with this unexpected challenge, we immediately had to rethink our approach. We recalculated the time frame and realized that we needed to get creative. By partnering with another local painting company, we were able to successfully take on the project without compromising quality or missing the deadline. What started as a moment of doubt, where we considered turning down the job due to manpower constraints, turned into a major success. I owe this accomplishment to the incredible team I’ve surrounded myself with, who rose to the challenge and made it all possible.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One of the most impactful books I’ve read, and one I highly recommend to any new entrepreneur, is The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber. The key takeaway from the book is to focus on working on your business, not in it. Too often, business owners take on too many roles themselves, wearing multiple hats that can limit growth. The real path to scaling a business lies in surrounding yourself with the right people—whether it’s marketing experts, skilled painters, or other specialists. By building a strong team, you position your business for greater success and sustainable growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nashvillepaintingprofessionals.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillepaintingprofessionals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashvillepaintingpros
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tennessee-painting-professionals-llc
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nashville-painting-professionals-nashville