Trade Pro Member Profile - Offaly Painter - Lewis Murphy

Meet Offaly based painter and decorator Lewis Murphy. Lewis talks to us about his attention to detail that his customers love!

'A good job isn’t cheap and a cheap job isn’t good.'

Lewis Murphy, Murphy Painting

OLT: Hi Lewis, let's start with telling us a bit about yourself Lewis and how you got started as a painter/decorator: 
LM: Hi, I started in painting when I was 22 after doing some building and labouring previously. I realised soon after that it was something I had a deep passion for. I knew in time that I would love to establish my own business and after moving from Co. Wexford to Co. Offaly in 2020, I finally decided to take the plunge into self-employment.

OLT: What do you love about painting, are there any types of jobs or projects you especially enjoy? 
LM: Seeing the transformation of high-quality paintwork gives me great job satisfaction. I believe a home deserves nothing but the best! I offer all internal and external painting and decorating services including:

• Hand-painted cabinets
• Traditional Brush & Roller (interior/exterior)
• Spray painting new builds/extensions etc.

Hand-painted kitchen cabinets is a job I really enjoy and we’ve built up a good reputation now for our skills in this area. I enjoy working on my own – don’t get me wrong, I like being around people too! But I enjoy getting stuck into a job and getting in the zone with no distractions!  

OLT: We can see from your 5-star ratings you’ve lots of happy customers, how do you go about ensuring that 5-star rating?
LM: I make sure all of my clients get the most professional and reliable service. We can give experienced insight into different paint types, brands and colours, we strive to complete each job to each of our client’s satisfaction! Painting isn’t just giving something a lick of paint, it requires preparation, patience and a keen eye for detail to achieve the top quality finish that our clients expect and deserve. We also use top quality tools and equipment to ensure every job is done as efficiently as possible with the best possible finish in a timely manner. In my experience, a good quality job lasts longer and as the saying goes “a good job isn’t cheap and a cheap job isn’t good”.

OLT: Have you any advice to someone else starting out? 
LM: Quality is key - Do the job to the highest standard you can. Also, leaving a house as you found it is so important – I always hoover and wash floors to make a home spotless. Homeowners are always delighted – it doesn’t take long but it’s so worth it. I also take time to go through a detailed quote with a customer, address any concerns, and give advice on finishes and colours.

OLT: What lessons have you learnt since starting your own business?
LM: So many to be fair, where do I start!? To anyone starting out, I’d say have some money behind you for equipment and marketing. Do your work to a high quality and clean as you go!

OLT: Any challenges along the way? 
LM: We’ve done a few projects that were challenging with some drywalling and ceiling repairs. In my younger days, I did a lot of building and labouring work and I’m working alongside my brother who has some other skills such as plastering. So together we make a good team, offering advice and skills to property owners on their home improvement projects.

OLT: How has membership of Onlinetradesmen helped your business? 
LM: Moving to Tullamore, Co Offaly from Wexford meant building a local reputation was vital for business. Onlinetradesmen has helped me establish my business in Offaly and put me in touch with homeowners in the area. It has helped with my marketing e.g. sharing posts on social media, saving me money on expensive advertising.

Lovely talking to you today Lewis!   
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