If you would’ve told me a year ago that I’d be: - The subject of a press release (no way, THAT Ilan?!?!) - Trading Salesforce dashboards for Sherwin-Williams traffic paint, Graco paint sprayers and warehouse fumes - Owning a box truck (don’t worry, I’m driving it like I’ve always been a box truck owner) - In the middle of parking lots at 1:30 AM, marking lines like a late-night artist - Designing parking lot layouts and learning all about ADA compliance (spoiler: there’s a lot to know) …I would’ve laughed and said, “Yeah, sure, and I’m also going to become a professional napper next.” (I'm actually REALLY GOOD at napping already) But here we are. About 16 months ago, I decided to step away from the tech world—a decision that took three years of thinking, second-guessing, and an occasional panic attack. Why didn’t I do it sooner? If I’m honest, I wasn’t sure I could survive without the comforts of SaaS. But, surprise—I could! After some deep soul-searching (and maybe some speed-dating with franchise development managers), I figured out what I wanted in my next chapter: - B2B - A market so big it makes my head spin - A sales cycle that actually does something, like producing results today Then parking lot striping came into the picture. My first thought was, “Is that a thing?” I said to the franchise development manager: “People actually pay for this?” He smiled and said, "there's riches in the niches." I was sold. Fast forward to today: I’m the proud owner of a 1-800-STRIPER franchise helping property managers, warehouse folks, and contractors create neat, organized parking lots that pop! We’ve already worked with big names like Life Time Inc., Gerber Collision & Glass and Safelite (yes, they trust us with their parking lots!). The best part? Prospecting is fun again, because people actually pick up the phone. Who knew?! A huge thank you to my friends and colleagues for your support as I adjust to life in the parking lot biz. Be sure to follow 1-800-STRIPER® of Atlanta OTP North and if you know anyone in commercial real estate construction or property management here in Atlanta, let them know where to find me (I promise I’ll be the one with the box truck). Onwards—and straight lines ahead! #ParkingLotStriping #ParkingLotDesign #PavementMarking #ADACompliance #CommercialProperty #WarehouseManagement #PropertyManagement #FacilityManagement #FranchiseOwner #BusinessOwnerJourney #ConstructionLife
This this! What a crazy journey we're on! 😅
This is awesome! You are the man Ilan. How does this entire operation you've got going on actually work? Can consumers buy them? I want to paint myself my own parking spot at my office in the middle of the night. Huge congrats. Not many people have the guts to jump into the cold swimming pool of entrepreneurship. And even less make it. I love this. Congrats on crushing it.
That’s awesome ilan! Definitely inspiring to see you go for it 👏
Congrats Ilan, love it!
Love that video! Trust you are well!
Rooting for you and your business. Congratulations!
Love this!!! Happy for you.
Congrats on all your success, Ilan. No matter what you do, you would crush it. Very inspiring
Global Business Development - Nonprofit/Education/Public Sector; Empowering Sales Professionals and Sales Leaders to Have the Greatest Impact
2moTakes a lot of courage to walk away from the "comforts". You bet on yourself and will reap the rewards. Proud of you my friend!