(a work in progress)
This site was launched in 2007 as a marketing / branding platform for the painting, finishing, and restoration services of your author (it's owner-operator), Jeremiah Seip (of Guelph On).
AS | AP Back Story (Draft)
Shortly after I moved back to Guelph in July 2000, luck and two brief (but successful) partnerships had Seip Enterprises (my registered proprietorship) and 'Seip Painting' (now AlliedPainting.com) up and running.
With my (modest) cash reserves sunk in tools, the winter of 02-03 landed me my first job as crew for a (good) local building contractor; where I enjoyed a change of pace, continued to expand my skill-set, and (without yet knowing it) began the pattern for the years ahead... By spring word of mouth (and a private 'obsession' with the unresolved problem of paint wastewater) had 'Seip Painting' re-branded and me (and my then right hand man) back in business.
By the following winter I had 2 men on the payroll, and improving 'business smarts'; 'smarts' enough to have me (privately) wresting with the realization that the more firmly 'branded' I became as a painting contractor (and the busier managing a crew) the more ompossible my ambition for carpentry, general contracting, and hands on craftsmanship...So, after a string of not so super superintendent customers (and one bankruptcy) I leveled with the crew, un-branded the business and started over from scratch. (And I resolved to try to put, and keep, passion in the driver's seat.)
By summer 2004, Seip Enterprises had begun (by word of mouth) to develop two distinct 'brands': 'Skilled Services' (now AlliedService.ca) allowed me to utilize my passion (and skill-set) as an aspiring Carpenter / General Contractor, while 'Painting & Restoration' (now AlliedPainting.com) earned me a better rate of return, (from my more accomplished skill-set, tool-set and, more established word of mouth).
I've developed both skill-sets; independently (with help hired as needed) and as the hired help myself; freelance (see freelance below)...A disciplined focus on putting the customer's best interest first (high quality workmanship, individually tailored service, and fair billing for hard work) has kept good food on my table, a comfortable roof over my head, and made the business (under any name) a source of great pride. (knock on wood)
Bottom Line (Gratitude)
I'm grateful for every tradesman, contractor, customer, and friend, whose support has helped shape the business, and whose patience and high expectations have spurned me to do better. (knock on wood)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apprenticeship / freelance-Journeyman experience: 3 Production Framing (Structural Carpentry) Contractors (for 6 Builders; everything from executive level mansion to, production Energy Star to, break-neck townhouse); 2 Custom Design/Build General Contractors (on 4+ nice additions, one super-insulated studio/guest house, and lots of odds and ends); 2 Drywall Finishing (Taping & Texturing) Contractors (learning to tape and texture); and, 1 Production Drywaller (boarding systematically); Plus, a half dozen Painting / Decorating Outfits (everything from luxury re-paints, to production residential, to chic commercial property snazz-ups); One Electrician (/General Contractor; my second partnership, that got me started); And (last but not least) one skilled, and very fussy, Pipe/Steam & Gas Fitter (& handy man: my Dad, as a kid growing up).
(Thanks for your interest.)
Stats (Seip Enterprises) • (N. N.) Prices • Mission | Focus • Contact "Us" • AlliedService.ca