We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Benning and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I took a huge risk by quitting my job and working full time for our business. My husband has always painted as long as I’ve known him and I’ve always worked. I was a job gypsy in the sales, restaurant, and medical industries for all of my adult life working two jobs most of my 20s. After the pandemic I worked from home for two years because it was as the most logical way to continue getting a steady paycheck while being home with my two kids because painting never stopped. 2020 is actually when J&B Painting Plus of Florida Inc really got people’s attention. Once things got back to normal and I was starting to become a hermit I took a sales position at WB Mason and my husband was just getting busier and busier. The same week I celebrated my 1 year at WB (I really LOVED that job and shoutout to all the cool people I met during that chapter ) and was promoted to a supervisor my husband said the magic words, “I know you love your job, but I need you to quit”. We dabbled with this idea here and there but always tossed it not wanting to mix home and work, but we both knew he needed me and it was time. I had stipulations. I needed a direct deposit like I have been used to my whole life, I needed an office not inside of our home, and I needed to give my team a 30 day notice. My husband delivered with a full office placed right into our warehouse and it was the best decision we have ever made. Together we have made this a million dollar business and moved mountains we didn’t even think we would ever get near. It’s only up from here!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always considered myself a job gypsy! I have been working since I was 10 years old! My dad used to deliver newspapers and run a convenient store ( Quick Chek for my Jersey peeps who know) and I used to LOVE to tag along and help him! I was standing on a milk crate ringing people up on Saturday and Sunday mornings and loved every moment of it! When I was 14 I got my first job at the ice cream parlor next to my house and as soon as I turned 16 I started slinging pizza at the local pizza shop and working across the bring in New Hope PA at a pretty iconic 24 hour diner in our town. My work ethic only got stronger after I graduated high school and moved to Florida with my whole family in hopes of becoming a famous event planner in Miami! We all know the saying though, “Life is what happens when you are busy making plans” My reality was I had my first child at 18 and spent most of my 20s working two, sometimes three jobs at a time to make ends meet. I have done everything from wait tables, to a ten year stint in the medical field from everything to radiology to orthotics and prosthetics. I have sold everything from pharmaceuticals, to granite, and lighting. I almost even got roped into selling vacuums, but I got out of there pretty quick! When the pandemic hit daughter had just started kindergarten and my son was starting high school (he is now graduating this year!!! Don’t blink!!) so I needed a job where I could not only be home with them, but help them with their new online school! In this two year time span I sold home warranties and contractor leads in my living room in my pajamas. It served its purpose and I still talk to some of my virtual friends I made at those jobs! A few us are working on actually meeting in real life. Fast forward to 2021 and I was going CRAZY in my house, my husband’s side painting business he has always had was literally BLOWING UP and the world was starting to get back to “normal” so I needed to get out of the house! I landed a really cool job at WB Mason selling office supplies! Not long after I started I was picked for a special “School Team” and I absolutely loved my job! My husband and I were throwing the idea of me coming to help him with his increasingly growing painting business, but we never executed the idea in fear it would hinder our marriage. The same day that I was celebrating my one year anniversary and was promoted to a supervisor my husband said the magic words, ” I know you love your job, but I am going to need you to quit and help me” I knew in this moment that this was what I was meant to do, but I loved having my job and I loved that that was my time, so I had stipulations to what we were about to do. I needed to give my job a month’s notice – I loved my co-workers and we were already so understaffed that I needed to make sure whoever was taking over for me was trained properly and would take care of my people. I also told him I will need a direct deposit every week like I am used to and I will need you to build me an office in our ware house; not our house. The last thing I wanted was to become a hermit again with no home/work life boundaries. My husband executed every single request and I will be celebrating 2 years with our business this August. I feel like my job gypsy resume has prepared me to run this company with my husband because I have been the employee and I can utilize all of my skills in one place! My title here is Operations Coordinator and Director of Marketing. My main goals coming on board were to build our brand, bring the mentality of collaboration rather than competition, and give back to our community! If there is one thing I would like business owners to know is that YOU are YOUR brand! You are the best advertisement for your brand! If you are not networking, START. People buy from people they like and connect with. YOU are your brand’s BIGGEST and MOST VALUABLE assest!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Copperline Cafe, Brew, and Supreme Beans are some of my favorite coffee shops around town and Tim’s Corner is the GO TO spot for breakfast! I love to support local! My husband and I eat lunch at Houligans pretty much everyday and have built up a clientele and professional references just from eating there so often! Some great dinner spots are Alberto’s Pizza (they are so involved in our community) and Bela Lisboa! Bela Lisboa is an amazing experience that offers an interactive hot stone to cook on!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would be nothing without my parents! They instilled a strong work ethic in me from a very young age. I think the only harder worker I know is my husband and business partner, John. I have been a blue collar worker wife for 20 years this year and I can tell you this business we have built is built on the foundation of his 16+ hour days for consecutive years, blood, sweat, and tears!

Website: www.jbpaintingplusfl.com

Instagram: Mrs.benning

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.gray.7359?mibextid=uzlsIk

Image Credits
Lunar Studio Daytona Beach News Journal

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