By Emily Mentzer, Lebanon Express writer | Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 12:00 am
Chris Cordoza will spend his summer running a business, painting houses through the College Works program.
The freshman at Oregon State University is the manager for a branch of the company.
College Works gives students an opportunity to run a business without all the overhead, Cordoza said.
Cordoza runs two crews.
Although College Works takes care of the license and insurance, Cordoza is in charge of everything else from hiring, scheduling, working with suppliers and paying his workers.
He said he put ads in the paper and used Craigslist to advertise for workers.
"Some people called off my flyers looking for a job," Cordoza said.
After interviewing, checking references and asking about experience, he hired his crews.
Sherman Williams holds training and certifies painters who work in the program.
Cordoza used many marketing methods.
He said word of mouth has been the most helpful, because he grew up in Lebanon so people know him.
Cordoza said one of his challenges has been time management, especially during the school term.
"Scheduling when to talk with clients, when to meet with them, all around school, studying, doing estimates, design consulting," he said.
Cordoza's hard work is paying off: his branch is the second biggest in the state.
"You just can't procrastinate," he said. "You've got to stay on top of things."
Cordoza's territory is 70 percent in the Lebanon and Sweet Home areas, and he has expanded into Albany.
College Works lent Cordoza the money to get started with supplies.
Once he pays the loan back, Cordoza can use the supplies next year, or rent them out to other managers in the program.
He said he had thought about getting an internship as a freshman, but was not expecting a business in painting.
"I talked with past managers and they said, 'It'll be the hardest thing you'll ever do,'" Cordoza said. "I'm competitive, so I said, 'Well, let's see.'"
Cordoza said it's definitely a lot harder than he thought it would be, but he enjoys it.
"I like talking to new clients and meeting new people," he said.
Cordoza is working toward a double major in nuclear engineering and business.
He said after this internship, he really likes the business aspect.
The money he earns will help pay for college.
To schedule an estimate, call Cordoza at 409-1900.