Colby Davis’s Advice to Young Entrepreneurs in the Trades

For young entrepreneurs in the trades, the path isn’t always clear—but Colby Davis believes that’s exactly where the opportunity lies.

As the founder of Davis Painting, Colby built a thriving business from the ground up. Today, he’s known not only for the quality of his company’s work across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but also for the way he leads: with clarity, accountability, and the kind of grit that can’t be faked.

His advice to the next generation? Start where you are, but think bigger. “You don’t need a fancy office or a full crew to build something real,” he’s said in past interviews. “You need standards. You need to show up. And you need to outwork everyone.”

Colby emphasizes the importance of mastering the trade, not skipping steps. But he also pushes young entrepreneurs to understand the business side—client relationships, financials, branding, leadership. The trades aren’t just about skill, he says. They’re about how you carry yourself, how you build trust, and how you keep raising the bar.

What sets Colby apart is his willingness to mentor. Through social media, in-person events, and one-on-one conversations, he shares lessons he learned the hard way so others don’t have to. For him, it’s not about competition—it’s about creating a rising tide for the trades.

In an industry that often undervalues vision, Colby Davis stands as proof that craftsmanship, discipline, and ambition can still build something lasting.