Pro Q&A: Simon

Why Simon is a Pro

We chose Ziggy & Hannah, Sophie & Melanie, and Simon for Becoming a Pro because each of their stories captures what it truly means to build something of your own. All three have spent years learning their craft under others before taking the bold step to go out on their own — creating businesses defined by pride, skill, and independence. Their journeys show the real human stories behind professionalism: resilience, ambition, and the determination to make a living doing what they love.

Why are you a painter and decorator?

Simon: It’s kind of in my blood. My dad was an old-school decorator, and while I dreamed of being a music producer, he made sure I learned a trade.

At sixteen, I started helping him out on school holidays, and loved the new places, new faces, and always being on the go. I did chase music for a while, but I missed the camaraderie on site: having a laugh, being hands-on every day. What I love most is seeing a job through, from start to finish, and it’s a kind of satisfaction I’ve never found anywhere else.

What kind of work do you enjoy?

Simon: I’ve got a soft spot for sash windows. Most people look at them and think, “No chance, that’s too much work.” By the time I get to them, it’s usually five years too late and they’re in rough shape. But I love bringing them back to life, getting them as close to new as possible.

What does your work say about you?

Simon: I can’t do half a job. Everything has to be done properly or not at all, there’s no in-between. Once I set my mind on something, I see it through. It’s a blessing and a curse in many ways.

What’s your preferred area of work

Simon: Residential, without a doubt. I like being in control of the surroundings, working in a more confined space where I can focus and deliver 10/10.

What would you say it takes to be a pro?

Simon:  We can all talk about the best products to use, but I think ultimately, what sets a pro apart from a DIYer is that ability to be in and out, clean and tidy, and it’s like you’ve never been there other than the paint work.

What are small things you see that clients don’t?

Simon: For me, it’s always those small, little extra steps you take during the day. You don’t make a song and dance about it and the client may not even notice. Sometimes it might be just an extra bit of sanding or doing resin repairs to just a few problematic knots, but those details make all the difference to me.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Simon: My dad taught me that on any job, the first thing you bring in from the van on Day 1 are a Hoover and dust sheets. Straight away, the customer thinks you’re tidy and that you’ll keep their place clean. It instills that early pinch of trust that gets you off to a flying start.

What do you look for in your products?

Simon:  People are forever squeezed financially and you’ve got to provide a good service, but you’ve also got to meet their expectations of cost. Having the right products is key to staying on budget and making the job work for both you and the customer.

How does Zinsser make your job easier?

Simon: For me, whatever issue comes up on a job, I always turn to Zinsser. It’s that little bandaid I know I’ve got in the back of the van. I can see a water stain and think, ‘I’ve got something for that.’ Once I use Zinsser, I know it’s fixed for good, it doesn’t come back, and it doesn’t hold me up. You only have to use it once, and the problem is solved.

Describe the feeling of stepping back from a finished job?

Simon:  It’s a moment where you take some pride in what you do, but often, and I’m sure many decorators would say the same thing, you step back and you’ll see something else you wanted to have done, or wish you’d done differently—but that’s just the nature of the game.

Where does the pride of the job come in for you?

Simon: I think like anyone who runs their own business, at the heart of it, you’re doing it for your family. Some people are happy with a regular job and a steady payroll, but when you take this path, every ounce of energy you put in is about creating something bigger, for your family’s future.
There’s a real sense of pride in that. Not just in the work itself, but in knowing you’re building something from the ground up, with their support woven into it too. It all ties together, the business, the effort, the backing from home, and that’s what makes it feel worthwhile.