Batavia couple paints over layoff concerns.

by Hal Conick

BATAVIA, IL -
When Batavia residents Kevin and Susan Holmberg were cut from their jobs, they decided to take it in stride and run their own business.
The Holmbergs, both 47, were casualties of the economic downturn. Kevin worked as an IT manager while Susan worked as a real estate project manager, both for more than 20 years. Both were laid off at about the same time.
After being laid off, the couple decided to purchase CertaPro Painters, at 1921 W. Wilson St. It’s an established local business, which is an offshoot of the largest painting company in North America.
“Both of us had 25 years of experience in the business industry,” Susan Holmberg said. “We put together a strategy no different than for a business that would hire us.”
Kevin Holmberg said he wasn’t worried about the new gig because of CertaPro’s roots in town and everything they had learned in their years of working.
“We looked at our skills and strengths we brought to our previous jobs,” he said. “We tried to match them to our best opportunities. That led us to CertaPro.”
After going from corporate workers to business owners, the Holmbergs both said the experiences are about as different as they can get.
“The good news is, we’re very busy,” Susan Holmberg said. “The bad news is, we’re really busy. We work seven days a week, 24 hours a day so it seems. ... The rewards are different. They’re personal.”
Kevin Holmberg said the rewards now come from taking care of customers and providing great service.
“The strong part of the business is referrals and repeat business,” he said.
What the couple have gathered from the experience is that layoffs are not the end of the line for a career.
“Most of us know many, many people that have been laid off,” Susan Holmberg said. “You wonder, ‘Where’s the hope in that?’
“I guess the hope is that these people, just like Kevin and I, have a lot of experience and you have to look at the opportunities that are out there and ask the question ‘What does the consumer want? What does the new market want?’”
Susan Holmberg said the important thing is to never leave a new opportunity uninvestigated.
“In this market, take it through to the very end,” she said. “Especially right now, don’t close the door on whatever opportunity. You may find something very rewarding.”
 

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