Intern Profile: Matt Fox

I was looking for a small business opportunity where I could manage my free time while still attending school full time at St. Norbert College.  After talking with a student from Whitewater, who ran his own business while attending school, I realized it was just the opportunity I was looking for. Over the next month I had a series of interviews and was hired as a Franchise Manager for College Pro Painters. Going into the position, I had zero business experience (not even a business major) and zero painting experience. My previous job was a server at Applebees! 

As a Franchise Manager for College Pro Painters, I had a lot of responsibility. In the spring semester, I did my own marketing, hiring, selling, and financial management and attended four training sessions on how to run a painting business.  In the summer, I managed three painting crews consisting of nearly 20 employees and trained each painter while still doing my own marketing, selling, financial management, and HR duties. 

My internship as a Franchise Manager for College Pro Painters was single-handedly the one experience that has changed my life!  During the eight-month internship, I ran a $129,000 painting business with 100% customer satisfaction and was inducted into the President’s Club with no prior experience. While learning all areas of a small business from the inside out, I developed skills in management, leadership, and customer service in addition to my confidence level greatly increasing.  I have already had other companies contacting me for possible future job opportunities. 

I would recommend that anyone interested in business, entrepreneurship, leadership, management, marketing, sales, or an amazing challenge to strongly consider this opportunity.  For those interested, contact Career Services, as they have information on this internship opportunity.  Every motivated college student should experience this opportunity!