From Software Sales to Parking Lot Striping: Why I Made the Leap

For nearly a decade, I built a successful career in B2B software sales. I closed big deals, hit my quotas, and earned multiple President’s Club awards. It provided a comfortable life, but deep down, I knew I wanted something more. Something bigger.

I’ve always been entrepreneurial at heart. I’ve had numerous side-hustles, including jet ski rentals, landscaping companies, a non-profit, and other small projects. While working in sales, I realized that no matter how many deals I closed, I would never truly build wealth by staying in a 9-to-5 job. I needed to create something of my own—something that could grow into an asset, a business, and, ultimately, a legacy.

That’s why I walked away from software sales to start 1-800-STRIPER® of Salt Lake City.

No Longer Working for a Paycheck, but Building an Asset

The idea of working for someone else for another 30 years didn’t sit well with me. I didn’t want to wake up decades from now, still grinding for a paycheck, still answering to a boss, and still having my financial future dictated by a corporate ladder.

I wanted to build something that would last. A business that could grow beyond me. And just as importantly, I wanted to create opportunities for others—to provide jobs and help people support their families.

Why Parking Lot Striping?

Of all the businesses I could have started, why did I choose parking lot striping? A few key reasons:

• Low Barrier to Entry – Unlike many industries that require massive upfront investment or years of specialized training, striping allowed me to get started quickly with the right equipment and a solid plan.
• B2B Sales Synergy – My background in sales didn’t go to waste. I knew how to land deals, build relationships, and navigate the world of commercial contracts. This gave me an edge in an industry where many competitors lack strong sales and marketing skills.
• Fantastic Margins – The profitability of striping, especially when run efficiently, was too good to ignore. With the right strategy and execution, I knew I could build a thriving business with high returns.
• Proven Business – The 1-800-STRIPER Corporate team out of Rochester, NY has over 25 years of parking lot striping experience. I thought it made a ton of sense to have a tried and true, turnkey model. With it being a franchise, this “business in a box” model was just what I needed for my first business.

The Road Ahead

Starting this business has been one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions of my life. It’s tested me in ways I never expected, but it’s also given me the freedom and fulfillment I was searching for.

Now, instead of chasing commission checks, I’m building an asset. Instead of working for someone else’s dream, I’m creating my own. And instead of feeling stuck in the cycle of corporate life, I’m forging my own path—one parking lot at a time.

If you’re someone who has ever thought about making the leap from employee to entrepreneur, my advice is this: bet on yourself. The risk is real, but so is the reward.