Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Mullikin.
Hi Mike, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I worked various construction trades for summer jobs growing up and always enjoyed building things. In high school, I developed a passion for entrepreneurship and business. After I graduated from college, I joined the Management Training Program for The Sherwin-Williams Paint Company. I spent the next several years managing retail paint stores and continuing to develop my craft by remodeling my own homes and helping my friends and family with their projects. I recently decided to leave Sherwin-Williams to pursue my dreams of entrepreneurship in the construction industry. I am currently getting all the licenses and organizational work done for Beartooth Built, and plan to begin operations in July.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my life and have not had any severe challenges. My biggest struggle came this past winter, with supply chain challenges in the paint industry I was unable to find the success that I’d found in years previous. I found that my normal coping methods were no longer enough to manage my depression and found myself in a very dark place mentally to start 2022. My wife and I recognized that I needed a significant change, which lead to the formalizing of Beartooth Built, an idea I’d played with for years. She found a job allowing me to leave mine and focus on my aspirations. Currently, I’m finishing up the application for a general contractor’s license and hope to be fully operational in July.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Beartooth Built?
I focus on small remodeling projects, primarily kitchens and bathrooms, along with epoxy countertops and floors. I have developed Beartooth Built to promote the skills necessary for home improvement and maintenance. That means my goal is to teach others how to do the work themselves. I’m happy to do the projects myself, but my ideal customer is somebody that doesn’t have all the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary, but wants to perform the work. In that case, I act as a DIY consultant, offering expertise, discounted pricing on materials, and specialized tool rentals. I’ve found so much joy in finishing home improvement projects, and I want to share that sense of accomplishment.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to rely on those around me a little more in order to manage my own well-being. Much of my life, I’ve expected myself to be 100% self-reliant, and it took its toll. I’ve found that people generally want to help each other succeed and are not put off by being asked.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/beartooth.built
- Facebook: facebook.com/beartooth.built
