What’s better than just one veteran business owner? How about two? Meet Kevin McManus Sr. and Kevin McManus Jr., the father-son duo behind Five Star Painting Charleston. With a combined 36 years of military service, Kevin Sr. and Kevin Jr. bring the discipline, precision and leadership skills honed from their time in the Air Force to their thriving business. Their military background taught them to perform under pressure daily—a lesson they now pass on to their team as they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship together. We sat down with the family-owned business to discuss the benefits service can bring to business ownership, the unique experiences of working with family and their advice for other veterans looking to enter the entrepreneurial space.
Can you each tell us about your service in the Air Force?
Kevin Sr.: I served on active duty for 14 years and then as an Air Force Reservist for another 14 years before I retired in 2018. I was a pilot for many different airplanes, flying at Vance AFB in Oklahoma, Maxwell AFB in Alabama, McGuire AFB in New Jersey and Charleston AFB in South Carolina.
Kevin Jr.: I served on active duty for a little over seven years as an MQ-9 pilot. I was stationed at Randolph AFB, Texas; Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota; and Holloman AFB, New Mexico.
What led you to want to transition into business ownership?
Kevin Sr.: I have always had a passion for owning my own business, so over my military career, I got a few business degrees in preparation for this passion. The VA eased this transition with publications, classes and counseling to make tackling it more comfortable.
Kevin Jr.: The opportunity to move back to my home in Charleston, South Carolina, to live near my family. Allowing my kids to grow up with their grandparents and cousins was important to me, and buying Five Star Painting of Charleston allowed me to do that.
Can you tell us about Five Star Painting Charleston and why you decided to get into the painting business?
Kevin Sr.: A good friend who was the previous owner of Five Star Painting of Charleston approached me and hoped that I would be interested in buying his franchise so that he could retire. I knew I could not do this by myself, so when I asked my son Kevin if he was interested, it became a very doable idea. The timing lined up for him to finish his military career and bring his family back to Charleston.
Kevin Jr.: We specialize in high-end painting of interior and exterior residential homes and commercial buildings. Drywall repair, wallpaper installation/removal, cabinet and furniture refinishing, popcorn removal, decks and fences—we can do almost anything in your home or business. Getting back to Charleston was the main reason to get into the painting business. Five Star has been around Charleston for nearly two decades, and purchasing an already established and successful business made the decision even easier.
What skills did you gain in the military that prepared you for business ownership?
Kevin Sr.: The life skills and leadership traits the military has given me have molded my everyday life. Dedication, integrity, mission, purpose and core values are the fabric of our everyday work lives. My son Kevin and I have brought these skills and traits into the daily operation of Five Star Painting of Charleston with great success.
Kevin Jr.: Leadership! The chain of command now stops with me, and my experience in the military taught me that people come first. My dad and I live our lives and run the business with core values similar to those of the Air Force.
What is it like owning a family business, and what are the benefits of this kind of partnership?
Kevin Sr.: The cliché of never going into business with your friends and family proves no value with us. Never having to worry about my son’s ethics and integrity with his decision making is incredibly valuable in our partnership. A partnership, without doubt or worry, allows time to concentrate on our customers and growth. We are blessed to have this partnership!
Kevin Jr.: With similar military training, both of us think alike. This really helps when it comes to making decisions and working together to make the business successful.
Would you recommend business ownership for veterans?
Kevin Sr.: I absolutely would. However, I would concentrate on the power of information. So solicit the VA training opportunities, contact other business owners in that trade, and learn who your customers are and their needs.
Kevin Jr.: Of course! Leaving the military to civilian life isn’t easy but the VA offers tons of support for Airmen. Being a business owner comes naturally with the experience and values the Air Force instills in its Airmen.
What advice would you give veterans who want to transition into business ownership?
Kevin Sr.: Go for it! I have always felt that indecision is a decision. So utilize those military skills you learned, always do the right thing and take the risk to fuel the passion to fulfill your life goals.
Kevin Jr.: Use the support offered to you! Do your homework, research the business before buying it and always put the customer and your employees first!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEVIN MCMANUS SR. & KEVIN MCMANUS JR.
Read more articles for the veteran community here.
