Small Business Finalist: 10 or Fewer Employees: GCSI-Paintscape

Location: 8251 Blakie Court, Sarasota

Start date: 2004

First job ever: Repairing car armatures

Something you wish you knew when you started: “How to pick better business partners,” GCSI-Paintscape owner Glen Shecter said. “People that share the same business philosophy that I do.”

Typical day on the job: “I handle everything from estimating, from administration, to project scheduling, to project review,” Shecter said.

Favorite way to spend a day off: Either playing golf or spending time on his motorcycle with his girlfriend

Biggest challenge: “In today’s market, staying alive,” Shecter said. “Trying to keep enough work in front of you to keep everyone busy.”

Business idol: “A buddy of mine, Frank Kowakalowski, who died years ago,” Shecter said. “I admire his intellect and his insight on how to approach business issues and problems.”

Where do you see the business in five years? “I see it much larger with a bigger gross volume and continued focus on customer service,” Shecter said.

Number of employees when started: Approximately six

Number of employees today: 14 to 16