Herman Cole first picked up a paint brush and started painting residential and commercial contractor jobs back in 2000.
Starting his career with Willmer Painting in Greenville, Cole made $7 an hour at the time.
Nearly a quarter of a century later, Cole is still painting, and his own business, H&A Painting is growing.
Earlier this year, Cole announced that H&A is building a new headquarters on Highway 448 in Indianola, and the company is adding new employees to help fill the contracts that are lined up.
Cole credits Superintendent James Gaston at Willmer as his mentor.
"He showed me the ins and outs of painting,” he said.
Cole's first project was the Mississippi Delta Community College’s Charles W. Capps Jr. Technology Center in Indianola.
"I learned that painting was a needed and rewarding trade,” Cole said. “The work was plentiful, so I took a liking to it. After six to eight weeks on the project, I realized this was my calling.”
Cole stated that painting is his purpose because it is stress-free and something he likes doing.
It was a trade he learned very swiftly.
"I started learning about the product and how to use it on different surfaces,” he said. “From there, it was all God. From $7 an hour, I moved to $20 per hour at Viking Range, in Greenwood. We started taking care of all the sites along with James Gaston. God gave me favor with people. I learned a great deal. I began to take on residential work on my own. The results were the expressions and comments. The customers were well pleased with the outcome."
Cole said that his earliest influences when it comes to work ethic and faith came from his parents.
"The teachings of my mom and especially my dad influenced my life. The conversations with my father at an early age guided me even before I became a painter," shared Cole. "I remember hearing my father tell my brothers to help me because they will need my help one day. These words continue to inspire me to live up to my blessings. These words push me to go after the blessings."
Cole said that he still feels the influences of his father and his faith in the work he is doing today.
"I know my life and career are directed by God. I never dreamed that this could be a blessing to my family. I constantly hear my father's words, awakening my faith in God. Whatever is before me, I go after it," said Cole.
Cole’s faith and business sense are strong, but the journey has not come without struggles.
"There have been tests and struggles. In those moments, I rely on God. My strength is in Him. It is the Lord who pulls me through my struggles and tests. Two Bible verses guide me. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose," said Cole. "My mother was the praying vessel in my life. Because of her prayers, God shielded and protected me. He brought me to where I am today because of my mom's prayers. I am reminded throughout the day how my mom and dad talked to me about life," declared Cole.
Herman holds to his childhood teachings. He recalls his mother's constant reminders, "If you do right, the Lord will bless you."
Cole was about five years into his painting career when Hurricane Katrina hit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in Louisiana.
"My experience and career took a boost or jump after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005,” Cole said. “My sons and I started working on the Gulf Coast in 2006. We worked approximately three years in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport, D'Iberville, Pass Christian.”
During those years on the Gulf Coast, Cole built great relationships with those in the profession.
He started doing commercial work, which is now about 85% of his work.
"I love it so well – it's a lot of work, but it's more rewarding, not to mention the benefits," expressed Cole.
As the business has grown, so has Cole’s family, and many of those closest to him play an integral role in the day-to-day operations.
Cole's sons, two daughters, a granddaughter and two grandsons all work at H & A.
Education, training and discipline took the business to a new dimension, he said. His daughters and granddaughter graduated with professional business and architectural design degrees.
Herman Cole Jr., the project manager for H&A, shared, "I provide an accurate timeline of project completions while coordinating with the superintendents to ensure satisfactory job performance. I currently manage five four-person crews throughout the state. A typical day starts at 5 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. During this time, you can find me conducting quality control audits, work and employee inspections, as well as attending meetings. Most of my time is spent in my mobile office, traveling to each project site daily. I enjoy working with my family. We have created a trusting, stress-free environment. Working with people you love and building a brand for generations is a pleasure."
April Cole, chief financial officer and pre-construction manager, says, "I make it a daily practice to put God first, and I am a firm advocate for continuing education. I could not perform as effectively and efficiently without an education. I hold a B.S. in business administration from MVSU and have recently obtained an A.S. in drafting and design technology from MDCC. I deal with day-to-day operations and prepare taxes and payroll. Also, I am an estimator. I view upcoming projects so we can determine a bid to submit to general contractors."
"This company has given me much insight into how to be a leader. I am innovative, flexible, and constantly growing in the changing world. I am always ready to pursue growth and change. In this line of business, you must be competitive and up-to-date with knowledge in the painting industry," stressed April.
Herman's wife, Amanda Cole, is a financial advisor and project monitor; she monitors state and local projects.
Cole said the future is bright for H&A.
"In 2020, Sherwin Williams recognized H & A Painting, LLC as north Mississippi's number one painting contractor. This recognition has allowed us to gain ground in central Mississippi. We now receive more opportunities in central Mississippi," shared Cole. "I see a bright future. It is a blessing for H&A and the community. We hope to offer jobs in the community with decent pay. Employment has increased from one to 45 and is rising," said Cole.
Cole said that he and his family would not be in the position they are in without their faith in God. So much so that Cole serves not only as a contractor but also as a pastor.
"I have been the First United Baptist Church pastor in Moorhead for 23 years. My flexible schedule allows me to work and pastor. God has given me favor and opportunity. Business owners look for integrity, commitment, respect, and honesty," explained Cole.
Cole said that he encourages younger business owners to think outside of the box.
"I want to encourage other business owners who refuse to think outside the box and move beyond what they see. I had to go where my skills called me. The job is not in my backyard. I have to travel,” explained Cole. “If the job doesn't come to you, then you go to the job. Have enough faith to pursue your dream."
Now nearly a decade into H&A Painting’s existence, the business and family have never been stronger.
"Our target customers are general contractors who build for architects. We have discovered a large demand for paint contractors who acquire the needed certification. We work consistently for 52 weeks a year. H & A Painting, LLC is passionately dedicated to growing our company by providing the best service to all our customers,” Cole said.
Cole announced that he currently has 45 employees, which includes office personnel, project managers, painters, plaster and sheetrock finishers, and wallpaper hangers.
"Our business is to make your business look good!" said Cole.
