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From Layoff to Launch: Asa’s Bold Pivot
After getting laid off (twice!) from his tech sales job, Asa Hunt knew it was time for a change. But instead of going corporate again or buying into a franchise, he bet on himself.
He picked painting—not because he was a pro—but because it was simple to understand, had low startup costs, and filled a real need in his local community. With help from a coach and a clear plan, Asa launched Big Horn Painting in Colorado in November 2023.
His goal? Build a business that delivered freedom, purpose, and real income. Spoiler alert: He crushed it.
1. From Tech Sales to Painting Business: The Leap of Faith
Asa’s story begins like many others: working in a stable job that no longer feels fulfilling.
After being laid off twice from his tech sales role, Asa realized he needed a change.
But instead of following the traditional path of buying a business or franchise, he decided to go all in on starting his own business.
After weighing his options and talking to a coach, Asa settled on a business model he could easily grasp: painting.
The industry was low-risk, and the business model was simple—paint houses and grow the business by building trust in the local community.
Asa launched Big Horn Painting in November 2023 with the goal of creating something that would not only provide financial freedom but also offer personal satisfaction.
2. The Power of Low-Cost Marketing: How Asa Used Thumbtack and Facebook Groups
When it came to marketing, Asa knew he had to start small, especially when he was just getting his feet wet in the business.
Here’s where Thumbtack and Facebook groups came into play.
- Thumbtack: While often overlooked, Thumbtack worked wonders for Asa’s early days.
By paying for leads, Asa was able to book jobs without spending thousands of dollars upfront on a website or expensive marketing campaigns.
He spent about $1,800 on leads in his first year and made around $30,000 in revenue. The return on investment (ROI) was solid, especially in the beginning stages.
- Facebook Groups: Another tactic Asa swears by is engaging in local Facebook neighborhood groups.
By simply commenting on posts and reaching out to people looking for painting services, Asa was able to generate leads with minimal time and effort.
His personal outreach resulted in another $30,000–40,000 in revenue, all without paid ads.
The lesson here? When starting out, don't overlook the power of free or low-cost marketing strategies.
It’s all about hustling in the right spaces and making your presence known.
3. The Game-Changer: Facebook Ads That Booked $40,000 in Jobs
Once Asa built up some cash flow from Thumbtack and Facebook group leads, he knew he needed to scale.
That’s when Facebook ads became the true game-changer.
Why Facebook Ads Worked for Asa:
- Authenticity: Asa decided to put his face in front of the camera, speaking directly to his local community.
In his ads, he used simple, personal messages like, “Hey, I’m Asa Hunt, your local neighborhood painter.
If you're looking to paint your home, I’d love the chance to help.” No flashy graphics, just Asa’s face and his genuine offer.
- Targeting: Asa didn’t waste time casting a wide net. Instead, he targeted specific areas, like his own neighborhood, making sure his ads spoke directly to the people who lived nearby.
The Results:
With $1,200 in ad spend, Asa generated 35 leads and closed $40,000 in jobs.
His cost per lead was $34, and his cost to acquire a customer (CAC) came to about $366.
These numbers are a solid foundation for scaling a service business with paid ads.
4. Scaling with Commercial Jobs and Referrals: The Next Step
While residential jobs are great for getting started, commercial contracts are the big wins when it comes to scaling a business.
Asa knew this and began focusing on building a network for referral business. He reached out to roofers and property managers to get on their subcontractor lists and started cold-calling General Contractors (GCs) to bid on commercial painting projects.
Through these efforts, Asa was able to secure $30,000–50,000 commercial jobs, which helped fuel the company’s rapid growth.
The key takeaway? Referral relationships and networking are powerful tools when scaling.
Asa made it a priority to build strong partnerships early on, helping him tap into lucrative commercial opportunities.
5. The Math Behind Asa’s Success: A Simple Approach to Profitability
In order to sustain growth, Asa focused on the unit economics of his business.
He kept a close eye on how much he spent on ads and leads, how much he booked in revenue, and how much profit he was making.
Here’s a breakdown of the numbers from Asa’s $1,200 ad spend:
- Total Leads Generated: 35
- Cost Per Lead: $34
- Total Revenue Booked: $40,000
- Cost to Acquire a Customer (CAC): $366
- Gross Profit (at 50% margin): $20,000
Asa’s ability to track LTV (lifetime value) vs. CAC (customer acquisition cost) gave him insight into the health of his business. With an impressive 9.09:1 LTV to CAC ratio, Asa was well-positioned to scale sustainably.
6. Asa’s Top Tips for New Business Owners
- Start Simple: The key to Asa’s success was keeping things simple. Start with basic marketing, focus on delivering quality service, and build relationships that last.
- Use Paid Ads Wisely: Facebook ads can work wonders for local service businesses when done right. Be authentic and focus on targeting the right audience.
- Build Referral Networks: Commercial jobs are the big-ticket items that can fuel your growth. Start networking with local professionals to build a strong referral base.
- Track Your Numbers: Always keep a close eye on your ad spend and costs. Understand your numbers so you can scale profitably.
Conclusion:
Asa’s journey proves that with the right mindset, hustle, and marketing strategies, it’s possible to take a business from nothing to $40,000 a week in just one year.
By focusing on authenticity, simple systems, and smart marketing tactics like Facebook ads and referrals, Asa built Big Horn Painting into a thriving business.
If you're thinking about starting your own business or want to scale your existing service-based business, take a page from Asa’s book.
Start simple, keep hustling, and always focus on delivering value to your customers.
🎧 Listen to the full episode where Asa breaks down his journey in detail—real numbers, real lessons, and no fluff.
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