How Tanner Mullen Built His Painting Business and Software Empire

Learn how Tanner Mullen built a painting empire and powerful software by focusing on customer experience, speed, and smart automation.

Operations

April 12, 2025

From a busboy to building an empire in the painting and software industries, Tanner Mullen’s journey is a story of grit, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

His journey is a reminder that no matter where you start, with the right mindset and a focus on customer service, anything is possible.

In this blog, we’ll dive into Tanner’s growth, challenges, and how he took his passion for efficiency and quality service to scale both a successful business and a game-changing software company.

The Beginning: From Busboy to Entrepreneur

‍Tanner’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t start with a clear business plan. It all began with a simple need: financial independence. At 17, he worked as a busboy, earning just $7.25 an hour. Little did he know, this job would ignite a passion for sales and customer service that would shape his future.

"I got an opportunity to become a server at a high-volume fusion restaurant," Tanner recalls. "The better you perform, the more tips you make. I treated it like a game—learning the menu, positioning myself as the expert, and creating the best possible experience for my customers."

This mindset—always adding value and providing a top-tier customer experience—followed Tanner through various industries, from car sales to banking, and eventually led him to the painting business.

Why Painting? Tanner’s Personal Connection to the Trade

‍In 2016, Tanner took a leap of faith and launched his own house painting business. Although he wasn’t a painting expert, his childhood exposure to the industry laid the foundation. "My dad was a journeyman painter, and during tough times, he had to go off on his own. I’d help him on weekends—prepping rooms, rolling walls," says Tanner.

Despite the struggles—including his father’s battle with addiction—Tanner stayed committed to building a lasting legacy. He used his sales and customer service skills to create a high-end residential repaint service, delivering outstanding customer service and competitive pricing.

The Turning Point: From Painter to Software Innovator

‍As Tanner grew his painting business, he started running into a major roadblock: the lack of tools to streamline customer relationships. Managing leads, estimates, and follow-ups manually was inefficient, and it was eating up time.

"I hated typing customer info into the CRM manually," Tanner admits. "So I decided to build something to fix that."

This frustration led to the birth of DripJobs, a software solution built specifically for businesses like his. Tanner’s vision was simple: automate customer interactions at every stage of the process—from the initial inquiry to the final booking—so business owners could focus on delivering quality service instead of chasing leads.

What is DripJobs? Revolutionizing Service-Based Businesses

DripJobs is a game-changing CRM and automation platform designed to help service-based businesses manage leads, proposals, invoicing, and scheduling—all in one place. The software seamlessly integrates with platforms like HomeAdvisor and automates the entire customer interaction process, eliminating manual work and saving business owners valuable time.

But what sets DripJobs apart? It’s the automation system that personalizes emails, texts, and even lets customers schedule their own estimates. "I just wanted a system that instantly contacted leads without me chasing them down," Tanner says. "Now, DripJobs saves us so much time and energy."

The Role of Automation in Tanner’s Business Strategy

‍Tanner’s business strategy centers around efficiency. Through DripJobs, he learned the power of speed to lead—how fast you respond to leads directly impacts your conversion rate.

"Harvard did a study on speed to lead," Tanner shares. "If you respond within five minutes, you're 400% more likely to convert that lead into a customer."

For Tanner, speed and communication aren’t just important—they’re essential. With DripJobs, his team can respond faster, converting leads before the competition even has a chance.

DripJobs' Pricing Strategy: Why Tanner Chose to Charge More

‍When launching DripJobs, Tanner took a bold stance on pricing. At $147/month, it was significantly more than most competitors. But Tanner’s rationale was clear: the value DripJobs offered was worth more.

"We priced it higher to show that we were different," Tanner explains. "We built something that offered features no one else had, and that's why it was worth the premium."

Tanner's strategy echoes Tesla's early approach with their Roadster: charge a premium for quality and create a perception of value.

The Growth of DripJobs: Serving More Than Just Painters

‍Originally created for painters, DripJobs has now expanded to serve over 2,100 businesses across various industries, including concrete coating, granite installation, and fence installation. Tanner’s software continues to evolve, adapting based on the needs and feedback of businesses using it.

Tanner’s Superpower: Efficiency and Automation

‍Tanner credits much of his success to his obsession with efficiency. He calls it his "superpower": lazy efficiency. He’s always looking for ways to automate tasks and minimize wasted time.

"How fast can I get the job done? How can I optimize my time?" Tanner asks himself daily. "I hate inefficiency, and that’s why DripJobs is the way it is."

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Customer Experience and Automation

‍Tanner’s journey is proof that success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about working smart. By focusing on automation, customer service, and speed, Tanner has built businesses that not only thrive but continue to evolve. His story is a testament to the power of constantly improving processes and staying focused on delivering value.

For business owners looking to scale, Tanner’s advice is simple: Invest in the right tools that will save you time, improve customer interactions, and ultimately help you grow. Tools like DripJobs empower you to spend less time managing operations and more time focusing on what really matters—serving your customers.

Key Takeaways:

Start with Customer Service: Exceptional communication is the foundation of a great customer experience.
Leverage Automation: Use automation to streamline your business, save time, and reduce manual labor.
Build for the Long-Term: Create solutions that not only serve your customers now but will grow with your business.
Don’t Be Afraid to Invest: The right tools can change your business. Invest in them to see success.
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