DUBLIN-- Ron Stokes Sr. is most often recognized from the basketball court or his work as a radio analyst for the Ohio State Men's Basketball team.
But over the years, Stokes has worn many hats.
- Ron Stokes Sr. has made his mark in central Ohio, not only on the basketball court, but as a business owner
- The OSU grad says some young adults should consider a career in the trades
- Stokes' company was contracted by Turner Construction to paint a new parking garage this summer
He graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in marketing in 1985, made Columbus his home, and has worked in commercial banking and property management.
In 2015 he started his newest venture in commercial painting, founding Lars Property Services.
For Stokes, the vision of being his own boss is a long time coming.
“I was an artist coming up, so I love seeing something from the beginning, then finished at the end and coming out just right,” said Stokes. “So we take great pride knowing that we're at the very end of the job and it's up to us to make it look good.”
Stokes and many of his crewmembers attended the Turner School of Construction Management, a 12-week program geared towards women and minority workers—taught by industry professionals.
Turner contracted the crew to paint a brand new parking garage right next to Dublin's new 41,000 square foot library, slated to open in the summer.
“I can't tell you how much that meant to the structure of our company and our growth and our success,” said Stokes.
Growing up, Stokes admits he was always of the mindset to go to college and get a degree— and that equals success.
But times have changed, college isn't for everyone, and Stokes says some young adults should consider a career in the trades.
“I think it’s a matter of communicating to the younger people that there is an incredible career potentially in construction,” said Stokes. “And yes, being a painter might not be a luxury, but people can make an incredible living if they're very good at it.”
Research shows that Ohio construction jobs are projected to increase by 24,000 over the next five years.
According to the media organization Small Business Trends, between 2017 and 2018, the number of African American small business owners increased by 400%.
Stokes says it’s a challenge to be an African American in the business world, but just like on the basketball court or behind the microphone, it's all about stepping up to the challenge.
“It's a struggle to be in business— period. But, in this country unfortunately there’s been some things that have happened over the years that have equated to creating minority-owned business initiatives,” Stokes said. “There's general contractors out there that understand that and they look forward to working with small businesses and that's a good thing. We welcome that because everyone needs a chance. And that's been one of the biggest struggles, just getting in and being able to prove yourself.”