Bedford Small Business Spotlight: Bradsell Painting & Carpentry

BEDFORD , NY - Our Small Business Spotlight shines a light on local businesses we may not know that well.

• Business: Bradsell Painting & Carpentry
• Owner: Bill Bradsell
• Website: www.bradsellpc.com
• Address: 2 Hollyhock Lane Bedford, NY

What business are you in? We cover a full range of painting and carpentry needs, from small projects up to full renovations. We have specialist in: roofing, tiling, plumbing, electrical, wallpaper, custom built-ins. We really do it all. One of our newest members is a master decorative painter highly skilled in the art of restorative painting and murals. We service residential and commercial clients, parks, historic sites, churches, schools, and farms.

How did you come up with the name? Bradsell is my surname. My brother, Steve Bradsell, oversees the carpentry division and serves as a senior estimator. During the summer months, my daughters work at the office. Marketing is managed by my wife, Diane. My family is the heart of the business, so it only seemed natural to reflect that in our company name.

Why start a business in this town? Honestly, I have never lived anywhere else. Both my wife and I grew up here, as well as our extended families. I attended John Jay High School and my wife Fox Lane, which is where my children have attended. The business started out of our house, servicing neighbors and residents. As we grew into our own office space, we only looked in Bedford. This is where it all began over 30 years ago and where we plan to stay.

What is the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? Without question the most difficult challenge was the day we lost our longtime employee and dear friend Jarbas. He had been with the company for 25 years and was instrumental in the daily operations. He was like an uncle to my kids, as the business at that time operated out of our house, and he became part of our family. He was truly a great man. The crew held him in high regard, as did the clients who trusted him implicitly. His passing was devastating and the loss was felt very deep. I once overheard my crew leader advise a new employee on a painting technique. He said, ‘‘Jarbas taught me, and now I teach you.’’ I knew then that he would always be with us.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening? About four years ago the company moved out of our home office space into a single-story structure located behind the hardware store. Originally a house, it had fallen into disrepair and was in desperate need of some TLC. However, the minute I saw it I knew I had found the perfect spot. We renovated the rooms, added a carpentry shop, painted it the Bradsell colors, maroon and grey, and moved in. It was like we had always been there, as if it was always home. That was a proud moment.

How does your business give back to the community? Our family and company are very active in the community. We have four children so much of our dedication has revolved around the schools and their activities. We have built sets, props and painted for so many theater groups: Fox Lane Players, Bedford Community Theatre, Lighthouse Youth Theater and Random Farms Kids Theatre. We have been active members of the Fox Lane Booster Clubs and active donors in their efforts. We contribute to the fundraisers of many local charities and non-profits, including: Westmoreland Sanctuary, Bedford Historical Society & Bedford Turkey Trot.

Photo credit: Courtesy.