Natick Grad Brings Student Painting Business To Town

NATICK, MA — Ben Steenkamp graduated Natick High School in 2017 and plans on coming back to town after his second year at the University of Connecticut with a business of his own. Steenkamp started a branch of the Student Painters exterior painting company last year and he plans to expand the business in Natick and the MetroWest regions as s whole.

Steenkamp is a business major at UConn Storrs and said he hopes one day to own a small business of his own. He's well on his way with the help of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program. Steenkamp started the program last year and said he had a mentor that was very influential in guiding him.

The summer after his freshman year, Steenkamp brought the Student Painters exterior painting company to Natick. Heading up the business, he hired 10-15 high school and college students in town to paint homes and stain decks. "We painted about 35 houses last year in Natick," Steenkamp said. This year, he's thinking bigger.

Steenkamp plans on offering services not just in Natick, but Framingham and Ashland as well this summer in his new executive roll. "It's been really cool meeting all different people," Steenkamp said, adding that there are plenty of people in the community who are appreciative and supportive of a business run by a young local. "I wanted to do something that impacts the community," he said, "When you see the finished product — its an unbelievable feeling."

Last year, Steenkamp said he ran the $75,000 business with one painting crew focusing on homes in Natick and a few homes in Wayland. This summer he hopes to recruit enough painters to have two full crews.

It may have just turned spring but the work starts now for Steenkamp. "Getting the word out with flyers and on Facebook starts now," he said, adding that door to door sales will start soon as well. As a young entrepreneur, Steenkamp has to juggle the business with his studies. "It's definitely a balance between school and work," he said, but its not one he plans on giving up just yet.