When the Paint Dries: Hard Truths of Growing a Trades Business with Danielle Bickel

Written By Guest User

Check Out the Latest Episode of the Pain Points Podcast with Danielle Bickel owner of Strokes Painting and Contracting!

Welcome back to the Pain Points Podcast, where we dig into the real struggles and solutions behind running a business. In this episode, Lauren Lewis of StaffBuffalo sits down with fellow woman-owned business leader Danielle Bickel, founder of Strokes Painting & Contracting.  

Danielle shares her journey launching Strokes during the height of the pandemic—from working around the kitchen table to managing 14 crews and opening a dedicated shop. With a commitment to integrity, transparency, and culture, Danielle is redefining what it means to lead in the trades.  

You’ll hear:  

  • What it really takes to launch and grow a trades business as a woman  

  • The pain points of building trust in an industry full of “Dan in a Van” stories  

  • Why culture fit beats experience—and how to hire accordingly  

  • How offering PTO, 401(k), and options for career growth changes employee retention  

  • The benefit of building a business with your values—and your family—at the center  

This is a powerful conversation between two women-owned businesses working to build inclusive, forward-thinking teams that lead with impact.  

🔗 Connect with Danielle Bickel and Strokes Painting & Contracting  

Website: https://paintwithstrokes.com  

Phone: 1-833-GET-STROKES  

Instagram: @strokespaintingwny  

🔗 Connect with StaffBuffalo (Women-Owned Staffing & HR)  

Website: https://staffbuffalo.com  

Jobs: https://staffbuffalo.com/jobs  

Podcast: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints  

Instagram: @staffbuffalo  

LinkedIn: StaffBuffalo  

YouTube: @StaffBuffalo  

Don’t miss this inspiring look at how women-owned businesses are changing the game—one Pain Point at a time.  

Guest User
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Opening a Dispensary in New York: East Leaf on Staffing, Stigma, and State Rules