Man On the Move Article
MAIN LINE TIMES July 29, 2010
Kevin Nolan is this month’s Man on the Move
Kevin Nolan is a busy fellow. He is literally ‘always on the run.’ “It’s the first thing I do every morning, run,” he says. Kevin is a marathon runner, currently training for his 30th and 31st marathons, aiming to complete them both in one weekend in October. He is also a tri-athlete, so running, biking, or swimming usually starts each day. Kevin is involved in the planning aspects of running as well, taking the role of race director for three races in the area: The Main Line Run, The Haverford Twilight Run, and The Reindeer Romp. Combined, these races raise over $100,000 annually for local charities. His 30 year old company, Nolan Painting Inc., sponsors dozens of other runs, summer concert series, and community events. Nolan Painting employees attend these events and give out free homemade popcorn, water, and lemonade (Donations are accepted for Alex’s Lemonade).
Kevin is also on a number of non profit boards, currently serving as the Vice Chairman of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. “That keeps me plenty busy,” says Kevin. He expects to become Chairman of the Board in January of 2012. “I plan on backing down from some of my other activities so I can devote a lot of my time to the Chairmanship” says Kevin.
As an entrepreneur, Kevin started Nolan Painting while attending Villanova. “I used to run through neighborhoods and put fliers in mail boxes. No one knew who I was, but some people took a chance on me. I immediately started hiring other students, relatives, and friends. Some of those people are still with me. After graduation I decided to keep on with the painting business. We have built one of the largest residential painting businesses in the country. I learned early on that customer service and standing behind our work was as, or even more, important than the technical aspects of painting.” In 2004 Kevin and his brother Brian started Nolan Consulting Group. “We help companies reach their summit. Kevin exudes positive energy to our clients. I capture it all, and then help others catch his enthusiasm, “says Brian.
The pace is something that Kevin has gotten used to. In order to juggle so many activities and a family with four college age kids, Kevin has learned how to plan, stay organized, prioritize, delegate, and stay focused. “I learned how to learn in college, and I have had a thirst for business knowledge ever since. I have read, or even listened to on my way to and from estimates, every notable business book I could get my hands on. I avoid TV, negative news, and other time wasters. My job is to stay positive and to keep on learning and moving.”