Joshua BarrPresident; Graystone Painting & Refinishing
Age: 31
President
Graystone Painting & Refinishing
Josh Barr launched Graystone Painting & Refinishing with two very distinct goals: to be the best in the industry and to give back to others. He achieves those goals by ensuring that his employees are well trained and well paid, and through the creation of the “Paint it Forward” Campaign, which provides a homeowner in need with a fully painted house at no charge.
Josh is an active member of the Arab Shrine of Topeka as the membership chairman and serves as president of the Young Shriners of Topeka. As vice-president of the 20-30 Club of Topeka, he leads the efforts of Coats for Kids and Christmas for Kids. Josh also coaches a youth wrestling club, is a Big Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters and volunteers with Junior Achievement.
“Learn to be a servant leader and don’t be afraid
to admit when you make a mistake.”
What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess?
I think everyone has their own style of leadership, but all leaders should be great communicators. Nothing happens without communication and having the ability to communicate the vision to your team is the foundation everything else is built from.
Best advice you have received?
If you want to live like the top 1%, you have to be willing to do what the other 99% aren’t willing to.
What would your superpower be?
Teleportation. It would save so much time and I could go anywhere in the world in a moment’s notice.
Editor-in-Chief
Lisa Loewen has been teaching journalism at the University of Kansas since 2004 on the Strategic Communications track. Loewen brings more than 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing and public relations. Her extensive writing experience includes magazine, newspaper and broadcast, advertising copy for print and television, as well as academic articles. Loewen’s career path has taken her from advertising agencies to corporate offices to education. As marketing director for an international communications company, she managed internal communications as well as information sent to clients throughout the world.
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