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Riverview Contractor Paints High-Energy Image

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By DEREK MAUL

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 15, 2008

Rob Silver radiates energy. He loves his business, he doesn't like sitting still, and he works even during his time off.

The enthusiastic 42-year-old Lithia resident launched Dynamic Painting in January 2007, and his logo is a bright red superhero-like figure.

It's no accident Silver looks the part.

"I wear the red hat and the red shirt, and I drive a red truck," he said. "Red, white and blue, like my country that I love. I want people to see the logo, and I want them to think 'dynamic.'"

The main service he and his crew offer is painting, but Silver has a general contractor's license, so the company offers a variety of services.

The economy may be slow, but Silver said he is "blessed to stay busy" with partner Darien Brown. Brown runs the business side of Dynamic Painting and owns Mr. Handyman, Dynamic Painting's sister company.

In addition to being committed to his customers, Silver is committed to the community. He's a member of the Greater Brandon, Ruskin and Riverview chambers of commerce.

"I'm fortunate. I've got awesome employees, and I can get out in the community, join leads groups, donate items and attend the chamber. I'm branding my business," he said.

His devotion to the community also shows through his participation in the Greater Brandon Community Foundation's Angels network. As a member, he helps people in need at a moment's notice - no questions asked.

"I've got experienced employees," he said, "great guys, family men. It gives me the freedom I need. The Brandon Community Foundation is a great organization. It's not just about money. It's all about service and time."

Silver grew up in Hampton Beach, N.H., where his father was a painter.

"Dad had all five kids working for him at one time," he said. "It was the kind of community where if a cat was stuck in a tree, it was headline news in the Hampton Union."

After high school in Hampton Beach, he studied drafting and design at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School in Haverhill, Mass.

"Then one boring, cold November evening, I decided to move south," he said. "My friend was in Virginia Beach, and I took three things: my suitcase, my motorcycle and my microwave."

He framed houses before launching The Silver Touch, painting by Rob, his first painting business. "I had the black van with the silver lettering. It was nice. I was the lone ranger. Plus, I subcontracted as an insurance adjuster."

In 1996, Silver moved to Seffner to work as a painter and estimator. There, he met his wife, Sharon.

"We were neighbors," he said. "One day my son, Cory, was playing in the yard and I called him. She wanted to know what I was doing yelling at her son - his name was Cory, too." So now they have two sons named Cory.

He credits Sharon for encouraging him to start Dynamic Painting. "I'll tell you, if it wasn't for my wife encouraging me ... it was a big step, a gutsy move."

Silver's work ethic doesn't have room for half-measures.

"I don't want to hear people complain about work and just sit home doing nothing about it," he said. "I don't care what you do. It's about getting out there and making it happen.

"Helping the community is my passion," he said. "Now I've got my own business. I can help out more. We all take life for granted. I love this community, and we really should make the most of what we've got."

Silver's advice to anyone thinking about starting up a business: "Be patient, make sure you're legitimate, advertise, knock on doors, throw flyers out there, brand yourself."

Correspondent Derek Maul can be reached at derekmaul

MEET ROB SILVER

Owner, Dynamic Painting

BORN: Hampton Beach, N.H., 1966

EDUCATION: Hampton Beach High School, N.H.; Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School, Haverhill, Mass.

MOVED TO FLORIDA: 1996

MARRIED: Sharon Colson, 1999

CHILDREN: Eli, 23; Bryan, 21; Cory, 18; and Cory, 17

MEMBER: Brandon '86 Rotary Club

INFO: Call (813) 689-9333 or go to www.dynamicpaintingusa

.com

@gmail.com.

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