Business and Finance
Top-earning LIME Painting franchisee celebrates success and community –
BLACK ENTERPRISES first mentioned by R.L. Hunnicutt in an October 2022 article “Oklahoma City’s only upscale painting franchise is Black-owned and committed to ‘leaving the door open’ for others to follow.” Two years later, Hunnicutt’s LIME painting The franchise continues to grow. This will be attributed to his understanding that a successful business is built on strong relationships and a real connection to the community. Through various community-focused initiatives, Hunnicut actively partners with local organizations, schools and non-profits to support urban development and enrichment projects.
Whether it’s revitalizing community centers, painting schools, or offering free services to underfunded local institutions, Hunnicutt ensures that his work contributes to the well-being of his neighbors. In addition to his hands-on projects, he is devoted to constructing lasting relationships along with his clients, providing exceptional service and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality. Hunnicutt’s fame for reliability and excellence has made LIME Painting a trusted name within the OKC area, further strengthening his ties to the community.
In honor Junewe caught up with Hunnicutt and asked him to share his insights on how the meaning of the vacation manifests itself in his business.
BLACK ENTERPRISES: Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, empowerment and community. How does your franchise promote and/or have fun these principles?
RL HUNNICUTT: I’m currently working with This is My Community Foundation, which is an initiative that helps underprivileged youth and adopted children and helps families stay together in northeast Oklahoma City. I check with local students about entrepreneurship and offer them internship opportunities with my company. I speak and mentor about 10-15 kids at college. The children are mostly minorities and come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
TO BE: Why is African American business ownership crucial to the American landscape?
HUNNICUTT: African American business ownership is central to the American landscape for quite a lot of reasons. First, it provides diversity to the economy, which helps generate revenue through unconventional and often neglected methods. The black dollar is robust in America and is over a trillion dollars. Then it creates freedom. When you run your individual business, you may dictate what you ought to do. You not must wait to your boss’s approval. Now you control your path. The sky is the limit and you will have the liberty to do what you ought to make a difference.
TO BE: What advice do you will have for young African-Americans about entrepreneurship?
HUNNICUTT: Put God first. Without Him nothing is feasible. Then be consistent and persistent. Finally, eliminate your plan B. If you will have something to fall back on, you will certainly do it. Make sure your corporation is all it’s worthwhile to focus and work on. If you haven’t got anything to fall back on, you will approach every day like a hunter intent on conquering all the pieces in your path!
Hunnicutt is considered one of the best-earning LIME Painting franchise members, showing which you can run a successful business while caring for your community and paying it forward.