(from a radio talk show about his book in 1997).
Announcer:
If a wallcovering installer told you he had papered the homes of famous entertainers, a Secretary of State, and tycoons so rich they could loan the "Ewings of Dallas" money, you might think that was the only business he pursued. But that is not the case. Walter Green has focused most of his effort for the past fifteen years toward the needs of Atlanta area homeowners.
Walter:
"I have been successful here because I am honest with people. I don't try to be the cheapest bid and I don't offer second rate work. I want to be the paperhanger you call again in ten years to redecorate. Just this summer, my first customer (when I moved to Atlanta over 15 years ago) called me back to re-do her house. That is the sincerest flattery a paperhanger will ever get."
Announcer:
A third generation installer, paperhanging is a family tradition for Walter. His grandfather, father, two uncles and two brothers are paperhangers.
Walter:
"Everyone in the family discovered the same thing...paperhanging is a FUN business. I get to meet over a hundred new people each year. They all have interesting stories to tell. I learn from people who have had a different life experience from mine. Each job I go to is like a new adventure."
Announcer:
When he wrote his first book, The Joy of Paperhanging in 1984, Walter focused on the needs of the average homeowner. The book was designed to help do-it-yourselfers install their own wallcovering without creating a disaster. Thousands of book sales later, Walter has been praised by amateurs and professionals alike for the quality of information he put into the book.
Walter:
"I found that most of the publications and videos on paperhanging left out important steps in the process and did not offer any meaningful trade secrets. I especially enjoyed hearing from people who had decided to enter the wallcovering installation business after trying out my methods. Ten years later the California Vocational Schools still use my book as their manual...that's pretty gratifying stuff."
Announcer:
Like all good paperhangers, Walter stresses the importance of surface preparation.
Walter:
"Getting the walls right, before you hang, is the major factor in a successful installation. Unfortunately this is the area where most homeowners have the least knowledge and are most likely to have expensive problems. That is one of the reasons I wrote the book."
Announcer:
Even though the trend has been 'do-it-yourself' for years now, Walter's business keeps growing.
Walter:
"Many people have said I was nuts to give away trade secrets and do free classes on paperhanging. But I believe 'what goes around comes around'. One day that Mom will not be at home with the kids. She may be too busy with her career to take time to hang paper. She will want someone she can trust. After all, if you have to take a day off from work, the cost of getting your job done is a lot higher."
"The best advertising is a satisfied customer. Most homeowners talk about the work they hire done. That is how I get most of my calls. Clients have put my card up on Neighborhood Association Bulletin Boards, Employee Association Bulletin Boards, even in their Private Clubs."
"For me it's a matter of basics. You respect people's time and money, and they want to do business with you. I have called contractors for bids for work on my home in Northeast Cobb and was shocked by the lack of professionalism. I have been on both sides of hiring, so I understand the need to find people who are reliable, trustworthy and competent."