Derek Candelore’s story is not one of shortcuts or easy wins. It is built on setbacks, discipline, and a mindset shaped early in life. Today, he is a Pittsburgh-based entrepreneur, franchisor, and business leader. But his path started in a very different place.
“I had to recreate myself into somebody that nobody believed I could be,” he says.
That mindset still drives everything he does.
Early Life Challenges That Shaped His Mindset
grew up without financial stability. His father passed away when he was young, and his parents divorced when he was 11. Those experiences left a mark.
He learned early that nothing would be handed to him.
“I needed to fail hard in order to have the drive I have,” he explains. “Otherwise I might not have appreciated the success.”
That belief—that failure is part of the process—became a core principle. It shaped how he approached sports, business, and life.
From Athlete to Competitor: Lessons from Sports
Before business, Candelore built his identity through athletics. He was a record-setting wide receiver, still holding a PIAA and WPIAL record for average yards per catch at 40.1.
Later, he stepped into the boxing ring. As a Golden Gloves heavyweight, he retired undefeated at the regional level.
Sports taught him structure and discipline. But more importantly, they taught him how to compete.
“On the other side of darkness is a world that few will know,” he says. “Most people avoid it. I leaned into it.”
That ability to embrace discomfort would later define his business career.
Early Career Moves: Fitness and Leadership
Candelore’s first major business move came with Apex Fitness Center, which he owned from 2000 to 2004. Around the same time, he coached high school football, serving as both assistant and head coach.
These roles gave him early leadership experience. He learned how to manage people, build culture, and stay accountable.
But like many early ventures, it came with challenges. Not everything worked.
Those lessons stuck.
Founding Roman Paint Pros and Scaling the Business
In 2010, Candelore founded Roman Paint Pros. This marked a turning point.
He approached the business differently. Not just as a trade, but as a system.
“I run a real business with systems, proven marketing, and we absolutely deliver to the client’s expectations without exception,” he says.
Over time, that focus on structure and consistency paid off. Roman Paint Pros grew into a recognized name, known for high standards and premium work.
“We have the highest standards in the painting industry,” he explains. “Our only goal is to deliver the highest end product with great service. No cutting corners.”
That mindset helped him scale beyond a single operation.
Building a Franchise and Mentoring Others
Candelore didn’t stop at one business. He expanded into franchising, building a network of seven franchisees.
At the same time, he became a national painting business development and growth trainer. He also serves as an instructor for the Small Business Development Center.
His role shifted from operator to mentor.
“I’m always continuing to learn,” he says. “Always joining mentoring groups. Always being better than I was the day before.”
That constant learning mindset is something he passes on to others.
He also invests in mentorship himself, working with nationally respected advisors to refine his systems and strategy.
Systems, Standards, and Long-Term Thinking
A key theme in Candelore’s career is systems. He is self-taught in many areas, but deeply focused on structure.
“Everything I do has a systems-based approach now,” he says.
This approach allows him to scale while maintaining quality. It also supports his long-term goal of building a multi-seven-figure business valuation.
But growth, for him, is not just about numbers.
“Delivering high quality to the client is the most important thing,” he says. “That never changes.”
Balancing Business, Family, and Responsibility
Outside of work, Candelore’s priorities are clear. He speaks often about family.
He has been married for 18 years and is raising four children. He also takes care of his elderly mother.
“Providing for my wife and kids, taking care of my mom, and giving back to the community—that’s what drives me,” he says.
He supports local causes, including youth sports and community events. His work has earned recognition, including SBA Small Business of the Year in 2021 and Best of Westmoreland in 2023.
But for him, success is personal.
“My business and personal life go hand in hand,” he explains. “Confidence in business carries over to personal life.”
A Leadership Style Built on Experience
Candelore’s leadership style is shaped by everything he has been through. Early hardship. Competitive sports. Business setbacks. And eventual success.
He is direct about what it takes.
“Failure is part of the process,” he says. “You have to go through it.”
At the same time, he emphasizes staying grounded.
“Keeping level-headed is key,” he adds. “You can’t lose focus on what matters.”
Today, he is not just running a company. He is building systems, mentoring others, and continuing to evolve.
And for Candelore, the work is far from finished.
“I’m always trying to get better,” he says.
