Streamline HR Functions with a Single Solution: Sparkle Painting's Journey with Arcoro
Sparkle Painting, a $40 million second-generation family business, overcame operational challenges by adopting Arcoro’s ExakTime in 2017, which streamlined their HR functions—replacing manual, paper-based processes with accurate, efficient timekeeping and job costing, expanding user adoption from 90 to 360 employees and subcontractors, and integrating features like photo verification and issue flagging that enhanced workforce management and reduced reliance on multiple disparate systems.
With almost a half-century of business success, Sparkle Painting stands out as a second-generation family-run company. What began as a small home-based endeavor by three painters has grown into a $40 million company working on high-profile projects like Amazon’s HQ.
A Secret for Success
A key to their success has been a willingness to embrace technology to support growth and manage business operations. Sheila Eck, an officer at Sparkle Painting and part of the founding family, reflects on the challenges of balancing a growing labor force with daily operational needs.
In 2017, Arcoro became a crucial workforce technology partner for Sparkle Painting, helping them scale operations with streamlined HR software.
The Past
Previously, Sparkle Painting managed HR functions with multiple disparate solutions, leading to confusion and manual processes. Paper was used for sign-in, timesheets, and payroll, making job costing and tracking time off cumbersome.
Rosa Ashby, HR/payroll manager, described the manual job costing process as painful. Lakesha Coates, manager of the accounting department and technology lead, emphasized the need for a system to track time off and disciplinary issues. With her experience in construction technology, Lakesha began searching for the right technology partners.
The Present
In 2017, Sparkle Painting adopted Arcoro’s ExakTime for timekeeping. The number of users grew from 90 to 360 as the entire field staff, including subcontractors, was added to the system.
Jennifer Prada, head of accounts receivable billing, highlighted the efficiency and accuracy ExakTime brought compared to paper sign-in sheets. The system’s photo feature ensures users are at the correct job site, and it helps prevent manipulation or falsification of hours. ExakTime also flags issues and simplifies corrections.
Sparkle Painting found that Arcoro’s features made some of their existing platforms redundant. For example, the ExakTime Scheduler replaced their previous scheduling platform, saving nearly $25,000 annually.
The company also switched from an external payroll provider to Arcoro’s Sage 300 integration after a poor experience with the previous provider. The integration with Sage 300 was a significant benefit, allowing field staff to use familiar software and making payroll and HR processes smoother.
The Future
Sparkle Painting continues to expand its use of Arcoro solutions, currently adding Core HR and performance management. The goal is to consolidate multiple systems into one comprehensive software solution to support ongoing growth.
Rosa Ashby noted the importance of having a single system that can handle multiple functions, rather than relying on several different platforms. Lakesha Coates emphasized the need to keep up with technological advancements to maintain business momentum.
Arcoro remains a valued partner as Sparkle Painting grows, maintaining the spirit of the original family business while taking on major projects across northern Virginia and beyond. Despite industry challenges, the company continues to thrive, with family members still actively involved in the business.
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