Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Armstrong.
Hi Greg, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My father and grandfather were hard-working men. Not only were they Houston firefighters, they also built a successful Painting and Construction company. My dad always told my siblings and I that if we wanted to ever have anything in life, we would have to work for it. At 13, I decided I wanted to get a dirtbike. So I started working in the summers and after school for my father to raise money to purchase it.
At 16, I purchased my first car. The work ethic that my father taught me has helped me become a success in life.
I was an athlete all through school, lettering in four different sports, and was All District in basketball my junior and senior year, During this time, I continued working beside my father and learning the trade.
My lifelong pattern of taking care of myself started then and I still work out at my local gyms several times a week. I strongly believe that a healthy body creates a sharp mind and a confident persona.
I joined the Houston Fire Dept at 20, being awarded “Fireman of the Year” one year and being chosen to be featured in Houston Firefighter’s Calendar in both 1993 and 1995, all while continuing to work with my father until I took over the business when he retired.
One of the most tragic events in my life was when my mother got sick with cancer. Before she died, she decided she wanted to help herself, her family and friends deal with the process of losing a loved one. A Christian woman, she wanted all of us to know what it feels like to know you’re leaving this world and being elevated into the arms of God. She wrote notes to each of her loved ones about her feelings and how to deal with death. She asked that after she died, I distribute them. I did, but I also assimilated them and wrote a book that was published in 2017 about her journey. It is called Heavenly Bound and can be purchased on Amazon. Within 2 years, I also published another book, “Tips and Secrets to be a Successful Business Owner” after volunteering to work with prison inmates (see more info in another section of this interview) and teaching them about Second Chances in life. This book is also available on Amazon.
My service with the fire department ended with my retirement in 2012. At that point, I purchased an office building in historic downtown Humble, Texas and using my skills in construction, transformed it into a thriving new business housing professionals of all types.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I was young, my father had to work two jobs to keep our family of six afloat. Our meals were basic and inexpensive but it taught me to work hard to get what I wanted.
One of the hardest things for me throughout life has been that I struggled with learning in the traditional way. Taking tests has always been difficult for me as my memory is short and I have trouble remembering important written information. This made me have to work and study harder than my classmates and colleagues to achieve success.
The largest struggle in my life was watching my kid’s lives deteriorate as they turned to drugs. I felt helpless while they spent time in prison and rehab, I have always been able to control MY path in life, but, even though I tried, could do nothing to change theirs for years.
I even volunteered to the PEP Prison program and traveled to prisons to give motivational speeches about second chances and succeeding in life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Armstrong Painting & Construction, LLC/Full Blown Salon & Suites. LLC?
1. Armstrong Painting & Construction
80 yr old business started by my grandfather. Specializing in insurance claims, I work both with residential and commercial total remodels and renovations, including granite, flooring, tile work, cabinetry and roofing.
My company is known for its repeat customers, as our honesty, fair prices, and loyalty set us apart from the rest. Our excellent work results in satisfied customers and many referrals.
2. Full Blown Salon & Suites
Opened in 2021, this hidden gem in historic downtown Humble is home to salon based businesses and other professionals. (One of our tenants, Muzik the Barber, was voted Barber of the Year in Houston for the year 2024.)
What sets us apart for our tenants are our totally remodeled and spacious suites, all bills paid format, internet access, private parking lot, flexible hours and friendly family style environment.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
In jr high and into my early high school yrs, I remember playing ball at the Oaks Dad’s Club in Houston. Whether it was football or baseball season, you’d find me out in the fields practicing or playing against other area teams.
I believe this experience taught me discipline and knowledge of the sports in such a way that it helped me be successful as an athlete and as a leader in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Fullblownsuites.com
- Instagram: Fullblownsuites. Authorgregoryarmstrong
- Facebook: Full Blown Salon & Suites. Greg Armstrong. Heavenly Bound
- LinkedIn: Gregory armstrong general contractor at Armstrong Painting & Construction LLC
