Derek Candelore is a Pittsburgh-based entrepreneur, franchisor, business mentor, marketing strategist, and founder of Roman Paint Pros. His career reflects a commitment to perseverance, discipline, leadership, and continuous self-improvement, qualities that have helped him build successful businesses while mentoring others along the way.

Raised in Pennsylvania, Derek’s early life was shaped by challenges that would later fuel his entrepreneurial drive. After losing his father at a young age and growing up in a financially unstable environment, he learned early that success would require determination, resilience, and personal accountability. These experiences became foundational to the mindset that would later define both his business career and personal philosophy.

Athletics played a major role in Derek’s development. He became a record-setting wide receiver and continues to hold PIAA and WPIAL records for average yards per catch, averaging an impressive 40.1 yards per reception. His athletic success later extended into combat sports, where he became an undefeated Regional Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion and established himself as a highly respected amateur boxer.

Before entering the painting industry, Derek owned Apex Fitness Center from 2000 through 2004. During that time, he gained valuable experience in business management, marketing, leadership, customer service, and operational systems. He also served as both an assistant and head high school football coach, helping young athletes develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork.

In 2010, Derek founded Roman Paint Pros with a vision of creating a premium painting company built on professionalism, customer satisfaction, and systematic execution. Unlike many contractors who rely on informal processes, Derek focused on implementing proven business systems, structured marketing, quality controls, and customer-centered service models.

Under his leadership, Roman Paint Pros expanded beyond a local painting company into a growing franchise organization. Today, the company serves clients through multiple franchise locations while maintaining a reputation for quality workmanship, premium products, and exceptional customer service.

As demand for his expertise grew, Derek became involved in national business training and mentoring initiatives. He has served as a National Painting Business Development and Growth Trainer and as a National Instructor for the Small Business Development Center. Through these roles, he has helped business owners improve operations, marketing effectiveness, leadership skills, and profitability.

His entrepreneurial achievements have earned significant recognition, including the SBA Small Business of the Year Award in 2021 and Best of Westmoreland honors in 2023. More recently, national media outlets have highlighted his business success and community impact, including a feature article published by Yahoo Finance discussing his entrepreneurial journey and contributions to local economic growth.

Beyond business, Derek remains deeply involved in community service and charitable initiatives. He has supported youth athletics through sponsorships with organizations such as the Latrobe Soccer League and community events including the Easter Bunny program at Westmoreland Mall. He believes strongly in giving back to the communities that support local businesses.

Family remains at the center of Derek’s life. He and his wife Laura have been married for nearly two decades and are raising four children: Natalia, Carter, Giana, and Zayne. He credits much of his motivation and success to his commitment to providing for his family and creating opportunities for future generations.

Outside of business, Derek enjoys fitness, boxing, fine dining, travel, prayer, fasting, meditation, and spending time with family. He continues to invest heavily in personal development, mentorship programs, and leadership training, believing that lifelong learning is essential to sustained success.

Today, Derek Candelore continues expanding Roman Paint Pros while mentoring entrepreneurs across the country, helping business owners build scalable systems and achieve sustainable growth.