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Brooklyn business owner reflects on his path to success

In the Brooklyn Navy Yard workshop, PB Paints owner Philip Banks transforms furniture every day.

Katelynn Ulrich

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News 12 Staff

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Feb 13, 2024, 12:56 PM

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In the Brooklyn Navy Yard workshop, PB Paints owner Philip Banks transforms furniture every day.

Banks started the high-end painting and decorative finishes business in 2010 after word got out about his work.

"Now everything is referral based. We don't advertise,” says Banks.

Banks started working at age 20 as a runner on the New York Stock Exchange floor. When that excitement wore off, Banks worked at a bike shop for a few years. He met Scott Kessler of Restoration Fine Arts, who asked Banks to help him with a job.

"It was so beautiful. The work he was doing was so beautiful. I was like, 'I love this, and I want to know more about this.' Falling into that line of work was easy for me because I really enjoyed it," says Banks.

Banks says he's a lover of curiosity, which lead to his success.

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