Derek Candelore is a Pittsburgh-based entrepreneur, franchisor, business mentor, and marketing strategist best known as the founder and owner of Roman Paint Pros. With a background spanning athletics, fitness, coaching, and entrepreneurship, Derek has built a career centered on discipline, resilience, leadership, and systems-driven business growth.

An Italian American raised in Pennsylvania, Derek grew up facing significant personal and financial challenges after losing his father at a young age and experiencing instability during his childhood. Those early hardships helped shape the mindset and determination that later became central to his entrepreneurial journey.

As a student-athlete, Derek excelled in football and boxing. He became a record-setting wide receiver and currently holds PIAA and WPIAL records for average yards per catch at wide receiver, averaging 40.1 yards per reception. He later transitioned into competitive boxing, becoming an undefeated Regional Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion between 2004 and 2008.

Alongside athletics, Derek developed an early passion for entrepreneurship and leadership. Between 2000 and 2004, he owned Apex Fitness Center, where he gained firsthand experience in business management, customer service, marketing, and operational leadership. He also served as both an assistant and head high school football coach from 2001 through 2003, helping mentor young athletes and develop team-focused leadership skills.

In 2010, Derek founded Roman Paint Pros, a painting company built on a systems-based approach emphasizing professionalism, premium workmanship, and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, the company expanded into a growing franchise organization with multiple franchisees and a strong reputation for high-end residential and commercial painting services.

Derek’s business philosophy centers on structure, execution, and delivering consistently high-quality results without cutting corners. He became nationally involved in painting business development and growth training and later served as a national instructor for the Small Business Development Center, helping entrepreneurs improve operations, marketing, and scalability.

Over time, Derek became recognized for his expertise in business systems, franchise growth, marketing strategy, and operational execution. He frequently emphasizes the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and accountability in entrepreneurship, often crediting self-education, mentorship groups, and personal discipline for much of his success.

His entrepreneurial accomplishments earned him recognition including the SBA Small Business of the Year Award in 2021 and Best of Westmoreland honors in 2023. He has also remained deeply involved in his local community through sponsorships and outreach initiatives, including support for youth sports programs, the Latrobe Soccer League, and community events such as the Easter Bunny program at Westmoreland Mall.

Outside of business, Derek values family, faith, fitness, and personal development. He has been married to his wife Laura for nearly two decades, and together they have four children: Natalia, Carter, Giana, and Zayne. He enjoys boxing, golf, high-intensity workouts, fasting, prayer, meditation, fine dining, wine, and family vacations.

Known for his intensity, resilience, and drive, Derek continues focusing on expanding Roman Paint Pros nationally while mentoring other entrepreneurs and building long-term business systems designed for sustainable growth.