Sean Carney still remembers his first gig at The University of Tampa. In 1983, he started working with the H.B. Plant Museum staff to restore parts of the museum. During this time, he says he “found a heart for UT.” Soon after, he was participating in the museum’s Christmas Stroll and even adopted a room!
In 1993, Sean and his brother Dan Carney launched Specialized Property Services with a mission to provide high quality commercial and residential painting, maintenance and restoration service along with top notch customer service. His partner, Dan Martucci, joined to create this renovation management trifecta. Today, the company has projects ranging from painting The Home Depot’s headquarters to restoring the Dade City Courthouse.
“Historical restoration is not only our business, but our passion. To have one of the biggest icons like The University of Tampa in our backyard is phenomenal.”
Now, Specialized Property Services has a new focus at UT – scholarships. The company pledged $125,000 towards endowed scholarships that will allow Entrepreneurship majors to grow into entrepreneurs just like them.
“UT is involved in attracting students from all over the world. Our hope is that these students stay in Tampa and become business leaders here. Keeping that talent in Tampa is great for all of us,” said Dan Martucci.
With 92% of UT students receiving some sort of aid, this scholarship also allows those students that “really need the help to come to a great school like UT. We were lucky enough to send our children to college, and to give other students an opportunity is why it matters to us.”