In 1980 I got in the construction trades, working as a finish carpenter, framing houses and building fences for a fence company.

In 1982 I decided to work for a painting company in Petaluma. My first job with this company was in San Rafael, Ca and involved painting a commercial building that took one year to complete. The job paid $6.00 per hour to start and at the end of the year I was making $7.00 per hour.

I was married during this time, but was able to live on these low wages. I continued to work for this painting company for several years before deciding to try working for other painting companies in Santa Rosa, in order to make better wages.

After years gaining more experience in the painting business, I got a job as a foreman with a painting company in Occidental, Ca. I worked for this company from 1998 to 2010 doing work throughout Sonoma County. I also taught young, new workers with no painting experience how to paint houses.

Upon reaching the top of the pay scale, I realized that I needed to make even more money in order to survive in Sonoma County, which had become a very expensive place to live, so I decided to get my C33 Painting Contractor’s license. After jumping through all of the hoops required, I passed the test in Sacramento and acquired my C33 license in 2011.

Next, I designed my business card with my new license number on it and began feeling like all of the years of hard work were now finally coming together – the beginning of my new painting business!

I started with ten employees and was able to acquire enough work to keep the crew busy. After being in business about five years, I downsized to two journeyman employees. After fourteen years in business, I feel successful and have created a loyal client base that keeps my business humming along.

Everyday there are lessons to learn about running a business, painting techniques and how to manage employees more efficiently – all while ensuring complete customer satisfaction.

I look forward to the what the next decade will bring!