ABOUT ERICK
Involved in residential painting since 2002, Erick initially had no interest in going into business for himself. It was only after recognizing an immediate need for professional painting contractors in his community that he considered the idea of self-employment.
“What I found was my hometown had plenty of skilled tradesfolk, but there were no local painting contractors. A Hancock resident in need of residential painting essentially had three options: do it yourself (or hire a couple of college-aged kids), have the builder take care of the painting, or secure the services of an out-of-town company. The out-of-town company may do great work, but when you factor in daily travel, the price tag may be a little steep. The builder may have someone on their crew who paints but the work doesn’t always come with a warranty because painting is generally considered outside the purview of a builder. And while I love the DIY spirit (and the idea of helping young folks put themselves through college) there were a couple incidents that caused some concern for me. The first was when I was talking with a local resident at the store and she was worried because her 70-year old husband was going to raise a ladder and paint their 3rd story dormers. The second incident was when a friend hired a collegiate crew to do some exterior work and he found they used interior ceiling paint on his deck.
“Just weeks later, I had a local homeowner call me and ask for some advice on which coatings they should apply and what application method would be best. I explained what course of action I would personally take and then they said, ‘I wish you would just go into business for yourself. I’d be happy to be your first customer.’
“So that was really the impetus for the idea of self-employment. What solidified the idea was when I stopped to consider what I had to offer. Painters are often seen as a dime-a-dozen, so why start your own business unless you have something unique to offer your clientele? So, I asked myself what I possessed that other local painters might not, and my question essentially answered itself. ‘You’re insured. You’re a perfectionist. You assume your reputation will hinge on even the smallest job. You have a set of core values that are often lacking with other contractors. You’d be the only professional painter in your hometown.’
"I believe Gatcomb Painting & Design embodies the very best in craftsmanship and the human spirit. It's more than dollars and cents to me, more than painting, more than awards, more than recognition. It's about being active in the community and finding ways to make a positive difference. Whether it's performing charitable work, raising funds for a family in need, donating to a worthy cause, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply being a sympathetic ear, I'm of the mindset that – regardless of social class, financial status, occupation, education, all of that – everyone has something to offer their community, and I personally never stop trying to find ways to make a difference."
Now in its seventh year of business, Gatcomb Painting & Design has become synonymous with quality and professionalism. Erick has been nominated for two PDCA PIPP Awards, and the company is the recipient of four consecutive national TOP JOB Awards from American Painting Contractor magazine. Gatcomb’s work has been featured in national magazines and on various websites, and Erick has contributed paint-related articles to several print magazines and blogs. Until it ceased publication in December 2018, Erick was a monthly contributor to the St. Louis-based magazine, The Paint Contractor, where he shared humorous anecdotes and imparted business advice. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of American Painting Contractor magazine.
If you are in need of a painting contractor that offers something more than the run-of-the-mill decorators out there, get in touch with Gatcomb Painting & Design. And don’t forget to ask for company literature, always free upon request.
Involved in residential painting since 2002, Erick initially had no interest in going into business for himself. It was only after recognizing an immediate need for professional painting contractors in his community that he considered the idea of self-employment.
“What I found was my hometown had plenty of skilled tradesfolk, but there were no local painting contractors. A Hancock resident in need of residential painting essentially had three options: do it yourself (or hire a couple of college-aged kids), have the builder take care of the painting, or secure the services of an out-of-town company. The out-of-town company may do great work, but when you factor in daily travel, the price tag may be a little steep. The builder may have someone on their crew who paints but the work doesn’t always come with a warranty because painting is generally considered outside the purview of a builder. And while I love the DIY spirit (and the idea of helping young folks put themselves through college) there were a couple incidents that caused some concern for me. The first was when I was talking with a local resident at the store and she was worried because her 70-year old husband was going to raise a ladder and paint their 3rd story dormers. The second incident was when a friend hired a collegiate crew to do some exterior work and he found they used interior ceiling paint on his deck.
“Just weeks later, I had a local homeowner call me and ask for some advice on which coatings they should apply and what application method would be best. I explained what course of action I would personally take and then they said, ‘I wish you would just go into business for yourself. I’d be happy to be your first customer.’
“So that was really the impetus for the idea of self-employment. What solidified the idea was when I stopped to consider what I had to offer. Painters are often seen as a dime-a-dozen, so why start your own business unless you have something unique to offer your clientele? So, I asked myself what I possessed that other local painters might not, and my question essentially answered itself. ‘You’re insured. You’re a perfectionist. You assume your reputation will hinge on even the smallest job. You have a set of core values that are often lacking with other contractors. You’d be the only professional painter in your hometown.’
"I believe Gatcomb Painting & Design embodies the very best in craftsmanship and the human spirit. It's more than dollars and cents to me, more than painting, more than awards, more than recognition. It's about being active in the community and finding ways to make a positive difference. Whether it's performing charitable work, raising funds for a family in need, donating to a worthy cause, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply being a sympathetic ear, I'm of the mindset that – regardless of social class, financial status, occupation, education, all of that – everyone has something to offer their community, and I personally never stop trying to find ways to make a difference."
Now in its seventh year of business, Gatcomb Painting & Design has become synonymous with quality and professionalism. Erick has been nominated for two PDCA PIPP Awards, and the company is the recipient of four consecutive national TOP JOB Awards from American Painting Contractor magazine. Gatcomb’s work has been featured in national magazines and on various websites, and Erick has contributed paint-related articles to several print magazines and blogs. Until it ceased publication in December 2018, Erick was a monthly contributor to the St. Louis-based magazine, The Paint Contractor, where he shared humorous anecdotes and imparted business advice. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of American Painting Contractor magazine.
If you are in need of a painting contractor that offers something more than the run-of-the-mill decorators out there, get in touch with Gatcomb Painting & Design. And don’t forget to ask for company literature, always free upon request.
