Last May, local painting company, JT Painting Company, had a fire in their shop that destroyed virtually all tools and inventory. For many owners, a setback of this magnitude would be difficult to bounce back from, but owners Trever and Sarah Jacob worked hard with their employees and community to make their business continue to grow in spite of what could have been an overwhelming defeat. They credit their success to an outstanding team, a solid business built on customer referrals, and a business model that has created growth from product and service diversification.
In fact, two weeks ago Sarah Jacob made the difficult decision to leave her nursing career to join her husband full-time as the business manager of JT Painting. This husband and wife team decided that having Sarah join full-time was the only way to meet demand and continue to grow.
Celebrating 15 Years as Residential and Commercial Painter in Thurston County
The Jacob’s commitment to building a strong and reliable crew has helped them gain a solid reputation, resulting in a business built on customer satisfaction and referrals.
While attending the University of Washington in 1998, Trever opened the doors to JT Painting Company. Today, JT Painting has a strong team of skilled painters. “Our team receives routine training on new products and equipment. All new employees undergo drug testing and back ground checks to ensure quality and safety. Drug-free work is imperative,” said Sarah.
On-going training is another important strategy for this business and helps the team properly mitigate lead paint, for example.
The Correct Way to Paint a House or Building
JT Painting’s team advises homeowners to hire painters that separate themselves from the rest by referrals, professionalism and quality.
Prep work involves thoroughly pressure washing the structure, then caulking all siding, windows, trim and any other water penetrations. Each step is crucial in maintaining a good seal on the home or business and ensures that the paint will last, especially in our wet Pacific Northwest climate. Next, choosing high-quality paint is important. JT Painting prefers Kelly Moore/Miller and Sherwin Williams paints due to the quality of those products. “These brands have been proven to stand up over time,” said Sarah. However, they will work with any brand a customer prefers.
“Customers should also feel comfortable asking for references, and should find out if the company is licensed, bonded and insured,” Sarah advises. Ask about credentials and affiliations. Most importantly, the customer should feel comfortable with the estimator. It is also important to make sure the bid is itemized. “If a contractor does not create a detailed bid it can be a red flag. You need to know what the work is going to entail,” Sarah explains.
Pressure Washing, Cabinet Remodels, Trim Work, Doors, Rhino Lining, Garage Floor Sealing
When we think of residential and commercial painters, it is easy to assume that they do just one thing – paint. JT Painting is growing their business through diversification, and paint more than just walls.
For example, customers come to JT Painting for an easy kitchen makeover. By simply repainting cabinets, a kitchen can become modernized and costs a lot less than installing new cabinets. Other services offered include trim work, door painting, garage floor sealants, steel painting, accent walls and pressure washing.
Recently, JT Painting became a certified vendor for Rhino Linings®; the consumer rated #1 spray-on truck bed liner brand. In addition to bed liners, Rhino Linings can be used for garage and shop floors, swimming pools, fountains, roof coatings and spray foams. “Trever recently sealed a garage floor in a red and white checked pattern. It looks great,” said Sarah. Rhino Linings of Olympia is slated to open in March 2014.
“Our team also excels at specialty interior painting – whether a customer wants stripes, metallic paints, bronze or silver accents. Trever will bring color fans to the homeowner and will go over different ideas,” she said.
This Family Business is Giving Back to the Community
Sarah and Trever enjoy working together and love that they are able to find time for family commitments and volunteer work. For example, Sarah is committed to nursing, even though it is no longer a paying career. She is now a volunteer at a hospice program for the homeless in Olympia.
Trever and Sarah are both actively involved in Griffin School, in the classroom and in the school gardens. JT Painting Company is a Corporate Member at the Hands on Children’s Museum.
They donate annually to the Little Red School House fund, which provides clothing and school supplies to children in need. “Not only do we donate as a business, but our own children really enjoy gathering supplies and school clothes and taking them down on donation day every year. We want to raise a family that is aware of others’ needs and gives back when they have the opportunity.”
Sarah is also a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington Auction Committee. Sarah said, “It is important to us to give back, especially to children and education. Olympia is a wonderful community and we want to make sure that all children are given every opportunity to succeed.”
JT Painting Company, LLC
911 Kaiser Rd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
360-866-8600
