Today we’d like to introduce you to Rowan St John.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started painting for a company back in 1993 because I was in need of work. I hadn’t picked up a brush previously. I was 23. It was a father & son company in Springfield MA – the city where I was born. We worked all over the area in Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield. The company started working at the paper factory’s in the flats of Holyoke, MA painting commercially for industrial warehouses. I was on my own at 16 years of age and I had tried my hands at a few things at that point. Painting was a fair wage for someone with little experience. It was on the job training. I ended up finding a company near that hired me to do residential style work eventually. My painting career was on the move. Since then I have painted in Boston, Rhode Island, Iowa City, IA, Jackson Hole, WY, and all over New England and the Berkshires.
I also did some family genealogy and it turns out I had a great Grandfather who had lived nearby where I was living and he had put on his death certificate “House Painter” for his profession. No one in my family had ever heard anything about him until I did this genealogical research. So I guess it was in my blood as they say!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The struggles have been personal and professional as surely they are for everyone. Labor is not an easy way to go for the most part. Until you get into the higher levels of experience the pay is below $15-18 per hour. I’d say I was my own worst enemy in the long run because I wanted to always be somewhere other than where I was. I never liked painting and I had even resented it back then. I had my hands in every kind of construction at one time or another and I was an artist and musician. I thought I could do more. When I finally came to an understanding of my own heart and mind – I’d say that was when I decided I’d follow what was showing up most regularly in my obviously. Painting.
Transforming people’s homes with color and light. Helping people to improve their property and sacred home space. I stopped seeing it as a problem and started cultivating it as a profession not worrying too much about the past. I had learned how to become meticulous, detailed, have integrity, and run a crew.. And I did it well. Very well, so instead of bouncing from crew to crew every so many years I started doing the work for myself here and there. Now I have a crew and run my own business and I’m at peace with what I do. In fact, I enjoy it and that shows in the work.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Spiral Painting Company – what should we know?
Spiral House Painting does mostly high end Interiors working with various Designers in the pioneer valley and we paint exteriors of all kind of homes during the season. In New England you have to know a little about restoration because often homes are quite old and need repair inside and out.
We focus on the details and the process of correct preparation. We don’t cut corners and that is our niche. Most companies don’t want to go that extra mile because that means they lose money. It takes more time and labor to get it correct the first time. I’m proud of the relationships I have formed with people and the way they respond after my company leaves. They watch us go the extra mile and they know that we are not sweeping things under the carpet to make the money we estimated.
We specialize in the interiors because I come at the business from an artist’s point of view and my employee’s are asked to uphold the same high standards. We don’t leave the job if you’re unsatisfied. We stand behind what we do. The details. The meticulousness. Impeccability. That is our goal.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have to name Hill Town Tree & Garden as one of the mentors for my business. He has a successful outfit going and has always been forthcoming with his time and advice about business entrepreneurship. Not many guys I’ve met are like Jim (the owner) when it comes to offering up support to a budding business.
Also, Mary Moore Design has always been a great support and has sent many wonderful clients to me over the years. Home & Homme in Amherst, MA is a great little shop if you’re ever in the area. The people I have worked for and worked with over the years have taught me life lessons that are indispensable. How can I ever repay people for being amazing clients, employees, or employers? I feel privileged and blessed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spiralhousepainting.com
- Phone: 413-320-8880
- Email: rowantides@live.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spiral-House-Painting-320615301735622/
- Other: www.spiralhouse-studios.com
Image Credit:
SpiralHouse Studios and Rowan St John PhotographySpiral
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