Fourteen Years! Part Two

A few weeks ago, I began telling the story of The Larkin Painting Company’s early years.  We left off with me and Thiago sitting in my work truck unable to communicate with each other.  I paid him a day’s wages and told him as best as I could to come back the next day.  Despite the fact that we were strangers and neither one of us really knew what the other was saying, Thiago came back.  He had called his father the night before and told him about me and my business.  He wasn’t sure whether he should return, but his father said, “You can trust him.  Go back.”  With that The Larkin Painting Company was born.  We grew so quickly that we incorporated in 2001-an important and amazingly big step for us.  But I am getting ahead of myself.

In those early days and weeks, Thiago and I struggled mightily to talk to each other.  I would ask him to get a paintbrush and he would return with a paint pot liner.  Even so we had a grand time working together.  Thiago was brilliant and determined.  I helped him with his English, and taught him how to paint.  He became a skilled painter-approaching and executing each job with skill, respect and care. Everyday after a long day at work, Thiago would sit in his car reviewing the English he had learned that day.  Thiago helped me learn as much Portuguese as he could given the ‘student’ he was trying to teach, but his most important contribution was his impressive business acumen.  He came from a family of entrepreneurs, and had already developed a fine business sense.  My father was an entrepreneur so I grew up in a family business also.  When I became an adult I concentrated on pastoral ministry and social service.  I was able to bring my unique approach and background to The Larkin Painting Company.  As many of you know, I am inspired by Thomas Moore.  Like Moore, I believe that when you care for your home, your space, you are taking “care of soul”.  When we create beauty through painting your homes, we are also caring for our world.

Thiago and I were quite the pair and the business grew quickly.  Our customers valued our attention to detail, skill and holistic approach to beautifying their homes.  Soon, we had many, many clients and projects – too many for a two-person team.  I hired more painters and Thiago became my Project Manager.  However, word spread about the quality of our work and approach to home and self-care.   Consequently, our schedule became increasingly tight despite our staff increase.  Thiago said, “Bill, the amount of work is fine.  I’ll make sure it gets done well.”  He was right.  We maintained our high standards of service and quality even as the number of our clients climbed.  Together, Thiago and I built a culture of excellence and care, true craftmanship, respect for our clients and their homes.

Eventually, after four years with the company, it was time for Thiago to return to Brazil.  His visa was due to expire and he had a fiancee waiting for him at home.  He returned to Brazil fluent English (I’m still working on my Portuguese), ready to help his father and brothers develop their family business.   My wife and I take what rare opportunity we can to visit Thiago and his family, which now includes a new baby girl.  Till this day customers, who were lucky enough to have met Thiago, ask me how is doing.  We all miss him dearly.

Thiago and I at his wedding celebration in Brazil

The Larkin Painting Company has been incorporated since 2001, employing six to ten people year-round.  We reach more customers every year, helping them to care for their homes, and by extension themselves.  Our painters are experts who take great pride in their craft, and joy in beautifying our customers’ homes.  We partner with accomplished vendors, contractors and interior designers.  I am grateful for the growing Larkin Painting team.  The Larkin Painting Company and our customers have created an extraordinary community.  We are creating more beauty in the world.  I am humbled and honored by the wonderful opportunities to help our customers improve their homes and their well-being.  Thank you for an amazing and fulfilling fourteen years!

Bill with crew leaders Emerson and Christine

Be well,

Bill