Burke Painting

Color Offers a Fresh Perspective

By Kay Wilthew

John Burke believes that an entrepreneur's most valued asset is his/her reputation, and that this reputation is reassessed on every project. After 25 years in the commercial and residential painting business, Burke relishes the opportunity to create a positive customer experience and to deliver an outstanding product.

"I came to the United States in 1984 from Ireland and started painting right away. I didn't realize at that time that I would do this for the rest of my life." From San Francisco to Maui to the East Bay, Burke worked his way up from apprentice to project manager, and ultimately launched Burke Painting in 2000.

Since 2005, Burke Painting has been awarded by American Ratings Corporation their much-coveted Diamond Certification, the result of a rigorous customer survey process performed by the independent company (Diamondcertified.org). "This award was big kudos. I was very proud to be Diamond Certified," states Burke. To earn this level of distinction, 90% of past customers contacted must signify they would retain the company's services again. "I received a score of 98%, and I'm extremely happy with that." Burke was not entirely surprised with the results. "I knew I was doing well because my customers were very satisfied with my product."

Burke Painting was honored to have been nationally featured several times on Home and Garden Television's (HGTV) Curb Appeal show as well as having been featured locally on KPIX Evening Magazine. Video of these shows can be viewed at burkepainting.net. American Discovery Publishing (MyPrimeBuyersGuide.com), which is an independent research and information publishing company, currently rates Burke Painting as the No. 1 painting company in Contra Costa County.

Burke derives the most satisfaction from their current Bay Area residential and commercial customer base. "What I'm doing these days is higher-end custom work where people expect attention to detail, fine spray and faux finishes. These projects cost a bit more and take more time. But in the end there's a sense of pride you need to have about the work you do."

Burke's company is his legacy. "My name stands behind my work." Burke Painting's loyal and talented professional staff shares his deep sense of commitment. "I've instilled that in my employees as well, and I trained each of them." Safety is a critical quality component, and employees are well educated in protective equipment use and safe work practices. "I've been working with them for a long time. They know what I expect, and we know what our customers expect. They want quality."

Burke holds a Supervisor Lead Stabilization/Abatement license certified by the state of California. Burke has trained his employees to treat every home as if it potentially had lead in the paint. "Lead paint can be found in any residence built before 1978, so I want to make sure that my employees, my clients and their neighbors are protected from lead exposure during the project. We don't do our prep work with a power washer like some 'blow and go' painters do. We make sure that any loose chips of paint or dust is contained within our work area and collected according to the DHS lead safe practices."

Burke Painting only uses the best grade of paints, guaranteed to last for up to five years. Burke also offers and encourages the choice of the latest government-approved human and environmentally friendly durable paint products known as low- or no-VOC paints and finishes. "Kelly-Moore Paints [kellymoore.com] has started to carry a great new line from YOLO Colorhouse. Benjamin Moore carries their Aura line, which is also great but a lot more expensive."

The key to a quality project is candid communication, and Burke's openness comes naturally. "All people really want is to be kept in the loop. If the work is going to take a little more time, then just say it will take more time." Customers also benefit from Burke's quiet confidence and experience with color combinations. "If I don't think the color the client picked is right, then I'll have no problem letting them know. Then they can make their own choice. What it all comes down to is it is their home. However, some clients don't really have a grasp of which colors flow well together and need some guidance. I've been working with color long enough to know what works and what doesn't."

Every aspect of Burke Painting is geared toward respect. "It's all about the client, the quality of paint you use and the recommendations that you provide. It's also about our employees' respect for the clients' property. They treat every project as if it were their own home." This sense of pride is the foundation on which Burke Painting stakes its reputation. "I'm proud of the business I have built; I'm proud of my employees and very pleased with the relationships I have formed with my clients."

For the future, Burke is committed to expanding his business while maintaining the high standards that have made Burke Painting the well-regarded professional painting company it has become.

Visit Burke Painting at burkepainting.net for more information or call (925) 288-9993.

April 2008 Builder Architect Edition Issue

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