Inside the values, vision, and leadership philosophy shaping one of Sonoma County’s most respected painting companies.
In the trades, culture has often been an afterthought, something secondary to production. But for Mike Chavez, founder of Mike Chavez Painting (MCP), culture is the foundation. From job site to office, Mike is leading a quiet shift in the industry: one where people are supported, craftsmanship is respected, and doing the right thing still matters.
“I think that there’s a lot of companies changing the way culture is within our industry… and realizing how important employees are. They are the lifeblood of our businesses.”
A Shift in the Industry and a New Standard at MCP
Mike has witnessed the painting industry evolve, shifting away from outdated norms and toward a more people-focused and sustainable approach. At MCP, that change is intentional.
Every new team member gets a proper introduction, a supportive leader to learn from, and a clear growth path.
“Somebody that’s fresh… it’s really important to get them comfortable. You want to allow them the support and the opportunity to be successful.”
Performance reviews aren’t just about metrics. They’re opportunities to understand what team members want out of their careers and how MCP can help them achieve their goals.
“Maybe they want to lead a team of painters, or maybe they don’t. But it’s really important to have those conversations.”
Leadership, the MCP Way
Leadership at MCP isn’t about titles. It’s about trust, accountability, and giving people the chance to grow, even when that means letting them stumble.
“It’s really important… to provide them the opportunity to fail, and the opportunity to succeed at the same time.”
It all comes back to communication: weekly check-ins, honest conversations, and respect at every level.
“Check in with your employees. Have consistent meetings. Make sure they know that you care.”
Do Right No Matter What
Ask anyone on the team, and they’ll tell you: at MCP, doing the right thing isn’t optional —it’s expected.
“It’s not offering excuses. It’s offering solutions. And it’s just doing the right thing at the end of the day.”
That principle guides how MCP approaches everything, from job site operations to customer relationships. If something goes wrong, the team owns it and makes it right.
“Have I been in situations where it cost us money to fix things? Yes. But you just do it and see it through to the end.”
More Than a Career, a Place to Belong
Mike believes tradespeople deserve more than a paycheck. They deserve opportunity, support, and a future.
“We’re providing things like benefits that turn this from just an everyday job into an actual career… retirement, health plans, paid vacation.”
That people-first approach is paying off. MCP has been voted “Best Painting Company in Sonoma County” for eight years running. But more than awards, Mike says it’s about seeing his team take pride in what they do and in who they’re doing it with.
Redefining the Trades, One Painter at a Time
Mike Chavez isn’t just building a successful painting company. He’s showing what’s possible when leadership starts with listening, when values guide every decision, and when people—not just projects—come first.
At MCP, the work speaks for itself. But it’s the people behind the brush who make it matter.
Watch the whole conversation in the videos above to hear Mike’s vision in his own words and see how values-driven leadership is transforming not just a company, but the trades as a whole.
Redefining the Trades, One Painter at a Time
Mike Chavez isn’t just building a successful painting company. He’s showing what’s possible when leadership starts with listening, when values guide every decision, and when people—not just projects—come first.
At MCP, the work speaks for itself. But it’s the people behind the brush who make it matter.
Watch the whole conversation in the videos above to hear Mike’s vision in his own words and see how values-driven leadership is transforming not just a company, but the trades as a whole.