Sonoma County just voted us the best painter in the county for the 10th consecutive year. That award comes from Press Democrat readers, which means it comes from neighbors. There are plenty of good house painters in Sonoma County, and being chosen by the people who live here, 10 years running, is the recognition our team cares about most.
Key Takeaways
- Best of Sonoma County is a readers’ choice award, decided entirely by public vote rather than by a panel or an application.
- Mike Chavez Painting has won “Best Painter in Sonoma County” every year for 10 straight years.
- Owner Mike Chavez credits the streak to his crew, the standards he set, and the clients who kept voting.
What “Best Of” Actually Measures
The Press Democrat’s Best of Sonoma County program runs once a year. Residents nominate the businesses they use, voting opens for several weeks in the spring, and winners are recognized at a celebration in Santa Rosa.
No one buys a spot on the list. No committee reviews portfolios. The ballot is open to anyone in the county with an opinion about where they eat, shop, and who they call when the trim on their house starts peeling.
Having this award be decided by the local community is a major part of what makes it so important to us. Ten years of wins means 10 years of the people we’ve served across all of Sonoma County choosing to put our name down again.
What 10 Years of Votes Say About House Painters in Sonoma County
Mike started this company in 2008 with a specific problem in mind. Painting and contracting have a reputation problem in a lot of places. From missed appointments and rushed prep work to crews that disappear mid-project or are never heard from again.
“I really started this business trying to change that and do things right: take care of my people, take care of my clients,” Mike said. “[This award] just proves that we’ve done it… it’s validating.”
A single award can be a good year. A decade of them is a pattern, and that pattern is the part Mike points to.
“It’s proven that we’re consistent, we’re the best of what we do.”
For homeowners comparing house painters in Sonoma County, that consistency is worth more than any claim a company can make about itself.
Hiring with Clear Expectations
In the early years, Mike did all of it, running the business at night and painting during the day.
“When I first started my business, I was out there painting houses, doing everything,” he said. “I’m not out there painting houses anymore myself.”
“The biggest reason we’ve kept up this success is the people. It’s the people that I brought into my business to continue carrying on my message, my vision.”
What Mike looks for in a hire has stayed the same across 10 years of estimates, job sites, and finished projects:
- People who treat clients well. The crew in your home act as the face of the company, as far as your experience goes.
- People who work as a team. Prep, masking, priming, and finish work have to hand off cleanly between crew members.
- People who care about the result. Nobody can inspect quality into a job that the painter did not care about in the first place.
“To me, it’s having the right people to be able to treat your customers the right way, operate as a team, and really care about the work they do,” Mike said.
What That Standard Looks Like on Your Project
This tenth consecutive win would only be possible with a well thought out plan of action for every job we take on. Here’s what working with Mike Chavez Painting looks like at-a-glance:
Preparation
Preparation comes first, every time. Surface prep is the part that decides how long a finish lasts, especially on exteriors taking Northern California sun through the summer and rain through the winter. Sanding, cleaning, caulking, and priming happen before any color goes on.
Detailed Estimates
The estimate is a conversation. Our estimators ask what you want the space to do before recommending a product, a sheen, or a color. Weathered siding, bare wood, and peeling paint each call for a different approach.
Communication
You hear from us daily. Crews check in with clients while work is active, so nobody is left guessing about what happens tomorrow.
Finalization
We walk the finished job with you. Any concern you raise gets addressed before we call a project done, and the site gets left clean.
Thank You, Sonoma County
Ten years of votes came from people who trusted a painting crew with their homes and businesses. To all who voted and to the community who has trusted their homes and businesses with our work, Thank You!
“Thank you for trusting me for all these years. Thank you for allowing my business to grow and thrive, and support me through every moment of it.”
Let’s Get Your Home Looking Beautiful
If a room has been waiting for a fresh color, or your home’s exterior is starting to look worse for wear, Mike Chavez Painting would be glad to take a look!
Estimates are free, and there’s no pressure attached to one. We’ll walk the property with you, talk through what the surfaces need, and give you an honest picture of the work.
Reach out today and tell us more about your project!
📞 Call: (707) 623-5850
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best of Sonoma County award?
It’s an annual readers’ choice program run by The Press Democrat. Residents nominate local businesses, then the county votes on the finalists, and winners are recognized at a celebration in Santa Rosa. Businesses cannot buy placement, and no judging panel is involved. Mike Chavez Painting has won the painting category for 10 consecutive years.
What areas does Mike Chavez Painting serve?
We’re based at 516 Santa Rosa Ave. in Santa Rosa and work throughout Sonoma County, including Healdsburg, Windsor, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Sonoma, and Kenwood. We also serve Napa County and Marin County. If you’re not sure whether your address is in range, call and ask.
What should I look for when comparing house painters in Sonoma County?
Ask how the crew handles surface preparation, since that’s what determines how long the finish holds up in our climate. Ask who will be on site and how often you’ll hear from them. Ask to see recent local work. A company that answers those three questions clearly is usually a company that has done the work before.
Owner and Founder, Mike Chavez Painting
Mike Chavez is the Owner and Founder of Mike Chavez Painting, an award-winning residential and commercial painting company based in Santa Rosa, California. He launched the business in 2008 and has grown it into one of the most recognized painting contractors in Northern California. Known for his commitment to excellence and community involvement, Mike has been featured in multiple media outlets and was named the 2016 Business Person of the Year by the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce. He has also been recognized nationally by platforms like Yelp for outstanding customer service and leadership in the trades. Mike actively advocates for skilled trades and entrepreneurship, often sharing his insights on hiring, leadership, and craftsmanship in the painting industry.