For more than thirty years, J Michael’s Painting, Inc. has been a trusted name in residential and commercial painting across Newark, Delaware and the surrounding region.
Founded in 1991 by Mike Purvis, the company began as a small local service built on hard work, care, and close attention to detail. Over time, Purvis became known as a steady leader in his field — someone respected for planning well, working efficiently, and delivering reliable results.
Purvis started with one simple goal: do the job properly and treat customers with respect. He often says, “People notice when you care about the small things,” and that belief has shaped the company’s culture from day one. Clean lines, tidy work sites, clear communication, and consistency became part of the business’s identity.
Purvis credits his long-term drive to lessons from his father and his own “never-quit attitude.” Even after three decades, he continues sharpening methods, studying proven practices, and finding new ways to improve. He often shares that his wellbeing is tied to how smoothly the business runs — a mindset that has played a key role in the company’s longevity and reputation.
Today, J Michael’s Painting, Inc. remains grounded in the principles that defined its early years: quality work, fair pricing, strong planning, and unwavering customer service.
Q&A: Inside the Career and Vision of J Michael’s Painting, Inc.
How did your career in painting begin?
I started the company in 1991 in Newark, Delaware. I didn’t have a fancy business plan at the start. I simply wanted to do the work properly and make sure customers were happy. I learnt early that if you focus on quality and treat people well, the business finds its footing.
What were the early challenges you faced?
In the early years, everything was hands-on. I was doing the painting, the scheduling, the planning — everything. But those years taught me discipline. They also helped me build habits around detail and communication that still guide the company today.
Your company is known for speed and quality. How did that develop?
Customers want the job done well, but they also want it done efficiently. I learnt how to balance both. We built systems over time — better planning, better logistics, better communication. Those things allow a job to move quickly without sacrificing detail.
What keeps your work consistent after 30 years?
Attention to detail. We double-check everything. People often think painting is only about colour, but success happens long before the brush hits the wall. Planning, prep work, and communication make the biggest difference.
You’ve talked about always learning from proven methods. What does that look like day-to-day?
I look at methods that have worked in the past — ours and others — and find ways to improve them. Even small changes can save time or reduce stress for the customer. We treat improvement as a constant, quiet process.
Who influenced your work ethic the most?
My father. He taught me what real hard work looks like. I carry that with me every day. It shaped the values of the company and my own “never-quit attitude.”
How do logistics shape your approach to projects?
Logistics run everything. Most projects are won or lost before the work even begins. When you plan well, the team works smoothly, the customer feels confident, and delays are avoided. Planning is the backbone of our business.
After three decades, what are you most proud of?
I’m proud that we built a company on quality and honesty — and stayed consistent. I’m proud that customers trust us. And I’m proud that we never stopped improving, even when things were working well.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the trades today?
Focus on detail. Communicate clearly. Plan well. And don’t quit when things get hard. Most success comes from just showing up and doing the work properly.
Read more:
The Story Behind J Michael’s Painting: A Conversation with Mike Purvis
