Stefanie Giampaolo knows a few things about taking life one step at a time.
She was in her 20s, working in an office, and wondering what she really wanted to do with her life.
Now, not even 12 years later, she and her husband, Marco Giampaolo, are the owners of the highly successful Stef’s Quality Painting in Kemptville.
The younger Stefanie would probably be surprised to see the still-young Stefanie of today. She had no intention of starting a business. But she left her office job, joined a friend who had a painting business, and realized she loved the work. She learned not just about painting but about becoming a business owner.
“I had no clue,” she says, “but I learned as I went, one step at a time.”
She adds the business could never have grown to what it is today without Marco. Now they have about a dozen highly skilled employees, including two family members, all people they trust implicitly. One has been with them for 10 years.
The business is highly respected in the area, known for its fine attention to detail and the care and respect given by the team as they work in residential homes and commercial establishments. They also transform cabinet doors in their own finishing shop.
Stefanie handles the admin, HR and estimates. Marco runs all the job sites, the cabinet department, and estimates.
Stef and Marco are active in the Kemptville community. They attend many community events and donate work to Habitat for Humanity and Ronald McDonald House.
Stef’s Quality Painting does much of the painting for Lagois Design·Build·Renovate, and both companies provide support for Ronald McDonald House, a favourite Lagois charity. (Lagois created a beautiful kitchen, garden and gazebo pro bono, and Sept. 13 this year marks the 15th annual Lagois Charity Golf Tournament to raise funds for the House.)
Clients love the company, which has grown by word of mouth.
“People know us,” Stef says. “Our clients call us every time they move or buy a home.” She says their team is clean, respectful and quiet, and they receive many happy letters and reviews.
One woman wrote:
“[Stef’s Quality Painting] went above and beyond. From changing paint colours halfway through the job to fixing a number of anticipated holes in the walls, and even doing more of the house than we asked… the team was positive and fun, and even stayed late on a Friday to get the job done under my ridiculous time constraints.”
Stefanie and Marco appreciate it all.
“We’re proud to be employers,” Stef says, “and even prouder of the work we do.”
