At the end of December, our President, Bob Sands, looked back on the past year and shared his thoughts on the lessons, successes, and the vision that will drive Indiana Painting into 2026.
What was the most rewarding project Indiana Painting completed last year?
2025 was full of projects our team can be proud of, but our charity work is always among the most fulfilling. From assisting our local Churches in Mission to helping senior citizens, we find this work compelling and rewarding. On the commercial side, our most rewarding job was the Allen Commercial Group headquarters in Greenwood. Utilizing high-end Benjamin Moore paints and specialized wallcoverings, we completed a tenant finish that resulted in an inviting and invigorating space. So many elements go into a design that it can be difficult to truly “knock it out of the park,” but between the layout, the decor, the finishes, and the lighting, this project really pulled it off. It is always rewarding to be part of a project where everyone works together to produce such a stunning result.
What is one thing the company did differently in 2025—perhaps a new product or process—that made the biggest positive change in the quality of our finish?
We began to get more serious about our systems and policies. As our company grows, we must be able to keep everyone accountable and moving in the same direction. We realized that we couldn’t serve our customers’ interests effectively without focusing on positive outcomes and the specific steps necessary to ensure the consistent results our clients have come to expect from us.
Looking back at 2025, what is the single most important lesson the company learned about serving clients or running operations?
2025 was full of lessons! The first principle we learned is that we don’t get to determine what a “good job” is. When you provide what the client is looking for—whether that is high-quality craftsmanship or a fast, economical refresh—the client is the one who decides if we succeeded. As tradesmen, we are tasked with delivering exactly what they ask for. The second lesson is that teamwork is difficult without clear communication. You must be able to clearly communicate goals to the customer, the company, and the field team. If you don’t get the communication right from the beginning, you will miss the mark every time.
In 2025, what was the most valuable piece of feedback we received from a client?
While it is always good to receive positive feedback confirming we hit the mark, negative feedback is often more important because it becomes a catalyst for change. 2025 was a year of listening to clients—often to what they don’t say—and improving based on that. For example, when we ask how we did and hear that we were “mostly” on time, that is a criticism we take seriously by asking, “How can we do that better?” We have learned to be more professional in both our appearance and our communication. Customers truly appreciate being kept in the loop; that is the biggest improvement that has changed our relationships with our clients. They are in charge, and they deserve to know exactly what is going on.
Looking Forward: Vision for 2026 and Beyond
What is the main goal Indiana Painting is aiming for in 2026?
Stability and reliability are our primary focuses. I believe we have become reliable, but we chose the motto “The Dependable Painter” to remind us that we must keep our word—always! In 2026, we aim to be the company that does exactly what we commit to doing while keeping the customer fully informed.
How will Indiana Painting ensure we deliver the highest quality of work and customer experience in 2026?
We are investing in better training and communication, and we continue to seek field team members who embody our values. We are building our teams with people who see themselves as painters, not by chance, but because painting is something they truly love to do. That passion is the secret to building an excellent field team.
What is one thing you are most looking forward to accomplishing or seeing happen at the company in the new year?
We look forward to being recognized as a resource our customers can depend on to create comfortable spaces and restore properties that have not been adequately maintained. This is why we offer such long warranties; we believe work done correctly should be durable. We are also becoming a place where painters find more than just a job. We are creating a tight-knit team of professionals who are genuinely connected by their care for one another. It is important to have a workplace where people support each other’s growth.
In five years, what do you want Indiana Painting to be best known for in the community?
For both customers and employees, “dependability” is the keyword. We want anyone who hears our name to think of us as a reliable partner who honors the trust placed in our team. For those who work here, we want to be known for being fair but also for being challenging in a good way. Work gives meaning to our lives when it causes growth and involves us in something bigger than ourselves. We would hate to be known as an “easy place to work.” Instead, we want people to say that while it isn’t an easy place to work, they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Core Philosophy
What is the main value or idea that guides all of Indiana Painting’s work, from the estimate to the final walk-through?
Being thorough and keeping the customer informed. Hiring a painter is a significant investment and is often a luxury purchase. The customer should receive the best possible job for their money and should be updated at least daily. Too often, service companies leave customers in the dark and simply walk away when the work is finished. We show respect to our customers by ensuring they have the opportunity to provide feedback before we ever leave the jobsite.
