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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 quote 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.

As we step into the New Year, we want to take a moment to highlight the people who make Indiana Painting what it is. Every project we complete is the result of teamwork—individual skills coming together with a shared commitment to quality, care, and craftsmanship. It’s this collaboration that creates the Indiana Painting experience our customers trust.

When you hire a professional painting company, you’re not just looking for a fresh coat of color—you’re looking for a seamless, professional experience. At Indiana Painting, that experience is made possible by a dedicated team that cares for your project from the first handshake to the final walkthrough.

Our leadership and sales team sets the standard. President Bob Sands guides the company’s vision and values, while John Kluge and Tyler Plowman provide clear, accurate quotes and help customers find the right solutions for their homes and businesses.

Keeping each project on track is Project Manager Joel Sands, who oversees scheduling and job-site logistics. Behind the scenes, Sarah Sands manages administrative operations and customer support, ensuring everything runs smoothly and communication stays clear.

When it’s time to bring the project to life, our field crew takes over. Led by Chris Cole and Ian Hinz, our skilled painters— Jason Pfaehler, Scott Cothron, Hali Williams, and Charles Streeman—focus on detailed preparation, precise workmanship, and finishes built to last.

At Indiana Painting, we’re more than a group of individuals—we’re a team working together to deliver an experience our customers can rely on. Thank you for trusting us with your project as we head into the New Year.

Looking for a trusted painting company in Central Indiana? Indiana Painting Company is your reliable, local choice for top-rated interior and exterior painting services—serving Indianapolis, Greenwood, Carmel, Mooresville, and beyond.

Why Choose Indiana Painting Company? | Central Indiana’s Family-Owned Painter

Finding a dependable house painter or commercial contractor in Central Indiana doesn’t have to be a gamble. Indiana Painting Company brings decades of expertise, integrity, and customer-focused service to every project. We are a family-owned and operated business delivering high-quality painting for residential and commercial properties across Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

Common Questions Answered:

• What areas does Indiana Painting Company serve?

We provide painting services in Greater Indianapolis and nearby communities: Avon, Brownsburg, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Mooresville, Plainfield, Westfield, Whitestown, and Zionsville.

• Are your painters insured and background-checked?

Yes, every team member is thoroughly vetted and insured, ensuring your peace of mind.

• Do you offer both interior and exterior painting?

Yes, we offer complete painting solutions for homes and businesses, inside and out.

About Indiana Painting Company: Our Story & Local Legacy

Indiana Painting Company’s roots stretch back to the late 1940s in Northwest Indiana, where founder Mendell Sands returned from serving in World War II. With a vision for craftsmanship and community, Mendell began painting homes and small businesses single-handedly, quickly earning a reputation for quality and integrity. As word spread, the company grew, hiring its first employees in the 1950s and expanding into larger commercial work by the 1960s, including municipal buildings and schools.

In the decades that followed, the Sands family continued to build on Mendell’s legacy. The 1970s marked a turning point, as the company modernized its techniques and began painting prominent local landmarks, such as historic firehouses and churches across the region. By the 1980s and 90s, Indiana Painting Company had become a trusted name in both residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors, taking on high-profile restoring projects like the Prewitt Theater in Plainfield and contributing to revitalization efforts throughout Central Indiana.

Today, under the leadership of Bob Sands (the third generation to guide the company) the team boasts over 80 years of experience passed down with pride. We’ve completed projects for schools, libraries, public works facilities, shopping centers, and countless family homes. Our growth reflects not just business success, but decades of trust, repeat customers, and a steadfast presence in the communities we serve.

• • Local roots: We’ve painted schools, fire stations, libraries, and historic landmarks like the Prewitt Theater in Plainfield.
  • Decades of trust: Over 80 years of expertise passed down through the Sands family, now led by Bob Sands.

Our Painting Services: Commercial & Residential Solutions in Central Indiana

Commercial Painting for Indianapolis & Beyond

Our commercial painting services help businesses in Central Indiana look and perform their best. From offices and warehouses to retail stores and restaurants:

• • Interior/exterior painting: We handle every surface, ceiling, and storefront.
  • Specialty coatings: Industrial epoxy, dryfall for exposed ceilings, direct-to-metal protection.
  • Flexible scheduling: Evenings and weekends, so your business keeps running smoothly.
  • Local experience: Trusted by major retailers, schools, government buildings, and healthcare facilities.

House Painting for Central Indiana Homes

Make your home stand out and protect it from Indiana’s weather. Our residential services include:

• • Interior painting: Meticulous prep, top-rated products (PPG, Benjamin Moore), and careful clean-up.
  • Exterior painting: Weatherproof paints, power washing, scraping/sanding, and detailed surface prep.
  • Customized packages: “Good, Better, Best” service levels, warranties, and expert color consultations.

What Sets Indiana Painting Company Apart?

• • Background-checked, insured painters: All employees are screened for your safety.
  • Satisfaction guarantee: You pay only when happy with our work—no exceptions.
  • Premium warranties: 3-year coverage on interiors, up to 7 years on exteriors, with complimentary touch-ups on select packages.
  • Local expertise: 20+ years serving Central Indiana means we understand local weather, building codes, and neighborhood aesthetics.
  • Community-focused: We give back by serving local schools, first responders, and historic community buildings.

Top-Rated Family-Owned Painter in Central Indiana

Painting your property should be stress-free, rewarding, and add real value to your Central Indiana home or business. Trust Indiana Painting Company—a family legacy in local painting service since 2003.

Ready to transform your space with Indiana’s most trusted painters?
Contact Indiana Painting Company today for a free quote in Indianapolis or any Central Indiana community!

Call us at (317) 961-6320

Are you a licensed and insured painting contractor in Indianapolis?

Yes, Indiana Painting Company carries full liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Which neighborhoods do you service around Indianapolis?

Avon, Brownsburg, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Mooresville, Plainfield, Westfield, Whitestown, Zionsville, and surrounding areas.

What type of paints do you use?

We use industry-leading brands, including PPG Ultralast, Benjamin Moore Regal Select, and PPG Acri-Shield for weather resistance.

Do you help with color selection?

Yes! We offer color consultations personalized to your home or business needs.

How do I get a free painting quote?

Call us at (317) 961-6320 or visit our website to book your free, no-obligation quote online.

Christmas is full of traditions that make the season bright, but at the center of it all is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. And from the U.S. to countries around the world, there’s no shortage of creative and meaningful ways people celebrate this season of hope.

The Pickle Ornament (German… or Maybe American?)

The idea of hiding a pickle-shaped ornament in the Christmas tree has become a quirky favorite in many American homes. The first person to find it on Christmas morning wins a special gift or good luck for the year. Although often said to come from Germany, most Germans have never heard of it, making it a charming mystery and a fun surprise for families who love a good holiday hunt.

Luminary Nights (Southwest U.S.)

In New Mexico and parts of the Southwest, neighborhoods are illuminated by paper-bag lanterns called luminarias or farolitos. These warm lights were originally used to symbolize the way being lit on the night Jesus was born. Today they line streets, rooftops, and sidewalks on Christmas Eve, creating peaceful scenes that honor the journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem.

The “Christmas Ship” (Pacific Northwest)

Each December in Seattle, the historic Argosy Christmas Ship sails from port to port with live choir performances on board. Families gather along the shorelines to listen, sing, and admire the reflection of the lights on the water. 

Kentucky Fried Christmas (Japan)

In Japan, millions of families eat KFC for Christmas dinner. The tradition started because of a clever marketing campaign in the 1970s and now you have to reserve your bucket WEEKS in advance. Nothing says “joy to the world” like a drumstick and mashed potatoes.

Shoe-Stuffing Surprise (Iceland)

For 13 nights leading up to Christmas, kids leave their shoes by the window. Each night, one of Iceland’s 13 Santa-like “Yule Lads” visits. Some are friendly, and some… steal sausages. Good kids get candy in their shoes; naughty ones get a potato. 

At the Heart of It All

From glowing lanterns to quirky tree ornaments, Christmas traditions bring fun and creativity to the season, but the true celebration is the miracle of Christ’s birth. Jesus came as a baby to bring hope, peace, and salvation to the world, and that is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

From all of us at Indiana Painting, may your Christmas be filled with joy, laughter, and the hope that Christ brings.

Wishing you a blessed and joyous Christmas!

Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie; it’s full of quirky traditions, creative competitions, and a few centuries-old customs that make the holiday uniquely American. Here’s a look at how some of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions began (and what they look like today).

Turkey Bowling (Wisconsin)
Turkey Bowling is exactly what it sounds like, using a frozen, wrapped turkey as a bowling ball! The sport reportedly began in 1988 when a California grocery clerk decided to make slow workdays more entertaining. He set up soda bottles as pins, grabbed a frozen bird, and a new Thanksgiving pastime was born. Today, turkey bowling events pop up across the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin, complete with “fowl lines,” cheering crowds, and plenty of holiday laughter.

Turkey Toss (Indiana)
The Turkey Toss is a festive competition where participants throw a frozen (or sometimes rubber) turkey for distance. It’s often part of local community festivals or holiday fundraisers across Indiana. While the exact origins are unclear, it likely grew out of old harvest-time “flinging” contests that celebrated the end of the farming season. It’s now a lighthearted way to show some strength and hometown pride.

Macy’s Parade Balloon Inflation (New York City)
The night before Thanksgiving, thousands gather near the Museum of Natural History to watch the parade’s giant balloons come to life. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 and originally featured live zoo animals. By 1927, the first character balloon, Felix the Cat, made his debut, launching one of the most beloved traditions in American pop culture. Watching the inflation has since become a New York City spectacle of its own.

Turkey Trot (Nationwide)
Each Thanksgiving morning, runners across the country lace up their sneakers for a Turkey Trot, America’s most popular holiday race. The first official Turkey Trot took place in Buffalo, New York, in 1896 with just six participants. Now, thousands of races are held nationwide, with everyone from competitive runners to families in turkey hats joining in. It’s the perfect way to start the day and make room for that second slice of pie.

Breaking the Wishbone
After the feast, two people each grab one end of the turkey’s wishbone, make a silent wish, and pull until it snaps. Whoever gets the larger piece is said to have good luck. This custom dates back to ancient Italy, where the Etruscans believed chicken bones had magical powers. The Romans carried the tradition to England, and the Pilgrims brought it to America. Today, it’s a small but fun moment of friendly competition at Thanksgiving tables everywhere.

From food fights to footraces, Thanksgiving traditions remind us that celebration can come in all shapes (and sometimes, frozen birds). Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, laughter-filled holiday!

At Indiana Painting, we recently had the privilege of giving the Wheeler Mission location in Indianapolis a fresh coat of paint, but the real story isn’t about the walls we painted. It’s about the incredible work they do every single day.

For more than a century, Wheeler Mission has been a pillar of hope in our community, providing food, shelter, and care to men, women, and children who are in need. What began in 1893 as a small outreach has grown into one of Indiana’s most trusted nonprofit organizations, offering not only emergency services but also long-term recovery, job training, counseling, and spiritual support.

Wheeler Mission’s team works tirelessly to meet people where they are — serving meals, providing safe beds, and helping individuals rebuild their lives through education and employment programs. Every person who walks through their doors is treated with dignity and compassion, and countless Hoosiers have found stability and purpose thanks to their efforts.

We’re proud to play a small part in helping them maintain a welcoming, uplifting environment for those they serve. A fresh, clean space can go a long way toward restoring comfort and confidence. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their mission of “providing help, hope, and healing.”

To learn more or get involved, visit www.wheelermission.org.

Today’s post is a little off topic for a painting blog, but every winter we begin that long season of shorter days and longer nights. It all begins with the world around us getting more stark – the grass goes brown, the leaves begin to fall off the trees, and the birds start heading out. It can be foreboding to many as the signs of winter creep into our everyday lives. But if you have the eyes to see it, you have been given hope too. So many fall festival begin to spring up with people having fun and enjoying hot chocolate and food truck fare. Then Thanksgiving, that high holiday where we reflect on all the gifts that God has given to us as we gather at the table for a feast. But it is not over yet . . .

The Advent season then begins as the excitement of Christmas start to build. Displays start showing up in stores as the anticipation builds. The kids start making paper chains to the countdown to Christmas day! Towns begin to put up decorations and the days begin to get shorter faster. Our neighbors around town begin to string lights on their homes and the world, just as the darkness begins to overtake the days, we light up the nights with our lights. We overcome the darkness with our lights and celebrations and this brings a lot of happiness to those who will accept it. The grinches start showing up too. They can be heard complaining about all the shops putting up Christmas stuff up so early and how December is always way too busy. To some, it seems, God’s goodness to us always comes with a price tag that is almost too big for the measly return of one little day. Just one short day – it is, in fact, one of the shortest days of daylight of the entire year. And should I mention how these grinches feel about family and the get together?

But to many, if not most, that one day is the best day of the year. It is the most anticipated day of the year. To these people, the light of Christmas makes the darkness of winter more meaningful. I don’t think it is a mistake that our Christian forbearers put Christmas in the middle of the winter. Of all the reasons we celebrate Christmas when we do, none of them can be as significant as the idea that, when all seems so dark, cold, and lonely, God gives us the gift of Christmas. Is this not the entire meaning of Christ. Christ enters the world as a light in the darkness making us alive when all we knew was death a separation from God? In our darkest of nights and our lostness, God sends us a light not merely to show us the way, but to light up our lives. He send Christ to make us alive in the middle of being dead. He brings meaning to our lives and, in His grace, He slowly begins to make everything new. There are some who know what I mean and this will bring great joy to your hearts.

Instead of complaining about stores putting up decorations so early, we should be excited and asking why did they put them up so late! And yes, family can be a complicated mess sometimes – most of the time for many. But even in that we should be thankful that we have family, even if it is complicated. My prayer this season is that God will show you His grace and that your heart of mourning can become a heart of thanksgiving and joy. If you thought Christ would fix everything around you, you’ve gotten it wrong! But He can and He will fix you if you will just ask Him to. After all, it is likely you and I are the most broken things around and it all begins with how we are looking at the world.

People are always amused when we tell them that we love to paint. Most people hate to paint. So what is it that we love about painting? First, it takes a ton of manpower and trades to transform a kitchen, but it only takes one painter. Okay, you’re right, it isn’t the same thing. But think about bang for the buck. You can’t find a lower cost way to reinvigorate a room or a bunch of rooms quite like paint. A thorough sanding, some extensive patching and caulk, and a few gallons of paint and a day or two and we can have your kitchen and dining room looking like that local Starbucks you love so much! That is the main thing we love about paint.

Having spent the last 20 years serving general contractors the thrill was taking the homely shell of a building and dressing it up with all the colors and finishes. It’s almost like you brought the whole thing to life! Yes, all that other stuff needs to be done well too, but it your finishes aren’t right, no much else matters! Most builders look at paint as a minor trade, and, in dollars, it is. But paint often makes up over 70% of what you see when you walk into a building. That’s no minor trade!

And how about the exterior! Nothing brings attention to you and your home like a great new color scheme on your business or home. After years of dirt, rain, and the sun beating down on your home, things start to look worn and tired. You’d be surprised how much energy comes back to your family, guests, and customers when they feel that clean new paint job! You know the feeling, don’t you?

A great paint job makes all the difference. Do you want to spice up your home or office areas? What a great idea – don’t wait! We are eager to get your project underway!