I feel it’s important to tell my founding story and explain what drives me. In doing so, I’ve grappled with the vulnerability of being so open – but I know that the more people I can support through my experience, the more impact I can have. So I’m dropping my guard and letting you in.
I'm Jake Ingle, the proud founder of PAINT IT CO and I’ve been painting, decorating, and custom finishing for 8 years – it’s my passion, my craft and I love it.
So, why did I launch PAINT IT CO?
To set the scene, my Mum’s a school teacher and has been for 20+ years. Remote learning was necessary, but taxing. As many others experienced during the lockdowns and stay at home orders, “you’re on mute” was the most used phrase, home also became office, business up top/party below was the usual attire, and the inability to switch off was a daily struggle. There are obviously clear wins like saving on travel time, reducing environmental damage, more flexibility, getting washing loads done between classes, etc.
Mum was pushing through but clearly struggling with WFH. At the same time, Mum had assumed the role of carer for my Dad, who had spent 10 months in hospital during 2020 after a sudden, major operation and becoming a wheelchair-bound amputee. I sat and talked with Mum many times – how could I help more? We figured out that the makeshift ‘study’/WFH space wasn’t helping with motivation and mindset.
To paint a visual for you, Mum’s WFH space was a spare bedroom with a desk, chair, lamp, and a wardrobe. Unappealing, however the norm for many during lockdowns but also into the future as hybrid working arrangements are adopted and rolled out.
One day, it came to me. I knew how I could help. What if I transformed Mum’s WFH environment and revitalised the space? I already knew the power of a fresh coat of paint and colour psychology impacts – it’s what I’d been doing for 8 years.
So I pitched the idea to Mum and we talked through design options. We landed on a new feature wall – a green plant wall – and a fresh colour change on the walls. It worked! No more dull coloured walls or uninviting vibes. The environment was transformed, more inviting, wasn’t makeshift anymore, a vibrant space, and Mum loved being in there. It was now a productive space. It was at this point I realised that I had the power to positively impact many more people who were experiencing the same feelings as Mum originally was.
Imagine if I partnered with employers and we could support their employees together by transforming their WFH environments? These employers could ‘PAINT IT FORWARD’ and boost their employees wellbeing, morale, performance, and productivity - promoting staff feeling valued, respected, and supported.
So I created the model – a formula for employers to evolve their employee’s experience and support mental health.
Welcome to PAINT IT FORWARD by PAINT IT CO.
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