Making a Difference with Paint

Local painting company brings national project to the west side of Portland

Portland, OR: ESP Painting, Inc. wants to give back to the community – with paint. Jeff Sommers, President of ESP Painting, announced this year’s Paint It Forward campaign via Facebook in early November. The company is asking the community to nominate individuals or families that may not be able to afford or may not be able to perform interior painting. Nominations are due December 13, 2016.

Paint It Forward is a national campaign that started in 2005 with a painting company in California. The program offers an opportunity for local painting companies to give back to the community. Over the last 11 years, it has grown considerably and painting contractors across the United States participate. Regarding why he felt drawn to the campaign, Jeff says “I chose the Paint It Forward campaign because it was the easiest way to make a positive impact on our community.” Ami Ericson, operations manager, agrees, “We are really good at painting, the quality is high, and our painters can get a lot done in a short time. Paint It Forward is a natural fit as a way for ESP to give back.”

Last year, ESP Painting chose Brittany in southwest Portland. After a string of deaths in the family, including her fiancé 3 weeks before their wedding, and waiting on much-needed updates while battling through the probate system, Brittany was finally able to call the house home for herself and her son. Brittany worked 2 jobs to make ends meet and keep up with the mortgage so ESP Painting repainted the basement area to bring in some rental income and brighten up their living space. Brittany’s steadfastness in the face of adversity was why the crew chose her and her family for the Winter 2016 Paint It Forward project.

ESP Painting’s mission is “to exceed customer expectations through our craftsmanship, knowledge and attention to detail.” Jeff has worked in the painting trade his entire life, beginning as a youth on his grandparents’ house. ESP has provided high-quality house painting to the Portland area since 1996. www.esppainting.com

If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Jeff Sommers at (503) 372-7981

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