We sat down with one of North Atlanta's top professionals in the field of painting, remodeling, and construction to find out just how he does it.
Your commitment to each homeowner is to provide a fair and consistent price while delivering a high-quality finished product each and every time, all guaranteed. Tell us about two or three current or recent projects that you're proud of.
We just completed a full exterior remodel in the Inverness subdivision. The call was for a deck rebuild. The existing deck was dangerous and in a state of disrepair. It had to be torn down completely. After dialogue and evaluation between the homeowners and me, we discovered other problems and some great solutions to not only fix the issues but also to add value to the home. I brought some ideas to the table about a possible open-air porch build in place of the deck and a portico with a new stone front stoop to replace the sun-damaged front door.
What we like to do at Painting Plus is offer solutions to problems and give ideas that add value to the property. We have been working with the Capital City Country Club for years at their three locations, providing repairs and painting for them. I would like to say the reason that I have this account is when they call me, I am Johnny on the spot, delivering quality on time, every time.
As a teenager, you were employed with your uncle's business and have worked in the construction industry for over 20 years with a business degree from the University of Georgia. And, Charles Sr. brings guidance and executive management to the team. Family is important. Tell us about your family.
A few things local people don’t know is that Walton High School was also a vocational school in the 80s and 90s. It has since been replaced with a computer lab. I was very involved in building construction and drafting (we had one of the best teachers ever, Mr. Bob Overstreet). My true skill is carpentry and building. Back in 1998, Kent and I, with one helper, repaired and painted 32 houses in the subdivision I grew up in (Princeton West Meadow Chase behind Walton.) I was known as the handyman kid in the neighborhood. For years I did odd jobs for neighbors. I cleaned out gutters and pressure-washed houses. I wanted to be self-employed, but I was still trying to find my niche. I started Painting Plus after graduation from UGA in 1999. My mom came up with the name Painting Plus. Painting projects lead to carpentry work and over the last 25 years, we have grown from a painting and repair contractor to a full-blown general contractor.
My dad is my best friend and mentor and over the years he has given me great guidance. He was the regional manager for Novartis Pharmaceuticals and managed the East Coast for them for 35 years. Once he retired, he and I started and partnered in Gutters Plus Inc. Fifteen years ago we started to operate under the name Siding Plus. This idea was brought to me by the executives at James Hardie, the fiber cement siding manufacturer. We are one of the leaders in the market and a James Hardie Elite Preferred Remodeler, so we started operating under both names. Today, we use the name Plus Services (Painting / Siding / Gutters Plus ) - the Plus family of businesses. We are a licensed general contractor in both Georgia and Florida, serving the panhandle of Florida from Panama City to Pensacola.
You are a trendsetter in the industry with a goal to be the most sought-after home improvement company in the Atlanta market while continuing to exceed people’s expectations with quality and service. What trends, tools, colors, designs or products are you excited about for 2024?
We will be learning about new products at the international builders show this year to bring new ideas and products to our customers in the years to come. We believe in getting permits on all building projects to ensure the clients get what they pay for.
Finally, we believe in our staff and people. Product knowledge is key to success in this industry, so we all spend time studying and learning new innovations in the industry. We believe in educating clients and letting them make a good decision in choosing a contractor. We pride ourselves on being transparent and honest.
In the past 25 years, you have made great strides to make Painting Plus / Plus Services stand out from the rest. How do you do that?
We do it by being a family - a team. My brother Anthony is going on his 16th year with the company. He is also a graduate of UGA. My best, lifelong friend and confident Kent Pochmara has been with me since the beginning. Our office manager Kelli is going on her 19th year with the company. Our bookkeeper Lindy is in year 11. We have crews with over a decade of working with the company. Mary, our permit expeditor, is going on year seven. Donna, our office manager, is going on year eight. My son Charlie Jr. has been working with us for years and is currently a freshman at Georgia Southern University. He is planning on getting a construction management degree. On top of that, our employees have helped develop a family atmosphere here at Painting Plus / Plus Services.
129 Powers Ferry Road SE, Marietta
Finally, we believe in our staff and people. Product knowledge is key to success in this industry, so we all spend time studying and learning new innovations in the industry.