As we switch over to our 2021 calendars, we want to make sure we continue to bring you the most relevant, up-to-date information, just 'as we have done for the past 97 years. APC relies on painting contractors just like you for content and collaboration that keeps us in that ever growing loop. The members of the 2021 APC Advisory Board are here to help us along, to make sure we stay on top of the painting world and help us dive into issues, products and topics that matter to you the most. Other industry experts on our board include Joe Dellafave (Benjamin Moore) Peter Lawton (LeadSMART Training), Jason Lunn (3M), and Jeff Winter (Sherwin-Williams). We thank them for fitting us into their already busy schedules!

Jeff Dupont, Sound Painting Solutions, Seattle, WA

Jeff, along with his wife, Lindsey Mueller, founded Sound Painting Solutions in 2012. A third-generation painter, he started out working with his grandfather and then ran his father’s business in Eugene, Oregon, for four years. Jeff is Lead-Safe certified and a member of the PCA, the Building Owners and Managers Association of Seattle/King County, and the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties.

Erick Gatcomb, Gatcomb Painting & Design, Hancock, ME

With Gatcomb Painting & Design, proprietor Erick Gatcomb works to offer a unique service to the residents of the area, not far from vacation hotspot Bar Harbor. Erick has been nominated for two PCA PIPP (Picture it Painted Professionally) Awards, and his company is the recipient of four consecutive TOP JOB Awards. Gatcomb’s work has been featured in national magazines and on various websites, and he’s written for both APC and the former Paint Contractor magazine. Gatcomb’s business philosophy: “I’m a perfectionist. I assume my reputation will hinge on even the smallest job.”

Cindy Howard,Decorative & Faux Finishes, Sugar Land, TX

Cindy has studied under master artisans from Norway, France, Italy, Asia and even Sugar Land, Texas, and continues to build her talents through International Artisan conferences and at Glassell School of Art. She loves to share her joy of art with painters, beginners to professionals.  She has served on the board of directors of IDAL—the International Decorative Artisans League. She’s an APC TOP JOB winner and also an administrator of two highly respected Facebook pages: the Professional Refinishers Chatroom (PRC) and the Professional Painters Chatroom (PPCR). Cindy and her business partner, Dana DeBuck, have been in business together since 1998.

Tim Kenney, W.T. Kenney Co. Inc., Arlington, MA

Tim is president of fourth-generation family-owned W.T. Kenney, doing business throughout New England since 1939, and completing over 500 commercial projects yearly. Along with commercial, the company’s portfolio includes industrial, institutional and residential painting. Tim is a founding member of the Commercial Painting Industry Association. “I’m married to Tracy Kenney and have two daughters, Emma and Sara,” he reports. “When not working, I give platelets weekly and enjoy raising funds for veterans’ issues and cancer research.”

Aaron Moore, PPD Painting, Bellwood, IL

Aaron returns to our board for another term. His entrepreneurial career began shortly after his 2002 graduation from Eastern Illinois University and a short stint in corporate America. In 2004, he took the leap and decided to start Precision Painting & Decorating based in Bellwood, Illinois. Fast-forward nearly 15 years, PPD has grown to employ over 40 people, and has also been the three-time recipient (’14, ’15, ’16) of the prestigious Inc. 5000 Award for being amoung the Fastest Growing Private Companies in the country. Aaron sits on numerous boards, is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and is actively involved in Entrepreneurs Organization. He is passionate about entrepreneurship, values-driven leadership, family, community and golf ... not necessarily in that order.

Cole Palea, NOVO Painting, Seattle, WA

Cole is an APC TOP JOB winner and has been featured in “Lifestyles of the Prepped and Finished” for his innovative approach to leadership. He chose the name NOVO—a Latin word meaning “anew, refresh, revive” — not only for how he works with a client’s space, but also in how he deals with his crew and his own personal values. “Sustainability in the built environment has been a core value of mine throughout my career,” he says. “My work in latex paint stewardship has evolved over the past few years and continues to move forward.” His Stripe it Out program uses leftover paint from past projects to cover over graffiti. 

Jason Paris, Paris Painting, Brooklyn Park, MN

Jason is a Minnesota native who graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in economics. While completing his business studies, he was introduced to the painting industry, and after graduating, he launched Paris Painting, which quickly grew into an industry leader. Since then, Jason’s business ventures have continued to diversify into other specialty trades, informed by the skills he gained working in the painting industry. As a family man, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, and participating in his local and church communities. Jason is a vice chair on the board of directors of the PCA.

Chad Turpen, Turpen’s Painting, Evansville, IN

Chad is the founder of Turpen’s Painting, a commercial and residential painting company that celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2020. Turpen’s goal is to change the perception customers have when hiring professional painters. Chad is a native and resident of Evansville, Indiana, with experience as a union painter as well as working for a family-owned business. Recently, Chad was on a panel for APC’s Tech Fest, and he also contributed a video series in remote estimating. Chad is an avid baseball fan and pet lover. When he’s not working, he enjoys time with family and friends at the lake.