Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Zarnowski.
Hi Nick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was a hopeless drug addict and alcoholic. I got arrested the last time on 1-16-19. I woke up in Greenwood County Detention Center, dope sick and full of fear. As I stood in line, waiting to use the phone, I prayed. Not knowing what spiritual surrender was, I prayed, “Lord, I am going to start living for You.” I was extremely sick, so I slept for several days. When I started to feel better, I picked up a Bible and started reading. The guy in the cell beside me told me to read the book of John. I would read a couple of chapters and lay back down. I did this for a couple of days. Then I got to John 14:6. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,” and the words were jumping off the page at me. For the first time in my life, I felt a peace like I’d never felt before. I knew everything would be okay.
I went through Faith Home and did everything they asked me to do and took every suggestion they had to offer. From there, I got involved in the church and 12-step programs. I would use the steps to get closer to Christ and, with His help, build a foundation that was made to last. Today, my loving relationship with Jesus is what gives me the strength to stay sober one day at a time. It’s a beautiful life that I never could have imagined before. I’ve been as down and out as any one man can be, but my past doesn’t define me. He does. My identity is Him. He is my only hope and the One who sustains me. He is my everything, and without Him, I am absolutely nothing. I could easily have been dead or in prison, but He had different plans for me, and I am so grateful He did.
I have a beautiful life now. I married my best friend and we have two beautiful little boys. We have a crazy little weenie dog named Milo. We attend an incredible little church where we worship and have our small group we do life with. I started Carolina Brush in 2021. Our slogan is “Painting with a Purpose.” We try and help men and women get back on their feet and train them up so they can be productive members of society. My life is far from perfect and I fall short every day. But most days it doesn’t seem real. It feels like I’m living in a fairytale. Everyday just living in His grace.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Addiction broke me and I am so glad it did. The same thing that was meant to destroy me lead me right to the Lord. It once was my biggest liability and now it’s my greatest asset because I am able to use my past to try and help people.
As you know, we’re big fans of Carolina Brush LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Carolina Brush LLC is a small family owned business. We specialize in residential and commercial painting. We are a very detail driven business and we truly care about the product we put out. We put out an extremely high quality product but what sets us apart is our purpose. Our purpose is to honor and bring glory to God. We do so by doing a great job and giving our customers a great experience while also helping men and women in their recovery.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Put God first!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carolinabrushllc.com
- Facebook: Carolina Brush LLC
