Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Garcia.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Coastal Paint Pros began in 2022 in a way that was never part of a formal plan. While I was in between jobs, I helped a friend, Roger, who had recently moved from Nicaragua, with a deck painting project. At the time, my professional background was in graphic design and marketing, and while I had always been hands-on—taking on small painting and building projects around the house—I had never seriously considered turning those skills into a business. Roger, however, brought over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, and that combination of practical skill and business mindset quickly proved valuable. Half-jokingly, I suggested that we should start a company together, and within a few weeks, what started as an offhand comment turned into a real opportunity worth pursuing.
We began taking on small residential jobs, gradually building experience and refining our process. From the start, we focused on quality workmanship and clear communication, which led to steady growth through customer referrals. During this time, I continued working part-time for a hospital in a remote role, supporting translation and marketing efforts, while helping grow the business on the side. As demand increased, Coastal Paint Pros reached a point where it made sense to fully commit, and I transitioned into the business full-time. Today, Roger and I co-own Coastal Paint Pros, specializing in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall, decks, and smaller handyman projects. What started as a simple favor has grown into a trusted local business supported by a dedicated team and a strong base of satisfied customers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any growing business, Coastal Paint Pros faced its share of challenges along the way. One of the biggest was learning how to adapt as we scaled. In the early days, things were simple—we split everything evenly and figured it out as we went—but that approach quickly became unsustainable as jobs grew larger and responsibilities increased. We had to rethink our payment structure, build financial discipline, and ensure we had enough reserves to take on bigger projects, including maintaining at least a couple weeks of cash on hand to consistently pay our team. At the same time, we were learning how to create more accurate estimates, implement invoicing systems, and build a stronger online presence to support continued growth. On a personal level, Roger and I also faced moments where we nearly went our separate ways. We realized that while our long-term goals weren’t identical, our strengths complemented each other in a way that made the business better. Working through those differences ultimately made our partnership stronger and helped shape the foundation Coastal Paint Pros stands on today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For me, Coastal Paint Pros is an extension of who I’ve always been creatively and professionally. Before getting into this work, my background was in music and visual arts—I was part of a pop/rock band called Dear Matthew, which gave me a deep appreciation for creativity, discipline, and connecting with people. Alongside that, I’ve worked as a freelance graphic designer and served on marketing and creative teams for various organizations, businesses, and churches. Those experiences shaped how I approach this business today. I understand how important it is not just to do quality work, but to present it well, communicate clearly, and build trust from the first interaction to the final walkthrough. There’s something special about walking into a space that doesn’t look its best and leaving it completely transformed—clean, finished, and genuinely beautiful. I take a lot of pride in those details, whether it’s a sharp paint line, a seamless repair, or the overall experience for the customer. What sets me apart is that blend of creativity and craftsmanship, paired with a genuine desire to build something people can rely on and feel good recommending to others.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are a lot of people who deserve credit for the growth of Coastal Paint Pros. First and foremost, my business partner, Roger, has played a huge role—not just through his 10+ years of experience in the painting industry, but through his consistency, work ethic, and willingness to push through the hard seasons with me. We’ve also been fortunate to have guidance from people like Jared Dean, who brings over 30 years of experience in the service and sales industry. He helped us better understand our individual strengths and how to work together more effectively as partners. On a personal level, my wife, Joni, has been a huge support behind the scenes, helping keep things organized and running smoothly—especially in areas like paperwork and systems, which don’t come naturally to me. My father-in-law, Terry, has also had a big impact, sharing his experience as a carpenter and teaching me a lot of the hands-on skills that show up in our work today. Beyond that, our customers have been some of our biggest advocates. Many of our early jobs came from people who took a chance on us, and their referrals and encouragement helped build the foundation of our business. Even our small team today plays a big part—showing up, doing quality work, and representing the kind of business we want to be. It’s definitely never been a solo effort, and that’s something I don’t take lightly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coastalpaintpros.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastalpaintpros
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastalpaintpros
