Contractors Caring for Your Home

Inside Perspectives from Ryan Munn, Greenleaf’s Operations Manager

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Q: What projects at Greenleaf Painters stand out to you? What makes them especially unique or rewarding? 

RM: The historical renovation projects are rewarding because there are so many moving pieces. Different details and factors come into play throughout the stages of a renovation, and seeing those types of complexities come together—and result in a happy customer—is a great feeling. That’s really true of every job we do.

Ryan Munn

I also enjoy working with repeat clients because you get to know people. As people continue to trust us to paint, beautify, and renovate their homes through different stages of their lives, we build ongoing relationships with them. That’s more than just a good feeling—it’s important, whether you’re on or off the clock.

Q: What originally drew you to this opportunity with Greenleaf Painters? 

RM: Previously, I worked for two smaller, independent businesses and I enjoyed being able to make a noticeable difference. Greenleaf felt like a natural fit, and that’s what this opportunity offered me—the chance to make a real impact on a daily basis. I also enjoy a good challenge, and learning a new role in a new industry is about as challenging as it gets.

Q: Since becoming part of Team Greenleaf, what do you most appreciate about the company?

RM: You just said it. It’s the word ‘team.’ It really all comes down to that. Here at Greenleaf Painters we go about our work as a cohesive unit. We pick each other up, we have each other’s backs, and we have great leadership thanks to Sean Carty and Frank Danser—our project managers—and to our owner and founder, Jonathan Shenk.

We communicate with each other, and every member of our group is responsive, respectful, and capable. When everyone is pulling the cart in the same direction—and has a positive, can-do attitude—a lot of good work can get done. That’s been my experience here.

Q: On a more personal note: What are some of your favorite family pastimes? 

RM: We try to watch a family movie with the kids on either Friday or Saturday night, if there is something new out. During the holiday season Home Alone is one that we’ve watched over and over, and it never gets old. Also, in general, just being active with my family is a great joy. I’ve always been a runner, but I’ve been sidelined with an injury for the last couple of years. That’s kept me from doing a lot of running, but I stay active by biking on the peloton, working out in my home gym, and hiking when I can. On the weekends, and when there’s time, the kids will come work out with me and that makes exercising a lot of fun. Those are special moments.

Q: What do you like/love about working in this area of the country?  

RM: Both Mercer and Bucks County are very beautiful places, and have a lot to offer people who live here. We particularly love that this is a great area to raise a family. I also think this is an area where people take great pride in their homes, families, and businesses. I love knowing that we are helping families and businesses to upgrade, and often transform, the look and value of their location.

Also, I’m a fan of spicy foods. I grow a variety of hot peppers and add them to dishes at home, and there are a lot of great places to eat around here. I can never get tired of the Spicy Drunken Noodles at Thai Noodle Fusion in Penndel, PA. They are delicious and carry some heat. There’s a lot to love about this area, and I’m glad to be here.

Ryan’s dedication and leadership help motivate us to strive for excellence every day! For your next project, call Greenleaf Painters at (609) 750-0030 or use our form at the top of this page!

 

Knowing When it’s Time to Have Your House Exterior Repainted

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Your home is more than just a dwelling, it’s a reflection of your style and personality. However, the color may fade over time or the exterior could endure some natural wear and tear, which should be corrected to prevent further deterioration.

Professional painters can make a huge difference with providing the necessary updates and repairs to ensure that your home is properly cared for. At Greenleaf Painters, we’re happy to provide some suggestions for when it’s time to have your home repainted.

Look for Signs of Damage & Wear

Paint is designed to last for many years but it’s not impervious to the elements. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause it to fade and lose its bold hue. Moisture can also have a negative effect that results in the paint bubbling, peeling, or even cracking. If you notice these signs, it may be time to enlist the help of a professional painting company to help preserve your home and restore your home’s aesthetics.

Damaged Paint or Wood

The surface that is getting painted is just as important as the paint itself. Whether the siding is dirty, there’s a buildup of mold, or the wood is beginning to rot or delaminate, a professional painter can spot these issues. Greenleaf Painters has professional carpenters on staff so we can repair or replace rotten wood.

New Renovations or Installation

Having renovations and remodeling done can be exciting and allow you to get more out of your home based on your wants and needs. A perfect complement to these renovations is an updated color or a fresh coat to embolden the look of your home’s exterior. Why not express your style through color?

Wanting Something New

You may be dissatisfied with the original color of your home and are looking to make some changes. It can be an exciting endeavor while working with a professional painter to review your color options to determine the best look for your home.

Moving in or Moving Out

For your new home, updating the color can be your first step in making it feel like your own.

If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, fixing cracks and nail pops and applying a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the first impression your house is making on prospective buyers. And this will increase the value of your home.

If you’re weighing the options and considering giving your home a fresh look with a new vibrant color, or simply updating the current one, the team at Greenleaf Painters is here to help.

 

Give us a call or fill out a form today!

Get to Know Jonathan Shenk, Owner, in Our Informal Q&A!

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Curious about what drives us to complete your project with precision and care? Look no further than this Q&A with owner and founder, Jonathan Shenk!

Q: You lived in Kenya until you were 12. Why did you start your first 12 years abroad?

A: I’m the third generation in my family to have lived in East Africa. My dad was born in Tanzania to my missionary grandparents from Lancaster County, PA. Then he and my mother returned to East Africa. I have fond memories of playing outdoors year-round: hide-and-seek, soccer, and climbing mango and guava trees. We moved back to the United States when my oldest sister was ready for college.

Q: What kind of novels do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author and/or book?

A: I enjoy historical fiction like The Good Lord Bird by James McBride about the 19th century abolitionist John Brown or What is the What by Dave Eggers about one of the Lost Boys of Sudan.

I could write a novel about the novels I love. I enjoyed Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson. I’ve made some finds through my son, Gabriel, who is a graduate of Rutgers University. After Marlon James spoke on campus, Gabe bought me his novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings, which revolves around Bob Marley. And years ago, I plucked The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy from Gabe’s high school summer reading list and found it captivating.

Q: What do you like/love about working in your area?

A: Central New Jersey is a beautiful part of the country. Our customers range from lifelong residents to people who have landed here from around the country or the world. People take pride in their homes, and I love becoming a part of the projects they bring us into.

Jonathan Shenk, owner of Greenleaf Painters

Q: Why did you start Greenleaf Painters? What did you see in the industry that you felt you could improve on or that made you want to start your own business?

A: I wanted to be on the frontline of offering customers paint products that were healthier to use in their homes. Thankfully, the paint industry has shifted to offering excellent paint products that are less toxic for people and our environment.

I also wanted to significantly raise the bar of what people could count on from a painting contractor: We keep our word about scheduling and cost. We strive to exceed expectations. We create an environment of respect and care for our customers, employees, and workspaces.

Q: You’ve been doing this for almost 20 years. What makes you keep going?

A: There are a lot of moving pieces to running a small business, so every day is different. I’m always learning something new. That keeps my job interesting. There is also a nice balance between short-term rewards–like a beautiful finish on a home and a delighted customer–and long-term rewards like building a strong team and an excellent company.

One time, a builder colleague called me to say he had just driven by one of our worksites and was so impressed with how well our crew was working together on a house project that he felt moved to just call and tell me how much he appreciated the work we do. That is the kind of exchange that makes it all feel worthwhile.

Q: Pie or cake?

A: Not a big dessert eater, but I do love a fine plain cheesecake with fresh strawberries on top. However, my doctor would prefer if I just stuck to the strawberries.

Jonathan’s vibrant personality is what drives us to do what we do.

Choosing Interior Colors? Read This Advice from Designer Ellen Maranca

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Are you choosing new interior colors? Read our Q&A for some pro tips from interior designer Ellen Maranca of EZM Interiors, Lambertville, NJ! Ms. Maranca’s designs are showcased in the accompanying photos, which includes painting by our team at Greenleaf Painters!

Home office painted in a light blue by Greenleaf Painters

What do you like most about your design work?
What I like best about being an interior designer is working with different people. Each person comes to the table with interesting ideas, lifestyles, needs and desires. My job is to mesh all the family members’ wants in a cohesive and interesting way. It’s a puzzle that needs to fit together.

Choosing wall colors is a big decision. Any tips for choosing wall color to go with existing furniture and flooring?
Wall colors change dramatically in a space from day to night and with different colors that surround them. It’s one of the most challenging pieces in my business to get it right. It takes time and energy to “see” each color in the environment. Looking at painting samples is a must.

Greenleaf painted this bedroom in a soothing brown.

Accent walls are becoming popular. What are your thoughts on these?
Accent walls should be the focal point of the room.

What interior wall colors do you find popular right now in our area for living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens?
Popular wall colors change depending on the location. Clients in Florida want “cool” colors, Northeast clients want “warmer” colors, but in general most clients want light muted colors.

White cabinets paired with soothing earth colors make this kitchen inviting.

Do you have any favorite uses of color to share?
Paint is a game changer in so many ways. Example: my client purchased a home with a huge chandelier that they really disliked, wanted to replace BUT didn’t have the budget.

I convinced them to paint it a vibrant color. They LOVE this piece. We saved thousands of dollars; it’s a showstopper now.

Any other favorite design tips?
Advice: hire an interior designer; they save you money, explain where to spend, and where to cut back to get the home that reflects your unique personality and needs.

What got you into the interior design business?
Friends, wanting interior design advice after seeing my home. In the early part of my work career I was a display director for large department stores. Great training ground for spatial relationships.

To read more about Ellen Maranca’s work, please visit: www.EZM-Interiors.com.

Dining room painted by Greenleaf

5 Things to Know Before Hiring a Professional Painter

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Having a professional painter update the color of your home to boost its curb appeal or brighten up the interior with a new color can make all the difference. Whether you simply want to update the aesthetics, or you plan on putting your home on the market, a fresh paint job can transform your home.

But while you’re in the midst of looking for the right professional painting contractor, there’s a few things you’ll need to consider before hiring them. At Greenleaf Painters, we’re here to shed some light on the process to help you along.

Should I Paint My House Myself?

Painting can be a rewarding experience. Some even find it therapeutic. But when it comes to your home, you’ll want to be careful, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with painting.

Painting your home yourself is a lot of physical work, and ladders are heavy and can lead to injuries. Hiring a professional painter can help alleviate these concerns. We at Greenleaf sometimes get calls to finish a job a homeowner started!

Professional painting crews also have the expertise that can ensure that the prep work and coating is done right so your walls and trim look their very best. The quality speaks for itself when you hire a seasoned professional painter. Done right, a paint job can last for many years.

Preparing Your Home for Painting

Since you have painters coming to your home, it is a good idea to prepare your space for the work. For interior work, it may be a good idea to relocate valuables for the time being to avoid the risk of damage. We at Greenleaf Painters take great care to move and/or cover your belongings before the painting job starts. If you have a pet, sequestering them to another area of the house may be a good idea to keep their paws out of the paint!

Choose the Right Painting Company

Before hiring a company, conduct some research on the contractors in the area. Look at reviews to see how they’re received by previous customers. Look for reviews of both finished work as well as the process itself. Is the company responsive and respectful of customers and their spaces? Also check their portfolios on their website.

If they seem to be well-reviewed, are prompt and respectful of the homes they paint, and the work looks great, you may be ready for the next step.

Find Out What Quality Paint They Use

If you’re having your home’s interior painted, it’s good to find out the type of paint that the contractor uses. Eco-friendly paints from quality paint companies are high-performing, and yet they don’t emit the smelly chemicals which can have a negative effect on the air quality of your home. Make sure that the painting contractor you hire uses green and sustainable products where possible.

Plan Your Schedule but Be Adaptable

If you’re having your home’s interior painted, it’s good to be present or available if the contractor has any questions for you. It’s also important to know that when you’re having the exterior of your home painted, weather can be an erratic factor. It’s important to be open, understandable, and adaptable.

Find Your Painting Contractor Today

Now that you’re aware of the things to know before hiring a professional painter, you’re ready to begin your experience! If you’re in need of interior, exterior, or historic painting services, you can look to us at Greenleaf Painters.

We’re more than happy to assist you with your painting needs and bringing your vision to life!

Shout-out to a Solution Maker

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We are proud to be part of this community during these challenging times; goodwill is everywhere we look, as people and businesses aim to help.

We want to give a special shout-out to Sourland Mountain Spirits, a Hopewell, NJ company that began producing hand-sanitizer. Their first batches went to fill the needs of the local medical industry.

“Within two weeks, our grain went from helping people celebrate life to helping save it,” said Ray Disch, the company’s founder, in a Planet Princeton article.

Since they’re making so much, we’re able to refill our crew’s personal hand sanitizer bottles — without spending hours on the hunt. Thank you, Ray! We raise our glass to you for helping keep our spirits up! 😄 (Jonathan Shenk, owner, pictured here with recent purchase). 

As we remain open, we are also grateful for customers who have allowed us to work on painting their home or office, so we can keep our craftsmen working. 

For the safety of everyone, our crew members: 
— wear personal protection masks
— practice social distancing
— have their own bottle of hand sanitizer 
— communicate with customers without physical contact.

This week, we are finishing up painting this lovely home exterior in Princeton.

Helping Run a Painting Company from Home – While Parenting

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Operations Manager Ryan Munn and his daughter working from home during Covid-19.
Operations Manager Ryan Munn and his daughter working from home during Covid-19.

By Ryan Munn

There are a lot of new situations I’ve found myself in while both my wife and I work from home with our two children, ages five and two.  For the most part over the last three weeks, we’ve been able to juggle each other’s conference calls and take turns watching the kids while trying to stay productive and focused.  

The “mute” function on our phones is a much-used feature as our 2-year-old is quite unpredictable.  We definitely have to be strategic and get creative.  Sometimes we’ll jump on the computer before they’re up or stay on a little later to finish something if there were extra distractions during the day.  For the most part we make it work! 

There are a lot of times we just need to occupy their time, so I don’t feel like I’m a better parent for it. We’re doing the best we can and try not to beat ourselves up over it too much. We try to have them do different things like play with playdough, color, practice writing, but their go to is the iPad. Aiden will play on the iPad and watch YouTube videos all day if we let him! He’s definitely getting more screen time during the week, but on the weekend that gets squashed. We’ll go out for a walk, have the kids ride scooters, and play games with them.

There are a lot of positives too.  For one letting the kids sleep in instead of dragging them out of bed to go rush off to daycare.  I’ve enjoyed having the kids come downstairs and give me hugs every morning and they really love being in their PJ’s 24/7.  

We have a little more quality time with them but not a lot. During lunch one day, we planted sunflower seeds, and the other day they sprouted. Another day we made gingerbread men that were left over from a Christmas project that never saw the light of day.  Needless to say, the kids are enjoying more time around Mom and Dad too.

“During lunch one day, we planted sunflower seeds, and the other day they sprouted.”

I know there are so many people that don’t have this freedom and are either on the front lines helping the sick, or supporting the economy during this difficult time, or even worse are out of a job.  I feel very fortunate to be in my position and hope things get back to normal sooner rather than later.  

I’m gardening as my stress reliever, though it’s not too much different from every other Spring season. Although I might actually kill my plants from over-watering and giving them too much attention!

Here’s hoping everyone stays safe and that we all pull through this together. 

Five Principles for Building a Successful Business

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Greenleaf’s owner, Jonathan Shenk, had the incredible opportunity to speak at Kampala University in Uganda, East Africa, in 2018, on the lessons he has learned in building his company. He shared these same principles in a talk at the Princeton Corridor Rotary Club in 2019. Now a year later, we want to share them with you because they apply not only to business but to life in general. You may also learn more about Jonathan and this company in the process. Here is a condensed version of his talk.

Jonathan speaking at Kampala University in 2018

1. Every person has inherent dignity and worth.
We live in a diverse part of the world. It is not our place to judge someone’s culture or faith or to envy their wealth or to criticize their choices. It is also important that we don’t even entertain those thoughts in our heads because our attitudes influence our relationships with our customers. People can feel judged without any words being said. Therefore, it is much simpler to avoid judging in the first place.

2. Every company has a soul.
Each company is like a living, breathing eco-system. And the company’s soul flows through each employee. It also flows through the company’s work space and equipment. Whatever values a company lifts up will be experienced by anyone who interacts with the company. And the company will only function properly if every part of the company is in agreement with those values.

The audience at Kampala University during Jonathan’s talk.

3. Words have meaning.
Words are powerful and need to be aligned with our actions and attitudes. It is important to hold to the commitments we make to our customers and to each other. Words also create and shape our reality. Do our words suggest an attitude of despair or of hope? Do they suggest an attitude of weakness or of strength?

4. Take the long view.
A company’s principles and values take priority over the bottom line. They take priority over making profits on a particular job. In many businesses there will be profitable seasons and un-profitable seasons. There will be profitable jobs and un-profitable jobs. It’s important to take the long view and focus primarily on doing a great job.

“If your team is terrified of making mistakes, then they are less likely to aspire to their full potential.”

5. Practice gratitude and humility.

–Humility: we are all fallible human beings. We make mistakes. Sometimes we don’t know what choice to make or we don’t have all the information or knowledge we need to make the correct choice. The best leaders and the best companies take a team approach. And they demonstrate compassion and kindness when mistakes are made. If your team is terrified of making mistakes, then they are less likely to aspire to their full potential.

–Gratitude: it is important to walk with a spirit of gratitude as a leader, and to focus on the good things that are happening. It is a choice one needs to make, a choice of perspective and attitude. There are many challenges and difficulties that go along with leadership. It would be easy to fill one’s day with worry and anxiety. That will usually lead someone down further and further into fear and despair. It is better to choose to focus on the good things that are happening.

Thank you for reading!

Thanks from All of Us at Greenleaf for Ten Years of Great Reviews!

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Photo of Crew
A Candid Pic of Greenleaf Managers and Crew 2016

Greenleaf was built primarily word-of-mouth ten years ago. What started with founder, Jonathan Shenk, and a paintbrush has grown into the thriving company it is today.

So we want to pause and take a moment to give a big thanks for all the reviews and referrals you, our customers, have given over the years. We relish hearing how happy you are about the work we’ve done. Each referral and positive review brightens our day. It also helps our business grow and thrive.

One of our customers sent us this glowing review, which we couldn’t help but post below. Many more of you have posted reviews online, told us your feedback in person, and even sent us hand-written cards! Here’s to you, our friends and customers, for a great ten years! –Jonathan Shenk, owner

Carolyn Slaughter, Lawrenceville, wrote:

“If you’re looking for a superb painting company to transform the rooms of your home, Greenleaf is the company for you. I’ve tried many painters in the Lawrenceville/Princeton area and found no company equal to Greenleaf’s professionalism, courtesy, attention to detail and sheer skill and creativity in making any decorating job turn out perfectly and in the time promised.

I live in a Victorian house in Lawrenceville, about 150 years old, and it’s something of a nightmare for any crew trying to produce a first-rate job: the floors slope downward, no shelf is straight, the ceilings have cracks which may suddenly open and send chunks of plaster crashing to the floor. Yet for all its infirmities, it is a magnificent, rare Second Empire house, with a mansard roof, characteristic in French building. I’ve lived and worked within these walls and my children have grown up under this roof for over twenty years.

I needed exceptional painters, who then connected me to a creative carpenter, who brought the ceilings back to new, and introduced me to a wood floor refinisher, Rees Powell, who brought the sloping floors back to their original pine beauty. The foreman, Abner Tolle, in his dedication to the job, could be found scrutinizing every inch of his hard-working crew’s work until he could leave the house looking as beautiful as it must have looked in it’s heyday.”

 

Protect and Beautify Your Home as You Welcome Spring!

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japanese flower
We are just as excited as you are that Spring has finally arrived!  Spring time is full of so many wonderful things such as longer periods of daylight, the blooming of plants and trees, and of course there’s Spring repair and cleaning.  Now you may cringe at those two words but as you know, protecting and repairing your home keeps it looking beautiful and in great shape.
And we’re here to make your life easier!  Firstly, we have an outdoor checklist to help keep you on track.  Secondly, we have some tips and strategies to make the cleaning process more streamlined and manageable. So let’s get started!
Outdoor Springtime Checklist
  • Tour house and exterior grounds.  Make a list of any needed maintenance.
  • Sweep porches and walkways
  • Wash siding, thresholds, and exterior doors.  It may simply work with a garden hose and a deck brush.  For the best results, we recommend power washing.
  • Clean or replace welcome mat.
  • Inspect, clean, and repair outdoor furniture.
  • Inspect light fixtures: wash covers and check for damaged wires and connections.
  • Clear away any dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn.
  • Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles.  If you don’t have access, we recommend contacting your local roofer for inspection.
  • Scrape, prime, and paint any peeling spots on trim or woodwork.  You’ll not only be making a difference cosmetically but also protecting the wood from damage due to changing temperatures and moisture.
  • Identify any rotting wood trim or siding and have it removed and replaced before it becomes a bigger issue.
  • Begin your landscaping projects while it’s cooler and the soil is damp and pliable.  Trees, plants, and shrubs make a huge difference in adding curb appeal.
  • Lastly, remember to have fun doing it.  The outside of your home is there to protect you year round so it’s always a good idea to inspect, repair, and clean your biggest asset.
Spring Cleaning Strategies
1. Make a list– this will save time so you can keep the ball rolling.

2. Assemble a team–  If your family is willing and able, get them to work with you as a team.  And there’s always your friends.

3. Gather your supplies – Spend the week before spring cleaning begins gathering up the supplies you’ll need. 

4. Plan ahead for time-consuming tasks– If you’re planning any time-consuming tasks, set aside extra time outside of your actual spring cleaning schedule.

5. Focus on one task at a time – Simply put.

6. Recognize your progress – A large list is daunting but once you begin to see things crossed out you’ll feel you’re making a dent.

7. Be realistic – hard work takes time, but know that the satisfaction from a job well done is around the corner.

8. Take breaks – You’re not a machine, and everyone deserves a break.

9. Prepare snacks and meals ahead of time – Refuel without creating even more work for yourself.  Think of easily put-together meals.

10. Get ready to jam – Remember to have fun, so make that I-tunes playlist or break out those vinyl records.  Music keeps you moving!