Greenleaf Leadership

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!

 

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.