On a sunny Thursday morning in early September 2024, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce held its Greeters networking event at a place many local business owners in the area know well—Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction. Tim Fitzpatrick, the founder and owner of this thriving Albany, Oregon business, along with Kristopher Mannale, Business Relations Manager, took the stage to share the company’s impressive journey, their commitment to quality, and how they continue to give back to the community.
From Humble Beginnings to 30 Years of Success
Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction started in 1994 with Tim Fitzpatrick at the helm, just 19 years old and eager to make a name for himself. “It began as Tim Fitzpatrick Contract Painting & Roofing,” Kristopher Mannale shared during the event. “We don’t do roofing anymore—Tim realized he wasn’t so good at it,” Mannale joked, reflecting on the company’s early days. However, the company quickly honed its focus on painting, which would eventually become their specialty.
What started with just a single truck and Tim’s determination has now grown into a business that employs over 100 staff during peak seasons. Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction’s growth is a true testament to their hard work, dedication, and desire to build a company that Albany can trust.
Despite their expansion, the heart of Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction remains focused on maintaining a local, small-business feel. “We’re still a small business at heart,” Kristopher emphasized. “Our reputation is everything, and we strive to uphold that reputation with every job we do.” Even as the company has grown significantly, Tim Fitzpatrick and his team have ensured that the same personal care and attention to detail that helped him establish the company remain core values today.
A Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
One of the things that sets Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction apart is their relentless focus on customer satisfaction. The company follows a meticulous process to ensure every client is not just happy, but thrilled with the work. “Every single week, we look at the feedback from our customers. If anyone isn’t 100% satisfied, we go back and make it right,” Kristopher shared.
This level of care and attention to customer feedback is built into the company’s DNA. Their goal is not just to finish a project, but to leave clients “overly impressed” with their service. Whether it’s repainting a home or restoring a commercial building, Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction approaches each job with the same high standards.
Leading the Industry with Innovative Training
Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction takes their work seriously, and it shows in their rigorous training process. In fact, the company has built a state-of-the-art training center where every new employee—regardless of experience—goes through comprehensive training. “No one comes in without going through our training, even if they’ve been painting for 30 years,” Kristopher said. “We’ve created a system that ensures every painter follows the same process, with the same high level of quality.”
The training center is a unique feature that sets Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction apart from other contractors. It includes areas where trainees can practice techniques on walls that won’t end up in someone’s home. “You’d rather they practice here than in your living room, right?” Kristopher joked.
But the company isn’t stopping there. They’re in the process of expanding their training facilities. Behind their current building, Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction is constructing a 9,600-square-foot expansion that will house an even more advanced training center. This new facility will include spaces for exterior work, cabinet spraying, and even industrial coatings. “We want to make sure we are always ahead of the curve, both for our customers and our team,” Tim explained.
This dedication to continuous improvement is why Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction has earned its stellar reputation. They don’t just aim to be good—they aim to be the best.
Fitzy’s For A Cause: Giving Back to the Community
Beyond providing excellent painting services, Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction is deeply committed to giving back to the local community. Through their Fitzy’s For A Cause program, they regularly seek out opportunities to help those in need, especially widows and single mothers.
“We’re always on the lookout for families who could use a little extra help,” Kristopher explained. Whether it’s donating painting services or simply showing up to lend a hand, Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction makes it a priority to be involved in the community.
The Fitzy’s For A Cause program is just one example of how the company stays grounded in their core values, even as they continue to grow. This focus on community involvement has endeared Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction to Albany area residents, who know they can count on the company not just for quality work, but for a helping hand when it’s needed most.
Tim Fitzpatrick: Leading by Example
At the event, Tim Fitzpatrick spoke with heartfelt sincerity about his approach to business and life. “If you’re not growing, you’re dying,” he shared. “I’m all about growth—personal growth, physical growth, spiritual growth. And while I don’t push that onto my team, it’s important to me.” His commitment to self-improvement has directly influenced the culture at Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction, where personal development and continuous learning are encouraged.
Tim’s dedication to his team goes beyond just professional growth. He shared a personal story during the event about how losing his best friend, who passed away suddenly while hiking in Yosemite, changed his outlook on life. “It really makes you think about what’s important,” Tim said, explaining how he now makes an extra effort to be present for his family and his team.
“I want my team to feel like this is the best company they could work for,” Tim continued. “That’s on my shoulders—to make this the best place for them. And if I’m doing that, then we’ll continue to grow and succeed.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction looks toward the future, there’s no sign of slowing down. With plans for a more advanced training center, continuous improvement in their processes, and a commitment to their community, the company is well-positioned for continued success.
“We don’t just want to be good painters,” Kristopher said as the event came to a close. “We want to be the best painters. And that means focusing on our customers, our team, and our community every single day.”
With leadership like Tim Fitzpatrick’s, it’s clear that Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction is not just a business—it’s a company with heart, driven by a deep commitment to excellence and the well-being of both its customers and employees. As they continue to expand, Albany can count on Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction to uphold the same values that have made them a trusted name for 30 years and counting.
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