Why We Use a Blend of W-2 and 1099 Team Members
Posted on July 17, 2025
🔧 Why We Use a Blend of W-2 and 1099 Team Members — And Why That’s a Good Thing for You
At CertaPro Painters® of the Main Line, we’re proud to be one of the region’s most trusted painting companies — offering not just residential and commercial painting, but also carpentry, drywall, flooring, and a range of specialty contracting services.
One question we occasionally get from curious customers is: “Are your painters employees or subcontractors?”
The answer is: both — and we think that’s one of our greatest strengths.
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🛠️ Why a Mixed Team Model Works
We utilize a combination of W-2 employees and 1099 subcontractors — and here’s why this approach benefits our customers (and our team) in powerful ways:
We Can Start Projects Faster
Rather than keeping a large staff year-round (which would increase costs and slow us down), our flexible model allows us to scale up quickly for larger or time-sensitive projects. That means when you’re ready, we can often be ready sooner.We Match the Right Crew to the Right Job
Different projects require different skills. A historic home in Ardmore might need a detail-oriented craftsman, while a commercial repaint in King of Prussia needs speed and scale. This model lets us align skillsets with your specific needs.It Keeps Prices Fair
By controlling overhead and avoiding full-time labor costs in the off-season, we’re able to pass those savings on to our customers. You get professional-quality work at competitive pricing — and we stay sustainable year-round.It Allows for More Services and Specialties
Because we’re not locked into one type of crew, we’re able to take on jobs that go beyond painting — from drywall and trim repair to cabinet refinishing, flooring, and exterior carpentry. Our network includes specialized professionals who deliver beautiful results without the need to hire multiple companies.
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💡 A More Entrepreneurial Model
What sets us apart is that most of our subcontractors were once employees. Over time, as they honed their craft, many chose to build their own teams — and we supported that.
We believe in creating an environment where our people can grow, lead, and take pride in building something bigger than a paycheck. We prefer entrepreneurial thinkers — those who want to keep improving and take ownership of their work — not the “clock-punching” mindset.
In fact, many of our team members have been with us for over a decade — some for more than 20 years. They’re not just painters or carpenters. They’re business-minded professionals who care about outcomes, reputation, and delivering great customer experiences.
During slower seasons, our model allows these partners the flexibility to pursue other opportunities, without needing to be “let go” or sidelined. That’s better for them — and it ensures we always have a strong, experienced bench when demand picks up again.
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🔍 Vetted, Trusted, and Proven
Whether employee or subcontractor, every crew member is background-checked, vetted, and referred — most of our hires come through recommendations from existing, trusted partners.
This approach ensures that only the most reliable, skilled, and professional teams enter your home or business. It’s a tight-knit network, built on trust and accountability — not random hiring or job boards.
That’s how we’ve earned over 400 5-star Google reviews and won 35+ local awards — including Best of the Main Line ten times.
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✅ We Hold Everyone to the Same High Standard
Every team — employee or subcontractor — is held accountable to our core values and customer satisfaction expectations. If someone isn’t up to our standards, we’ll pause the relationship and give them the space to reflect and improve. That’s how we maintain the Painting Happy promise — job after job.
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🏡 The Bottom Line
Our hybrid approach gives us the flexibility to deliver fast, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions — tailored to each project. But more importantly, it reflects who we are: a team that values long-term relationships, personal growth, and exceptional results.
🎨 We’re not just painting homes — we’re building careers, partnerships, and trust.
