Our Story
Learn About Our Story & Our Team
About CertaPro Painters®
In 1992, CertaPro Painters®, Ltd. began with the vision of making residential and commercial painting services easier and more convenient for homeowners and business owners. From the beginning, our promise has been that of certainty, aiming to reassure customers of our quality and expertise. While today we are the largest residential painting contractor in North America, our locally owned and operated franchises take pride in bringing personalized service to customers in every region, allowing them to focus on what matters most.
Deliver What You Promise
The promises made to CertaPro Painters® customers is a first priority. From the timing of your project to the budget, our locally owned and operated franchisees keep their word.
Continuous Improvement
We are always thinking about how to make your experience with CertaPro Painters® better — from communicating and collaborating with you to delivering expert painting techniques.
Respect the Individual
It is important to us that our customers, employees, and franchise owners all feel valued and respected throughout every interaction they have with the team at CertaPro Painters®.
Have Pride in What You Do
To deliver high quality results, while working with your home or business CertaPro Painters® takes great pride in the smallest details, giving every space the attention it deserves.
Embrace Possibilities
Innovation is key to our growth at CertaPro Painters®. By exploring new ideas, we are always pursuing a better customer experience.
FirstService Brands
Certa ProPainters, Ltd. is a subsidiary of FirstService Brands, the leading North American brand in property services. Made up of extensive franchise networks and company-owned operations including California Closets, Floor Coverings International, Paul Davis Restoration, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors, and TLS. FirstService Brands has been built with careful intention to provide exceptional value for its customers.
FirstService Brands is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation, (NASDAQ: FSV, TSX: FSV) a North American leader in the essential property services sector. Further information may be obtained at www.firstservice.com.
I am constantly amazed by how whatever I need to learn in regard to growing my franchise is right out in front of me as soon as I realize that I need to learn it.
- Dave Strahl | CertaPro® of Chagrin Falls, OH
Meet the Leadership Behind CertaPro Painters®
CertaPro Painters® is supported by leaders with experience across franchising, operations, marketing, finance, technology, and business development. Their collective experience helps shape the systems, resources, and support available to independently owned franchise businesses.
Michael Stone | CEO and President
Mike Stone has been with CertaPro Painters® since 2003 and was appointed President in 2015. His experience spans franchise development, operations, regional leadership, and residential sales. Having worked across multiple levels of the organization, Mike brings a deep understanding of the CertaPro system and the needs of independently owned franchise businesses.
Josh Painter | Chief Financial Officer
Josh Painter was named Chief Financial Officer in August 2025. He brings more than a decade of corporate finance and accounting experience across public, private, and private equity-backed organizations, including residential roofing and franchised home-services businesses. Josh holds an MBA from Georgia Tech and professional certifications in financial planning and analysis and treasury.
Bill Palliser | Executive Vice President of Operations
Bill Palliser joined CertaPro Painters® in 2021 after 18 years with Sherwin-Williams. His experience includes store management, residential and commercial sales, district leadership, and national accounts. He previously managed the CertaPro relationship across North America, giving him direct experience with the brand, its franchise network, and the operational needs of professional painting businesses.
Adam Biedenbender | Vice President of Franchise Business Development
Adam Biedenbender brings nearly 20 years of franchising experience to CertaPro Painters®. He leads franchise expansion and resale development, with a background in lead generation, business development, and franchise recruitment. Before joining CertaPro, Adam held leadership roles with Lift Brands, Primo Hoagies, Papa Murphy’s International, and Smashburger.
Teresa Celmer | Chief Marketing Officer
Teresa Celmer leads CertaPro Painters® enterprise marketing strategy, with a focus on brand growth, customer experience, and franchise success. She brings more than 25 years of executive marketing leadership across franchise, multi-unit, and enterprise organizations, including BrightStar Care, Ace Hardware, Bosch, and Fellowes Brands. Her work connects brand strategy with local execution.
Dean Riviera | Chief Information Officer
Dean Riviera serves as CertaPro Painters® Chief Information Officer, leading technology infrastructure and business applications. His background includes executive technology roles with The Robert Allen Group, Neighborly, and Safelite AutoGlass. Dean brings experience in enterprise architecture, data-driven management, engineering practices, and technology strategy designed to support scalable business operations.
I am constantly amazed by how whatever I need to learn in regard to growing my franchise is right out in front of me as soon as I realize that I need to learn it.
- Dave Strahl | CertaPro® of Chagrin Falls, OH
Meet Our Franchise Development Team
Our Franchise Development team helps prospective owners evaluate the CertaPro Painters® opportunity, understand the franchise process, and determine whether the business model aligns with their goals.
Rod Tremelling | Franchise Development Manager
Rod Tremelling brings more than 25 years of franchise development and operations experience to CertaPro Painters®, joining the organization in 2026. His background spans service and retail franchise models, including roles with Belfor Franchise Group, Brightway Insurance, and Batteries Plus. He helps prospective owners evaluate the CertaPro opportunity and franchise ownership.
Gina Moughty | Franchise Development Manager
Gina Moughty brings more than 20 years of franchise and business development experience to CertaPro Painters®. She joined the organization in 2024 after leadership roles with Sandbox VR and Rita’s Italian Ice. Her background includes franchise recruitment, business development, and onboarding prospective owners through the franchise evaluation process.
Kim Haidacher | Marketing Manager
Kim Haidacher combines franchise and marketing experience with firsthand knowledge of franchise ownership. Her background includes franchise sales with Rita’s Italian Ice, ownership of a The Little Gym franchise, and more than 15 years in corporate marketing. She brings both brand and owner perspectives to supporting prospective CertaPro Painters® franchisees.
Ralph DiDomenico | General Manager, Franchise Resales
Ralph DiDomenico joined CertaPro Painters® in 2025 to lead franchise resales. He brings more than 16 years of experience in sales leadership, business development, CRM optimization, channel partnerships, and team development. His background includes work in digital marketing, advertising, home services, design, and higher education.
Ready to Start Your Own Franchise?
CertaPro Painters® is here to help you create your own success story.
Get Started
View our Privacy Policy.
