Kelly
Hello, my name is Kelly, (Woody sang it 30 times in an episode of Cheers)! I grew up in Minnetonka and St. Louis Park I spent 25 years in the wine business starting in sales and worked up to management and marketing, with a strong focus on customer service. For the next chapter, my wife Sara of 33 years and I bought CertaPro Painters in 2012.
We have done hundreds of projects over the years ranging from a front door to being the painters for The Ryder Cup in 2016. Our main goal is to give the customer a great experience. We want our customers to be happy they chose us for the quality and service we provide.
I have passed the EPA Lead Certification Program and am authorized to work safely in projects with lead paint removal.
Title: Owner
Primary Responsibilities: Residential/Commercial Estimating, Jack of All Trades
Length with CertaPro: 10 years
Favorite Food: Pizza
Likes: Golf, wine, travel, movies and driving around in our little red convertible.
Dislikes: People who speed up to go through yellow lights, uncomfortable shoes, mayflies, onions, mushrooms and mayo.
Interesting Fact: I can write my name forwards and backwards simultaneously.
Dream Job: I would like to be in charge of the candles on the Bachelor/Bachelorette TV shows.
Sara
Born and raised in a small town in central Wisconsin, I moved to St. Paul, MN for my first job out of college. That is where I met my now husband, Kelly, of 33 years! We are 25 year residents of Chanhassen and have raised two children here, Max (30) and Ellis (27).
I spent over 20 years in corporate America running Human Resources departments for several different companies. In 2012 we were nearly empty nesters and ready for “Phase 2” of our lives which led us to owning our CertaPro business. What we really like about the business model was that it is a service we could totally relate to and highly focused on customer service. We have been customers for a long time, know how we like to be treated and have implemented that level of service for our customers. It is really rewarding to work with our customers and transform their homes or businesses!
As I think about our business, one of the things I am most proud of is the company culture we have created. Coming from corporate America – we certainly knew what we did not want our company to be about. Our operating principles and values are quite simple and based in honesty, integrity and transparency…this is truly the way we work whether it is with our customers, employees or crews. When faced with difficult decisions, our measuring stick is always, “What is the right thing to do?”
Title: Owner
Primary Responsibilities: Finances, Color Consults, Jack of All Trades
Length in CertaPro: 10 years
Favorite Food: Shrimp
Likes: My Family, happy smiling people, boating, music, chardonnay, friends, laughing
Dislikes: Negative cranky people, stuff left in my kitchen sink, uncomfortable clothes
Interesting Fact: Yes, I am a Green Bay Packer fan!!! ☺
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