Mike Chavez: Primed for Success
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter
SANTA ROSA — When Mike Chavez was introduced to the painting trade by the father of a friend, he had little idea he was being primed for a permanent profession. “My buddy’s dad was a painter, and I worked for him during the summers in high school,” he recounts. “I remember leaving a jobsite one day, looking over the finished product as I drove away, and feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride. After high school, I worked for a couple of different painting contractors until I decided to get my license and start my own business.”
Today, as owner of Mike Chavez Painting, Mike says his favorite part of his job is interacting with customers. “I enjoy meeting new customers and getting to know them during the course of the job. It also gives me a lot of satisfaction to learn their expectations for their projects and then give them exactly what they envisioned.”
A lifetime resident of Sonoma County, Mike expresses his appreciation for life in the North Bay. “This area has always been home to me,” he says. “I really love the diversity of our environment. Depending on which direction you go, you’re 20 minutes from the redwoods, the ocean or the Napa Valley, so there’s a lot to enjoy.”
Outside of work, Mike engages in a variety of activities, from hanging out with his fiancée, Amanda, to running and playing softball. “I love barbecuing and spending time with friends and family,” he says. “I also play in a coed softball league and like to go running in Annadel State Park.” When he’s not at home or out amongst nature, Mike likes playing the bass guitar and attending concerts and Giants games in San Francisco.
In his life and career, Mike espouses the importance of honesty. “I really believe that you’re only as good as your word, which is why I always deliver what I promise,” he explains. “My integrity is very important to me in how I live my life and run my business, and honesty is at the forefront of that.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Mike says he’d head south for an extended vacation. “I would probably take a trip through Central and South America and spend a month touring the different countries. On the other hand, I might just go to the Bahamas and kick back for a while.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could immediately master any musical instrument, what would you choose?
A: Bass guitar—even though I already play, I’m still not a master.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Hang out with my fiancée and watch a movie.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: Sweet T’s Restaurant and Bar in Santa Rosa.
Q: What was your first concert?
A: Probably seeing my father play music years ago. He’s a cello player, and he used to play in a band that ran the local winery circuit.
Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Nuts.
Read moreRead less
