Second Chances, Lasting Impact—The Story That Sets Us Apart

Our Story: The History Behind Professional Painting Contractor LLC

Jack’s Early Life and Business Foundation

Jack Dalton’s journey began with a foundation in hard work and hands-on experience. As a young man, he worked across several of his father’s businesses, learning every aspect of operations—from labor and customer service to sales, inventory, and management. These early years instilled in him not only a strong work ethic, but a deep understanding of what it takes to build something sustainable from the ground up.

While Jack worked under his father’s guidance, he also focused on art in school, where his creativity and visual intuition began to shine. This blend of business discipline and artistic sensibility would eventually shape the backbone of Professional Painting Contractor LLC.

Entering the Workforce and a Life-Changing Shift

After completing school, Jack gained experience in sales, inventory, and roles involving management, training, and safety supervision. While working in inventory — under unsafe conditions outside his control — he sustained a life-changing spinal injury. That event became a turning point, inspiring his commitment to safety, inclusivity, and accessibility in every environment he’s part of. Determined to move forward, Jack transitioned into painting, working for various contractors and developing his skills on job sites.

Although Jack appreciated the experience he gained while working for other painting contractors, he knew he wanted more than just a job—he wanted to build something of his own. Inspired by the diverse techniques he had observed and motivated by his growing confidence, he set his sights on starting his own company—one that would reflect both his high standards and his inclusive values.

The Birth of a Business

Jack began painting homes locally, starting with historic restorations and eventually scaling the business into a full-time career. In 1993, Professional Painting Contractor officially opened its doors. The company quickly gained a reputation for quality, reliability, and efficiency. Over time, Jack scaled his company to over 20 employees and became known not only for his meticulous craftsmanship but for his commitment to hiring inclusively and mentoring individuals from all walks of life. He offered meaningful opportunities to those who often found themselves excluded—especially individuals with disabilities or limited experience—building a team that reflected values of respect and resilience.

Contractors and connections began seeing Jack as not only a skilled painter and businessman, but a leader in inclusion, an admirer of diversity and respect for adversity, and ultimately an asset because of his integrity and inclusion. This commitment revolutionized the industry locally and made the company a pivotal point in the community—not just through employment, but through philanthropy and outreach.

National Reputation and Major Projects

Jack’s exceptional work ethic and reputation eventually led to invitations to complete large-scale, high-volume projects across the country. From commercial apartment complexes to retail store chains like Levi’s and coffee shops like Peet’s Coffee, Jack became known for his ability to execute difficult projects on time and with consistent quality.

Eventually, the travel took a toll, and Jack returned to his home base in Virginia to focus on projects that kept him closer to the community he loved.

Caitlin’s Early Experience and Artistic Background

Caitlin graduated from two top-tier art schools, where she honed her talents in visual art, writing, and music. During this time, she also assisted her father with his painting business—continuing a family legacy as a third-generation painter, even though her grandfather passed away before she had the chance to work alongside him. While balancing her studies and family responsibilities, Caitlin also gave back to her community through volunteer work. Most notably, she served as a foster care social worker with the Children’s Home Society in Florida, a role that carried deep personal significance. There, she offered tutoring, companionship, and emotional support to children in need, building lasting bonds through compassion and creativity.

Although she found the work deeply fulfilling, she ultimately stepped away from the position when she transitioned into college.

After completing her art education with half of her college already completed, Caitlin pursued coursework toward the rest of a bachelor’s degree in business administration, concentrating on marketing and technology, with a personal focus on social media in her spare time. During this time, she also received hands-on training while working alongside her father, who is now a college IT professor and department chair. She assisted in the management of academic systems and supported the office roles related to them— eventually learning code, web design, gaining experience with digital tools, and building a foundation in both technological and administrative operations. This role expanded her skillset beyond art and business into areas that would later support her work in web design, digital marketing, and business strategy. Additionally, she gained experience in event planning through a connection at Healogics, where she helped organize company events alongside family.

While still in college, Caitlin also launched a freelance makeup artistry business, blending color theory, client care, creative expression, and entrepreneurial planning, additionally designing her first published website then.  After college, she went on to hold several sales positions before eventually entering the service industry.

Caitlin chose to begin waitressing after those sales positions, and though she initially enjoyed the work, she ultimately sought change. She was born with a disability that, though not visible, made her job more difficult over time. Her decision to leave the restaurant industry was also influenced by an unsafe work environment. She was ready for a more inclusive, empowering, and respectful work environment.

A Fateful Meeting

Fate had its own plans. One day, while waiting tables, Caitlin met Jack—one of her customers. The two connected almost instantly, recognizing in each other a similar drive, creativity, 

compassion and story.  Their partnership grew quickly beyond business, and after forming a strong professional relationship, they eventually began a personal one as well.

With Caitlin’s passion for art, technology and business and her experience as a third-generation painter, and Jack’s extensive experience and integrity, their synergy was clear. Together, they began taking on new hospitality projects up and down the East Coast, relying on a streamlined team to meet strict timelines and quality expectations. Though most of these hospitality projects were new construction, there was one notable repaint in Virginia Beach.

Building a Life and Facing the Storm

During this time, everyone was unaware that Caitlin’s genetic condition/disability was silently progressing. Their bond deepened while their business blossomed—but life took an unexpected turn.

As the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping through the country, Caitlin’s health suddenly collapsed. Her condition had escalated into a critical crisis, leading to five strokes and a heart attack. She was hospitalized alone—separated from her family who had flown in to be by her side and from Jack, —as hospitals everywhere scrambled to manage the public health emergency.

Caitlin underwent four emergency brain surgeries. Despite being in critical condition, her care was eventually paused by the overwhelmed hospital system. Jack, who at that point was her fiancée, held her power of attorney, made the difficult decision to remove her from the facility and bring her home. He paused the business entirely to focus on her full-time care—helping her relearn how to walk, read, and write, and eventually helping her recover her identity and sense of purpose, later helping her recover the use of her arm in time as well. His unwavering commitment proved that his loyalty extended far beyond the jobsite—it was the kind of quiet heroism that builds a marriage stronger than words.

After enduring so much side by side, they knew it was time to make it official. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, they tied the knot at a local courthouse—humorously separated from the officiant by a shower curtain for safety. Everyone wore masks and, in a moment equal parts awkward and sweet, had to quickly pull them down to share their first married kiss. It was a wedding as unconventional as their story, and truly one for the books.

Although Caitlin had already regained her ability to walk independently thanks to her now husband, she was still recovering from the detrimental effects from her brain surgeries but  Jack was forced to resume the business. He took on exterior and apartment repaint projects—those that aligned with CDC and WHO guidelines, allowing for safe masking, distancing, and minimizing risk. The team was trained in COVID prevention, all vaccinated, and committed to protecting their community.

Resilience and Rebuilding

Once Caitlin was ready, the two resumed working together. The first major project after her return was Miller’s Rest Apartments in Lynchburg, Virginia—a HUD-assisted housing community. The opportunity to contribute to a project that served the disabled community held deep personal meaning.

They also completed a large-scale commercial repaint on Route 460 in Bedford and a full campus new construction endeavor at Chatham Hall in Chatham, Virginia. Each project became a symbol of their renewed drive, resilience, and shared commitment to quality and integrity.

Today and Beyond

Now preparing to enter their 33rd year in business, Professional Painting Contractor LLC stands as a testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose. Caitlin and Jack remain deeply proud of their company’s story—especially its dedication to inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity. Their shared commitment to excellence continues to guide every brushstroke, every contract, and every connection.

They are especially grateful to have provided training and long-term employment to individuals who, through no fault of their own, were often overlooked or excluded—people facing adversity in many forms, from cancer survivors and amputees to those navigating mental disabilities or discrimination. These talented individuals didn’t settle for less—they chose to work with Jack and Caitlin because they recognized a company grounded in respect, trust, and fairness. Over time, Professional Painting Contractor LLC became not just a reliable workplace, but a respected brand known for integrity and heart.

Looking back, Caitlin and Jack are incredibly fulfilled by the legacy they’ve built—one that values people not in spite of their differences, but because of them. They hope that the impact their company has had on the community will continue to resonate for decades to come. Their story is living proof that with resilience, integrity, and vision, you can overcome any challenge. And when the world doesn’t open a door for you, you can build your own—and then invite others in.

They are currently working on Crunch Fitness and have many exciting plans for the future. As the next chapter begins, we’re proud of how far we’ve come—and we’re even more excited for the legacy still to be written.

We hope you’ll be a part of our story.

For over 30 years, Professional Painting Contractor LLC has been helping home and business owners with painting. We have traveled nationally providing these services. Many of our residential and commercial customers consider us a partner in keeping their homes in shape and their businesses running smoothly. We also provide painting services for Fortune 500 companies  and are always looking to create strategic alliance partnerships with new brands. 

Whether you are a homeowner who needs help with a small paint job or a business owner with a large-scale improvement project, Professional Painting Contractor LLC is  recognized and respected and should be your first choice for painting, contracting, and more. We take pride in our work for companies such as, Walmart, Sam’s Club, TJ Max, Finish-line, Green-light Dispensaries, Starbucks, Sherwin Williams, Badcock & more, Levi Strauss, TRU Hilton, Hyatt Place, Holiday Inn Express and others, and love that we can span across multiple fields of work to take care of additional needs beyond the scope of painting. We also really appreciate being able to travel nationally with these brands.  Throughout the past three decades , we have built a reputation as a provider of and leader in quality paint contracting services. This reputation has helped us secure partnerships with large brands like Sherwin Williams, Uniflex, and many others . Our strategic partnerships have further strengthened our brand and allowed us to deliver outstanding customer experiences. These relationships allow us to manage our customers on a nationwide level with one point of contact per customer. Our footprint helps us quickly fulfill purchase orders and our platform provides consistency, affordability, and sustainability.