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David Miles: The Art of Character

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

David Miles’ painting career is about far more than brushes and walls. Over the years, he has learned that success isn’t just about skill—it’s about the people you help, the team you build and the values you bring to every project.

David got his start in painting in 1981, right out of high school, and quickly discovered his calling thanks to a connection through a high school girlfriend. While he ended up joining Local Union 741 in Martinez, it was that girl’s father who gave him a hands-on education that went far beyond what most painters experience. Unlike larger union shops where workers often specialize in a single skill, David learned everything from rolling walls to spraying overhangs in a tight-knit team of just five people. “This was a very small company, so he was able to teach me every aspect of the trade,” he says. “We did a lot of different jobs, so I was trained to do pretty much everything at an early age.”

David’s path from painter to business owner began with one project that sparked a bigger vision. “I painted a house on a court and ended up doing every house in the neighborhood, and that’s when I got the idea to start my own company,” he recalls. “Paintmasters was officially born in February 1992.”

While David once thrived on the hands-on creativity of painting, the physical demands eventually caught up with him. Rather than step away, he realigned his focus on the people side of the business, where his greatest passion now lies. “I was inspired to hire more people and have them do the job,” he shares. “I’m a social person anyway. I love figuring things out for clients, scheduling their projects and helping them grow.”

From the beginning, David noticed the misconceptions surrounding his trade. He realized painting had developed a reputation that wasn’t always fair, partly because of unlicensed and illegal contractors driving prices down. “I thought everyone had a bad perspective of what painters were, but I still like the trade,” he says. “I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t. It has been good to me.”

A lifelong Bay Area resident, David grew up in Moraga and now lives in Concord with his wife, Chanda. “We’ll probably stay here for the rest of our lives,” he says. “The beach is an hour away and the mountains are two hours away. That’s what’s great about Northern California—there’s a little bit of everything around here.” Outside of work, he stays active with bowling, golf, pickleball and swimming, and he’s also a lifelong 49ers fan who never misses a game.

At the heart of David’s approach to business is a philosophy that focuses on character—not only in himself, but also in what he strives for his team to be. “You don’t necessarily hire for the best skills; you hire for good character,” he offers. “You can teach a man to fish, but you can’t lead him to the water. That’s why it’s important to always be open-minded and honest.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q:  Do you prefer being somewhere hot or cold?
A:  Somewhere hot, because I like to golf and swim. I used to ski, but my knees can’t do it anymore. Plus, I don’t like the bitter cold.

Q:  Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: A dog person.  We have a French Bulldog and an Aussie Labradoodle.

Q:  What’s the best gift that you’ve ever received?
A:  Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas. My whole mindset has changed on it. I didn’t like it growing up, but now I can see what it truly means.

Q:  If you could splice your DNA with any animal, what would you choose?
A:  A lion, because they’re the kings.