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Ervin Gomez: Preserving the Past

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

For Ervin Gomez, the most rewarding painting projects are those that preserve the past. With decades of experience and an appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, he enjoys helping restore older homes to their original character.

Ervin began painting when he was just 14 years old, working alongside his father as a furniture finisher. He says that early experience taught him the patience and care that high-quality painting work requires. “My dad taught me a lot about the trade. I have good memories of those times.”

When Ervin moved to the United States three decades ago, his painting experience helped him quickly find work in the industry. He joined a company that specialized in high-end projects in the Hillsborough area, where he gained valuable experience and developed an appreciation for detail-oriented work. “I learned a lot from those guys,” he says. “I liked the way they did things.”

In 2006, Ervin decided to branch out on his own and established Agama Painting. Today, he and his employees work on all types of residential and commercial properties, but restoration projects are especially meaningful to him. “I work on a lot of houses that are over 100 years old and collaborate with contractors to return them to their original condition,” he details. “I really enjoy the process of bringing a home back to life.”

A longtime resident of Concord, Ervin says he appreciates the strong sense of community and temperate weather that come with life in the East Bay. Family is important to him—his son, Eric, is an artist whose paintings have been displayed in galleries; his daughter, Jasmine, is a college student who hopes to become a psychologist; and his youngest daughter, Leticia, is navigating life as a toddler. When he’s not spending quality time with his children, Ervin likes to unwind by camping, going to the river and watching movies.

Ultimately, Ervin believes quality painting comes down to experience, preparation and pride in the finished product. Those principles have guided him throughout his career and continue to define the work he provides through Agama Painting.

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: I would take care of my youngest daughter full time.

Q: Did you play any sports when you were younger?
A: I used to be an amateur boxer. I thought I was going to be a champion until the day I got knocked out and couldn’t eat for two weeks.

Q: Are you a cat person or a dog person?
A: A dog person. I’ve taken in several dogs that created a lot of trouble in my house, but I couldn’t let them go.

Q: What’s your favorite type of restaurant?
A: I like Brazilian steakhouses. They have them in Walnut Creek, Concord, and San Mateo and the food is really good.