Southwest Michigan’s vibrant homes and businesses have long been shaped by the steady craftsmanship of Van Tuinen Painting, a trusted name in professional painting since 1974. Whether you’re driving through Portage neighborhoods or Kalamazoo’s busy business districts, you’ll see Van Tuinen’s work throughout the region. For more than 50 years, we have played a central role in elevating curb appeal, protecting properties, and bringing fresh color to the spaces residents and business owners value most. Our longevity, reputation, and deep local roots make us proud to be one of Southwest Michigan’s most respected painters. Our reputation stretches back decades, earned through consistent quality and exceptional service.
Our Founding History
Our history dates back to the 1970s, beginning with founder Jim Van Tuinen, whose vision centered on integrity, professionalism, and a genuine respect for our customers. When he first launched the business, the painting industry looked vastly different than today. But even back then, Jim’s commitment to doing the job right the first time immediately set us apart. Homeowners across Southwest Michigan quickly recognized the value of a dependable painter who treated every project with the same care he would give his own home. As satisfied customers spread the word, Van Tuinen Painting expanded steadily, having now completed more than 12,000 projects across the region. These thousands of jobs represent decades of trust from families, business owners, and property managers who consistently chose us for reliable results.
Over the years, Van Tuinen Painting has continued to grow and evolve with the needs of Southwest Michigan. Our roots in residential interior and exterior painting remained strong, but our services expanded to support commercial and industrial clients as well. As local businesses updated and new construction took shape across the region, we have reliably addressed their challenges. From cabinet painting and refinishing to massive metal roof coatings for commercial buildings, we aim to always leave our customers satisfied.
Continuing Our Legacy
A defining moment in our company’s history came with the transition of ownership from founder Jim Van Tuinen to long-time team member Nick Barber. Rather than selling to an outside investment group, Jim chose to pass leadership to someone who deeply understood the company’s standards and culture. Nick began working at Van Tuinen Painting in 2004, spending years learning the craft, managing projects, and supporting customers around the region. Having fully taken over ownership in 2020, Nick has been dedicated to carrying on the same dedication to quality and customer satisfaction that Van Tuinen had been known for. Under Nick’s leadership, 75% of the company’s work stems from referrals or is a returning customer–proving the Van Tuinen gold standard has not budged an inch over the years.
One of Van Tuinen Painting’s proudest moments was donating a painting project to the Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners. We provided this free service to their non-profit startup building. Our team worked with theirs to coordinate around their schedule and provided service without interrupting operations. We are honored to have helped with their mission of feeding those less fortunate.
With more than fifty years of service behind us, Van Tuinen Painting stands as a pillar of reliability in our Southwest Michigan community. Our connection to the region runs deep, built through decades of relationships built with homeowners, businesses, and community members. Our history is more than a timeline–it’s a testament to our craftsmanship. For anyone seeking a professional painter with a proven record and a genuine investment in their community, Van Tuinen Painting is the name people have relied on for generations.
