When you hire a painting or drywall company, you’re not just trusting someone with walls—you’re trusting them with your home, your timeline, and your peace of mind. That’s why we were excited to sit down with Dan Brown, Director of Marketing & Business Development, and Alex Walker, VP, from Nate’s Painting & Drywall—a Twin Cities company that has been delivering high-quality work for the past 15 years with a “do it now” mindset and a reputation for showing up, following through, and making it look really good.
From residential repaints to large commercial projects, Nate’s Painting & Drywall has built its business on a simple but powerful foundation: expert craftsmanship, strong internal systems, and clear communication. Together, those elements create a smoother, more reliable experience for clients—every time.
15 Years of Growth, Built on Mastery of the Trade
Nate’s Painting & Drywall began in 2009, when founder Nate started his own company after working alongside his
dad. In the early days, Nate did it all—selling projects, managing jobs, and doing the painting himself. As Alex shared, the business started as a true “grind-it-out” operation, growing steadily through hard work, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Today, Nate’s has scaled into an operation with approximately 13 crews, including about 10 painting crews and 3–4 drywall crews. This growth allows the company to take on a wide range of project sizes and timelines while maintaining consistent quality standards across residential and commercial work.
A major reason that consistency has held as the company has grown is Nate himself. Dan explained that Nate isn’t just experienced—he’s a true master of the craft. He can break down technical painting challenges on the spot, demonstrate proper techniques, and clearly define what “done right” looks like. That expertise sets the standard for the entire team.
Quality Control That’s Not Optional
Quality at Nate’s isn’t subjective—it’s structured.
One of the key ways the company maintains its standards is through a detailed approach to project oversight. Dan shared that completed jobs are reviewed against a project completion checklist, sometimes containing 20 or more specific checkpoints, to ensure the work meets expectations before it’s considered finished.
Alex summed up the philosophy simply: if Nate wouldn’t accept it, it’s not acceptable.
Painting, at its core, is about aesthetics. As Alex put it, the final question always comes down to one thing: “Does it look good?” Not just to the painter—but to the homeowner or client living with it every day.
Residential Projects Still Matter—Because People Matter
While Nate’s continues to expand its commercial footprint, residential projects remain a vital part of the business. 
Alex explained that working directly with homeowners offers something uniquely rewarding. When you step into someone’s home, you’re working in a space that carries personal meaning. There’s a sense of pride in helping transform a home that hasn’t been updated in years into something that feels fresh, clean, and new again.
Those transformations often go beyond simple wall painting. Nate’s regularly works with homeowners looking to elevate their spaces—whether that’s modernizing finishes, refreshing dated interiors, or coordinating with designers to bring inspiration-board ideas to life.
Niche Services That Separate the Pros from the Rest
A standout theme from our conversation was that Nate’s doesn’t just paint walls—they specialize in the details that require real expertise.
Cabinet painting is one of those areas. Alex described it as a true professional service. While almost anyone can paint a wall, cabinets require technique, precision, and a process that creates a smooth, durable, factory-like finish. For homeowners, cabinet painting is also a cost-effective way to modernize a kitchen without committing to a full renovation—especially for homes still featuring classic “90s honey oak” cabinetry.
Another unique specialty is log cabin staining and stain matching, a service that Dan and Alex noted is
surprisingly rare. Log cabins often require board replacement over time, and matching new wood to existing stained surfaces takes experience and artistry. Dan shared that during a follow-up survey call, one homeowner with a log cabin couldn’t stop talking about how relieved he was to finally find a company capable of handling the work correctly.
That same expertise extends to decks and raw wood exteriors, further setting Nate’s apart from many traditional painting companies.
Full-Service Drywall Makes the Process Easier
Many painting companies focus solely on paint—but Nate’s offers full-service drywall, handling everything from hanging and taping to mudding, finishing, repairs, and even popcorn ceiling removal.
Alex explained that drywall and painting are deeply connected. If drywall isn’t done well, paint won’t look good—no matter how skilled the painter is. By offering both services in-house, Nate’s eliminates common frustrations for clients.
The result is simple: 
When one team owns the entire process, the final product is better—and easier—for everyone involved.
Fast Scheduling, Real People, and Strong Communication
One of the most consistent compliments Nate’s receives is about responsiveness.
The company is known for being able to schedule many projects within about two weeks, and often sooner. But Dan and Alex emphasized that they’re careful to under promise and overdeliver so expectations are always met.
Just as important is how they communicate. Dan spoke candidly about a common frustration in the construction world: when something goes wrong and a company suddenly stops answering the phone. Nate’s takes the opposite approach. Clients receive real contact information, prompt responses, and clear updates throughout the project.
Homeowners also appreciate two additional details that Nate’s prioritizes:
Expanding on the Commercial Side
While residential work remains central, Nate’s is intentionally expanding its commercial presence. The team is
pursuing more new construction, multi-family projects, and renovations, including work with schools and larger facilities.
They’ve begun building relationships with major general contractors in the region, including Kraus-Anderson and Stevens Construction, and are bidding projects throughout Minnesota and into Wisconsin. As Dan shared, establishing trust with large contractors is an exciting step forward—and one that reflects the company’s growing reputation for reliability and quality.
Culture: Calm, Positive, and Accountable
Behind the scenes, company culture starts with Nate. Both Dan and Alex described him as calm, confident, and highly competent—someone who expects a lot but isn’t overbearing. Team members are encouraged to own their roles, make decisions, and take responsibility for outcomes.
That sense of accountability, paired with a positive and communicative environment, helps everything run smoothly—internally and externally.
A Trusted Partner for Realtors, Homeowners, and Property Managers
Before wrapping up, Dan and Alex shared one key message they want the Chamber community to know: Nate’s frequently works with Realtors prepping homes for sale, homeowners buying or selling, and property managers and HOAs—especially when timelines are tight.
If you’re looking for a partner who communicates clearly, shows up on time, keeps the jobsite clean, and delivers professional results across both painting and drywall, Nate’s Painting & Drywall is ready to help.
Learn more at:
natespaintingllc.com
