Business Details
33 Years
experience
Trusted Residential Painting Services by College Works
College Works has been transforming homes and developing future leaders since 1993. Our unique business model combines high-quality residential painting services with unparalleled student professional development opportunities. With operations across 13 Midwest states, we've trained over 25,000 students in entrepreneurial leadership while delivering warranty-backed painting solutions to homeowners. Our program provides students with hands-on business experience, mentorship from industry professionals, and the opportunity to run their own enterprises. We maintain rigorous quality standards through comprehensive training, premium materials, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Our dual mission of delivering exceptional home improvement services while cultivating the next generation of business leaders has earned us recognition as a top internship program.We serve communities through both our core services and philanthropic initiatives, including free painting services for families in need. Our proven system ensures consistent results through meticulous preparation, skilled execution, and ongoing quality control. With 30 years of experience, we've refined our approach to create value for homeowners, students, and the broader community. Our success metrics include 90% post-graduation employment rates and $75K+ average salaries within five years for program participants.
Services
Exterior Painting
Interior Painting
Deck Staining
Color Consultation
Warranty-Backed Services
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience training student entrepreneurs
- 25,000+ students trained in professional leadership skills
- Warranty-backed painting services with quality guarantees
- Community-focused business model with philanthropic initiatives
- Proven track record of student success post-graduation
What people say
Professional crew
Quality painting work
Excellent communication
Timely completion
Transformative results
Services
Exterior Painting
Our exterior painting service transforms homes with premium-grade paints and meticulous preparation. We handle siding, trim, doors, and specialty surfaces using professional techniques that ensure lasting durability. Each project includes surface repair, priming, and multi-coat applications for maximum protection against weather elements.
Interior Painting
We deliver flawless interior finishes with attention to detail in wall, ceiling, and trim applications. Our process includes color consultation, surface preparation, and low-VOC paint options for healthier living environments. Crews work efficiently to minimize disruption while maintaining professional standards.
Deck Staining
Our deck staining service combines surface restoration with protective finishes that enhance wood longevity. We use premium sealants that resist UV damage and moisture while maintaining natural aesthetics. The process includes power washing, sanding, and multiple protective coats for optimal results.
Color Consultation
Our experts provide personalized color guidance using digital visualization tools and paint samples. We consider architectural style, lighting conditions, and personal preferences to create cohesive color schemes that enhance property value and aesthetic appeal.
Warranty-Backed Services
All projects include standard warranty protection with optional extended coverage. Our confidence in workmanship quality is demonstrated through clear terms, prompt issue resolution, and ongoing customer support that ensures long-term satisfaction with completed projects.
People
Matthew Stewart
Chief Executive Officer & Chairman
Co-founder of National Services Group with over 30 years' experience in student development. Recognized entrepreneur with multiple industry awards, including Excellence in Entrepreneurship from Orange County Business Journal. UC Santa Barbara alumnus with expertise in purpose-driven business models.
Sean Phelps
President
Started with College Works as an intern in 2004, rising to President through progressive leadership roles. MBA in entrepreneurship with proven track record of mentoring hundreds of interns and generating $40M+ in revenue while expanding regional operations across five states.
Joe Norwell
Vice President
Former intern who advanced to Vice President role overseeing Midwest operations. Business management graduate from DePaul University with focus on student mentorship and professional development programs that prepare students for post-graduation success.
Jack Kratcha
Vice President
Finance graduate from University of Wisconsin-Madison with four National Manager of the Year awards. Oversees Northwoods region operations while maintaining close mentorship relationships with student managers to ensure business success and professional growth.
Jeff Gunhus
Executive Officer
Co-founder of National Services Group with political science and economics background from UC Santa Barbara. Bestselling author and business leader with extensive experience developing student internship programs that bridge education and industry needs.
Questions
What painting services do you offer?
We provide exterior and interior residential painting, deck staining, color consultation, and surface preparation services with warranty-backed guarantees.
How does your student internship program work?
Our Student Professional Program trains college students to run their own painting businesses with mentorship, business skills development, and hands-on experience.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we provide financing options to make home improvement projects more accessible while maintaining transparent pricing structures.
What areas do you serve?
We operate across 13 Midwest states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
What warranty protections do you offer?
All our painting services come with standard warranty protection, with extended options available for added customer confidence.
