(Semper Fi)

A background in the Marines may not seem a helpful prerequisite for running a successful painting business, but Doug Kitchen knows better. Embodying a code which forms the bedrock of good character, Marines live by honor and commitment, both important for a flourishing service-based business. “We expect our painters to treat our clients with the same measure of respect, craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled service as they would any cherished member of their family,” says Doug. “That’s our expectation.”

After leaving the Marines, Doug attended Radford College, then worked for several years as a union painter in the early 1980’s. The United States School of Professional Paperhanging, (USSPP) was his next stop in creating a respected wallpapering business with his brother Scott. Nine years ago, as his business grew, Doug added his first crew of painters to Ambiance. Now in business for 21 years, Ambiance has four crews in southern Connecticut focusing on finely painted surfaces for a discerning clientele.

A small family business with a 21st century attitude, Ambiance Painting has instant access to information from updated industry standards to client files to the management of crews. The company uses email to keep in touch with fast-paced clients, emailing estimates, invoices and photos, and the company accepts credit cards for on-line payment. It’s all part of the hard work, quality and solid client relationships Ambiance has made their trademark. Semper fidelis, Latin for “always faithful,” may well sum up the reputation of Ambiance Painting as well as the United States Marine Corps.

“We’re not all Marines, of course,” laughs Doug. “But we’d never have been in business for more than two decades without a code of honor that’s all our own.”

“We tell our painters to treat our clients like they would want their own mothers and wives to be treated by people working in their homes. With the respect you give your own family.

No, not Uncle Fred who drinks all the beer and eats the pizza.

But with the care and concern they give to their loved ones.”