In 2022, a group of University of Vermont students in Burlington were recognized for their local start-up company, Painting with Purpose. The company was founded by Zach Dunn with the support of UVM’s Catamount Innovation Fund, with the goal of addressing the shortage of trades in the area. Two years later, their hard work paid off as they won the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup, a new competition launched by UVM’s Grossman School of Business.
Dunn spoke about the challenges of starting a business and how important it is to navigate factors like pricing in a changing economic environment. He emphasized the importance of starting small and keeping things simple while leveraging personal connections for assistance. Painting with Purpose offers a range of services including residential and commercial painting, lead abatement, lead inspections, power washing, and minor carpentry. A portion of their profits is donated to Tim’s House, a shelter in St. Albans.
According to UVM business professor Erik Monsen, programs like this are vital for Vermont’s workforce development. He highlighted the importance of teaching students not only technical skills but also the confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurship. Dunn and his team expressed their gratitude for the recognition, describing it as surreal and motivating them to continue their work as they strive to make a positive impact in the community.
The success story of Painting with Purpose serves as an inspiration for other aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in their communities while building successful businesses. The team’s commitment to social responsibility and community service has set them apart from other start-ups and has been instrumental in their success.