Artisan of the Month
Gus Kyriakopoulos
Puleo Painting & Fine Design
Addison, IL

Before trying his hand at faux finishing, Gus had been in the painting business for fourteen years.  Working with partner Nick Puleo, he began painting for family, and the business grew from there through the recommendations of happy customers.  As time went on, customers began to request decorative finishes.  Gus decided that rather than sending his customers elsewhere, he needed and wanted to be able to accommodate his customer’s requests, and began to seek out instruction.  He found Kathy Carroll and the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes and says “I feel blessed to be taking classes with Kathy.”  The first class he took from her was “Jump Start Your Business.”  He later returned to the institute and took her “Professional Update” class as well. 

With instruction under his belt, he and his partner Nick, along with their employees Nick Schulte and Ken Vairo, began offering faux finishes along with their other painting services.  That was two years ago, and today business from returning happy customers and referrals is still pouring in.  Gus says that he enjoys decorative painting because “you get to create more than being just told what to do.  I enjoy helping clients find the perfect finish for them.”

Gus’ philosophy is that “satisfying the client is the most important thing.  If that is done, everything else will fall into place.”  This philosophy is what keeps customers returning and referring their friends and relatives to Puleo Painting & Fine Design in Addison, Illinois.  They also pride themselves on “going the extra mile for our clients, and going over the house with a fine toothed comb to make sure we have not missed anything and that everything is up to our high standards before we leave a job.”

Gus enjoys working with textured finishes and names Versiplast, Bella Fresco, and Portofino as some as his favorite products of Kathy’s Carroll’s offerings.  One of his favorite finishes to work with is crackle.  He loves using this technique because each time he applies it the result is unique compared to the time before. 

One of his favorite jobs that he completed was an aged crackle that he applied in a client’s bathroom.  He says “it was a four step finish that turned out so good that she has referred us several times.  She has a beautiful home and it is flattering when she says that she specifically shows people her bathroom because of how much she enjoys the finish.”  In another home they applied the “Ashwood” finish in a two-story foyer.  He says “the client loved the sample board, but was a bit apprehensive about having it on such a large wall.  In the end the client fell in love with the finish.”

When asked about taking classes at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, Gus says that he was so happy with the first class he took from Kathy that he returned to take the  “Professional Update” from her as well.  One of the things that he likes about taking classes at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes is that the classes are small.  The small classes mean that each person can see what is going on and get individual help when they need it.  He comments that “to have Kathy teach me was like having Jordan teaching someone basketball.”   He says he will continue to take courses to grow as a professional and keep up with the market, adding that “aside from the instruction, the relationship with Kathy and the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes is the best thing that I got from these classes.”  Through the classes he has formed a working relationship with Jennifer Rongaus who has assisted him on some jobs.

Gus greatly values his relationship with Kathy Carroll saying “to stay in business for fourteen years, you have to have good business relationships.”  Gus and Kathy’s business relationship is built on trust.  Gus says “when Kathy contacted me to tell me that there were new finishes to learn I immediately signed up for the “Professional Update”.  I knew that if Kathy was recommending them, then I needed to learn them.”  He also says “Kathy has helped my confidence on the job.  She told me that taking this seriously will help to change my business, and it did.  Knowing Kathy is like having a friend in the business.”  He also likes that he can always get a hold of someone if he has a question.  “I can pick up the phone, any time, and reach Kathy.”

For more information about Gus Kyriakopoulos and Puleo Painting & Fine Design please visit their website www.puleopainting.com or call 630-327-4466.