From Paintbrush to Payroll: Colby Davis on Managing People with Integrity

When Colby Davis started Davis Painting, he was the one holding the brush. Day in and day out, he was on ladders, laying tape, and making sure every jobsite reflected the standards he believed in. But as the company grew, Colby faced a new kind of challenge—one that had nothing to do with walls and everything to do with people.

Managing a growing team meant learning how to lead from the front without needing to be everywhere at once. For Colby, that began with integrity. “You can’t expect people to care if you don’t,” he’s said. His approach is built on honesty, clear communication, and an unwavering expectation of quality—starting with himself.

Former crew members talk about how Colby took time to invest in them personally. He didn’t just hand out tasks—he explained why they mattered. As the company expanded, he built systems to support that same level of accountability and trust across multiple teams, from field crews to office staff.

The transition from tradesman to team leader isn’t always easy, but Colby has handled it with humility and resolve. His philosophy? Set the tone early, treat people with respect, and never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.

Today, Davis Painting isn’t just known for its finished work—it’s known for the people behind it. And that’s a direct reflection of the leadership at the top.