Pettersen Painting Company Profile

hen Hiram Pettersen was growing up in Pacifica, he was exposed to the best that this supremely blessed area of the world has to offer: spectacular coastline, proximity to world class ski resorts, and unparalleled architecture. Hiram soaked it all up, and he's putting his rich experiences to work by making interiors and exteriors all over San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties more beautiful. Pettersen Painting does not waste time or money doing the "production painting" that other painting contractors sometimes do. Pettersen Painting does the more difficult, but more rewarding, painting projects. Hiram surfs in Pacifica, traveling occasionally to the Southern hemisphere for more mellow tropical surf, but like the best of Northern California devotees, he knows that respect for things that don't come easily pays off. It's a perspective that he brings to painting jobs too. If it takes more care and time to make that glorious Victorian look perfect, Pettersen Painting knows the results will be well worth it.

Commitment to Excellence
Lest you form an impression of Hiram Petterson as a lackadaisical beach bum, rest assured, he takes great pride in his work and the work ethic of everyone at Pettersen Painting. Hiram scoffs at the suggestion that appreciating the lifestyle that residents of the Bay Area are afforded means a diminishment of workmanship. To the contrary, appreciation of the natural world is what guided Hiram's decision to get into painting. "I knew that I wanted to be outside, and I wanted to reflect the beauty of the world back into my work," said Hiram. Does spackling a Victorian reflect the splendor of a perfect wave or the glory of the snow capped mountains in Tahoe? "Sure!" laughed Hiram. Anyone who has seen one of Pettersen Painting's finished projects, been inside a perfect wave, or had the pleasure of witnessing the sunshine on the snow from a mountain top knows that there is a simple beauty and perfection in all these. Therein lie Hiram's passions.

Dedicated Professionalism
Hiram Petterson and his team of between 7-15 employees are all trained to work with oil paints, lacquers, and stains, not just latex paints. These are materials that pose more problems generally for painters, but they have qualities that latex paints often cannot match. As with everything, knowledge is the key to making it work smoothly. You have to know how to use these products, know how to apply them, and be conscientious in using them. The best painted surface is smooth and unmarred. Obviously preparation is the biggest factor in smoothness, but expertise in application is also so important. Hiram Petterson stresses that if an employee cannot master the use of these materials and produce smooth surfaces, they do not stay employed at Pettersen Painting.

When he finds great painters, he holds onto them; a pair of brothers that began working with Hiram 12 years ago are still working for Pettersen Painting, and Hiram is pleased to report that several other employees have been employed for several years. This is no small feat in a business that is rife with seasonal cycles in employment (painters are often woefully under-employed through the winter and seek other employment, resulting in high turnover of employees for many painting contractors).

Anyone that appreciates fine work and beautiful results, (or a great surf spot, trip to Tahoe, ride on Pacific Coast Highway, scenic tour of San Francisco's architecture, etc...) is encouraged to call Hiram Pettersen and Pettersen Painting; you're sure to find a kindred spirit.

---Genevieve Albers
Staff Writer
The Prime Buyer's Report