Not really. But after reading all about writing effective blogs, it seems that titles matter — a lot. For example, how willing would you be to read a Painting Contractor’s Blog entitled What Matter’s Most? Especially one where the author reveals that painting isn’t the answer to the question. Don’t get me wrong. Painting ranks up there, especially when it’s done beautifully and efficiently. But I wanted my first blog post on our new website to be a true reflection of What Matters Most to me. Two newborn beauties, great-nieces Harlow Iris and Page Edington were born this month, November 2014. They make it easy for me to remember three things:
I’ll make an effort, in future posts, to write about caulk or making a great paint job last well beyond reason, or something more painting contractor-ish. But for this Thanksgiving, and for my first “official” post, I’d rather give thanks for the real stuff.
Be sure to catch my next post, Sore Losers — New England Patriots Spotted Pressure Washing Lucas Oil Stadium
Project Manager, New Business Development
Brandon Whitehouse has been in the painting industry since 1993. For thirteen years he worked as a coatings representative for the Sherwin Williams Company in the Kansas City and Indianapolis markets.
Brandon joined Connor Fine Painting in 2006 bringing with him an unrivaled background in customer service and coatings knowledge. As a commercial project manager, Brandon’s main focus is to work with clients from the start of a project to the final walk-through, minimizing the inconvenience that sometimes accompanies installation of finishes. Brandon’s on-site roles include sales, estimating and project management for Connor Fine Painting. Brandon is actively involved in IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management), is a member of the CFP Safety Committee and has received his OSHA certification.
Brandon has been married to his wife, Susan since 1999 and has been blessed with two beautiful children, Katie and Zach. Brandon attends Northview Christian Life Church in Carmel and in his spare time enjoys golf, hunting, fishing as well as spending time with his family.
President/CEO
Janmarie Connor is president and co-founder of Connor Fine Painting (CFP), a commercial and industrial maintenance painting contractor. As a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Communications, Janmarie has built a culture focused on safety, sustainability, and excellence, ensuring every CFP painting project is a success.
Janmarie’s corporate background with process and systems analysis allows her to help find and implement efficiencies from start to finish. Experience in organizational dynamics ensures that CFP team members resonate with the company’s culture.
Janmarie is a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and Indianapolis Commercial Real Estate Women (IndyCREW). As a member of the Indianapolis chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-Indianapolis), she serves on the Trailblazers and Visionary Awards committees. Janmarie also serves on the board of directors of a global nonprofit, an NGO associated with the UN and its mission for peace. She also serves on the board of LaPlaza.
Family matters most to Janmarie. She is dedicated to her husband and business associate Bob, her boys Nathan and Aidan, and their families.
Vice President
Bob Connor has been a strong presence in the Indianapolis painting market since 1979. He started painting as a college student, working summers for his older brother Bill at Connor and Crew. Bob graduated from Butler University in 1981, with a degree in History and Political Science. While at Butler, Bob was a four-year letterman in the Bulldogs football program and member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Bob’s love of history, particularly Indiana history, fit hand in glove with his interest in the painting restoration of both commercial and residential landmark properties. Over the years, Bob’s repainting expertise has been called upon by commercial realtors and facility managers across Indiana.
Bob has been involved with the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America since the late 1980’s and has served in a variety of offices within the organization. Additionally, Bob is a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Indiana Landmarks, and the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. He is a member of the Butler University B-Association and the Bulldog Club. He has served on the board of directors of many Indianapolis organizations. Bob isn’t keen on fanfare surrounding giving. He practices selfless service and is in constant assistance of organizations providing resources and services to members of our Indianapolis Community who are most in need of a helping hand.
At CFP, Bob has a variety of responsibilities including estimating, sales and project supervision. As co-founder, Bob has instilled a profound commitment to employees and customers alike. He has been happily married to his wife, Janmarie, since 1982. They have two wonderful sons, Nathan and Aidan, and two grandsons, John Remington Connor (Remi) and Jude Ambrose Connor. Bob especially enjoys time with his family, traveling, and supporting Butler University Athletics.
Office Manager
Gail Wood joined Connor Fine Painting in October 2017. She has an impressive background in bookkeeping and office management in the manufacturing, retail, association management and insurance sectors.
When asked about how Gail felt about working at Connor Fine Painting, she replied, “As a new member of the CFP family, I am blessed to be a part of such a dynamic organization. The attention to detail, the level of professionalism and customer service puts Connor Fine Painting in an elite group of companies that truly care about their employees and customers.”
Gail has been married to her husband David since January 2008. They have a wonderful blended family of five children, three spouses, 10 grandkids and last but not least, new puppy Daisy. When not holding or playing with her grandbabies, Gail is an avid needleworker, loves to read and watch college basketball with Dave.
Operations Director & Safety Program Director
John White has been in the painting industry since 1986. He began his career at CFP as a Field Supervisor with Connor Fine Painting in 1989 and was promoted to Operations Director/Residential sales manager in 1997. Over the years, John has contributed to the growth and success of CFP and has served, with high honors, as Operations Manager since 1999. With growth and success has come the enormous responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers. John, who is ideally suited for the task, was promoted to Safety Director in 2005, managing all aspects of the Connor Fine Painting CCS (Coalition for Construction Safety) Program. Under his leadership, CFP is a multi-year recipient of the Zero Injury Award.
John is the Music Director of Beech Grove Baptist Church in Trafalgar, Indiana, and enjoys serving there. He also enjoys family time at home with his lovely wife Charity and son Elias. In his free time, John enjoys hunting and riding ATVs at his Morgantown home as well as growing some mean ghost chilies!
Business Development Manager
Aidan Connor grew up around commercial, industrial and residential painting, learning the ins and outs of the successful family business. At age 15, Aidan started helping on painting projects, working during the summers and gaining hands-on experience of the trade. After college, Aidan continued learning about the business; especially what it takes to earn the trust of facility managers, property managers and professional colleagues. “When you work for an organization like Connor Fine Painting, you quickly learn why many employees and customers have chosen to partner with Connor for 30+ years.”
Aidan’s demonstrated commitment to be in service to others is what makes him tick. His passion for helping clients solve the challenges they face in considering their repaint projects is what makes his work enjoyable. A firm believer in the value of personal and professional development, Aidan continues to enhance his skills in effectively managing people and processes. Now, as a Connor Fine Painting Business Development Professional, he brings that same attention and care to identifying and connecting with potential new clients.
Aidan brings a wealth of construction industry experience to the family business. As a business development professional with Multivista, he worked with project managers, facility managers and business owners considering high tech software solutions for new building construction. He is excited to explore innovations in paintings, coatings and technology to provide an even greater experience for Connor Fine Painting customers.
Outside of work, Aidan enjoys fishing, golfing and fantasy sports leagues. A self professed foodie, he enjoys the local food scene with his partner, Olivia and family time together with their son, Jude.
Project Manager, New Business Development
You might say Nathan Connor learned about painting through osmosis. As a little tyke, Nathan accompanied his dad on numerous commercial and residential job sites and carefully observed the craft. Nathan first started working for Connor Fine Painting in the summer of 1999 and continued to work with CFP during the summer months throughout his high school and college career.
In May of 2008, Nathan graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis with a degree in Communication Studies. While at IUPUI, Nathan played four years of NCAA Division 1 soccer, and was honored as an academic all-conference athlete all four years. In June, 2008, he started full time with CFP as a project manager and new business development associate. Nathan’s ability to effectively communicate to his commercial and residential painting customers exactly what they can expect throughout their repaint project has consistently led to high marks in customer satisfaction and business referrals.
Nathan had the distinct honor of being one of the youngest members to serve on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis, one of the largest and most distinguished Rotary Clubs in the Nation. Nathan also served for three years as the Rotary Education Committee Chair which facilitates youth outreach programs and brings the message of ‘service above self’ to the next generation of community leaders. Nathan also served on the board of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, which focuses on improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods and in the city of Indianapolis. Additionally, Nathan is affiliated with several professional associations including IFMA, International Facility Management Association, and BOMA, Building Owners and Managers Association. Nathan is OSHA safety certified and serves as Connor Fine Painting’s emergency first responder.
In his free time, Nathan enjoys playing soccer, enjoying his beautiful wife Sadie’s expert baking, and spending time with their adorable sons, Remi and George.
