This month we sat down with Irene Middendorf from That 1 Painter of Denver & Aurora to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey and see how she’s growing her Denver painting company from brand new to a brand that people recognize.
Time for a change
Following two plus decades of climbing the corporate ladder and landing a “dream job” that wound up being less than dreamy, Irene Middendorf felt it was time for a change of course. To give business ownership a try.
“I found myself needing to leave the corporate world,” Irene said. “That became a search for buying a company and doing something on my own.”
She set sights on acquiring an existing business, but nothing clicked. Initially, Irene brushed off the idea of buying into a franchise. She was concerned that the associated rules and structure might too closely emulate the corporate world, but after meeting with That 1 Painter, her perspective shifted.
“They kind of checked off all those boxes that I didn’t necessarily know I had,” Irene explained. “They fit me perfectly, and they’ve been a really great support system.”
Not a traditional painting business
On the surface, That 1 Painter looks like a conventional painting business, handling everything from simple interior refreshes to high-end wall finishes, and from residential touch-ups to commercial projects.
But culturally, they deliver so much more than fresh coat of paint.
“We really pride ourselves on taking care of our clients and jumping ahead of any problems,” Irene noted. “I don’t run it as a traditional painting business.”
Part of what’s made this approach a success is her system for helping clients land on a color scheme they love. She explained that too many painting companies hand clients a full color fan without any guidance. It’s overwhelming and leads to paralysis by analysis.
Instead, Irene combines her background in art with resources from the Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore color consultants to curate a manageable selection of colors that provides the right balance of flexibility and guidance. All it takes is a short conversation over the phone.
Community outreach is number one
Irene believes that part of becoming a household name in the Denver metro is being known for engaging in the community. It’s an element of That 1 Painter’s company culture that she’s proud of – staying connected to the people the company serves.
Giving back and making a positive impact is also a vital part of the company’s ethos. Every year, in partnership with Sherwin Williams, their “Paint It Forward” program paints a home completely free of charge for a family in need.
What’s next?
Heading into 2026, Irene’s growth strategy includes hiring a business development lead and a project manager, building a stronger foundation for a business well on its way to becoming the go-to name for reputable painting in the Denver area.
