Timeless Precision & Quality: How M.Carlson Painting Keeps Customer Satisfaction High For 25+ Years

In the heart of Minnesota, where homes reflect the seasons and communities value craftsmanship, one painting company has stood the test of time, not just through brushstrokes, but through trust.

M.Carlson Painting, a locally rooted business founded by Matt Carlson, has quietly grown into one of the largest painting contractors in the Midwest. And yet, despite its size, the company remains fiercely committed to providing personal service, upholding community values, and delivering top-tier quality.

In this edition of Business Spotlight by Abra Kadabra Pest & Wildlife, we take a closer look at how M. Carlson Painting built a reputation not just on color and coverage, but on communication, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

M.Carlon Painting’s Humble Beginnings

Matt Carlson began his painting journey immediately after graduating from high school in the 1990s. What started as hands-on labor quickly evolved into a full-time entrepreneurial pursuit. “We became incorporated in 2001,” Matt recalls. “I got off the ladder in 2007 and have slowly built the business year after year to where it is now.”

Originally launched under the name BCK Painting with temporary partners, the business was rebranded in 2004 to M. Carlson Painting when Matt became the sole owner. 

“No, it wasn’t acquired. I started the business myself,” he says with pride.  

That independence has since become a key part of the company’s DNA as a symbol of grit, authenticity, and vision.

Today, M. Carlson Painting is home to 15 full-time office staff and a network of 30 crews, totaling nearly 80 painters in the field. It’s a testament to slow, deliberate scaling and a clear commitment to high standards.

A Company Culture That Paints a Bigger Picture

At M. Carlson Painting, workplace culture isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a competitive advantage. Matt describes the team dynamic as “very honest” and built on mutual respect, transparency, and autonomy.

“I’ve surrounded myself with like-minded people,” he explains. Most everyone here has either owned their own business or still does. They get it. They’re big picture people.”

This entrepreneurial spirit creates an environment where everyone is empowered to speak up, solve problems, and take ownership. From Kelly Oxborough, Director of Marketing and Operations and Shanna Ballsrud, CFO (whom Matt calls “the bosses”), to the project managers and sales team, the company runs on accountability and collaboration.

And it shows.

“Everyone knows their role,” Matt adds. “We’ve worked hard to define expectations. When you’re doing A, B, and C, you’re doing a good job. That clarity helps people feel valued.”

The result is a workplace that’s both high-performing and supportive, where systems are in place for growth, not burnout. “Now Kelly can take time off, and someone can step in and do her job,” Matt says. “That wasn’t the case a few years ago.”

Quality & Craftsmanship Without Compromise

For M. Carlson Painting, success isn’t measured by volume alone; it’s measured by consistency, reputation, and results. With nearly 500 verified five-star reviews (and counting), the company has carved out a unique space in Minnesota’s service industry.

“We’re not saving lives,” Matt admits. “But compared to every other business out there, we’re pretty freaking good.”

A relentless commitment to quality backs that confidence. “Anyone can scale. Anyone can do more business,” he continues. “But what ends up happening is you start to lose that quality, that consistency.”

At M. Carlson Painting, quality is never sacrificed for speed. “We’re committed to always doing what’s right,” Matt says. “Not just what’s right for me or the customer or the painter — just what’s right. And we don’t ever lose that way.”

The Role of Workplace Communication in M.Carlson

In an industry where miscommunication can lead to frustration, delays, and disappointment, M. Carlson Painting distinguishes itself by making effective communication a core part of its process.

“People just want to be communicated with,” Matt says. “They want to know who’s coming, when they’re coming, what they’re doing — and we tell them.”

The customer journey begins with a human conversation, not a robot or form. From the first call, M. Carlson’s team asks detailed questions that many competitors overlook: Do you have a budget? Are your colors picked? Do you have a preferred timeline?

Once a project is scheduled, clients receive automated reminders, personalized updates, and follow-up messages — all designed to keep them informed throughout the entire process. From proposal to final walkthrough, the experience is documented, streamlined, and above all, respectful of the client’s home.

“We’re walking inside people’s homes,” Matt explains. “We’re in bedrooms. We’re around their families. So we ask questions that other companies don’t even think of — ‘Do you have a dog that runs away?’ ‘Can we put a yard sign?’ ‘Is there a utility sink we can use?’”

This level of care isn’t just a process — it’s peace of mind.

Transforming Homes and Managing Expectations

The tagline on their website reads: “We transform homes, one color at a time.” But the transformation goes far deeper than paint.

“What we do is solve problems,” Matt says. “Simple problems, but ones that matter to people. So we don’t make it harder than it needs to be. We set expectations and follow through.”

And it’s working. The company has won “Minnesota’s Best” for three consecutive years — 2021, 2022, and 2023. While marketing plays a role, Matt points out that repeat customers and referrals fuel the majority of their growth.

“For a company our size, the amount of repeat business we get is unbelievable,” he says. “That just shows we’re consistent. People like working with us.”