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.”
Digital Growth Meets Hands-On Service
Even as the company has grown, M. Carlson Painting has embraced technology to scale its service without losing the personal touch. From project management software to real-time checklists and automated communications, every tool is designed to keep clients and employees connected and informed.
“Our new system does a great job with pictures, videos, even audio recordings,” Matt shares. “If our sales guy can’t present the proposal in person, they can send a video walking through it step by step.”
It’s a modern touch in a traditionally hands-on industry, and it’s helping M. Carlson stay ahead of the curve.
Adaptability and Continuous Learning
One of the most refreshing takeaways from our interview with Matt Carlson is his humility. Despite running a nearly $10 million company, he’s quick to admit, “We’re not perfect. We make mistakes. But we learn quickly and do the right thing to fix the mistake.”
What makes M. Carlson Painting stand out isn’t perfection, but its ability to correct course, adapt fast, and stay focused on the customer experience. Matt’s leadership style balances high expectations with open communication, and it’s built a team that genuinely wants to do better, not just for themselves, but for each other.
“I think we know now, when someone walks in, if they’re going to make it here,” he says. “We run at a certain pace. Our level of hard work and quality is hard to match. So if you’re here, you’re one of the best.”
Wrapping It Up
While M. Carlson Painting doesn’t track case studies in the traditional sense, Matt measures success in something more organic, honest feedback, real growth, and genuine relationships. “We keep collecting reviews. We keep growing. That says a lot.”
As Abra Kadabra shines a spotlight on local businesses doing it right, M. Carlson Painting is a standout example of what it means to grow with integrity, lead with humility, and serve with intention.
Whether you’re hiring them for a bold exterior refresh or a delicate interior touch-up, you’re not just getting painters, you’re getting a team that listens, learns, and always shows up.
As Matt puts it, “We just want to deliver five-star quality every time. Simple as that.”
Learn more about M. Carlson Painting at mcarlsonpainting.com
“Our trusted home painters’ reputation rests on meticulous attention to detail in every painting project, from start to finish, whether interior or exterior. Our professional painting team consists of dedicated painters, wallpaper installation experts, and carpentry professionals.”
“We pledge to complete your painting project flawlessly, on schedule, and within budget. Our focus on customer satisfaction drives our top-tier repeat and referral rates.”
Stay tuned for more Business Spotlight articles from Abra Kadabra Pest & Wildlife as we celebrate local businesses that make Minnesota a better place to live, one brushstroke and one act of service at a time.
