Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Kelley.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Chris Kelley and I am a Nashville Native. Was born downtown in 1986 and from a young age, I have been an artistic guy. I’ve done everything from graffiti, murals, tattooing, and bartending to restaurant management and Project Coordination. I’ve enjoyed doing so many different jobs throughout my life as I feel it has taught me a lot about myself and what I love and dislike. I started Cardinal Painting LLC this past year because I know this industry and know how to paint. It was really that simple of a decision as I sat back one cold February morning reflecting on my career path and contemplating my overall happiness at my current job. I pulled the trigger on it quickly and got licensed and insured the next month and started offering residential and commercial paint services. I had no clue if I would gain any traction or not but I am happy to say, I have been blessed and business has been steady. That is mostly thanks to a good buddy of mine who is a successful Real Estate Agent, along with many other titles, named Josh. Love ya, Josh!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So life in and of itself has not been smooth for me at all. In 2014, I was recording music and trying my hardest to become a successful recording artist. Unfortunately, I ended up quite sick with no answers for 2 years. Finally, in 2016, a MRI revealed a brain tumor. That tumor was non-cancerous but was large enough that surgery and radiation was needed. Needless to say, that was a life set back that put me on disability for 5 years. Through every battle I have faced, I have learned one thing, even when you think it is over and you should quit, usually tomorrow still comes and offers another chance to take your life back. Even if taking your life back is an hour by hour battle. This has helped me a ton continue to persevere. Perseverance is often the line in the sand that divides us. I just want to be known as a guy that has pushed through and continues too. It a good look, I believe.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The current services that we offer at Cardinal Painting LLC include: residential and commercial interior and exterior painting, cabinetry painting, limewashing, epoxy finishing, and small remodels, such as bathrooms. My goal is to launch Cardinal Contracting in the Summer of 2026 and begin offering everything from home additions, decks, remodels, to new home builds. I will always offer painting tho, as painting is my baby. It brings me peace and I enjoy doing the work. I never want to be in a place where I am not onsite and checking in on jobs and getting my hands dirty from time to time. I believe successful businesses often have owners who stay involved and care about their employees. That’s why I want to make sure I am available and around for my team at all times. I am most proud of the reputation Cardinal Painting has built in less than a year. I feel my company is set apart from many other paint companies because of the level of intention and care that we show to our clients and their homes. I tell my team all the time about our clients before we ever step foot onto their property to begin work. It’s important my team knows their values and the “do’s and don’ts” before we arrive. I want my client to still feel at home, even with a team of construction professionals actively working at their residence.
What’s next?
The future is an ever expanding road that cuts off in so many directions. I just hope I take the right turns in this next year to successfully launch Cardinal Contracting. I believe the future is bright and I’m going to keep believing that. The biggest change coming to my company in 2026 is probably the hiring of 3-5 more talented laborers. I would like to have a 7 man (or woman) team by next Summer. A team of people dedicated to Cardinal and our reputation in Nashville and surrounding cities and a team dedicated to excellence.
Pricing:
- Our average residential interior painting cost is $4 per squarefoot. This would include the ceilings, trim, doors, and walls. So to break this down and make sure you understand, if your bedroom is 10’x10′ (100 squarefoot) the cost would be $400.00 to have that space fully repainted. Other services are priced differently job to job.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cardinalpaintingtn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cardinalpaintingtn/
