Proof Positive
"Once you let go of negative people, positive ones will appear."
We met Eber Pinon when he came into Surfaces five years ago carrying an artist’s canvas pad. A fellow painter had just told him that he had no future as a finisher and should find something else to do. Fortunately, the painter also told Eber about us. Rather than let his anger and disappointment take control, the experience motivated Eber to become more focused and determined to prove what he felt in his heart—that he had a God-given talent and a desire to be a great decorative painter.
Eber showed me the canvas pad of his ideas and experiments for finishes. Many were done with latex paints and drywall plasters. He shared that he wanted to up his game and make more money for his hard work. I can tell when someone has a passion for creating unique finishes and just needs the right tools to expand their potential. Plus, a teaching studio always appreciates an enthusiastic student, just like a curious artist needs a supportivementor. The timing was right for the both of us.
Eber is an experienced painter that admired the decorative art applications he saw in model homes and magazines. As he says, “I am a painter with sensibilities regarding color and design.” A smart remodeler recognized this talent and hired Eber for his house flipping business. He started with feature walls.This soon expanded to whole rooms and cabinetry. A major project was renovating a school into a housing complex. Things seemed to be going well until the first dip in the housing market, and the remodeler shuttered his business. Then, what Eber thought would be a mutually beneficial partnership didn’t turn out that way. That’s when he decided that he would have to build his business on his own. But creating your own dream is easier when you find a supportive environment with positive feedback.
We talked about his goals for expanding his business and what classes would be the best fit for him. As an experienced wall finisher who is comfortable with a trowel, he just needed some guidance on using popular Faux Effects® products like Palette Deco™, AquaStone®, and LusterStone®. He attended some of our one-day classes to quick start his portfolio and invested in specialty classes, like cabinetry and tile/countertops. Others began to notice his elegant finishes and his professionalism on a job. He gained a mentor in a local editor for a home magazine who has advised him on marketing his growing business. Eber uses social media such as Facebook, Pinterest, and a website to reach potential clients and connect with fellow artisans. He is a big believer in paying it forward. When contacted through his fan page regarding a job in Oklahoma, he politely referred the job to another Facebook Friend (and Faux Effects® user) whose work he admired that lives in the state. All he asked of the finisher was that they do a good job.
Married for 22 years to his lovely wife Ramona, Eber also is the proud father to Nazria who is studying to be a pastry chef in culinary school. And, listening to a big body builder type get mushy about his dogs—in this case dachshunds, Azul and Pink—is very endearing; a happy man with a happy home.
Eber has turned his professional training investment into a whole house approach, which adds to his profitability. He likes the wide range of Faux Effects® products available, because it allows him to integrate walls, cabinets, accessories, floors and counters. While interviewing for this article, I asked what would be his advice to other finishers: “Learn from criticism, but look for helpful information and support.” He added, “I’ve learned that you have to put your ego aside and be open to learning. Always try to do your best work, but be humble so you will always do better.” We at Surfaces are positive that Eber will go far. The proof is in his attitude and his work.
DECORATIVE ART BY: EBER PINON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: EBER PINON
WRITTEN BY: REBECCA SLATON
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