We recently connected with David Creighton and have shared our conversation below.

David, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

From Food Service to Finding My Passion

David Creighton, with DC Painting KC, began his journey in the painting industry when he was 18 years old while later gaining experience in roofing, roofing distribution and remodeling. By high school, he was working in the food industry which sustained him for a while but never really invoked a true passion. After a few years in food service, a friend of his connected him with a contractor and he quickly discovered where he wanted to focus and develop his career. His journey began, followed by 16 years of hands-on work in the field before transitioning into leadership roles, showcasing his ability to network and delegate responsibilities effectively.

David’s life from a military family, broken homes, and being a sophomore dropout took a transformative turn to earning a GED while overcoming various legal troubles, and addiction. Juggling full-time work and single parenthood, he successfully graduated from Kaplan University with a degree in Business Administration and Business Management. With years of experience under his belt and a passion in the industry, he began thinking seriously about developing his path even further. In 2016, while walking to the river for some trout fishing, he had a very distinct feeling; “I heard a whisper of intuition that I should start my business, so that’s exactly what I did.” Within a year, he founded DC Painting KC with the mission to create a business that extended beyond himself to impact the lives of others.

““After I was introduced to painting and remodeling at the age of 18, I soon grew to favor the job site and the opportunity of transforming homes with undesirable conditions into spaces that homeowners could once again enjoy. That is exactly why I chose this industry. My goal is to build a lasting legacy for my family and the community. I also want to provide an environment for people to thrive while loving what they do as they work toward their personal and professional goals.”

David has lived in Kansas City since 2000. He and his wife have 6 kids—four girls and two boys. When he is not working he enjoys bow hunting for white tail deer. He also enjoys fly fishing for trout and taking new adventures with his family. “With six kids, my wife and I get to experience so many memorable moments in life, which is all the more reason to build a successful business.” To learn more about DC Painting KC or to schedule a painting consultation, visit dcpaintingkc.com. You can also contact David directly by calling 816-898-6303 or emailing him at [email protected].

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The Importance of Adaptability

In the world of business, and especially in the trades, adaptability isn’t just a skill—it’s a survival mechanism. Over the past few years, I’ve learned the ability to adapt to new trends, unexpected challenges, and shifting client expectations.

When I first started in the painting industry, the work was straightforward—apply paint, transform spaces, and move on to the next project. But as time passed, I realized that staying in one place, both in terms of skills and mindset, wasn’t an option. The industry evolves, new materials and techniques emerge, and client expectations shift. What worked yesterday may not be relevant tomorrow.

Adaptability has become a valuable asset. Whether it’s embracing new technologies, navigating complexities, or finding creative solutions when things don’t go as planned, the ability to pivot and adjust has made all the difference. I’ve faced challenges but each time, adapting and learning from the situation has allowed me to come out stronger on the other side.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that adaptability isn’t about changing who you are or compromising your values. It’s about staying open to new possibilities, being willing to learn, and having the courage to change direction when necessary. It’s about recognizing that the path to success is rarely linear, and that resilience often comes from our ability to adjust to whatever life throws our way.

As I continue to build and grow, adaptability remains at the core of my approach. It’s not just about keeping up with the industry—it’s about continuously evolving to meet the demands of a changing world.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Reflection

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to get caught up in the next goal, the next challenge, the next milestone. We’re constantly looking ahead, planning, and strategizing. But how often do we stop and take a moment to reflect on what we’ve already accomplished?

Recently, I took some time to step back and really look at the path I’ve walked so far. What I found was a series of milestones, each one representing hard work, perseverance, and a bit of grit. These are the moments that often go unnoticed when we’re too focused on what’s next.

Reflection isn’t just about appreciating where we are—it’s about recognizing the growth, the lessons learned, and the victories, no matter how small. It’s about realizing that the foundation we’ve built is stronger than we might have thought. This sense of accomplishment fuels confidence and reminds us that we’re capable of much more than we sometimes give ourselves credit for.

For those on the entrepreneurial journey, I encourage you to take a moment and reflect. Look at what you’ve built, acknowledge the hurdles you’ve overcome, and give yourself the credit you deserve. This isn’t just a pause; it’s a powerful tool for continuing to move forward with renewed purpose and determination.

As I continue to build my business, I’m reminded that every step, every decision, and every bit of hard work contributes to a future that will stand as a testament to what we’ve achieved. Let’s take the time to appreciate our journey and use that as fuel to keep pressing forward, turning our visions into lasting works of art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dcpaintingkc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcpaintingkc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcpaintingkc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcpaintingkc/