Daily Inspiration: Meet William Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to William Johnson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is William Johnson Sr., and I’m a professional painter based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Today, I travel across the United States providing high-end custom painting, residential repaints, and repair work for homeowners, investors, and clients who want the job done right the first time.

What’s interesting is that I never planned for this career. Back in 2013, someone asked me to paint their nail salon. They told me that if I didn’t do a good job, they weren’t going to pay me. That was my very first custom paint project, and I gave it everything I had. That one opportunity changed my life. From there, word began to spread, and one project led to another.

In the beginning, I focused mainly on custom paint work. As the years went by, my reputation for quality, reliability, and keeping my word opened new doors. My business evolved from custom projects into painting entire homes, especially for homeowners preparing to sell their properties. People know they can count on me to show up, do the work correctly, and stand behind what I do.

Over the years, I’ve also had the privilege of working for several well-known celebrities. For a long time, I chose not to publicize that because I never wanted everyday people to think I was out of reach. I’ve always wanted every homeowner to feel like they could call me and receive the same level of professionalism and quality, regardless of who they are.

One thing I’m most proud of is that my business has grown primarily through trust, referrals, and consistency. I’ve been blessed to stay busy because I’ve built a reputation for doing what I say I’m going to do and delivering quality work every time.

Years ago, when I interviewed with you, I was much more reserved. I had a difficult past that I was working hard to move beyond, and I wanted people to judge me by the man I was becoming rather than the mistakes I’d made. Today, I’m comfortable sharing more of my journey because I believe it shows that your past doesn’t have to determine your future.

Looking back, painting didn’t just become my career—it became my purpose. It’s given me the opportunity to build a successful business, serve people across the country, and prove that with hard work, integrity, and consistency, one opportunity can truly change your life.

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?
Like any business owner, I’ve faced my share of challenges over the years. In the beginning, one of the biggest obstacles was simply getting people to trust me. I didn’t have a long list of references or a big portfolio—I just had my work ethic and a determination to prove myself on every job.

Another challenge was building a business while trying to leave my past behind. I wanted to be known for the quality of my work and the person I had become, not for mistakes I had made years earlier. That meant I had to work even harder to earn people’s confidence and let my actions speak louder than my words.

As my business grew, another challenge was learning how to balance demand. I went from doing custom paint projects to painting entire homes and traveling across the country for clients. That required discipline, organization, and making sure every customer received the same level of quality, no matter where the job was.

I’ve also made a conscious decision over the years not to rely on hype or social media to build my business. Even after working for celebrities and high-profile clients, I chose to keep that private because I never wanted everyday homeowners to feel like I wasn’t available to them. I wanted my reputation to be built on trust, referrals, and consistent results—not on who I’d worked for.

Looking back, every obstacle taught me something. They made me stronger, more disciplined, and more committed to excellence. Today, I see challenges as opportunities to grow, and I believe that’s one of the reasons I’ve been able to build a business that continues to thrive year after year.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in custom painting, decorative finishes, murals, and complete residential repaints. Whether it’s creating a one-of-a-kind feature wall inside a home, painting the exterior of a business, restoring decks and fences, or getting an entire house market-ready, I take pride in delivering quality work that lasts.

One of my specialties is custom design. If a client has an idea for a wall or mural, I can usually bring that vision to life. I enjoy creating pieces that are unique to each customer because no two projects are exactly the same.

I’m also known for helping homeowners prepare their homes for sale. That means more than just painting. I identify and repair imperfections that could turn buyers away, making sure the home presents its best possible first impression. My goal is to save my clients time, money, and unnecessary stress by doing the job right the first time.

What sets me apart is my work ethic and my ability to produce exceptional results on my own. I’m often flown across the country to complete projects because clients trust me to deliver. While many jobs require an entire crew, I’ve built a reputation for completing those same projects by myself without sacrificing quality.

Another thing that makes me different is my schedule. I often work overnight while my clients are sleeping, so when they wake up, they can already see the progress that’s been made. I understand that time is valuable, and I do everything I can to complete projects efficiently while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship.

More than anything, I’m most proud of the trust I’ve earned. My business has been built through referrals, repeat customers, and keeping my word. I believe that talent can get your foot in the door, but consistency, integrity, and delivering on your promises are what keep you in business. That’s the reputation I’ve worked hard to build, and it’s something I’m proud of every single day.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The painting industry has changed a lot over the past decade, and I believe it will continue to evolve over the next five to ten years. Technology is advancing rapidly, and I think everyone in the trades has wondered at some point whether automation or robotics could eventually replace certain parts of what we do.

Personally, I don’t believe a robot can replace true craftsmanship. Painting isn’t just about putting color on a wall. It’s about preparation, attention to detail, problem-solving, and making adjustments as you go. Every home and every project is different, and there isn’t a machine that can consistently match the judgment, creativity, and pride that an experienced painter brings to every job.

That said, I do believe technology will become a bigger part of our industry. It will improve the tools we use, the products we work with, and the way we manage projects. As someone who embraces innovation, I’d rather grow with technology than compete against it. If anything, I’d love to be part of creating new tools or equipment that help painters work even more efficiently without sacrificing quality.

One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen wasn’t technology—it was the impact of the pandemic. Before COVID, custom walls, decorative finishes, and home design were booming. People were investing heavily in making their homes unique. After the pandemic and with the rising cost of living, many homeowners shifted their priorities. Instead of luxury upgrades, they focused on essential repairs and maintaining their homes.

Even with those changes, one thing has remained constant: painting isn’t going anywhere. Homes still need to be painted, businesses still need maintenance, properties still need repairs before they’re sold, and quality workmanship will always be in demand. Trends may change, but there will always be a need for skilled professionals who take pride in their work.

I believe the painters who will thrive over the next decade are the ones who continue learning, adapt to new technology, and never compromise on quality. That’s the standard I’ve built my business on, and I believe it will continue to serve me well in the future.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Getwillpaint
• Facebook: Getwillpaint
• Youtube: @Getwillpaint3