About twenty years ago or so, I had a conversation with my Grandfather about me taking on the family trade and becoming a plasterer. While Gramps was a man of few words, he told me one thing that I'll never forget, He said "Paul, if this is what you want to do, make sure that you do every part, of every job, to the best of your ability. You have some big shoes to fill." I have never let that old man down and I have no intention to. With that in mind, I have also vowed to myself to be fair and accurate in my bids, both to my clients and myself.
Someone once asked me if I like my job, to that I quickly replied, "Absolutely! I couldn't imagine doing anything else that I enjoy as much." They then asked me what my favorite part was. That answer took some thinking. I told them that it was a toss-up. Partly because I enjoy restoring failing bits of plaster, stucco, drywall and tile by taking raw materials and making it look like there was never a problem to begin with. The other part that I enjoy is meeting people. When I come into someone's home for the first time, we are strangers for the most part, by the time the job is completed and everyone is pleased with the work that I have left behind. We have exchanged laughs, recipes, and maybe a few life lessons along the way.
Customer satisfaction
Thorough explanation of project options
Special thanks to Mark Hertzberg and Richard Lewis for their permission to use the copyrighted photos shown below.