Business Details
33 Years
experience
Trusted Residential Painting Services in Irvine, CA
College Works empowers college students through a unique internship program that combines hands-on business ownership with residential painting services. Founded in 1993, we have trained over 25,000 students in leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional development while delivering high-quality home improvement solutions. Our program emphasizes real-world experience, mentorship, and community impact, with alumni achieving 90% post-graduation employment and $75K+ average salaries within five years.We operate in 13 Midwest states, offering exterior and interior painting backed by warranties, and maintain partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish to support philanthropy. Our rigorous training ensures both customer satisfaction and student growth, creating a dual impact on homeowners and future business leaders.
Services
Exterior Painting
Interior Painting
Deck Staining
Color Consultation
Warranty-Backed Work
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience training student entrepreneurs
- Warranty-backed residential painting services
- 90% alumni employment rate post-graduation
- Operates in 13 Midwest states with local teams
- Philanthropy partnerships with Make-A-Wish and Choose Life
What people say
Professional and efficient
Quality matches professionals
Excellent communication
Transformed home appearance
Worth the investment
Services
Exterior Painting
Our exterior painting service revitalizes home exteriors with premium, durable paints. We meticulously prep surfaces, repair wood rot, and apply finishes that enhance curb appeal while protecting against weather damage. Customers receive color consultation and warranty-backed workmanship, ensuring long-lasting results that increase property value.
Interior Painting
Interior painting transforms living spaces with precision and care. Our teams handle wall and ceiling painting, trim detailing, and molding work, using high-quality materials for flawless finishes. We prioritize minimal disruption to homeowners and guarantee satisfaction through our standard warranty coverage.
Deck Staining
Deck staining services restore outdoor spaces with protective, long-lasting finishes. We power wash surfaces, repair damage, and apply stains that resist fading and moisture. This service extends deck lifespan while enhancing aesthetic appeal, backed by our quality assurance guarantee.
Color Consultation
Professional color consultation helps homeowners choose optimal paint schemes. Our experts analyze architectural style, lighting, and personal preferences to recommend cohesive color palettes for both interior and exterior projects, ensuring visually appealing results.
Warranty-Backed Work
All painting services include standard warranty protection against defects in materials and workmanship. Extended warranty options provide additional peace of mind, reflecting our confidence in the quality of work performed by our rigorously trained student teams.
People
Matthew Stewart
Chief Executive Officer & Chairman
Co-founder of National Services Group, Matthew directs College Works' strategic vision. A seasoned entrepreneur with multiple awards, he champions student development and purpose-driven business practices while appearing as an expert in media outlets.
Sean Phelps
President
Leading daily operations since 2004, Sean expanded College Works' reach across five states. He mentored hundreds of interns, generated $40M+ in revenue, and holds an MBA in entrepreneurship from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Jeff Gunhus
Executive Officer
Co-founder and bestselling author Jeff oversees National Services Group. With a background in political science and economics, he combines business leadership with literary achievements and outdoor pursuits.
Jason Reid
Executive Officer
Starting as a painter, Jason rose to leadership in National Services Group. He mentors executives through organizations like YPO and TEC, balancing running, guitar, and martial arts achievements with his business career.
Spencer Pepe
Executive Officer
Recognized entrepreneur Spencer contributes strategic leadership to National Services Group. With Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recognition, he balances corporate expertise with adventurous hobbies like kayaking and mountain biking.
Questions
What services does College Works offer?
We provide exterior and interior residential painting, deck staining, color consultation, and surface preparation services with warranty-backed workmanship.
How does the internship program work?
Students run their own painting businesses through our Student Professional Program, gaining leadership experience, mentorship, and entrepreneurial skills during summer internships.
Are financing options available?
Yes, we offer financing solutions to help homeowners complete their painting projects with manageable payment plans.
What areas do you serve?
We operate in 13 Midwest states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
How can I request an estimate?
Complete our online form to receive a free, no-obligation estimate from a student manager in your area.
What warranty protections exist?
All services include standard warranty coverage against material defects and workmanship issues, with extended warranty options available for added protection.
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