From Humble Beginnings to Grand Success: Painting with Purpose’s Journey to Winning the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup

In 2022, Zach Dunn founded Painting with Purpose with the support of UVM’s Catamount Innovation Fund. The company aimed to address the shortage of trades in the area by providing a range of services including residential and commercial painting, lead abatement, lead inspections, power washing, and minor carpentry. Dunn noted that starting a business can be challenging but emphasized starting small, keeping things simple and leveraging personal connections for assistance.

Two years later, Dunn’s team won the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup, a new competition launched by UVM’s Grossman School of Business. The competition featured three undergraduate teams presenting their ideas to a panel of judges. Painting with Purpose ultimately won the grand prize of $215,500.

Dunn expressed his gratitude for the recognition and described the experience as surreal. He also highlighted the importance of programs like this for Vermont’s workforce development. According to UVM business professor Erik Monsen, such programs are vital for teaching students not only technical skills but also the confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurship.

Painting with Purpose continues to make a positive impact in the community by donating a portion of their profits to Tim’s House, a shelter in St Albans. Dunn and his team are motivated to continue their work as they strive to create more opportunities for those in need while making a name for themselves in the local business scene.