Doug Anderson

Doug Anderson started Anderson Pro Painting in 2005, before he’d finished his degree at Shippensburg University. He had a ladder, a truck, and a belief he’s never let go of: you make the world better by adding value to the people around you.

He’d already spent a year proving it. Doug served with City Year, an AmeriCorps program in inner-city Philadelphia, working with underprivileged children before attending College. He went on to serve six years on the board of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area in his late 30’s— three as Vice President, his final year as President. Today he sits on the board of M28, a nonprofit that helps men coming out of recovery centers find long-term housing. To Doug, none of that is separate from the painting business. It’s the same job: leave people better than you found them.

In 2010, five years into running the company, he earned an Executive MBA from Villanova University. Most contractors learn business by surviving it. Doug did both — and you can see it in how the company is built: 33 full-time employees, 27 painters, 14 vehicles, and full benefits for everyone on the payroll. That last part is unusual in this trade, and it’s deliberate. Painters here are career employees, not disposable labor. It’s the single biggest reason the crew that shows up at your building is better than the one down the street.

Outside the office, Doug enjoys traveling with Jillian, cheering on the Eagles and 76ers, spending time with family and friends, and continually learning. Whether he’s investing in his team, serving his community, or building the business, Doug believes the greatest measure of success is leaving people better than you found them.