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A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1

 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1

When Rebuilding Together East Bay Network (RTEBN) asked if we could help with the painting on a home renovation project in Berkeley, we didn’t hesitate. Especially when we heard the circumstances.

We’ve partnered with RTEBN before on community painting projects (like our 2023 Project Color Painting for Charity Giveaway), but this was a little different. A senior neighbor and her veteran husband were left in an impossible situation after hiring a contractor who stripped their home to the studs and then disappeared, along with their savings.

Over the last couple of years since this happened, RTEBN has rallied an incredible group of partners to bring the property back to life. And now, it’s in the home stretch.

Partnering with Girls Garage and Rebuilding Together East Bay Network

This final phase of the renovation includes something special: a partnership with Girls Garage, a nonprofit that teaches building skills to girls and young women. Through their Big Skills Workforce Development Program, they’ve been bringing in students from the local community to get hands-on experience as the interior comes together.

The result is a truly community-driven rebuild—one that restores the home while also creating opportunities for the next generation of builders, tradespeople, and creative problem solvers.

 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1
 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1
 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1
 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1
 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1

MB Jessee Painting’s Role in the Berkeley Home Renovation Project

Originally, we were asked to handle the exterior repaint—a much-needed finishing touch to complement the work being done inside. But as the project timeline tightened, we were also asked to help wrap up the interior.

We were happy to say yes, and thanks to Sherwin-Williams, who generously donated all the paint and materials, we had everything we needed to get the job done.

“This project is exactly the kind of work that reminds you what a team of committed people can do when they show up for each other,” said Vicente Verduzco, Director of Operations at MB Jessee Painting. “It’s been an honor to support the homeowners and work alongside these nonprofits.”

Why We Said Yes to This Community Project in Berkeley

We believe in showing up when it counts, especially for projects that give back. And this wasn’t just about paint. It was about helping close out a long, difficult chapter for a local family, and supporting an effort that’s building real skills and confidence in the trades. That hits close to home for us on a lot of levels.

We’re grateful to be involved and looking forward to seeing the finished home. Stay tuned for Part 2!

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Customer Reviews

“Everyone I dealt with was nice, helpful, and very professional. The price was reasonable! (I didn't feel like I was getting the "San Francisco price." The attention to detail and work quality was excellent. They did what they said they would do in the exact timeframe they said they would do. Highly recommend!”

— Tim Tyson

“High quality work from a pleasant and qualified staff. Thank you!”

— Paul Markovich

“I want to express my thanks for a job well done. The rooms look great and there is no problem with any marks on the all the trim, floor, carpet, etc. The paint job is lovely. I also want to express my thanks for the level of professionalism the foreman showed in running the job. He was very attentive to any changes I needed to make, was extremely careful in getting the faux paint color and effect correct. Thanks so much for a job well done.”

— Suzan D’Arcy

“Richard and crew have been great, for sure. As much as I look forward to having the job done and my house back in order, I really enjoyed having them around. You should feel really good about how they represent your company.”

— Jessica Dodson

“Hello Matt,Just another notice of thanks to your wonderful crew, Rigoberto, Javier and John. They did fantastic work, with Rigo providing meticulous and conscientious attention to the details and excellent woodwork finishing, as evidenced by the beautiful fireplace. Javier did a fantastic job in the bathroom especially, it looks "brand new," and John always does quality work, both with the interior and exterior. I can tell they care about what they do. Rigo's "punch out" was very thorough, too. I will call again when I need some more work and will definitely recommend your company and fine crew. I also felt as a homeowner, I could leave my house in their good hands during the day and that took a lot of worry from me, they were honest, prompt and reliable. They were also very kind, respectful and clean in their work, very professional. Thank you.”

— Beth Marx & Melissa Kirsch
Oakland

“It was a great experience working with MB Jessee. The crew was careful and thorough as they painted the house, sealed stucco cracks, repaired dry-rotted wood, stained the deck, etc. Robert, Gersson, Jose, and all of the people involved in the process from the estimate to the job completion were friendly and professional.”

— Mike C.
Livermore, CA

“The completed 'Client Satisfaction Survey' we sent in only modestly reflects our total satisfaction with the work. As a retired small business owner, I compliment you on setting 'best practices' that are consistently followed. Everything described in your marketing materials was a reality! The crew is a super bowl team and our neighbors commented on how quiet they were. We are very happy to be a client of MB Jessee.”

— Richard
Orinda

“I had my wooden kitchen cabinets painted white. Anabal and Danielle were doing the job. I have nothing but praise for them. They came on time, cleaned up every day, were respective, friendly and helpful. If the rest of Jessee's crew are as great as Anabal and Danielle, this company will go far.”

— Anni S.
Oakland, CA

“In September, MBJessee finished painting two sides of our 3-story condominium building (six owners). We were impressed by the professionalism of the company and every one of its workers, Matt Jessee couldn't have been more helpful in planning the project. His painters were well-trained, easy to communicate with and eager to please. In addition to painting the stucco, they made extensive repairs on windows and frames, which will save us considerable money in the future. They finished earlier than anticipated, with as many as five men working on the job, and the scaffolding came down the next day. All of us were delighted with the results. Now my husband and I are looking forward to having MB Jessee paint our own apartment later this month. Matt and Gustavo (who will be our crew leader again) have explained how they will work to make the painting proceed smoothly while we're living here, and they have been endlessly patient with our protracted decision-making process. If you look at their website, you'll learn that MB Jessee is an exemplary company that takes good care of its workers as well as its customers, and contributes public service projects to the community. All in all, we can't recommend MB Jessee highly enough.”

— Jayne W.
San Francisco, CA

“Our paint crew did a great job and the foreman, Gersson was exceptionally great to work with. He was always available to answer questions, good at problem-solving, very patient, kind, and highly professional with great customer service. We definitely recommend this company, and Gersson and his crew.”

— Andrea Y.
Berkeley, CA

“Just wanted to let you know that the crew was great to have around the house for the past two weeks. All three of them were professional, courteous, and attentive to my thoughts/concerns and were extremely knowledgeable. They paid great attention to the detail and it shows.”

— Mark & Roberta Gross

“The people at M.B. Jessee are great – from the painters to the office staff to Matt. Talk about leadership from the top.”

— Kevin Ames, Mark Becker Homes