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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

“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 love the article in the paper on your company. Thank you for supporting our community by painting at the Claremont Middle School. Thanks!”

— Carla Banks

“M.B. Jessee painted the exterior of my Spanish house over 9 years ago, and they did such an incredible job that they are still getting referrals from me today. The paint is holding up perfectly -- there is absolutely no peeling chipping or any other deterioration. I still remember that my final walk-through list consisted of items written on one side of a 3x5 index card (and I'm REAL picky about my house!) However, when Matt and I did that walk-through over HALF the items were no longer an issue, as his team had noticed them first and they had already been resolved.”

— JoAnn Newcomb

“The painters at MB Jesse are top notch! Cesar's team was super friendly and helpful. They were very polite and accommodating. Their expertise in everything painting related was evident in their attention to detail and efficiency painting tricky spaces. The apartment looks brand new!”

— Adam Swisher

“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

“Thank you for the support you have given the Women's Cancer Resource Center over the past year!”

— Margo - Director Women's Cancer Resource Center

“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

“Edy and crew are hard at work. They are doing a great job. Very professional outfit you have. Your crew is a delight. You may use me for a reference!”

— Heidi B
Walnut Creek

“In all the years I've worked with MB Jessee, I'm always so impressed by your crews. They are so respectful of everything--you never even know they're there! Except that the paint looks amazing when they're gone. We've had one showing of our home and already have an offer. I'm sure it is because the paint looks so beautiful.”

— Erin T.
Pleasant Hill

“Julie,Just to let you know I am very appreciative of your crew catching the plumbing/mold problem. It was very astute of them. I wanted to let you know that again your crew has done excellent work here, please pass this along to Mr. Jessee. There are some bumps in the road here, but the painting and your crew has not been one of them. Their work is the only thing going right currently, and this crew is very nice and respectful. It is much appreciated. Thank you again.”

— Beth
Oakland

“Just had MB Jessee paint the interior of our house and they did a wonderful job. They tackled some crazy wallpaper as well as painted some very high ceilings and walls. The whole process was quick and they did a great job! We are very pleased. I was also very impressed by the crew. They were very personable, kind and actually took pride in the work they were doing. In one of our conversations with the lead Ricardo, he actually told me he was very proud of how the rooms had turned out. I agree sir! It turned out great and it's not often you hear someone thinking of your home like they would theirs, and putting that level of work and quality into it. That made a huge difference in how I viewed this company. Ricardo, you were fantastic and thank you for the great job, we will be using you again.”

— Jeff M.
Danville, CA

“I just wanted to send you an email to say that John did such a great job over here today. He is truly a hard worker. He has the perfect balance of friendliness, honesty, and professionalism. I trust him. He takes the time to do the job to the best of his ability and that is what sets him (and your company) apart from the competition. He didn't make me feel rushed. He really made me feel like our job was the most important thing in the world. Thanks again!”

— Jo
Oakland