Jonathan Zawacki started Hands On Painters, Inc. with one intention in mind: To pay back his mother for supporting him while he took a 4,000-mile, cross-country bicycle trip which built up his leg muscles but drained his wallet.

When Jonathan came to the conclusion that he needed the means to pay off his debts (and fix his broken-down pickup) he started a business called Jonathan's Odd Jobs. Four years later Hands On Painters, Inc. was in full swing.

Hiring local talent gave his young company the know-how to compete with the old-time "pros." Jonathan's hard work and ability to pick experienced painters who cared about the quality of the job they do resulted in a successful company that prides itself on word-of-mouth referrals.

The rest, as they say, is history. Jonathan Zawacki, teacher, bicyclist, hard worker (and painter), after paying back his mother and fixing his pick-up truck, is still beautifying homes, although his role within the company has changed. He is now in charge of estimating and daily finances.

His goal? To keep Hands On Painters on its path of providing Painting projects with the attention to detail they deserve, while at the same time growing a little each year as staff and clients mature in skill and size.

Jonathan's Life before Hands On Painting: Jonathan spent four years at Towson State University and earned a B.S. in Psychology and three years teaching experiential education, also referred to as "hands on learning." His experience consisted of leading groups of young people on hiking and rock climbing trips while teaching them about the physical and mental demands required to "survive" their journey. Students learned about teamwork and communications skills while gaining a higher level of self confidence. Jonathan explains the experience this way: "It was kind of like working with four grumpy painters in 100º heat, hiking up and down ladders for nine hours straight."

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Derrick Conover made the transition from Landscaping, to Home Depot's Lawn & Garden Department, to painting when Jonathan asked him to help out part-time with his burgeoning painting business.

After working two jobs at between 70 and 80 hours per week, Derrick put Home Depot "on the back burner" so he could see if painting could turn into a lucrative career. Soon Hands On Painters expanded into a full-time job.

Derrick's hard work and dedication conntributed to the company's exponential growth. He is now co-running all field logistics and quality control with up to 20 employees during the busy season. Derrick has also taken on the role of estimating and training new employees.

Alex Kondner is a Baltimore native who attended Boy's Latin high school and has earned a Masters degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Alex is a working artist whose work is exhibited regularly at a New York art gallery. Alex's work is also gaining international acclaim.

Alex co-runs field logistics and quality control with Derrick Conover. He specializes in projects with faux finishes, decorator's input, and projects which that have historic significance.

Rich Hipsley joined HOP is September of 2000 and immediately made an impact on our business.   Rich is a field manager and an MVP on our team. His mechanical abilities have been invaluable in keeping our vans on the rode.

Erik Moeller came to us in November of 2000.   His outstanding carpentry skills and attention to detail have transformed many of our client's properties.   A key player in our organization, Erik is also one of our field managers and has 20 years experience in the industry.

Eddy Cortez started with Hands On Painters in May of 2001. A former sailor and sushi chef, Eddy is a field manager and a favorite with our clients.

Bob Grafton signed on in September of 2003.   Bob brings 20 of years experience to the company and was hired as a field manager.   Since joining us he has fueled HOP's growth with a long list of satisfied clients

Meanwhile back at the office...

Julia Wilson joined the company in March 2007.  Prior to joining HOP Julia worked as a journalist and as a database specialist in information technology. She divides her time between keeping HOP on track, her grandchildren, and her writing.    

Barbara Diefenbach, a life-long resident of Catonsville, brings thirty years of accounting and personnel experience to the HOP team. An avid photographer, her spare time is devoted to travel and recording nature.

Community Memberships
Hands On Painters, Inc. has been associated and is licensed with the Maryland Home Improvement Association, a member of The Professional Business Exchange of Howard County, a certified contractor with ImproveNet.com, a sponsor and participant for the Christmas In April Foundation, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training.

If you have questions, please send us an email at: questions@handsonpainters.com. Tell us about your particular needs or situation and we will get back to you with a solution and recommendation.