What makes David Nanninga with Mile High Coatings a good neighbor?

From Hardship to Success: The Mile High Coatings Story

In a recent episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, host Nick George sat down with David Nanninga, founder and owner of Mile High Coatings, to discuss his journey in the painting and specialty coatings industry. David's story is one of resilience, entrepreneurship, and growth that spans 17 years of business development in Northern Colorado.

Mile High Coatings began in 2008 as a residential house painting company but has evolved significantly over nearly two decades. Today, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services including concrete coatings, staining, polishing, epoxy flooring for garages, patios and basements, as well as garage cabinet storage solutions added in 2016. This evolution showcases how a successful business can adapt and expand its offerings to meet market demands while maintaining quality craftsmanship.

David's entry into the industry began during his college years at Colorado State University, where he participated in College Works Painting, an internship program teaching students how to run small businesses. This foundation proved invaluable when, at age 25, David faced a sudden and unexpected job loss. Rather than viewing this setback as a career-ending moment, he seized the opportunity to establish his own company, printing flyers and business cards and immediately beginning to knock on doors throughout Fort Collins to generate business. What makes this story particularly impressive is that David launched Mile High Coatings during the 2008 recession, demonstrating remarkable timing and courage in the face of economic uncertainty.

One interesting aspect of the conversation focused on common misconceptions in the industry, particularly regarding epoxy flooring. David explained that many consumers believe epoxy floors don't last and frequently peel, especially from hot tires. However, he clarified that this negative reputation stems primarily from DIY kits available at big box stores, which often fail due to inadequate preparation. In contrast, Mile High Coatings offers a lifetime warranty on their professionally installed garage floors, underscoring the durability and quality of their work compared to do-it-yourself alternatives.

The company serves a diverse customer base, from homeowners looking to upgrade their properties to business owners, facilities managers, and contractors requiring commercial and industrial solutions. David mentioned that many of their clients are on their second or third homes, or have found their "forever homes" and want to enhance their living spaces. Mile High Coatings' marketing strategy has evolved over time, moving from traditional advertisements like bus benches and newspaper ads to a more refined approach focusing on online search, home improvement magazines, and most importantly, repeat and referral business from satisfied customers.

Beyond his professional life, David balances running a successful business with family responsibilities as a father of three girls ranging from second grade to high school age. During winter months, the family enjoys skiing with their Icon Pass, while summer finds David mountain biking and golfing when time permits. This glimpse into his personal life highlights the challenges of entrepreneurship and parenting, describing their household as being in "peak activity all the time."

What stands out about Mile High Coatings is David's commitment to ownership and long-term vision. He proudly emphasized that his business isn't a franchise but rather something he built from the ground up through hard work and perseverance. He expressed his intention to continue owning and operating the business for years to come, leveraging the lessons learned from past mistakes to improve and grow. This dedication to his craft and business philosophy likely resonates with clients seeking reliability and continuity in the services they purchase.

For Fort Collins residents interested in exploring Mile High Coatings' services, their comprehensive website at https://milehighcoatings.com/ provides detailed information about all their offerings. The company represents the kind of local business success story that the Good Neighbor Podcast aims to highlight – enterprises built through determination, quality work, and strong community connections.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings go to: 

https://milehighcoatings.com/

Mile High Coatings

970-314-1023