Mile High Coatings

From Door-Knocks to a Trusted Brand: How David Nanninga Built Mile High Coatings Into a Colorado Success Story

July 03, 20253 min read
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One-Man Operation to a Family-Supporting Business

In 2008, when the company he worked for was abruptly sold and dissolved, David Nanninga was faced with a defining moment. He could either pursue another job—or take a leap of faith and start something of his own. At the time, he didn’t have much to lose and plenty of youthful ambition. Armed with a clipboard and a strong work ethic, he hit the pavement, knocking on doors to drum up business. That was the birth of Mile High Coatings.

What began as a solo effort quickly evolved through determination, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Today, Mile High Coatings is a well-established company offering a wide array of residential and commercial services throughout Colorado's Front Range. Though known for its excellence in painting, the company has positioned itself as a complete space transformation provider, offering concrete coatings, epoxy solutions, concrete polishing, and more.

The company’s evolution didn’t stop there. In 2016, Nanninga expanded services to include custom garage storage and cabinet installation—a move sparked by customer demand for turnkey transformation solutions. Instead of focusing on individual services, Mile High Coatings adapted its model to deliver cohesive, high-value upgrades. It's a strategy that not only met clients’ needs but differentiated the brand in a crowded market.

Building a Brand That Connects with Customers

Growth didn’t happen overnight. Mile High Coatings went through its own marketing learning curve. Over the years, Nanninga tested a variety of outreach methods—from local newspaper ads and billboards to bus wraps and more. Some tactics yielded results; others didn’t. Newspaper advertising, for instance, proved to be underwhelming. Through trial and error, the team discovered what resonated and refined their strategy accordingly.

Today, Mile High Coatings takes a more targeted approach. Their marketing focus includes in-home magazines such as Home Mag, along with paid digital advertising and strong online visibility through SEO. But what truly drives momentum after nearly two decades is word-of-mouth. With a foundation of repeat clients and referrals, the business now enjoys a steady influx of loyal customers—many of whom return for additional services or recommend Mile High Coatings to friends and neighbors.

For Nanninga, that trust is deeply personal. What started as a way to earn a living has matured into a calling with greater purpose. As a husband and father of three daughters, he now sees the company not only as a way to support his own family but also as a vehicle for supporting his employees' families. That shift in mindset transformed Mile High Coatings into a business centered on culture, opportunity, and shared success.

Staying Grounded Through Leadership and Legacy

Despite the company's steady growth, Nanninga remains hands-on. He still handles estimates and site visits himself—a choice that keeps him connected to both the customer experience and the pulse of the industry. It’s not just about staying visible as a leader—it’s about understanding what homeowners and property managers truly need and expect. His presence on-site helps inform everything from service innovation to internal training standards.

It’s this combination of strategic growth and grounded leadership that has fueled Mile High Coatings’ longevity in a competitive field. By marrying hands-on service with a scalable vision, Nanninga has built more than a business—he’s built a legacy of trust.

At its core, Mile High Coatings is about more than paint or polished concrete. It's about helping people rediscover the potential of their spaces. Whether it's turning a garage into a high-functioning showroom or protecting a home’s exterior from the elements, each project is treated as an opportunity to elevate quality and exceed expectations.

That’s what Nanninga means when he says Mile High Coatings is “setting a new peak in quality.” It’s not just a tagline—it’s a mission born from humble beginnings and carried forward by purpose, pride, and people.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: 
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com 
Mile High Coatings 

970-314-1023 

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Nick George

Executive Producer, Good Neighbor Podcast: Fort Collins

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