Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick O’Keefe.
Hi Nick, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Oak City Coatings in 2021 after spending more than a decade in the paint and coatings industry with Sherwin-Williams in sales and management. During that time, I worked closely with homeowners, painting companies, architects, engineers, and contractors, and I learned how much of an impact the right product, process, and communication can have on a project.
My background is a little unexpected. I studied Applied Mathematics at Appalachian State University and ran both Track and Cross Country. That taught me how to solve problems from different angles, something I still carry into my work today. I originally planned to study structural engineering at NC State, but after spending a summer as a camp director, I realized I was most energized by helping and empowering people.
That experience eventually led me into sales and leadership, and later to starting Oak City Coatings here in Raleigh. I wanted to build a painting company that did more than simply apply paint. I wanted to create a team that listens well, educates clients, recommends the right solutions, and stands behind the work.
Today, Oak City Coatings is a family-owned company serving homes and businesses across the Raleigh area. My wife, Stephanie, leads our marketing and customer experience behind the scenes, and together we’ve built a team we’re really proud of. For me, the best part is still the same as it’s always been: helping people solve problems, feel confident in their choices, and bring their vision to life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a perfectly smooth road, but every challenge has taught us something important.
One of the biggest struggles early on was learning how to grow while still protecting the quality of the work and the client experience. In painting, there are a lot of moving parts: the right products, the right prep, the right crew, clear communication, and the right expectations from the beginning. We learned quickly that doing great work is only one piece of the puzzle. Clients also need to feel informed, heard, and confident throughout the process.
Another challenge has been building the right team. We never want Oak City Coatings to be a company that only focuses on getting jobs done. We want it to be a place where people feel empowered, supported, and proud of the work they do. That takes time, trust, and a lot of intentional leadership.
We’ve also had to learn how to balance growth with family life. Oak City Coatings is a family-owned business, and we care deeply about what we’re building, but we also have two young boys and want to be present for them. We’ve learned the importance of being intentional with our time so we can show up well for our family, our team, and our clients.
So no, it hasn’t always been easy. But the challenges have shaped the way we lead, communicate, and serve. They’ve helped us build a company that values education, relationships, reliability, and doing the right thing from start to finish.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Oak City Coatings is a family-owned painting company based in Raleigh, North Carolina. We serve both residential and commercial clients, helping homeowners and businesses bring their spaces to life through high-quality painting, thoughtful product recommendations, and clear communication from start to finish.
We specialize in interior and exterior painting, as well as mineral-based coatings for exterior brick and fireplaces, including limewash. Because of our background in the paint and coatings industry, we know there is not always one “right” product for every project. Our job is to listen first, understand what the client wants and needs, and then recommend the best solution for their space, budget, and long-term goals.
What sets us apart is our emphasis on education and communication. Before we ever show up for an estimate, we typically have a phone call with the client to understand the project, answer questions, and talk through any concerns. From there, we provide full site estimates, color consultation options, and consistent communication throughout the project so everyone feels informed and confident.
We are also proud of the team we have built. Oak City Coatings is not just about getting paint on walls. It is about creating a company where our crews feel supported, empowered, and proud of their work. That shows up in the client experience, the quality of the finished product, and the relationships we build along the way.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the trust we have earned. We want people to know that when they work with Oak City Coatings, they are getting a team that values reliability, craftsmanship, education, and doing the right thing. Whether we are helping a family refresh their home or supporting a business through a commercial project, our goal is always the same: to make the process feel clear, professional, and personal, and to deliver work we are proud to stand behind.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
We really value continued learning, both personally and professionally. Whether it is through books, podcasts, conversations with other business owners, or resources that challenge the way we think, we are always looking for ways to grow as leaders, business owners, and people.
A lot of what helps us do our best work comes back to staying curious and being willing to learn. We want to keep improving how we communicate, lead our team, serve our clients, and make decisions about the future of Oak City Coatings. We believe there is always room to get better, and that mindset has shaped a lot of how we run the business.
We also place a high value on building relationships within our team. One thing we prioritize is creating time for team retreats and intentional conversations about where Oak City Coatings is headed, what goals we are working toward, and how we can continue improving for our clients. Those moments give us space to step back, reconnect, and make sure we are growing in the same direction.
At the end of the day, the best resources are the ones that help us show up better for our family, our team, our clients, and our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Oakcitycoatings.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakcitycoatings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakcitycoatings
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/oak-city-coatings
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@oakcitycoatings
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@oakcitycoatings
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=oak+city+coatings
