A Memorial Day Reflection from Arclight’s Founders
Every year, Memorial Day gives us a chance to pause. To honor. To remember. It’s more than just the start of summer—it’s a deeply personal moment for many, including us here at Arclight Painting. Because before we were business owners, we were soldiers.
Service is at the core of who we are—not just in our backgrounds, but in how we lead our team, how we show up for our clients, and how we treat our community. It’s the thread that connects our military experience to the work we do today. And this month, we wanted to share a little more of that story with you.
From the Army to Arclight
Shawn served 20 years in the Army, from 2001 to 2021. He started out as an enlisted soldier and worked his way up to Staff Sergeant before commissioning and eventually becoming a Captain. His path was shaped by challenge, leadership, and growth.
Jennifer served 8 years (2001–2009), achieving the rank of Specialist. Her dedication, strength, and resilience are still felt in every corner of our company today.
They met in the most unexpected way—online, playing strategy games. When they realized they both lived in Washington and shared a background in military service, everything clicked. They were aligned not just in values, but in vision. That alignment became the foundation for Arclight Painting.
Defining “Service”
“Service” is a word that gets tossed around a lot—especially in business. But for us, it’s never been a tagline. It’s a way of life.
As Shawn puts it:
“Service means giving without expecting anything in return. It’s the quiet decision to carry a heavy weight because it helps someone else move forward. It’s not driven by recognition or reward—it’s driven by purpose.”
That’s the lens through which we view everything we do at Arclight. Whether we’re painting a living room, transforming a front porch, or helping a customer find the perfect color for their space, we’re thinking about how we can serve. Not just complete a task, but truly care. Truly listen. Truly deliver something that makes someone’s life better.
Building a Team with Heart
We know we can’t expect everyone to carry that same selfless mindset. But when we find it, we nurture it—because it changes everything.
It creates the kind of culture where coworkers become family. Where accountability is embraced, not avoided. Where doing things right matters just as much as doing them on time. That’s the culture we’re building at Arclight, and it’s why our team members go the extra mile—not because they have to, but because they care.
It’s also why our customers feel the difference. Whether it’s the clear communication, the detailed prep work, or the honest answers to tough questions, they know they’re in good hands. That’s not just good business. That’s military-grade integrity, discipline, and heart—translated into the painting world.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Memorial Day reminds us of the cost of freedom, the value of sacrifice, and the importance of remembering those who gave everything. It also challenges us to live in a way that honors their legacy. For us, that means continuing to lead with integrity, to build something that matters, and to serve our community in ways both big and small.
So from our Arclight family to yours—thank you for trusting us with your homes, your spaces, and your visions. And to our fellow veterans and military families: we see you, we honor you, and we’re grateful for your service.
This Memorial Day, let’s not only remember—let’s recommit to the values that make our communities strong.
