Every so often, a story comes along that says more about a company's culture than any mission statement ever could. This is one of those stories.
We first hired this team member on January 31, 2022. Over the following years, they became a valued part of our crew — learning the trade, building relationships, and helping us deliver the kind of work our clients count on. At the end of 2024, they decided to leave Platypus Painting to take an opportunity with another company. We wished them well, as we always do, because we know that people sometimes need to explore what else is out there.
This past month, they came back. And honestly? We weren't surprised.
Why Our People Tend to Stay
At Platypus Painting, we've always believed that taking care of our team isn't just the right thing to do — it's the foundation of a business that actually works. Here's what that looks like in practice:
We pay well. Skilled tradespeople deserve to be compensated fairly for the work they do, and we make sure our pay reflects the quality and effort our crews bring to every job.
We invest heavily in safety. Painting and exterior work comes with real risks — ladders, scaffolding, chemicals, heights. That's why we run extensive, ongoing safety trainings to make sure every person on our crew goes home safe at the end of the day, every day.
We carry the right insurance. Our team is protected by the proper insurance coverage, so if something ever does go wrong, our employees aren't left exposed or worrying about what happens next.
We offer a 401(k). Building a career with us also means building toward the future, with retirement benefits that help our team plan for life beyond the job site.
We have a genuine family vibe. Maybe most importantly, Platypus Painting doesn't feel like a typical workplace. We look out for each other, celebrate wins together, and treat our crew like family — not just line items on a payroll report.
When They Leave, They Often Come Back
Because of all this, our turnover is low — our people generally stick around. But we're realistic: sometimes someone wants to try something new, chase a different opportunity, or see what's on the other side. We understand that, and we don't take it personally.
What we've noticed, though, is a pattern: when someone does leave, they often find their way back. They come back because they remember what it felt like to be paid fairly, trained properly, protected on the job, and treated like part of a family rather than just another employee.
So to our returning team member — welcome home. We're glad you're back, and we're excited for what's ahead.
