Did you know that women make up only 10% of the building trades workforce? Though in recent years, more women have entered skilled trades than ever before. Behr Paint Company wants to shine a spotlight on the underrepresentation of women painting contractors and celebrate the successes of women leading the industry to inspire future generations. Behr’s Women in Paint™ program is an ongoing pledge to amplify voices, expand allyship, and support educational opportunities. In partnership with the Painting Contractors Association (PCA), we created a Business Anatomy episode for their docu-series that highlights four professional women painters. Meet the women who are pouring their passion into the paint industry and paving a path for their successors.
GILLIAN NIELSEN
President | Contemporary Surface Solutions, LLC
With more than 35 years of experience in the commercial painting industry, Gillian has built a rewarding career from the ground up. She began professionally painting at the age of 20, and by 22, she was the first commercial [painting] forewoman in San Diego, California.
Since her start, Gillian has been determined to break down barriers and pave the way for other women to follow in her footsteps. From working as a residential painter in her early days to her current role as the owner of Contemporary Surface Solutions, Gillian wants to inspire other women to pursue their dreams. In fact, she has mentored many young women and places an emphasis on employing women painters at her company. Gillian continues to be well-recognized and celebrated in the industry by her clients for her leadership, honesty and loyalty and attributes her success to the power of hard work and dedication.
GINA KOERT
President | Shamrock Painting, Inc.
Gina brings over two decades of experience working as a commercial contractor in Denver, Colorado. As the President of Shamrock Painting, Inc., former Board Director of the Painting Contractors Association (PCA), and Advisor to Finish Robotics, Gina is heavily involved in the industry and attributes her continued growth and success to building meaningful relationships with her peers. Gina’s expertise lies in overseeing daily operations, building new business strategies, and investing in continuous education and training for those in the skilled trades. She is a firm believer in educating the next generation of skilled workers and instilling a positive culture amongst her employees.
I love the gratification of being able to set people up for success, lead, and educate,” she remarks.
A believer in the power of positive culture, Gina hopes to inspire future professional painters by demonstrating that professional painting can be a dynamic and rewarding career.
BILLIE MACHAIN & VERONICA TUCCI
Co-Owners/Managing Partners | Billie’s Painting Solutions
Billie Machain and Veronica Tucci are a mother daughter duo who co-own their commercial painting company, Billie’s Painting Solutions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They started their business in 2022 and have seen tremendous growth since then, surpassing their first-year goal by 300%. Not only are they finding financial success, but they also attribute their growth to their tight-knit relationship and strong co-managing capabilities with one another.
My mom and I have moments that we haven’t shared ever,” Veronica proclaims. “We’ve built something, and we’ve experienced the worst together and the best together.”
Billie and Veronica’s combined experience allows them to creatively approach each project with a familial lens. Together, they are dedicated to training, mentoring, and developing their employees to educate and set future women painters up for success in their careers.
There are so many opportunities for women and it’s only becoming more advantageous for women to get into the [professional painting] industry,” Veronica proclaims.
To learn more about the program and how these women are trailblazing the industry, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.
