Meet Your Project Planner – Charles Cook

I recently sat down with one of our Project Planners at Elite Pro Painting, Charles Cook.  Charles is currently rocking a sweet stache and you’ll find him Downtown Indy, on the Southside or somewhere else randomly in Indiana.  His straightforward manner and even keel personality endear his clients to him and make him a great asset to our team.

Why Elite Pro?

I went to art school and learning about paint was something I was already interested in. I’ve used my background to paint around a mural, custom white-wash, and it leans more towards what I like to do more than any other job, especially a boring office job.  I don’t like sitting in an office chair for 10 hours.  Plus, during the interview, Logan made it a big point about how much Elite Pro gives back; I’ve never worked for a company that did that and it was something I wanted to be a part of.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

Spend time with my family and play volleyball (THIS is new information and part of the reason I love these interviews)vI played club in college, I’m “ok”. (somehow I doubt that)

What is your favorite thing about helping clients?

For the clients that are excited about getting their house painting, I like guiding them through the process and giving them a solution. Ending up with a shiny, new house and happy clients at the end is awesome. I also love meeting new people and have met a lot of nice clients.

What are your favorite paint colors?

Man, I knew you were going to ask this question-a color that has been following me around that isn’t necessarily my favorite is Daphne-very first job I sold was a chimney and they wanted it Daphne.  I really like the mossy green paint colors, like 6447 Evergreens & Tricorn. Black, obviously.  I love black.

What is your favorite food?

I don’t Chris, I really don’t.  I love all food.  I like a good steak – it’s the only food I’m willing to splurge on – I’m trying to eat better, more salads, more cold meat sandwiches, but I’m not excited about it. 

What is your most memorable experience with a client?

Any of the major color scheme changes, I just love those.  They are really committing to a new color change – it tells me something about them.  I like seeing people take a chance on color,; take a chance and it turns out well.

How long have you been with Elite Pro?

Since March 2020, 8 months now.

Do you have any pets?

No, no I don’t. We used to have two cats, but the kids kind of took over our house. 

Tell me a bit about your immediate family:

I’m Charles Richard Cook III, so lots of Charles in the family-apparently we couldn’t come up with another name.  But I broke the cycle with my son Simon by naming him something other than Charles-ha!  My mom is from the Philippines, so I’m half Filipino. I am married to my wife Destiny for 2 years this December-got married 10 days after Simon was born.  Our girl, Rory, was born this last July. 

Where did you grow up?

Anchorage, Alaska at the end of elementary and that is where I graduated high school – I was in Japan from 3-9 and then somehow I landed in Indiana, and in Muncie no less.  I went to Ball State for college. Once the kids are grown, I’m out of here!!

What is your best advice for a client looking to make a big color change?

Do your research, but don’t be afraid to take a chance.  Clients are usually happily surprised when they do change – never had a client hate it yet.  If you’re going to do it, be 100% about it.