S & S Painting and Coatings, Inc.

Greg Severs: Painting His Way

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

CASTRO VALLEY —After painting his way through high school and college, Greg Severs figured it only made sense to keep going. “I started painting during the summers in high school and continued to paint part-time during college,” he recounts. “My goal after college was to start my own business, and since I knew painting, I decided it might as well be a painting business. My twin brother was also a painter, so we decided to join forces and started S & S Painting and Coatings in 1978. Shortly after, he left the country to play professional basketball in Europe, so I took over and have been running things myself ever since.”

Today, Greg says his favorite part of his job is seeing the fruits of his labor. “I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing a house or building take on a new, fresh-looking appearance in a short amount of time. And, of course, it’s always nice to put smiles on my customers’ faces.”

A resident of Castro Valley (where he lives with his wife, Janice, and their family), Greg spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I’m a gardener and I enjoy growing fresh vegetables, both for my family and to give to friends and customers. I also enjoy playing basketball in the backyard with my kids.” Additionally, Greg likes taking family trips to destinations like Twain Harte, Hawaii and Cancun.

In regard to his professional career, Greg operates under a simple ethos. “I try to treat others with honesty and fairness,” he says. “That goes for both my customers and my employees. By keeping everyone happy, it makes for high customer satisfaction and an enjoyable work environment.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Greg says he’d book a cruise with his entire family. “I’ve done quite a bit traveling through Europe, but there are other areas of the world I still want to visit. I think the next destinations on my list would be China and South America.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?

A: The Golden State Warriors.

Q: What’s your favorite band?

A: The Beatles.

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?

A: I played baseball and basketball, and competed in track throwing the shot put and discus. I actually got college scholarships in three different sports, which is pretty unique. I played basketball at the University of San Diego on a scholarship, then I transferred to Azusa Pacific University on scholarships in football and track.

Q: What’s your favorite family tradition?
A: Our Christmas Eve celebration. We play Pirate Bingo and have a bunch of goofy gifts as prizes.