Case Study: New Zealand Paintercraft Trust

From Opportunity to Ownership: Building a Painting Business with Purpose

For one CGF General Scholarship recipient, a move across the world turned into something much bigger than expected. A career, a business, and a clear path forward.

Originally arriving in New Zealand from Brazil in 2011 to study English, Lucas’s plan was simple. But timing had other ideas. The Christchurch earthquakes had created an urgent demand for skilled trades, and that moment opened the door for Lucas to the painting industry.

What began as an opportunity quickly became a genuine passion.

There was something in the craft, the detail, the transformation, and the satisfaction of seeing a space completely changed, that stuck. Over time, Lucas’s experience grew across Christchurch and Auckland, building not just technical skill, but confidence.

By 2018, it was time for the next step.

With the backing of a previous employer and alongside his business partner Sygmun, they set up Unlock Painters in the Waikato. Like many good construction stories, it started with a few jobs passed on as a gesture of support. Just enough to get moving.

From there, it was about reputation, consistency, and doing the job properly.

Today, Unlock Painters delivers a wide range of services across residential and commercial projects, from interior and exterior painting through to roof painting, plastering, wallpapering, and house washing. The goal is simple. Be the team clients can rely on for the full package.

Behind that is a tight-knit crew of seven who genuinely enjoy what they do. No egos, no shortcuts. Just a team that takes pride in the finish.

From left: Sygmun and Lucas - directors Unlock Painters in the Waikato

Unlock Painters Team

Stepping Beyond the Tools

Like many in the trades, running a business came with its own learning curve for Lucas.

Being good at the craft is one thing. Running a business is something else entirely.

That’s what led to Lucas to apply for the New Zealand Paintercraft Trust business course, supported by a CGF General Scholarship.

The New Zealand Paintercraft Trust is an industry-funded organisation, primarily supported by Dulux, that provides business management training to recently qualified painting apprentices. Established in the early 1960s, it works with Master Painters NZ to teach key business skills to high-potential young tradespeople. 

The motivation to apply for business management training was straightforward. Keep learning, keep improving, and start thinking beyond day-to-day work.

“No matter how long you’ve been in the industry, there’s always more to learn.” Says Lucas.

The experience delivered exactly that.

One of the biggest challenges, and breakthroughs, was developing and presenting a full business case. It wasn’t something that Lucas had tackled before, and it pushed his thinking into new territory.

“It really pushed me to think more strategically about the future of the business. It took me out of my comfort zone in the best way,” he says.

Suddenly, the focus shifted from just getting through the next job to planning what the business could become.

That kind of shift doesn’t happen overnight. But when it does, it sticks.

Turning Learning into Action

Since completing the programme, the impact for Lucas and his business has been immediate and practical.

New systems and financial tools have been introduced. Planning has become more intentional. Communication with clients has been refined. Instead of reacting to whatever comes next, there is now a clearer structure guiding decisions.

It is the difference between running hard and running smart.

The business plan Lucas developed during the course has also played a key role. It created clarity around direction, priorities, and what success actually looks like.

That clarity is now flowing through the business.

Workflows are more organised. Goals are clearer. The team has stronger direction. Leadership has shifted from reactive to proactive.

Why This Matters for the Industry

There is a common gap in construction.

Most tradies learn their craft on the job, but very few receive formal training in how to run a business. Finance, leadership, systems, and marketing are often learned the hard way.

Programmes like the Paintercraft Trust business course help close that gap.

They give business owners the tools to step back, think strategically, and build something sustainable, not just busy.

That is where the real shift happens.

Looking Ahead

The biggest change for Lucas is not just systems or processes. It is confidence.

He now has a stronger sense of direction, a clearer long-term vision, and the tools to keep building something that lasts.

The team is growing stronger. The business is becoming more structured. The future feels far more intentional.

For others in the trades considering a similar step, the advice is simple.

“Go for it. It’s an investment in yourself and your business,” says Lucas.

Because sometimes, stepping away from the tools, even briefly, is exactly what moves everything forward.