The story of Carlson Paint & Design
About us
Dave and Christi learned from over twenty years of experience that there were huge opportunities to be a better company than the ones they were previously working for. They recognized that in the contracting world, there was a lack of accountability, communication, reliability, and quality outcomes. They decided to be the best at those aspects and now carry them out in every project they earn.
They love what they do! And it shows! Their customers, which include homeowners, business owners, real estate agents, designers, and remodelers all receive their full attention and are delighted from start to finish.
Not only are they a high-quality painting company, but they also specialize in color consultation, design, and connecting customers in need of countertops, backsplashes, flooring, wallpaper and so much more. They plan to grow at a careful pace, always keeping quality as job #1.
Christi Carlson
Christi was born and raised in Hudson, Wisconsin. Growing up, her favorite things as a youth were gymnastics, weightlifting, art, and design. She began earning money from her paper route at the age of ten. At the age of fifteen, she started working in catering at the Hudson House for the next twenty years, followed by eight years with Northwest Airlines, while also raising two daughters. As her daughters grew up, Christi focussed on her one true love – design. She partnered in flipping homes until she hired Dave as a painter for a home she was designing. Dave hired her as an assistant painter / designer. They became best friends and worked as a team and after two years, they fell in love. Before Christi and Dave reunited in business, she gained experience in design, working for Fantastic Floors, Erskine Interiors, Midwest Tile, and Marble and Granite. Then at MSI, Christi honed her sales skills and industry knowledge as a tile sales rep for the State of Minnesota for four years, followed by two years as MSI’s showroom manager. In that role, she worked with customers, contractors, and designers as a design consultant.
Her specialization in solid surfaces such as tile for floors and backsplashes, LVP flooring, countertops, natural stone, porcelain, and quartz as well as stackstone and other surfaces sets Carlson Paint & Design apart from most painting companies.
She and Dave joined forces again with Carlson Paint & Design.
Educationally, Christi graduated from Hudson high school, then attended River Falls college for two years, studying physical education, followed by attending Dakota County Vo-Tech, training in the Travel industry.
Christi loves to cook, exercise, do yoga, walk their dog, Louix, spend time with her growing family, and spending hours talking about life and work with Dave.
Dave Carlson
Dave, whose business card identifies him as “Married to the Business”, hails from West St Paul, Mn. His favorite things to do as a child and young adult were all types of sports, especially baseball as an all-star pitcher. Dave was an early entrepreneur, owning and operating a snow removal and lawn care business, starting at the age of ten. In his late teens, he was a lead singer in a local rock band, Riff Raff. Dave graduated from Henry Sibley high school in 1978.
Dave continued his work life at the age of 15, cleaning a bakery. Then he worked at a grocery store as a stocker. After that, he worked for his Father’s company, doing all types of home improvement activities during the day. This is where he caught the “painting bug”. In the evenings performing with his band kept him busy. He then joined the corporate world for the next 20 years, starting as a customer service rep, and ending as a Director of Customer Services. While working for a healthcare business, he also opened and operated a courier and limousine service. He left the corporate world to purchase a restaurant. After selling the restaurant, he returned to his real passion and opened and operated Talking Walls Painting Company. As the years progressed, he decided that sales was his greatest strength. He helped grow sales for two other companies, until the summer of 2022, when he and Christi opened Carlson Paint and Design.
When time allows for some fun, Dave enjoys singing with bands, songwriting, hiking, cooking with Christi, eating at all types of restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
