Scott Penn and Brad Cage founded Partnership Painting in 1984 after learning the trade from Scott's father, a high school industrial arts teacher who painted houses during summers. The two have been friends since 1968 when they met in second grade. Today, Operations Manager Monica Hernandez coordinates projects while painters like Santiago, Jose, Juan, Rene, and Edgar handle job sites across the San Gabriel Valley.
The fully licensed and insured company specializes in residential and commercial painting, with particular expertise in historic Craftsman home restoration, cabinet refinishing, deck staining, and dry rot repair. Their portfolio spans from century-old Pasadena residences to landmark projects including the Caltech campus, Valley Hunt Club, and Arcadia Community Church. The team is EPA RRP lead-safe certified for work on pre-1978 homes.
Partnership Painting carries both liability and workers compensation insurance and offers a workmanship warranty. They serve Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Arcadia, Glendora, San Gabriel, Sierra Madre, and Eagle Rock.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Repeat business represents a significant pattern in reviews. Nancy D. notes this was her "THIRD job we've done at our house with Scott Penn and Partnership Painting." Victor P. describes his "second experience with this company" and specifically mentions "the painters included some of the same gentlemen as the first job, Rene and Edgar." The company states that 75% of their business comes from repeat customers or referrals.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Preparation consistently emerges as a standout practice. Kay F. describes how Santiago and Jose "kept the work areas neat, protected the plants next to the house and removed protective paper and plastic each day." Reviewers frequently note extensive masking, surface preparation, and protection of surrounding areas. One customer observed the crew spent "most of the time repairing, replacing, and prepping" before any painting began.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
The company has deep experience with historic architecture. Projects include work on century-old Craftsman homes throughout Pasadena's historic neighborhoods. David C. hired them for his "100 year old home" exterior restoration. The team handles the unique challenges of older properties including lead paint protocols, wood rot repair, and matching historic trim details. They are EPA certified for lead-safe work practices on pre-1978 homes.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Daily cleanup is a consistent theme across reviews. Don R. notes "We were in touch throughout the entire project and everyone was extremely thoughtful and helpful." Multiple customers describe crews who clean up completely each evening, store equipment neatly, and leave work areas safe. Kay F. specifically mentions the team "removed protective paper and plastic each day" rather than leaving materials out overnight.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Wood repair is a core capability. Victor P. specifically mentions hiring them for "exterior touch up and more repair of dry rot" alongside painting. Don R. describes extensive work where "They repaired a lot of stucco - including removal of an ancient wall A/C unit. They repaired the drywall inside." The company positions itself as "more than painters" with carpentry skills that can save customers from hiring separate contractors.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Owner involvement appears frequently in reviews. Scott Penn conducts consultations and maintains communication throughout projects. One reviewer noted Scott "was amazing from start to finish" on their multi-faceted project. Brad Cage handles estimates and customer relationships. The ownership team has been operating the business together since 1984, and customers regularly mention working directly with Scott or Brad rather than only crew members.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
The company received critical reviews from one customer (posting on both Google and Yelp) regarding a landlord security deposit dispute where the company's estimate was allegedly misused. Owner Scott Penn responded professionally on September 8, 2025, stating the company had "no records" of either the landlord or reviewer in their files and offering clarification. The response avoided defensiveness while addressing the situation directly.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Yes. Partnership Painting Inc holds California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) License No. 658584, classification C-33 (Painting and Decorating). The license is active with an expiration date of November 30, 2026. The listed personnel are Bradley Gerard Cage and Frederick Scott Penn. The company is also registered with the California Secretary of State as Partnership Painting, Inc., Entity No. 1711947, incorporated on August 28, 1992 and currently active.
-Verification Sources: California CSLB, California Secretary of State
Updated: 04-07-2026