Phil VanderLaan founded PMV Painting in 2001, growing it from a two-person operation to a team of more than 25 full-time employees working out of their Portage, Michigan headquarters on Vanderbilt Avenue. Project Manager Cody Fullmer oversees scheduling and coordination while seven crew leaders, including Cody Heiss, Jamie Simpson, Norm Johnson, and Kendall Hale, run job sites across the greater Kalamazoo area.
The company handles residential interior and exterior painting, commercial projects for offices, retail spaces, and manufacturing facilities, and runs an in-house spray booth for factory-grade cabinet refinishing and refacing. Wood staining, drywall repair, wallpaper services, and color consultation round out their offerings.
PMV Painting is BBB accredited and carries a 3-year warranty on interior and exterior painting along with a 5-year warranty on cabinet refinishing, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The team serves Portage, Kalamazoo, Vicksburg, Richland, Mattawan, Paw Paw, and surrounding Southwest Michigan communities.
Updated: 03-27-2026
Over 30 reviews reference individual painters, from Cody Heiss and Jamie Simpson to Kendall Hale, Jenny Johnson, and Marco. Virginia Bolshakova called Kendall and Jenny "ROCKSTARS" for their work following plaster repairs. Laurie Hankins praised Cody's "awesome eye for detail when painting" and daily communication. This naming pattern reflects consistent crew assignments where customers build trust with specific team members.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
PMV's cabinet work draws some of the most detailed reviews. Mandi Hull described her refacing project as costing "a massive fraction of the cost the other companies were trying to sell me" while receiving soft-close hinges and even a custom-built cabinet for a new microwave. Thomas Darrington noted the paint was "extremely durable" and cabinets looked brand new after 4.5 days. Holli Karrer added that PMV "builds tent barriers to minimize dust from sanding."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Customers consistently praise the daily cleanup routine. K Mortlock noted PMV "left not a speck of dust or evidence that they had been here." Rick Viel described how the team "curtained off the kitchen from the rest of the house to eliminate paint spray carry over." Daniel Kinney confirmed they "cleaned up at the end of every day" and even moved heavy furniture back into place.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Several reviewers addressed value directly. Nan B acknowledged PMV was "one of our higher bids, but they were worth every penny." Tony Bianco spoke with several painters and found "a clear difference in the cultural fit and comfort" with Phil compared to competitors. Kevin Harrison described the price as "fair and reasonable" after receiving neighborhood compliments on the workmanship.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Gina Tuttle's review describes a nearly 4,000 square foot home that needed a complete repaint before move-in. Phil and his team "worked days, nights, weekends, and even right up to holidays" to meet the deadline. Chris Shamus had PMV repaint his entire interior after smoke damage, praising their "very timely manner knowing that we are on a tight timeline." Both reviews highlight the team's ability to accelerate without sacrificing quality.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Sara Manring has "worked with PMV for 17 years" across cabinets, exterior painting, door staining, and interior walls. Sarah Curtis Graziano has used them "for over fifteen years" on two houses plus furniture projects, calling Phil a friend. Maria Nelson writes she will "always use PMV." Minde Artman was so pleased with her main floor that she brought PMV back months later for the basement.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
David J. on Yelp gave four stars, noting painters were "great; courteous and respectful" but citing project management delays. Owner Phil V. responded by acknowledging the feedback and expressing appreciation. Jeremy Olszowy gave four stars on Google, requesting "better communication leading up to the start of the project." The owner replied warmly, stating they are "always looking to improve our communication." Both responses show accountability over defensiveness.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
louie gibson's review provides direct evidence. After his building was painted, a small peeling issue appeared. PMV "came out 2 years later and made it right." He noted "they stood behind their work and product." Robin Tullock also mentioned "a couple little things that they fixed right away." The company's posted warranty terms (3 years interior, 5 years cabinets) formalize this commitment.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Michigan requires a Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor License (Painting and Decorating J classification) for residential work over $600, administered by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). A specific LARA contractor license number for PMV could not be verified through the online lookup at aca-prod.accela.com/LARA. The business is registered as PMV Painting and Decorating, Inc., a Domestic Profit Corporation, Entity No. 800661130, with Active status and Good AR Standing, filed 11/02/2005 with the Michigan Secretary of State. The registered office is 1701 Vanderbilt Ave Ste A, Portage, MI 49024, with Phil VanderLaan listed as President and Resident Agent.
-Verification Sources: Michigan LARA, Michigan Secretary of State Business Registry
Updated: 03-27-2026