From Iowa to Chroma: Emily’s Journey
Emily’s path to Chroma was anything but straightforward. Originally from Iowa, she moved to North Carolina about two years ago, seeking new opportunities. Her background included experience in the restaurant industry, where she quickly climbed from a burrito roller to a general manager position at the young age of 20.
During the COVID pandemic, Emily discovered a passion for painting—initially just on canvases—which eventually led her to work for a paint company. There, she gained valuable experience as part of an all-female crew, developing skills that would later prove invaluable at Chroma.
“I debated it a lot before I moved out,” Emily shares about her decision to leave Iowa. “My foreman on that crew, she was like, ‘just do it. You got to get out.'” That encouragement, coupled with her sister’s support, gave Emily the push she needed to make the move to North Carolina.
First Impressions and Growth
Emily’s introduction to Chroma came through an unexpected channel. While working as an office manager for a farm, one of her first tasks was to call AJ to paint a room in a property. This initial interaction led to a professional relationship that would eventually bring Emily into the Chroma fold.
When asked about her first impressions of Chroma, Emily admits she didn’t fully understand the scope of the company at first. “I came in the first day and then I realized what this company actually was. And I told AJ, ‘Why did you never explain to me everything else about this company? I would have been here months ago when you first asked me.'”
What surprised her most was discovering that Chroma was more than just a paint company—it also encompassed a software company and a foundation dedicated to giving back to the community.
I came in the first day and then I realized what this company actually was. And I told AJ, 'Why did you never explain to me everything else about this company? 'I would have been here months ago!
Leading Major Projects
Now, as Director of Commercial Partnerships, Emily manages some of Chroma’s largest contracts. Her hands-on experience as a painter gives her unique insight when overseeing projects.
“I think there’s a process to new construction that a lot of people don’t understand,” Emily explains. “And luckily I did it as a painter with some experience in that.” This knowledge allows her to optimize workflows and ensure projects run efficiently.
Emily’s approach to quality assurance is thorough and proactive. Before walking through a completed project with clients, she conducts her own detailed inspection. “I want to know what I’m walking into. I don’t want to go in blind with them,” she says, emphasizing her commitment to delivering excellence.
Being a Woman in the Construction Industry
When asked about challenges she faces as a woman in the commercial construction industry, Emily notes that she often feels she has “something else to prove” compared to her male counterparts.
“I feel like I get more of the hard-hitting questions when they’re really trying to see if I know what I’m talking about,” she reflects. However, she adds that her role at Chroma has helped her build confidence in navigating these situations.
Beyond Paint: Making a Difference
Perhaps what resonates most with Emily about Chroma is the company’s commitment to making a difference beyond the business. The team recently returned from a trip to Mexico, where they not only worked on software development but also visited an orphanage—an experience that deeply affected Emily.
“It just changes your perspective on things,” she shares. “People really have it rough out there, but they are so happy and survive off of so little… and people every day here have so much, and they’re angry all the time.”
This perspective has changed how Emily approaches her work, giving her a deeper sense of purpose. “I think it helps because now I’ve been a part of it, and I’m like, this is what we do.”
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Emily is excited about creating more relationships and being more involved with the software and foundation aspects of Chroma. “I think it’s fun because it doesn’t feel like work,” she says. “I feel like there’s something that drives everyone.”
This drive is what makes Chroma more than just a paint company. As AJ puts it, “It’s exciting to actually make a difference and be able to provide a tangible thing that can be conveyed from one to another.”
Whether it’s adding a fresh feel to a room, giving a hug to somebody who needs it, or providing insight to somebody trying to provide for their family and community—Chroma, with team members like Emily, is committed to making a positive impact in multiple ways.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Emily is excited about creating more relationships and being more involved with the software and foundation aspects of Chroma. “I think it’s fun because it doesn’t feel like work,” she says. “I feel like there’s something that drives everyone.”
This drive is what makes Chroma more than just a paint company. As AJ puts it, “It’s exciting to actually make a difference and be able to provide a tangible thing that can be conveyed from one to another.”
Whether it’s adding a fresh feel to a room, giving a hug to somebody who needs it, or providing insight to somebody trying to provide for their family and community—Chroma, with team members like Emily, is committed to making a positive impact in multiple ways.
