From New York City to Charlottesville: How Mel started A & T

Mel Carrozza, the owner of A & T Furniture Refinishing, worked in the hospitality industry for more than twenty years before he made a career change. Ever since his childhood in New York City, he had enjoyed painting houses. He always liked the satisfaction of seeing the way paint would turn a dingy and old home into something shiny and new.

 

While cleaning the shop of a local painting contractor, his boss took him under his wing and taught Mel different painting techniques and processes, which elevated his knowledge and understanding of the products and the industry. After working in different positions at the local paint shop, he went into full-time painting. After two years of mentoring from the paint shop owner, Mel gained the direction and confidence he needed to branch out on his own.

 

He started his own paint and cabinet repair shop in a small store front in Ivy, Virginia. He drove his own car to pick up and deliver small cabinet jobs. Due to his early success, he purchased his first A & T Refinishing van. He then expanded his paint shop to accommodate up to four cabinet jobs at one time.

 

After doing his research, he found that the Charlottesville and Central Virginia area needed an experienced indoor and outdoor painter. This part of his business has grown, as well, as he has built a team of quality artisans and painters.

 

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