Meet Chris Pressley Fourth-generation Painter and Owner of Paint Asheville
Chris & Crystal Pressley
Chris Pressley began his journey as a fourth-generation painter at the age of 15, learning the craft alongside his grandfather, Bob Queen, of Bob Queen Paint Co. Nearly four decades later, principles instilled by his grandfather of care, respect and a commitment to client relationships guide PaintAsheville.
For Chris, painting has always been more than a trade; it’s a legacy woven into his family’s history. He recalls days spent working alongside his great-grandfather, grandfather, father and uncles, absorbing not just technical skills but also the values that shaped their approach to business. “It was about more than painting,” he says. “It was about the stories, the relationships, and the pride in transforming spaces and lives through our work.” Meals at local restaurants after a day’s work went beyond breaks; they were the makings of community.
The technical side of painting has always fascinated Chris. Historic homes, he explains, require a delicate touch, meticulous surface preparation and a preservation-focused mindset. Commercial projects, on the other hand, demand durability and precision. Over the years, PaintAsheville has tackled a wide range of projects, from the renovation of the historic Biltmore School and Ruth’s Chris Steak House to painting the home of gospel singer George Beverly Shea.
Their most recent work includes the conversion of the old Gold’s Gym into the new Novant Health facility on Hendersonville Road. “We’ve done historical homes, residential homes, new commercial buildings and everything in between,” Chris says. “There’s no project we can’t handle with excellence.”
A deep sense of family and building community drives the team at Paint Asheville. Many team members are related, and those who aren’t have become as close as family over the years. “Loyalty is everything to us,” Chris says. “We watch our crews’ children grow up. We walk with them through tough times. And we make sure every project is completed with care, from start to finish.” This commitment extends to how the whole team operates. Estimators bring an eye for detail, ensuring each project is approached with intentionality. The admin and business team prioritizes customer service, keeping operations smooth and organized. Meanwhile, the crews take pride in their work, leaving no project until the client is fully satisfied. “Customer experience isn’t just a goal,” Chris emphasizes. “It’s the foundation of everything we do.”
What sets PaintAsheville apart, Chris believes, is their blend of experience and heart. “Our customers aren’t just names on a page,” he says. “They’re our neighbors, our community. We wouldn’t be here without them.” The team has encountered nearly every type of project imaginable and knows the ins and outs of what works and what doesn’t. “We bring tenderness and empathy to every home we enter,” he adds. “It’s not just about the job; it’s about the people.”
Community involvement is a cornerstone of PaintAsheville’s identity. As members of the Chamber of Commerce, they engage with local businesses, attend marketing events and stay informed about opportunities to give back. Sponsoring children’s sports teams and attending their games is another way they invest in Asheville. “Staying connected to the community isn’t optional for us,” Chris explains. “It’s how we’ve grown, and it’s how we give back to the place that made us.”
For PaintAsheville, painting is deeply personal. Crystal Pressley, co-owner and wife of Chris, shared a poignant example: A woman selling her mother’s condo faced the emotional challenge of removing outdated wallpaper her mother had loved. To honor her memory, the team saved a piece of the wallpaper and had it framed. “It meant everything to her,” Crystal says.
Go to PaintAsheville.com.