It’s been almost two years since Reggie Pangilinan first came to Muskoka as a residential painter with Roll-On Painting in Muskoka. It’s been an adventure of a lifetime for Reggie, who had never worked in Canada before.
“I started the process of applying to work in Canada four years ago,” he says, adding that he was interviewed by Chad Gilchrist, the owner of Roll-On Painting, after being introduced by a friend and fellow Roll-On employee.
Reggie is one of a small group of painters hired from the Philippines to work for Roll-On Painting – a decision that Chad says stemmed from a need for more skilled workers who could keep up with the demand in cottage country for pristine paintwork.
“It’s a blessing to work with Chad,” Reggie says. “And to work here in Muskoka.”
In addition to Muskoka’s beauty and temperate weather, Reggie says the salary is generous and greatly appreciated, as he uses it to support his wife and children living in the Philippines.
“I have four boys at home. My oldest son is 16, and my youngest is 18 months old,” he adds, noting that his wife was pregnant when he moved to Canada.
“I was able to take six weeks vacation last year to visit my son for his first birthday. I am so grateful that I was able to see him and spend Christmas with my family.”
From Dubai to Muskoka
For Roll-On Painting, the opportunity to sponsor Reggie’s work visa was a win-win. Roll-On Painting – one of Muskoka’s leading paint companies – was seeking new talent to shoulder the influx of cottage paint projects, and Reggie was looking to expand his strong work portfolio.
Although he is new to Canada, Reggie is no stranger to the paint industry. He worked as a painter for years in the Philippines before moving to the Middle East for eight years, where he built and painted doors and cabinetry for some of the region’s most well-known buildings, including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
“We built everything in our factory before installing it on-site. When we’d deliver the doors to the job site, we’d follow the doors and perform on-site touch-ups, if needed.”
While cottage country’s structures aren’t as iconic as the Burj Khalifa, Reggie says it is a privilege to refinish some of Muskoka’s most beautiful architecture – from staining timberframes to refinishing cabinetry and repainting the trim and siding on two-storey boathouses on the shores of our sparkling lakes.
Specializing in interior and exterior painting, staining and cabinet refinishing, Chad’s team has become one of the most trusted in the region. One of the main reasons for Roll-On’s success is Chad’s approach to training fellow painters.
“We’re not just painters – we’re craftsmen dedicated to transforming your spaces with precision and care,” says Chad. “We’re always looking for better ways to paint and protect your property, inside and out.”
That includes enlisting an internationally trained team and sourcing the world’s highest-quality paint technology.
“We’ve sourced equipment from around the globe to give our clients the highest quality painting, work that lasts season after season.”
At their off-site pre-finishing shop, Chad’s team uses a specialized machine sourced from Europe to give 360-degree coverage to siding, cedar shakes and trim quickly and seamlessly.
Not only does pre-finishing make painting faster and easier, but it also offers your wood greater protection from moisture.
The shop also includes a refinishing studio, where cabinets are coated with a high-quality lacquer, formulated to stand up to fingerprints, grease, and scratches.
“Whether your cabinets are bearing the marks of continual entertaining, or you want to try a new colour to keep up with design trends, refinishing is a great way to keep your kitchen looking great.”
With Chad’s expertly sourced team, tools and materials, your cottage can look as pristine as it did the day it was built.
“We make sure our clients are happy with the work we’ve done,” says Reggie. “That means we are using the highest quality materials, making sure the work is done well, and the space is clean and beautiful every time. If any details need to be fixed, we fix them immediately, so your cottage is ready to enjoy.”
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOS SCOTT TURNBULL & ANDREW FEARMAN
