Matt Larsen got started in the painting business by doing side jobs while employed at another company. He found that he was busy enough that he could go out on his own, so he hired his first employee, started Larsen Painting, and the rest is history. Larsen Painting has been operating in and around Lincoln for 21 years. Their business mix is about 75% new residential construction and about 25% other property types like commercial or repaints. They apply paint and stain to interiors and exteriors. Matt’s lead man, Matt Ewoldt, has been with the company for over 10 years and the rest of the crew are all experienced workers that Matt is grateful to have working for him.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Collecting money and restructuring my business to absorb the smaller profit margins we’re all experiencing now. It’s tight but we’re still here.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Keeping good employees and longevity in the business.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married to Sandra for 17 years this fall. She’s a real estate agent with BancWise Realty. Our kids Greg and Matti are 14 and 7. He loves basketball and she loves to ride her motorcycle (with full gear of course!)
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Realizing that Christ truly accepts me the way I am and knowing that there’s nothing I can do to earn salvation.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Riding my motorcycle.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I had an auto-immune disorder a few years back called Guillan-Barre Syndrome.
What are you the most proud of?
My healthy, smart, beautiful kids.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Do the best job you can.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
Win an outdoor national motocross title.
How would your friends describe you?
Loyal and disciplined.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Scuba diving
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be musically gifted in some area like singing.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Learn not to worry about things I can’t do anything about.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Fair Tax
What is your favorite movie?
Jeremiah Johnson with Robert Redford
What is your favorite TV show?
Breaking Bad
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
Tandoor
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
James Harriot
What is the best way to contact you?
Call402-432-1634 or email me at matt@larsenpaintinginc.com or visit us onlne at www.larsenpaintinginc.com