Our Team
Our Crew:
Our painters come from all areas of Southwest Michigan and all different backgrounds. They may have different hobbies and zip codes, but the one thing they all share is a passion for excellence in painting. We feel confident that you will enjoy getting to know them and appreciate their professional demeanor while at your project. Some of our most frequent feedback from our customers is about how great it was having our crews in their home.
That’s why our unofficial motto is “Painting with Pride…”
“Sometimes it is difficult to find services for the home that are dependable. Your crew and office exceeded my expectations. Everyone was courteous and efficient and our doors look great. I look forward to when we tackle the interior! Thanks again!”
Phil VanderLaan
Owner/President, Project Manager – Finishing Division
Phil founded PMV back in 2001 and has maintained an active role in company operations and management since the beginning. Despite the growth PMV has experienced, Phil still values going out to write every estimate and meet our potential customers himself. He holds a builder’s license and is a member of the Home Builder’s Association of Kalamazoo. He and his wife, Katie, are the proud parents of three children. Their family continues to live in the Kalamazoo area and they are active members of their community.
Kate Paull
Office/Operations Manager
Kate joined the team at PMV in February 2020. Prior to that she studied history at WMU and worked for many years as an operations manager in the pest control industry. She is excited to be learning the ins and outs of the finishing industry and helping the team at PMV create beautiful homes and offices. Kate is the proud parent of a brilliant and happy five year old son. They enjoy reading, making art, and exploring the great outdoors.
Katie VanderLaan
Accounting & HR
As Phil VanderLaan’s wife, Katie has been able to be involved with PMV Custom Finishes since the beginning. Katie has worked part time for PMV since 2001 with some time off to stay home with their three children, Taylor, Drew and Mackenzie. Katie graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Calvin College, and now wishes she had taken more accounting and business courses to help in her role in Accounting and Human Resources for PMV. Katie has a passion for design and enjoys helping customers with color consulting when they need a little extra help. This passion, as well as a desire to help those in need in our community, has lead Katie to set up a new ministry with a friend called Sparrow & Nest Design. This ministry’s mission is to help those transitioning out of homelessness by providing a comfortable home through donated furniture and décor. Work, ministry and motherhood take most of Katie’s time, but when she does have free time you will find her curled up with a good book or enjoying time with family and friends.
Seth Doolen
Shop Supervisor/Production Manager
Seth first joined PMV Custom Finishes as a full-time field painter in October of 2019. We soon learned that Seth had a wealth of knowledge and a deep skill set in managing production and workflows for manufacturing. In January of 2020 Seth moved into a full-time role in our Spray Shop Division as our Shop Supervisor/ Production Manager. Before arriving at PMV, Seth worked for over 20 years in the Metal Stamping industry; for the last 15 years he successfully managed all the production for a large Metal Stamping company in Northern Indiana. We are thrilled to have him on our Team! Outside of work, you will find Seth enjoying the outdoors with family and friends sharing his love for food and grilling. He also enjoys remodeling and flipping houses.
Elissa ‘Eli’ Keller
Administrative Assistant
Elissa, more affectionately known as ‘Eli,’ joined the PMV team in July 2021. Eli previously worked at Quicken Loans and Havenwyck Hospital on the east side of the state after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Oakland University. Eli is excited to be a part of the growing PMV family and loves to see the transformation of a project from beginning to end. In her free time, Eli enjoys candle making, singing, and learning the art of stick and poke tattooing. A native of Grand Blanc, MI, Eli currently lives in the Kalamazoo area with her fiancé, Ben. The couple plans to exchange vows in October of 2022.
Norm Johnson
Crew Leader
Norm started at PMV in November of 2006, making him PMV’s longest standing employee. Growing up in Manistee, MI, Norm learned that work ethic and hard work will get you what you need. Norm enjoys the fast paced work environment at PMV as well as the look of satisfaction on his customers face when they see their completed project. When not hard at work, He enjoys hunting, fishing, and collecting antique glass
Jamie Simpson
Crew Leader
Jamie grew up in Mattawan, MI, where his father taught him how important it is to work hard and take pride in what you do. While he is relatively new to the PMV team, Jamie has been painting professionally for over 23 years. His favorite part of working at PMV is the “team atmosphere” and the people that he works with. He enjoys providing a high quality finish and making sure his customers are happy. When he is not working hard at PMV, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
Jamie Stiver
Marco Mares