Our Story - From Carleton University to a Family Legacy
In 1984, James Cleary founded this business as a summer venture while attending Carleton University. He cut his teeth doing work in The Glebe, taking on the high-detail challenges of Ottawa’s most historic homes. What began as a dedicated student operation quickly evolved through word-of-mouth and a reputation for doing things the right way.
By the 90’s, this commitment to quality transformed the company into a full-scale professional operation. While we became the trusted choice for major institutions like The City of Ottawa, The National Gallery of Canada, and Ottawa Community Housing, our heart has always remained in residential painting. To this day, over half of our work is dedicated to local homeowners who value a professional touch and a reliable process.
Through decades of serving thousands of residential neighbors, commercial clients, and property managers, we expanded from those first blocks in the Glebe to cover the entire Greater Ottawa Area. For over 40 years, we served the region as University Painters. As we look toward the future, we are transitioning to Cleary Grace Painting, a name that reflects the partnership of the next generation and our continued commitment to personal, family-run integrity.
The Next Generation
The transition to Cleary Grace Painting marks an exciting evolution for our company. As Jimmy Cleary and Will Grace take over ownership, the new name reflects a partnership built on a lifelong family friendship and a shared vision for the future of the industry. While the name on the trucks has changed, the foundation of honesty, hard work, and community focus remains exactly the same.
Jimmy Cleary
Jimmy is the engine of our daily operations, bringing over a decade of experience in the Ottawa construction and painting sector. A graduate of the University of Ottawa, he ensures that every project runs seamlessly from the first day to the final walk-through. From managing complex scheduling and logistics to handling accurate invoicing and project coordination, Jimmy oversees the details that keep our team on track and our clients informed. He is dedicated to ensuring that every stage of the process is organized, professional, and entirely stress-free for the homeowner.
Will Grace
Will joined the leadership team to manage the company's growth, continuing a decades-long bond between the Cleary and Grace families. With a professional background in client services and the public sector, Will is the architect of our customer experience. He specializes in asking the right questions and explaining the technical approaches that best suit your property. By tailoring every quote to the unique needs of the homeowner, he ensures total clarity and confidence from the very first meeting, providing a personalized strategy for every project we take on.
A Seamless Partnership
While we each focus on our individual strengths to keep the business running at its best, there is significant overlap in our roles. We are both fully capable of stepping into every phase of the project, from the initial estimate to the final brushstroke. This teamwork ensures that no detail is overlooked and that your project always has the leadership and attention it deserves, from start to finish.
Professional Painters, Personally Managed
We believe that great results come from great relationships. Unlike "contract mills" that outsource their projects to the lowest bidder, we employ a dedicated team of experienced painters who work directly with us. We take a hands-on approach to every project, ensuring that the people on your property are the same professionals we trust to uphold our 40-year reputation. By maintaining a consistent, direct-hire crew, we can guarantee:
Quality Control: We don’t just "hand off" jobs; we are on-site and involved in every phase of the project.
Trust & Safety: Our painters are vetted, professional, and committed to a clean, respectful job site.
Consistency: You get the same high-level craftsmanship from the first room to the last.