Meet Ashley Maloney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Maloney.

Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I started painting well before I took it as a job. As a teenager, I volunteered on a regional building committee for select places of worship. I took a job turning rentals at 20 years old. Then, worked in restoration including fire/water damage, new construction, and repaints for a few years.

I moved to Kansas City in 2015 and worked on high-end repaints and new construction as well as the restoration of historic buildings. I went back to Arizona for a few years and I finally opened my own painting business in 2019.

Well, I made it back to Kansas City and I opened my business here. My biggest support has been my husband, who is also in the trades.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My main challenge is balancing work and life. Owning and running every aspect of the business gets tough and carving out time for myself hasn’t been a practice. I’ve worked by myself most of my career so working alongside others can be a struggle.

My body has taken a toll after 16 years of hard labor and chemicals, and my skin is damaged by UV exposure. Being a woman in the trades has never been an issue for me. It may be hard for others to accept at first but I always enjoy proving them wrong.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a painting contractor for residential and commercial properties. I’ve been everything from laborer, student, teacher, project manager, and consultant to business owner. I specialize in many different aspects of painting but refinishing cabinets is my favorite. As a tradie, I’m known for my efficiency, cleanliness, and skills.

What makes me proud of my career is looking back at all my work over the years and seeing all the diversity in projects; big or small, simple or difficult, residential to industrial. What sets me apart from many would be my attention to detail, capabilities, and production. Oh, and I’m not afraid of a challenge.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m excited about growing my business and meeting new customers in this area. I plan on growing enough to eventually employ others who have a passion and work ethic as strong as mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: Zerodefectllc.com
• Instagram: @zerodefectllc

Image Credits
Ashley Maloney and Ayshia Schisel