Jimmy Preciado
Owner of Shepherd Painting
Age: 29
Location: Fort Collins
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I owe much of who I am to my parents and the example they set through hard work and serving people well. Despite growing up in difficult neighborhoods in California with limited educational opportunities, they built meaningful lives by treating others with dignity and giving their best in everything they did. Those values shaped who I am today. I am the first in my family to earn a college degree and become self-employed. My hope is to continue compounding my parents’ sacrifices by being a dependable husband, father, business owner and community member who cares deeply about Northern Colorado.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
I have a diverse background spanning from healthcare to home services, and I have naturally stepped into leadership roles throughout my career. As an ICU nurse, I was one of the youngest among my colleagues to lead in high-pressure environments. Today, I operate one of the fastest-growing painting companies in Northern Colorado. Across every field, I have learned that building strong relationships, treating people well and consistently delivering quality work create the foundation of long-term success.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
Over the last 12 years, I have volunteered countless hours serving youth, families, peers and those less fortunate throughout the area. My involvement has included mentoring men and supporting fathers through local church ministries, organizing events for young professionals and families, serving at youth camps, helping lead food drives and resource collection efforts for families in need and providing food, clothing and first aid to the homeless.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
A defining challenge in my life was leaving a stable career in critical care nursing to start my business while raising a young family. It was a season of uncertainty, risk and growth. Looking back, I am proud of myself not only for building a successful business but for doing so while prioritizing my marriage and children. The experience taught me that success is not just professional achievement but building a life centered on what matters most.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
I hope to continue growing Shepherd Painting into something that positively impacts both the people we serve and the people we work alongside. Our slogan, “honoring the home and the people within it,” reflects how I want to treat customers, employees and the community. Beyond financial goals, my hope is to build a company culture rooted in caring for people well and living with consistency between our work, values and personal lives.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to strive to live an integrated life, not a compartmentalized one. Don’t separate your morals, faith, family and passions from your work and ambitions. I would also tell myself to marry my wife sooner and have kids earlier because nothing has brought me more purpose, growth and joy than building a family together. Also, the best advice I ever received was to “always leave room for risk.” A mentor explained to me at a young age that managing risk well creates freedom to choose your direction in life instead of constantly reacting to circumstances. Because of that advice, I learned early on to avoid unnecessary debt, live within my means and think long term.
Tell us something unique about you.
Outside of Shepherd Painting, I enjoy staying active, spending time with family and friends and getting outdoors whenever I can. Whether it is backpacking, team sports, pickleball or exploring Northern Colorado, I am usually happiest outside and around people. I also drink coffee daily and consider myself a breakfast burrito enthusiast.
Why did you decide to leave your career in the ICU?
I loved my time in the ICU and the colleagues I worked alongside. It was my first job out of college, and many of the lessons, relationships and experiences I gained helped shape who I am today. Leaving was not an easy decision. Ultimately, my wife and I had a vision for our family, and entrepreneurship aligned best with those goals. Rather than compartmentalizing my work and personal life, Shepherd Painting has allowed me to integrate them in a way that aligns with our values. It gives me the opportunity to serve our community, build something meaningful alongside my wife and invest in our children.
What made you decide to start your own business, and why did you choose painting?
When my wife and I began growing our family, I felt called to create something that would allow me to be more present, build a legacy and serve others meaningfully. I’ve always enjoyed leading, building and helping people, and painting became a natural fit. During college, I did some handyman work and was drawn to painting because of the impact it makes. A coat of paint can transform a space, protect a homeowner’s investment and breathe new life into a home. For me, painting is ultimately about serving people well.
