In October 2021, Zach Dunn was attending a marketing management class when a member of the company "Collegiate Entrepreneurs" delivered a one-minute pitch presentation about an internship opportunity that combined painting and entrepreneurship. Zach was intrigued by the idea, having previously run Dunn Brothers Mobile Auto Detailing for two years, and signed up for the opportunity by adding his name to the sign-up sheet that was being passed around the
class. Shortly thereafter, he found himself riding in a car with the same manager who had presented the internship, learning about painting and the details of the program. Over the ensuing weeks, Zach attended internship meetings and acquired more knowledge about the logistics involved.
During that same period, a guest speaker named Paul Dragon, who was the president of CVOEO, delivered a speech in Zach's leadership and organizational behaviors class. Paul spoke about his life, his role at CVOEO, and what the organization does to help the Burlington community. Zach was impressed by Paul's character and story, and resolved to meet him again.
On February 6th, 2022, the state of Vermont granted Zach Dunn and Joshua Malek a partnership for their professional painting business, Painting With Purpose LLC. Their mission was to beautify the greater Burlington area while also contributing to the solutions that combat Vermont's homelessness crisis by partnering with CVOEO. A portion of every job's profits would go towards individuals in shelters who were striving to secure permanent housing, whichwould aid in covering security deposits, first months' rent, and utility payments.
Their inaugural job was completed in March, where they renovated an entire interior home, transforming the ceilings, walls, trim, and doors to create a brand new look. Throughout Summer and Fall 2022, Painting With Purpose took on over 40 jobs, big and small, with a four-person crew and raised more than $10,500 for their cause.
Summer 2023 has brought their job total to over 100 jobs, expanding to 10 crew members, and bringing their donation total to $13,000 to their cause to help stop the Vermont Homelessness crisis.