In 2004 Ryan and Sherrie Whipple ventured out to create their own business; a painting company. Ryan had recently graduated from Multnomah University and was looking for a new career path while chasing a childhood dream of being a business owner. Having no business experience, but possessing some painting skill he gained while working at a maintenance job for 5 years, they set out to create a new business. The two of them believed they could provide homeowners with a better contractor experience; one based around integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, and friendliness. With that initial vision, iTech Painters was born. They didn’t have much, and even started with their first van costing $355 which had to be spray painted to hide all the rust spots! They set out walking neighborhoods together handing out flyers to drum up business. Excitement sprung whenever a phone call would come in with potential work! For many years it was only Ryan, along with Sherrie’s help, who would do all the painting. Each year the business would grow, primarily by word of mouth, referrals, and handing out flyers. Ryan and Sherrie discovered their enjoyment in bringing happiness and satisfaction to their clients through new paint and the experience they had with iTech. Their goal was to grow the company and see what impact they could have in their community. It was during these early years that they also were trying to start a family. Many years passed, however, with unfulfilled longings and disappointment at their inability to create the family they so desperately wanted. It wasn't until 2009 that they got the call they had waited so long to receive: their adoption agency informed them that a little baby boy was born in Clackamas and was waiting to meet his new parents! Having gone to see him for the first time at 2 days old, they were filled with love, joy, and comfort. They named him Nehemiah, which means “The Lord Comforts.” Their answer to years of prayers had come. This little boy was their gift and comfort from the Lord. The gift of adoption became very real, and the fulfillment they received from it made them forever grateful. A new sense of compassion for couples with a desire to adopt, and to help children find a home who do not have one, was born within them. More recently, Ryan and Sherrie realized the connection of their passions: running a trustworthy painting business that makes customers happy with their homes, and helping people adopt children- also resulting in a happy home. They now see the overall mission of iTech Painters as bringing “Happiness to Homes.” Doing this by applying paint and color to walls, ceilings, and siding. But more specifically, they want to increase awareness and resources to provide children without a home, a home; and thus bring happiness to homes through adoption. Ryan and Sherrie started their company by painting walls inside and out with colors that showcase personality, add warmth and depth to rooms, and update and brighten exteriors.
As the years have gone by, iTech Painters has grown. Employees have been added, as well as a fleet of better looking vans! More children have also been added to the Whipple family; they now have two boys and two girls. iTech’s greater mission and vision is to have a massive impact on adoption and provide all children with a family and home to call their own. iTech Painters works closely with their adoption agency, Choice Adoption. In celebration of National Adoption Month in 2020, iTech Painters donated $175 for every job booked in the month of November, a gesture that ended up being a $10,000 donation from iTech to Choice, to further the work of child adoption. We are so thankful for the Ryan and Sherrie, and all that they do to bring happiness to homes!
If you are pregnant and need support, here are pregnancy resources:
9 Things to Know About Adoption In Oregon and Washington
You may also like some of these great adoption resources: