Meet James Daga

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Daga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
​​Starting James Painting was deeply personal for me — it wasn’t just about making a living, it was about building a family legacy. I grew up around the trade, learning directly from my father, James Daga (yes, I’m a proud Junior in the family). Ever since my teenage years, I was by his side on job sites, watching the way he worked through scorching Arizona summers with precision, pride, and purpose. I saw how much care went into every detail and how strong relationships were built with each client. But I didn’t just want to follow in his footsteps — I wanted to take what he started and elevate it to the moon. I saw an opportunity to bring something new to the painting industry — a company that still delivered top-tier craftsmanship, but also carried itself with modern professionalism, clean branding, and marketing that actually connected with people. I wanted James Painting to feel current, trusted, and ahead of the curve — not just another name in the mix, but the name that came to mind for high-quality, customer-focused painting services. What most people don’t see is just how obsessed I became with learning. Back at Mountain Ridge High School, I wasn’t just another student sitting in marketing class — I was fully immersed in it. As a DECA club member competing in marketing challenges, I got a taste for what it meant to think like an entrepreneur. And outside of school? I lived it. Every night before bed, I was deep into YouTube videos on how to scale service-based businesses, brand like luxury companies, run Google ads, and create efficient systems. Even on road trips and vacations, I had business podcasts or strategy content playing in the background — especially my go-to channel, Painting Business Pro by Eric Barstow. Every spare moment became a chance to learn something new — something I could bring back and apply directly to James Painting. I knew that the more I studied, the faster I could grow. That mindset has never left me, and it continues to drive everything we do.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
James Painting is more than just a painting company — it’s a family legacy reborn with a fresh vision. What truly sets us apart is our ability to blend old-school craftsmanship with a modern, forward-thinking mindset. My father taught me the value of doing the job right the first time — clean lines, thorough prep work, and a no-shortcuts mentality. That foundation is still at the heart of everything we do today.

But in today’s world, being great at the trade isn’t enough. You have to bring professionalism, presence, and purpose into every aspect of the business. That’s where James Painting stands out. We treat every project like it’s part of a brand experience. From the clean, high-quality signs we post on-site to the way we tell our story on Instagram, every detail is intentional. We don’t just post before-and-after shots — we share the transformation process and what it means for the client. We build trust and brand connection long before we even pick up a brush.
Customer service is just as important as the paint itself. We pride ourselves on clear communication, punctuality, and transparency. Clients always know what to expect, and we go the extra mile to make sure they feel confident and cared for throughout the entire process. From the initial quote to the final walkthrough — and even after the job is done — we’re committed to making every client feel like they’re part of the James Painting community.

Building this business hasn’t been easy — especially while balancing my education at Arizona State University. There were times when I’d be sitting in a marketing lecture while mentally reviewing jobsite deadlines. I’d be on-site at 8AM and still have to deliver on assignments or exams later that day. I’ve had to sacrifice sleep, weekends, and free time — but I’ve also gained discipline, focus, and purpose.Balancing school and entrepreneurship has been the ultimate training ground. It’s taught me how to lead, how to manage stress, and how to turn challenges into momentum. Every step has pushed me to grow — not just as a business owner, but as a person.

At the end of the day, James Painting is about more than just painting homes and buildings, it’s about honoring my roots while creating something bigger. I’m proud of where we came from, excited about where we’re going, and committed to building a company that people recognize for trust, and transformation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
​​If my best friend was visiting Arizona, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable week. We’d kick things off with an early morning horseback ride at Cave Creek Trail Rides. There’s something peaceful and powerful about riding through the scenic Cave Creek Regional Park — surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and mountain views. The guides there are amazing and make it easy for first-timers to feel confident on a horse.

After the ride, we’d head over to Cave Creek Rd Suite for the Restaurant, Brunch. Their breakfast menu is a hidden gem, but the peach cobbler pancakes are a must — hands down one of the best ways to start the day.
Once we’re recharged, we’d make our way to ODYSEA Aquarium in Scottsdale. This place is unreal — you can easily spend half the day exploring all the exhibits, from playful penguins to immersive underwater tunnels. The Scuba Diving experience is what I especially recommend. There’s something magical about feeding stingrays and swimming alongside tropical fish. One of the most surprising things? One of the restrooms has a live shark tank window, so you’re literally watching sharks swim while washing your hands — it’s hilarious and unforgettable.

After the aquarium, we’d drive about two hours north to Slide Rock in Sedona. The water is crystal clear and the views are unbeatable. I’d definitely warn my friend that the water is freezing at first, but once you adjust, it’s an amazing spot to swim, slide over natural rock formations, and even jump off a mini cliff for fun. The natural beauty of Sedona is like nowhere else — it’s one of my favorite places to reset and soak in Arizona’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom and dad. They’ve been my biggest supporters from day one. My dad, James, is the reason James Painting even exists — he taught me everything I know about hard work, attention to detail, and the value of building strong relationships with clients. Watching him paint in the Arizona heat, day after day, inspired me to carry on the legacy and take it even further.

And my mom Sheila, she’s the heart of our family. Her strength, love, and constant encouragement have pushed me through every tough moment. She always believed in me, even when things got difficult, and she reminded me to keep chasing my goals no matter what. Everything I’m building today is a reflection of the lessons they taught me.

I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Website: https://www.jamespaintingarizona.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/az_james_painting/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-daga

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Edvj813Xw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/james-painting-scottsdale