🏆 The Night the Fire Ignited — MPA 2025

A Week to Remember

A week ago, our team walked into the Master Painters Gala not knowing how the night would unfold. What started as a simple evening of recognition became a defining moment in our journey — a reflection of years of grit, growth, and craftsmanship.

This isn’t just a story about winning awards; it’s about transformation, teamwork, and what happens when you commit to your craft with everything you have.

Setting the Scene

Exactly one week ago tonight, we gathered for the Master Painters Gala Awards celebration.

We’d all worked that day — some of us still rushing around the shops, scrambling for the final pieces of our outfits. When shoes started breaking at the last minute, we just laughed and decided to go as ourselves. No need to impress anyone — we’re creatives, after all. The goal was simply to show up as our best, most authentic selves.

Having gone through Cadre Camp and Unbreakable multiple times, I knew how the mind can become fuzzy on the day — how simple logistics can suddenly feel like mountains to climb. So, I had my suit tailored and ready to go. No need to think, no need to plan — just show up.

That wasn’t the old me. In the past, I’d be rushed, stressed, and on edge. This time, I felt different. Grounded. Ready.

The Drive Down

We carpooled together in our collaboration partner’s car — Aaron from Fine & Fast Finishes. On the drive down, we shared our expectations.

I wasn’t excited in the way I used to be before a sports game or big event. I’d never really worn a suit outside of weddings, and I’d never stood on stage in front of 400+ of my peers. But the feeling wasn’t nerves — it was calm, collected confidence.

Deep down, I knew we’d done the work. We’d put in the hours. Perfected our craft. Delivered results and left our clients glowing. There was nothing left to do but sit back and enjoy the spoils of our effort. The scorecards were tallied; the game was over.

Expectation vs. Reality

I knew our submissions represented our very best within the budgets and timeframes we had. It was going to be an honest reflection of our current level.

Either we’d walk away in awe of the competition - inspired to push further — or we’d return as champions, carrying the responsibility to uplift, inspire, and set new standards.

There was no doubt in me that we’d win something.

I felt most confident about Cordia, a new reno in the $25k category — all spray-finished in a kitchen-grade imported Italian coating to an impeccable standard.

My second pick was Wonga, a full interior and exterior repaint with multiple colours, a 2K kitchen refinish, and micro cement benchtops — all touched up to perfection.

We parked at the casino, walked in just as the doors were closing, and found our seats. Perfect timing, perfect flow.

Opening Ceremony

The night opened with a beautiful acknowledgment of Indigenous culture and respect for the land — brief but powerful. I was delighted to see the celebration pay reverence to the elements.

The previous year had been dedicated to Water, this year to Fire. Unknowingly, I had chosen a blue suit and a burnt orange tie - passion and flow. I smiled. I’m in. Hooked. Let’s go!

The First Inning

The event was broken into four innings, seven categories each. We didn’t go up once in the first inning.

To make it sting, Cordia’s category had already passed. I sat there, perplexed — that was supposed to be a sure thing. My mind started racing, wanting to know what kind of competition had beaten us.

When the inning ended, Dad and I slipped out for a coffee down the street, to get some air and to walk it off. One of five projects down, and not a single award yet.

I said to him,

“I think I know why. The home was built on sand — the VJ-to-ceiling joints cracked. We should’ve used Sikaflex.”

We came back to a fire-twirling performance and glowing light suits, but my mind wasn’t in it. I thought, They could’ve used this 15 minutes to tell the stories of the winners — what made them champions.

Then I bumped into my good friend Keav from KSP. He listened, let me vent, and reminded me of something vital — I’d been sucked into my ego trap.

He said,

“Just be present, brother. Enjoy the night. Be grateful you’re here.”

He was right. I was among good, heart centered company.

Momentum Shifts

Second inning — we finally get called as a finalist. I head to the stage. We don’t win.

Another near miss.

Returning to the table, the team is ecstatic. I’m numb.

Cordia, gone. Wonga, gone. Just one runner-up so far.

Then, the tide turns.

Third inning — Flaxton Restoration gets called as a finalist for Interior Repaint 100K. That feels good. As I return to the table, Wonga gets announced for another finalist — Interior Repaint 25K.

That’s three frames in the bag. The energy’s shifting.

One inning to go. I thought, Wouldn’t it be amazing to end with six — one for each team member to hold in the photo?

Fire Ignites

Straight away, we get called up for Artistic Finish. While waiting in line, another contender asked what I entered.

“A split stone feature wall,” I said.“Oh yeah,” he replied, “I did a course on that, but left it to the renderers - Renderers know how to hold a trowel,”- “but decorators know how to finish a piece. Watch this.”

As our wall flashed onto the big screen, I heard gasps from the crowd. What a feeling. That’s leadership.

Applause erupted — and we took the win. Our first.

Five frames now.

As I return to the table, they tell me to stay near the stage. Up again. Unreal. Only one more needed for everyone to hold one.

This next one’s for Flaxton Restoration. I knew instantly who deserved it — Dan.

His first year painting. His first job leading. He spent 40% of the total project hours there.

I grabbed him from the table and sent him up.

The screen flashed:“WINNER — Crafted Finishes.”

The room went wild. First year painting. First job leading. Winner for Restoration.

Judges’ Choice

We now had seven frames.Our table was buzzing — alive with joy and disbelief.

The room went silent. The final two awards were about to be revealed — Overall Winner and Judges’ Choice.

We were still standing, mid-celebration, when our logo flashed again.

The room erupted.

Judges’ Choice. The award for impact — for “the feelings we leave with our clients and the ideals our industry strives to uphold.”

What an honour.

Reflections

For days, I was in shock. This was big. Life-changing, even.

On the surface, they’re just frames — but to me, each one holds a story, a lesson, a triumph, a hardship overcome. Each frame is a chapter closed — a fairytale ending to a season of growth.

We began the Flaxton Restoration mid-2024 as a team of four — half of them brand new. One year later, we’re five strong, each holding a champion’s frame.

The Spark Becomes Fire

I still remember the spark. During stage two of Flaxton, I told the team:

“We have the budget, the clients, and the canvas to create a Master Painters Award-winning job.”

That spark caught fire — in Wonga, in Cordia, in every project since.

It’s no longer “This could be an award-winning job.”It’s “We are award-winning painters.”

Every job, every brushstroke, every moment carries that fire now.

The Road Ahead

Mid-2024, we were a father-and-son team. Mid-2025, we’re five strong — with an alliance alongside Fine + Fast Finishes, now a multi-award-winning collaboration with eight awards between us in one year.

It’s true what they say — years of quiet preparation, and then suddenly, the rocket takes off.

We’re strapped in, grateful, and ready for the ride.

Where will we be in 2026?