Ryan Painting has sponsored local runs and programs that benefit our beautiful Wissahickon Park.

Brendan Ryan started painting part-time while he was in college obtaining a Philosophy Degree.   He later received a Master’s Degree in education and worked for the Philadelphia School District for 5 years.   He continued to paint on the side, and discovered that he really enjoyed working with his hands and developing his talent as a craftsman.

In 2005, taking a leap of faith, he decided to quit his full-time job as a teacher and started his own painting business.   What was once a one-man adventure has become a thriving business of several crews while still remaining small enough to provide personal attention to all clients.  Brendan’s main goal has always been to deliver joy and satisfaction to his customers, while creating job opportunities with plenty of room for growth and personal development for his employees.

The result of this approach to business is loyal customers.  Most of Brendan’s first clients will still call him for new painting jobs and touch-ups, and they will refer him to all their neighbors and friends!

When Brendan is not out doing estimates and running crews, he spends his time reading, reading, reading!  Business books, philosophy books, educational materials, personal development, and most recently marathon-training books! 

Fun fact: Brendan ran the Philadelphia Marathon in 2016 and 2018! He has completed several half-marathons, 10 milers and 10ks!

Vanessa Ryan is Brendan’s wife and business partner.  She joined Ryan Painting LLC in 2012, as Office Manager, and handles the day to day office duties, billing, payroll, and human resources.  She worked in higher education financial aid and grants for several years, and has brought her accounting, customer relations, and software skills to the company. 

Vanessa has a degree in International Relations and a love for education, foreign languages, travel, and arts.  She shares a passion for running with her husband and has completed several half-marathons, 10 milers, 10ks, 5ks, and other small local races!

Commitment to Education and the Arts

Brendan and Vanessa’s daughter, Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan, is a professional ballerina who danced with Pennsylvania Ballet, and is currently a dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet.  Their son, Liam-Patrick, is a Creative Writing Major at Arcadia University. 

As a teacher in the Philadelphia School District, Brendan witnessed first-hand that many kids in the school district didn’t have opportunities to experience our city’s many art venues.  Ryan Painting has a commitment to sponsor and support organizations that offer outreach programs in dance, arts, and education.