West graduate joins College Works Paintng

Jillian Draheim, a 2010 International Academy West graduate from Commerce Township, is looking at a career in the business world, so she decided to start getting experience now.

She recently was accepted as an intern for College Works Painting, a home painting company that works with college students, so they can learn more about the business world while painting homes.

“This is an amazing opportunity because of everything it offers,” Draheim said.

Draheim said she has not declared a major yet, but she's working to become active in the school's business fraternity, Phi Chi Theta, which she said she plans to one day help lead while in school.

Draheim said she looks forward to handling all the marketing and sales aspects of the job. She said she's learned how to work with clients to figure out exactly what they want, as well as working on creating estimates for the job. Draheim is also responsible for finding experienced painters to handle the actual work.

“With such responsibility, I hope to gain the confidence and relationship skills I will need to succeed in the business world,” she said. “I also hope to gain the experience of running my own business and managing every aspect of it.”

College Works Painting was founded in 1993. Last year, the company operated in 23 states painting more than 10,000 homes. Fully licensed and insured, the company offers two- and five-year warranties. Draheim said the company maintains a 97 percent customer approval rating, because the students selected for the internship have “incredible ambition and takes pride in the homes they paint.”

Draheim said she's enjoyed her time at Michigan State so far. In high school, she played soccer, volleyball and golf. She's continued with soccer with intramural leagues, and she said she hopes to do the same with volleyball.

Draheim said anyone interested in painting their home this summer should contact her for a free estimate — both interior and exterior — and she will arrange a time to meet. Those who schedule a house painting on the day of the estimate will receive 10 percent off the project.

“The weather this year did a lot of wear and tear and we will happily restore your beautiful homes,” Draheim said.

Reach Draheim at (248) 860-4334 or contact the office at (888) 450-9675 and mention Jillian Draheim's name. Learn more at www.collegeworks.com.