For Patrick Eby, founder of Brothers Colors Painting, success in business has always meant more than completing projects. It’s about building something that allows him to make an impact.
After more than a decade in the painting industry, Eby has grown Brothers Colors Painting into a commercial painting company serving large-scale projects across Florida and Indiana. But recently, one of the company’s most meaningful projects wasn’t measured by square footage or contract size; it was measured by the people it would support.
When Eby learned that the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s EMT Training Room needed a refresh, he saw an opportunity to give back in the way he knew best.
Over two days, Eby and the Brothers Colors Painting team donated their time and services to transform the space, repainting the walls, trim, and doors to create a brighter environment for the staff and first responders who use the room.
“The Crisis Center does such important work for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives,” said Eby. “When we heard there was a space that needed some attention, it felt like a simple way we could step in and help. Painting is what we do every day, and if we can use that skill to support the people supporting our community, that means a lot.”
While a fresh coat of paint may seem like a simple change, Eby understands the impact a physical environment can have on the people inside it.
The EMT Training Room previously had gray walls that showed years of use, including marks and wear from countless training sessions. The transformation brought new life into the space with a brighter blue color designed to create a more welcoming and uplifting environment.
“When you think about color and the spaces we spend time in, they really do affect the way we feel,” said Eby. “The people here have difficult days. They’re training, responding, and preparing to help others through challenging situations. If we can make their environment just a little brighter and more positive, that’s something we’re grateful to be able to do.”
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides critical support for individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, and emergencies throughout the region. For Eby, the organization’s mission is one he connects with personally, making the project about much more than painting.
Having spent years working within the community, Eby has seen firsthand the importance of organizations that provide resources, support, and hope during people’s most challenging moments.
“This is an organization that’s personal to me because I’ve seen the impact these resources have,” said Eby. “There are people in our community who rely on organizations like the Crisis Center, and there are also incredible people working behind the scenes every day to make sure that help is available.”
For Clara Reynolds, President & CEO at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, contributions like this represent more than a facility improvement; they represent community members recognizing and supporting the organization’s mission.
“We are incredibly grateful to Patrick and the Brothers Colors Painting team for their generosity and support,” said Reynolds. “Something as simple as refreshing a room can have a meaningful impact on the people who use this space every day. This gift helps create a brighter, more welcoming environment for the dedicated individuals who are training to serve our community.”
Watch a special thank you video Clara and the Crisis Center shared on Instagram here.
Eby hopes this project inspires other business owners to think differently about giving back. Impact does not always have to come from large donations or major initiatives; sometimes it starts by recognizing a need and offering the resources already available.
“Everyone has something they can contribute,” said Eby. “For us, that happens to be painting. For someone else, it may be something completely different. The important thing is finding a way to use what you have to make a difference.”
For Brothers Colors Painting, this project was about much more than changing the color of a room. It was about showing appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to helping others.
Through projects like this, Eby hopes to continue showing that businesses have the ability to do more than provide a service; they can become a positive force within the communities they serve.
