Meet Our World Class Team

Meet Kareem Mustafa – Wearer of All Hats at Purple Painting

Kareem began his painting career at 18 years old at Goleta Valley Paint where he spent three years. He received hands-on training in all departments from wallpaper to wood staining, color matching to faux finishing, as well as the science behind paint production. He then spent two years as Assistant Manager at Frazee Paint on Chapala Street and transitioned to Santa Barbara Painting where he began working at the job sites to hone his skills as a contractor. He worked on residential repaints and HOA projects before expanding his experience with both Shoreline Painting and ADC Finishes.

When he turned 32, he co-founded his first company, specializing in high-end remodels and commercial projects. After three years and the birth of his first child, Kareem and his wife decided to start Purple Painting. The name is inspired by the jacaranda trees that lined the street Kareem grew up on in Goleta and are abundant in the Santa Barbara area.

Through Purple Painting, Kareem delivers exceptional knowledge, craftsmanship, and a partnership driven by wanting to give back to his hometown and continue to enhance the beauty of Santa Barbara. Whether it’s a residential repaint or a complex commercial project, the Purple Painting family values dedication to quality, ensuring that every job is completed with precision and care at fair prices. Kareem has a deep appreciation for the impact that color can have on our surroundings, and believes a well-painted space has the power to inspire, uplift, and create an atmosphere to showcase the unique personality of each one of Purple Painting's clients.

Meet Kendall Martin– Co-Owner and Head of Sales & Partnerships

Kendall brings a unique, diverse background to Purple Painting . After nearly a decade in tech sales, Kendall decided to join Kareem’s venture with Purple Painting, bringing her passion for people, design, and community to the family business. After moving to Santa Barbara eight years ago, she fell in love with the city’s timeless architecture and coastal charm. Her passion lies in preserving the beauty and integrity of Santa Barbara’s historic homes while helping clients elevate the spaces their families enjoy every day. As Head of Sales & Partnerships, Kendall combines her people-first approach with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, ensuring every project reflects both quality and care.

Meet Abraham – Jobsite Supervisor at Purple Painting

Abraham began his journey in the painting trade at the age of 18, captivated by the transformative power of paint. His passion grew as he witnessed the stunning results that painting could achieve, bringing clients' visions to life. Early in his career, a family friend introduced him to the world of high-end finishes, sparking a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and precision.

With years of experience working for renowned companies in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, Abraham has honed his skills and developed a reputation for excellence. Now, as a valued member of Purple Painting, he looks forward to delivering top-tier results and ensuring the highest quality alongside our world-class team.

Meet Jose – Project Manager at Purple Painting

Jose’s career in paint began in 2015 in Fresno, where he started as a delivery driver for Sherwin-Williams. He quickly moved behind the counter as a store associate. Over the next two years he learned the products inside and out, including coatings, primers, color matching, and what works best for each surface. His knowledge and work ethic earned him a promotion to Assistant Manager at the Santa Maria Sherwin-Williams. He later became Store Manager at the Milpas Street location in Santa Barbara, where he worked with many of the area’s top painting contractors.

In 2020, Jose moved from the paint store to the jobsite as a supervisor for a local painting contractor. There he ran crews and managed projects from start to finish. He joined Purple Painting in 2024 and brings a rare mix of experience: he knows the products from the store side and the work from the field side. Clients can count on him for clear communication, smart product recommendations, and a well-run project from the first walkthrough to the final touch-up.

Meet Conor Sanders – Sales & Partnerships at Purple Painting

Conor has been in the paint industry since he was 19, including 12 years at Sherwin-Williams, where he built a deep knowledge of coatings, products, and what it takes to get a finish that lasts. Today he brings that experience to Purple Painting, handling sales, estimating, and partnerships with homeowners, property managers, realtors, and general contractors.

A Santa Barbara local who lives on the Mesa, Conor cares about building long-term relationships in the community. When he’s not walking jobs, you’ll likely find him at a local band’s live show or playing ice hockey in Goleta.

Meet Marina Leos – Office Manager at Purple Painting

Marina Leos is a great new addition to Purple Painting's office, who brings over 30 years of experience in the workforce, ranging from financial institutions to healthcare. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, she joined the company in August 2026 as Office Manager. She keeps the company running behind the scenes, from onboarding new team members and managing HR documents to making sure crews and clients have what they need. Her organized, hands-on approach keeps jobs moving and paperwork accurate, and her priorities are always the office team and the clients.

Family comes first for Marina. She loves being part of her children's and grandchildren's lives every day, cheering on her granddaughter at softball games, and taking family vacations and theme park trips.