A brief history of Elias Painting
Elias Ghantous was laid off from his job as a house painter in 1957. He emigrated from Lebanon to Johnstown, Pennsylvania only a year prior. Jobless and refusing to take government handouts, he took to the streets.
Door to door Elias went. In his broken-English, heavily accented by his native Arabic, he offered to paint houses for $10 a room. After making $50 the first day, he continued to work independently until 1960.
With perseverance and vision, Elias Ghantous took his door-to-door painting business downtown. Eventually he moved into 325 Bedford Street into a gorgeous historic building in downtown Johnstown. Elias and his wife Betty worked hard to build a successful business with a strong reputation.
Rooted in residential work, Elias would not stop there. His eagerness to explore new avenues led him into commercial painting, light industrial and painting/restoration of churches. Elias worked along his own son, Albert Ghantous, to build Elias Painting into the business it is today.
Elias Painting Now
Today Albert works alongside his own son, Elias Ghantous. Together they ensure each job is handled with the same care and commitment our customers have come to expect.
Elias Painting still employs a crew of master painters who take pride in their work and have 200 years of combined experience. We still operate under the motto, “First class workmanship a must,” and Elias’ family is diligently working to preserve his legacy.
Elias Painting specializes in residential painting, commercial painting, industrial painting, church painting, icon restoration, and a number of other services. We also have the talent and organization to manage large commercial projects or the delicate touch and detail for your finest religious icons.