March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize the incredible contributions of women in all industries—including the skilled trades. At Granite State Painters, we are proud to have a team of talented, hardworking women who bring expertise, leadership, and dedication to every project. From fine finishing to crew leadership and office management, these women are an essential part of what makes our company thrive.
Liz Brennan – Job Leader
Liz Brennan has been with Granite State Painters since August 2021, leading projects with precision and care. As a crew leader, she ensures tasks are assigned efficiently, projects run smoothly, and, most importantly, homeowners are happy with the results.
Liz’s love for art led her to pursue a degree in graphic design, but she realized she wanted a hands-on career where she could see the results of her work unfold in real-time. Painting was the perfect fit.
Her favorite part of working at GSP? “The environment. It's always a good time, meeting new people, and getting to work on some really cool projects.” One of her most memorable experiences was working on Star Island early in her career—a unique opportunity that involved taking a boat to the job site and staying on the island.
Liz takes pride in her strong work ethic and ability to teach new techniques. She thrives on challenges—especially when working with bold colors like black, which she enjoys for its dramatic effect in a home. Outside of work, she pursues her passion for art and cooking, both creative outlets that bring her joy.
Her advice for women entering the industry? “Just go for it. A lot of women are scared to work in a trade because it's male-dominated, but if a man can do it, so can you.”
Maddie Clark – Cabinet Team Job Leader
Maddie Clark specializes in fine finishing, working on everything from kitchen cabinets to high-gloss front doors and intricate furniture pieces. With a deep appreciation for detail and artistry, she’s been a part of GSP since 2022, leading the cabinet team with skill and precision.
Maddie grew up working on projects in her grandfather’s workshop, where she developed a passion for craftsmanship. With several family members in skilled trades, she found her way into painting, blending her love for artistry with hands-on work. Her first solo on-site project—a striking Neptune-blue kitchen—was a defining moment, where she not only delivered outstanding results but also broke a productivity record.
She values the strong team dynamic at GSP, where employees support and motivate each other. When it comes to favorite colors, Maddie loves working with greens, a bold choice for kitchens. “Most clients who choose it either have a clear vision in mind or are working with a designer who guides the process.”
Outside of work, Maddie enjoys skiing, gaming, photography, and horror films—a passion she shares with her teammates.
Her advice for women in the trade? “Don't pay any attention to anyone who doubts your skill. They don't want you to succeed, and it's very easy to prove them wrong.”
Julia Dyke – Cabinet Painter
The newest addition to GSP’s team, Julia joined in 2024 and is already making an impact in cabinet refinishing. She’s passionate about improving clients’ living spaces through high-quality craftsmanship.
Her love for construction started early—she spent two years in a building construction program, where she helped build and sell two tiny houses. That hands-on experience solidified her interest in interior work, eventually leading her to painting.
For Julia, the most rewarding part of the job is learning new skills and developing efficient ways to produce high-quality results. She particularly enjoys projects near the ocean, where the views add an extra layer of enjoyment to her work. And, of course, any job with pets is a bonus—one of her favorite projects involved a homeowner with six cats!
Her favorite paint color to work with? Any shade of green! Outside of work, she has a passion for cooking, particularly exploring different cuisines, a love fostered by her experiences living near India Square in Jersey City and growing up in a Puerto Rican household. Julia also participated in the 2023 Jersey City Ward Tour, a 16-mile bike ride through the city.
Her advice for other women entering the industry? “Never let anything get in the way of going for what career you want. We are just as important in the field as anyone else, and you can accomplish anything you are passionate about.”
Kacey Merrill – Office Manager
Kacey has been the backbone of the Granite State Painters office since 2019. she wears many hats—from scheduling estimates and managing client communication to hiring employees, payroll, marketing, and taxes—ensuring the business runs smoothly behind the scenes.
With a background in business management, Kacey has always been drawn to the operational side of running a company and found her perfect fit at GSP, blending her skills in administration with a team she loves working with. One of her biggest accomplishments was creating the company’s website. When she first joined, GSP had an outdated site. She took on the project, learning about the business as she built a modern, user-friendly platform—the same one the company uses today.
Kacey thrives in the fast-paced nature of her role, juggling multiple responsibilities at once. She enjoys seeing projects come to life and loves how skilled the GSP painters are, knowing they consistently deliver results that make clients happy.
Outside of work, she enjoys music, reading, gaming, animals, spending time with her family, and just about anything outdoors. She also has an impressive academic background—graduating high school a year early before earning both an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in marketing and a minor in writing for visual media.
Celebrating the Women of GSP
These women each bring unique skills, perspectives, and energy to Granite State Painters. Whether they’re leading projects, perfecting fine finishes, learning new techniques, or keeping the business running smoothly, they are integral to the company’s success.
This National Women’s Month, we celebrate their hard work, dedication, and the paths they’ve paved in the painting industry. Their advice and experiences show that skilled trades are for everyone—regardless of gender. With confidence, resilience, and passion, they continue to set an example for future generations of women in the trades.
Thank you, Liz, Maddie, Julia, and Kacey, for all that you do at Granite State Painters!
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