There’s something about spring that turns sunlight into an unpaid home inspector. Suddenly, the same walls you ignored all winter look scuffed, the carpet is showing its' age, small imperfections stand out, and the leaky faucet has apparently awakened the home improvement gremlins. This is the time of year when desire, dreaming, and planning turn into action. Budgets are reviewed and confidence is tested.
Most home improvement projects start the same, with good intentions, a little confidence, and a quick YouTube video that screams "DIY win". On the flip side, larger improvements have a tendency to spark the internal debate of whether it’s time to call in a professional. The balance between ambition and reality is one every homeowner must decide for themselves.
To get a clearer perspective, I spoke with two professionals who see home improvement from different angles, Sam Turpen of Turpen’s Painting and Travis Trinidad, Department Supervisor at Lowe’s on Evansville’s west side. Together, they offer practical, real‑world insight into everything from tackling DIY projects to recognizing when a job is better left to a professional.
Understanding what Sam and Travis bring to the table starts with understanding their paths. Both have built their perspectives through hands‑on experience, mentorship, and years of learning the value of quality work and customer care.
Sam grew up in the Evansville area, shaped by the painting trade he learned from his father, and later his uncle, who became a steady mentor and role model after his father’s passing. That same sense of compassion and responsibility came full circle after his sister’s passing, when Sam stepped into a father‑figure role for his nephew.
Shortly thereafter, Sam met Chad Turpen, owner of Turpen’s Painting, who would become another key influence and mentor in his life and career. "Everyone thinks we're related but we're not. Trust me, we have tried to find a connection, but there just isn't one."
Today, after years of hands‑on learning under Chad’s guidance, Sam is the now the face of Turpen’s Painting, guiding customers through their vision with skill, care, and a commitment to getting it right.
Travis’s path, though different, was just as hands‑on. Originally from Nevada, a previous visit to the Evansville area left a lasting impression, drawing him to the Midwest’s slower pace and strong sense of community.
Drawing on his extensive background in heavy equipment work, business ownership, mechanical, sales, marketing, and commercial driving (CDL), he secured a driving and delivery role at Lowe’s. Motivated to help others, make a difference, and grow with the company, Travis spent hours after shifts learning products, observing buying patterns, and studying the business from a sales and marketing perspective.
Hard work, perseverance, and the ability to think outside the box, soon paid off. In 2023, Travis was promoted to Department Supervisor over plumbing and electrical, two of the store’s most complex areas.
As our conversation unfolded, both Sam and Travis reflected on lessons that only come with time. We discussed how their approach has evolved over the years.
Sam: “When I first started, I rushed through,” Sam admitted. “I thought I was taking up too much of the customer’s time. It’s not about speed; it’s about doing things right. My job is to slow down, ask the right questions, understand the customer’s vision, and make sure I have everything I need for an accurate estimate before I leave. The last thing I want is to have to reach back out because I hurried through and missed something.”
Travis: “The retail side is very similar. Knowing products is important; however, understanding what the customer wants to accomplish matters just as much. For example, take two similar products; while both might solve the problem, only one matches the customer’s dream of what ‘done’ looks like. My job is to understand that vision. Our goal is to solve problems and fulfill dreams."
A shared emphasis on patience helped shape how both Sam and Travis view the line between DIY projects and those better left to professionals. While some projects are well within reach for DIYers, other situations may be better suited to professional expertise.
Sam believes the biggest differences are patience and expectations. “A DIY painter usually wants to just get it done,” he said. “A professional, on the other hand, is working within a process toward a specific result.”
A professional painter can spot things DIYers might miss such as surface prep, primer selection, paint type, dry times, and even state-specific paint codes. “Some paints,” Sam noted, “can’t legally be used in Indiana.”
The gap tends to show up early. Homeowners often underestimate how long preparation can actually take, how many supplies a project will require, and again, the importance of patience, especially when it comes to proper dry time.
“Two of the most common frustrations for DIYers,” Sam noted, “are skipping prep and getting halfway into a project and then realizing you’re missing something you need to finish it.”
Travis sees a similar pattern from the retail side, especially when projects move beyond simple, cosmetic updates. Ultimately, Travis said, that decision comes down to a homeowner’s comfort level. Once that line is clear, we offer resources to support either path. Our job is to educate and empower the customer with the tools, education, and resources needed to complete their project. From video tutorials, assistance from one of our department pros, or opting to take advantage of our professional contractor referrals.
Travis makes an important distinction between projects that are easy, hard, and risky. Easy projects are often a good fit for a how‑to video or basic guidance. Hard projects tend to require more research, questions, and patience. Risky projects, however, can carry real consequences, from safety concerns to failed inspections or costly damage.
"When unsure, start with a conversation and always ask questions. Get informed."
Truly enjoying what you do for a living is rare, but it's something both Sam and Travis bring to their work every day. I wanted to know what outcomes make them feel successful and what advice they would like to give to homeowners:
For Sam, the satisfaction comes at the end of a project. “When the homeowner’s vision matches the finished work, that’s it,” he said. “They’re happy, we’re happy. Customer satisfaction is always priority number one.”
"As far as advice, I would say don’t rush. Do it right the first time. Take the time to learn, prep, and weigh the full cost, tools, materials, time, and safety.
For Travis, the reward is confidence. “I love seeing people leave the store feeling like, ‘Yeah, I’ve got this,’” he said. “Sometimes they even come back with photos of their finished project. That’s pretty cool.”
"My advice would be for homeowners to be curious about their home. Circuit breakers, shut off valves, replacing filters, and so forth. Whether you are a DIYer or decide that you do not want to tackle it yourself, the smartest projects always start with understanding."
Home Improvement Tip - Permits, Codes and Selling your Home
Building codes are established at the state level, whereas permits are typically county issued and can be found online. Ensuring your property and improvements meet code and permit standards matters more than you may realize, especially when it’s time to sell.
Poor paint jobs, incorrect materials, unfinished work, or non-compliant upgrades can all raise red flags during a home sale. Realtors often advise neutral colors over personal favorites, and pre-inspections can uncover issues before they become deal-breakers. Depending on the electrical and plumbing project, permits and/or inspections may be required.
Detail matters. These before‑and‑after photos highlight the transformation achieved by the experts at Turpen Painting, showcasing how careful preparation, clean lines, and skilled application can completely refresh a space.
Travis takes pride in the many nonprofit organizations Lowe’s supports and loves the positive impact those partnerships have within the community.
Meet Sam and Travis
I want to thank Sam Turpen and Travis Trinidad for taking time out of their day to share their expertise, experiences and background. Contact them with any questions. They are happy to help.
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