They first picked up a paintbrush in Christchurch, when they stepped up to help rebuild the city following the 2011 earthquake.

“Back in 2012, I met some Brazilians in Christchurch who introduced me to the painting trade while the city was being rebuilt,” shares Sygmun. “I quickly learned the craft and discovered a real passion for it.”

“And we have not stopped since,” adds Lucas.

They became qualified and, in 2018, founded Unlock Painters, which continues to go from strength to strength. With their highly motivated team behind them, matching huskies and Resene ColorShop Te Rapa on speed dial, these family-focused men are taking over painting in the Waikato region, one project at a time.

Quality control

The self-confessed perfectionists set high standards for themselves and always aim to exceed expectations. They specialise in spray finishing, roof painting and wallpapering, and always get a thrill completing a job.

“As a professional painter, I'm amazed by how we can transform homes from start to finish and see the client’s satisfaction – it’s truly priceless,” says Sygmun.

Lucas’ mantra is all about giving 100%. “If you see a minor defect and think no one is going to see it, go back and fix it. Those minor details always make a difference at the end of the job.”

Sygmun says that while they’ve worked on many fantastic projects, one that truly stands out was a 550sqm, high-end house featuring 22 different colours and four unique wallpapers. “It was a huge challenge but we achieved enormous success.”

Better business

It’s one thing to be a professional painter but quite another to be a successful business owner, and the duo’s passion and commitment drive their continued growth.

“My proudest career moment has been growing our company beyond just painting. We’ve built a committed team that delivers high-standard projects and takes pride in our reliability and strong connections,” says Sygmun.

Lucas believes it’s this focus on positive networking that sets them apart from the rest.

“Our company is founded on meaningful relationships and that has been the cornerstone of our success,” he says.

Team Resene

Sygmun notes that while the Brazilian paint industry is fast, busy and very price-driven, in New Zealand there’s more focus on quality, longevity and doing things properly.

This is where their strong relationship with Resene comes into play.

“What I love about Resene is the consistency,” he says. “The coverage, durability and colour accuracy always match the level of finish we aim for. It makes our work look good and last long.

“On top of that, the support we get from the Resene team in Te Rapa is outstanding. They know our standards, they’re always there when we need them and that partnership makes a huge difference in the quality we deliver.”

“We also have Murdo, our Resene rep, who is very dedicated and always goes above and beyond for us. Not just a TikTok celebrity but an exceptional professional!”

“We keep morale high by creating a culture where people feel valued, supported and part of something meaningful. We communicate openly, celebrate wins and look after each other – on and off the job,” says Sygmun.

As well as working hard, they also make sure the work environment is a mutually beneficial and thoroughly enjoyable one.

“We invest in training, give people responsibility and trust them to grow. And we balance the hard work with laughter, shared moments and a family-style environment that makes every day lighter and more motivating.”

“I’m a really shy person, so talking in front of hundreds of people was quite intimidating,” he recalls. “It was a tough competition against the top three, but my hard work and skills paid off. I dedicated the prize to the three other competitors from New Zealand, because we all worked so hard.”

Future focus

When it comes to a five-year plan, Sygmun envisions Unlock becoming a benchmark for high-end painting in New Zealand.

“We want to be a company known not just for beautiful results, but for the discipline, care and craftsmanship behind them. I want to grow our team, expand into new regions and offer more specialised services like colour consulting and premium finishing.”

“But the most important part is keeping our culture strong. As we grow, I want Unlock to stay a place where people feel proud to work, where clients feel looked after and where the quality of our work speaks louder than any marketing. That’s the future we’re building towards.”

Unlock faves

Resene colour:

Sygmun: Resene Porter, it is a nice dark colour.

Lucas: Resene Alabaster. That is a great option that won't let you down.

Resene product

Sygmun: Resene CoolColour – unbeatable!

Lucas: Resene Waterborne Sureseal is my current choice. It’s versatile, which is why I like it. Before painting or wallpapering, I can apply a simple coat of primer and it’s ready.