I have been reflecting on all of the changes that have affected our world in 2009, and I have to admit that I am very hopeful for a great new year in 2010. This has been one of the most dramatic years in the history of my retail business, G&R Paint Company. We have re-established our identity as a “truly independent” paint store. We have begun to forge new alliances with exciting new vendors and have parted ways with others who no longer align themselves with our vision of success in the future.

We have many new initiatives underway, such as launching a first time ever Ann Hall Color Design Collection website. We’ve got a little something up and running already at www.annhallcolordesign.com  .I will announce the official launch in the months to come, complete with color palette and gallery shots.

My collaboration with my C2 partnership has increased over the past year and we should see some exiting results of this come to fruition in the coming year. This partnership remains one of the most exciting opportunities in my business life. 2010 is going to be a great year to demonstrate the power of this co-op in an increasingly corporatized, homogenized paint world. Stay tuned.

We have been undergoing a facelift as well, updating the interior and exterior of the store. I will post pictures once we get everything finalized. If you are local, please drop in and see the dramatic new look of our design area.

Most importantly I want to give a shout out to all of my day to day customers who make the success of G&R Paint Company  and Philip’s Perfect Colors possible. I have put your loyalty to the test this year, and have not come up wanting. You are the heroes in my everyday life. We all decide with every purchase we make what kind of businesses we want in our communities. It is clear that despite the fact that we removed a large national brand from our store, you have decided that G&R is the brand that matters most to you. Thank you, and Happy New Year.

I am happy to report that as of January 2010 G&R Paint will become one of a select group of retailers who carry Mythic Paint. After researching this brand (and of course painting with their products), I couldn’t help but get involved with this great company. We are currently the only retailer distributing this product in San Francisco.

Mythic grew out of a research project at the University of Mississippi, and was first used on the re-paint of the Pentagon after the 9/11 attack. Claiming 26 unique patents, this product unlike most other low or no-voc paints was built from the ground up. Instead of trying to remove ”bad” ingredients from already existing formulations like some national brands, Mythic started with their unique acrylic polymer and then “built” the can of paint around it using only the highest grade and safest raw materials available. Mythic contains no carcinogens, no ethylene glycol, or crystalline silica.

What this means for you is the opportunity to paint your indoor spaces without the annoying odors of conventional or even some low-voc paints. While no paint is completely odor-free, Mythic’s minimal odor is gone from the scene sooner than you can get the furniture back in place. Knowing that you are not exposing yourself or your loved ones to unnecessary solvents and toxins is just one reason to use Mythic. The other reason is that you are truly getting a premium performing product that will hold up to the wear and tear of everyday life. Check out their website at www.mythicpaint.com.

Stay tuned as the legend continues…Mythic Paint and G&R Paint Company-doing things a little differently-together.