Success Story

Quality Wet Paint Thrives after Support from Two CUFO-backed Programs

Quality Wet Paint, a Bronx-based firm specializing in painting, coating exteriors, and renovations, has grown its revenue, made connections, and transformed Columbia spaces since participating in the CU Grow: Vendor Development Program and the Ascend NYC program. 

August 04, 2025
Two people in safety vests and hard hat standing in front of large windows overlooking the Morningside campus.

Bernardo Flores, a former special education teacher with nearly 30 years in education, founded Quality Wet Paint in 2019 to create better opportunities for his family and uplift his Bronx community. Two Columbia University Facilities and Operations (CUFO) programs, Ascend NYC and CU Grow, helped turn Bernardo’s vision into a reality.  

Today, the painting and renovation business is thriving—expected to bring in over $1.5 million this year. His daughter Alondra now serves as Vice President, and the company is giving back, recently completing a free painting project for a local school. 

Projects at Columbia Since Participating in CU Grow: 

Subcontracts Acquired Through Ascend NYC Network: 

  • The Egg in Albany State Park Plaza
  • The Bronx Museum of Art

“We are so, so thankful to everyone working behind the scenes at Ascend NYC and CU Grow. These programs are led by people who truly care about helping small businesses grow and helped us accelerate our goals and growth.” 

Alondra Flores, Vice President of Quality Wet Paint.

Learn more about how Ascend NYC and CU Grow build up Columbia and local and small businesses.