Meet the Team
At Avid Painting & Home Remodeling, we welcome everyone, including diverse customers, contractors, and suppliers.
Certified, trusted, inclusive, and community-driven—that’s who we are. In 2023, we earned HUB, MWSBE, and NCSBE certifications and became an approved City of Charlotte vendor. Plus, with full insurance and bonding, you can relax knowing your home is in safe, capable hands.
John Castano
CEO & General Manager
John Castano launched Avid Painting, LLC in 2004 with the long-term vision of creating an inclusive business that transformed people’s spaces while providing fulfilling work opportunities for others.
His detail-oriented project management skills, intuitive eye for design, and welcoming personality helped Avid become the go-to company for painting and cosmetic remodeling services in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
As a bilingual LGBT business owner, John deeply understands the challenges faced by diverse business owners and loves supporting local minorities in their business endeavors. Avid Painting & Home Remodeling is a corporate partner of the Carolina’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, and the Charlotte City Council appointed John to serve on the Charlotte Business Advisory Committee in 2024. He’s an active member of the Charlotte Latin Chamber of Commerce, North Carolina Home Builders Association, Home Builders Association of Greater Charlotte, AMP Up Charlotte Cohort, NXT | CLT Initiative, and Charlotte Business INClusion Program. In 2025, John accepted an Interior Design Society board position as the Membership Committee Chair for their Charlotte Chapter.
John graduated from the Ceipa Business School in Medellin-Colombia with a degree in International Business Administration in 2016 and the City of Charlotte Contractor Development Training Academy in 2023. He never stops learning and has completed a Sherwin-Williams Color Mix class with the Interior Design Continuing Education Council, OSHA Training Courses, Lead Safety Course for Renovation, Repair, and Painting, and the City of Charlotte Contractor Development Program. When he isn’t meeting with homeowners or managing the Avid team, John enjoys spending time with his partner, spoiling Muttly and Maximilian, collecting art, and dreaming up innovative designs.
Sharon Torrealba
Sales Manager
Sharon Torrealba is your friendly go-to contact for questions, estimates, and customer support. Born in Charlotte and raised in Medellin, Colombia, she brings a global perspective to this diverse company. Sharon has specialized in business and sales management since 2019, gaining valuable insights into homeowner’s needs and market trends. From the moment you reach out for an estimate, she’s here to ensure you have a smooth and positive experience. She also gives back to the Charlotte Chapter of the Interior Design Society by serving as a board member and Membership Committee Co-Chair.
Muttly and Maximilian
Mascots & Cheerleaders
Muttly and Maximilian keep the Avid team smiling with their lovable antics. The adorable shitzus are (mostly) good boys who help John during Sherwin-Williams and Lowe’s supply runs. Muttly is obsessed with homecooked meals, stuffed animals, naps, beauty parlor trips, and posing for selfies. Maximilian loves attention and can’t stand it if you walk by without petting him.
