We're Kind of an Open Book
Humble Beginnings
When Michael and Alicia moved from a small Midwest town to the Phoenix metro area, they were seeking warmth and a fresh start. With Michael's background as a professional painter and Alicia's degree in Organizational Leadership, they were excited to begin this new chapter. Alongside them came their beloved then 10-year-old Ragdoll cat, Princess Dolly Pocket, who had been part of the family since birth. Then, on October 14, 2023, during a trip to Utah to watch the eclipse, they rescued a starving dog who found his way into their hearts. They named him Mister Eclipse, marking the beginning of their expanding family in the desert.
As they settled into their new community, Michael and Alicia noticed a shared frustration among local homeowners and business owners—finding a skilled and trustworthy painter was no small feat. Stories of broken promises and poor craftsmanship were all too common. Determined to change that, they founded MetroPrime Painters, driven by a mission to bring trust back to the industry. Built on the values of honesty, integrity, and reliability, their company became a promise to the Phoenix community—a commitment to quality work, respect for every space, and ensuring every client feels valued.
What began as a two-person operation quickly grew, powered by their dedication to these values and their genuine care for customers. With each project, they built not just a business but a legacy of trust, redefining what people could expect from a painting company and establishing MetroPrime as a true family endeavor, rooted in care and community.
Our Current Canvas
MetroPrime Painters has grown into a thriving company, bringing to life the vision that Michael and Alicia first had when they set out on this journey. Although our team has expanded, the values we started with—honesty, integrity, and reliability—remain at the heart of everything we do. Each project reinforces our commitment to excellence, and our presence in the Phoenix community continues to flourish. We see this moment as just the beginning—a stepping stone toward an even brighter future. We’re committed not only to meeting but to exceeding customer expectations as we set new standards of excellence in the industry.
Our family is thriving too. Princess Dolly Pocket Mills, now 12, has settled into Arizona life with ease, while Mister Eclipse Toro, the dog we rescued during the solar eclipse in Utah, has become an energetic and joyful part of our lives. Together, we’re happy to be building our home and community in Phoenix. As MetroPrime grows, we look forward to becoming an even more trusted name, always here to deliver exceptional work and genuine care to every customer. The best is truly yet to come."
Charting the Future
As MetroPrime Painters continues to grow, our sights are set on expanding our footprint across the Phoenix metro area and beyond. Our vision for the future is to become a leading name in the painting industry, known not only for the quality of our work but also for the relationships we build with our clients and our community. We plan to grow our team of highly skilled professionals, creating meaningful job opportunities and ensuring that every painter is trained to meet our high standards of craftsmanship and customer service.
Beyond expanding our service areas, we’re dedicated to adopting the latest technologies and sustainable practices to improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact. We envision a future where MetroPrime Painters leads in innovation, providing cutting-edge painting solutions that enhance spaces while contributing to a more eco-friendly world.
As part of our commitment to the industry, we are deeply invested in professionalizing the field of painting and encouraging young people to consider careers in skilled trades. Through our partnerships with organizations like PCA and Jobs to Build, we’re working to support and train the next generation, helping them build rewarding careers outside the traditional college path. By nurturing these opportunities, we aim to make a lasting impact not only on our team but also on the Phoenix community and the painting industry at large.
We also plan to deepen our local involvement by participating in community events, supporting charitable causes, and remaining a positive force for good. Our long-term goal is to be recognized not only as a trusted painting company but as an employer of choice and a champion for the trades in the communities we serve.
The future is bright for MetroPrime Painters, and we’re excited to evolve while staying true to the core values that have brought us this far. Together with our customers, team, and community, we will keep setting the prime standard in painting for years to come
Say Hello to Our Founders
Michael Toro
I’m Michael, an Ohio native with over 20 years of experience in the painting industry. My passion for craftsmanship and attention to detail have guided me throughout my career, shaping the way I approach every project. After moving to Mesa, Arizona, two years ago, my partner Alicia and I launched Peak to Peak Painting & Repair Pro. While the business thrived, we realized we needed a brand that better reflected our values and vision for the future. That is how MetroPrime Painters came to life.
MetroPrime Painters is built on a foundation of professionalism, care, and respect for the craft of painting. We prioritize quality above all else, focusing on the details that matter and the long-lasting results our clients expect. We believe in forming partnerships with customers who share our commitment to excellence, people who value trust, craftsmanship, and a collaborative process.
We know that not every project or client is the right fit, and that is okay. When we are a good match, it means we are able to create something truly remarkable together, something that stands out and lasts for years to come. At MetroPrime, it is not just about painting walls; it is about creating spaces that reflect the pride and care we bring to every job.
So Happy to Call The Valley Home
Alicia Mills
We founded MetroPrime to bring honesty, quality, and professionalism to painting. Even as the business grows, we stay in the field because we truly love this work and believe in being deeply connected to every project. From giving estimates to overseeing each detail, we’re committed to staying hands-on, ensuring each job meets our standards. Join the MetroPrime family, and you might just see one of us on-site, always setting the Prime standard in paint.
Say Hello to the Big Wig
Princess Dolly Pocket " Da Boss"
Hello. I am Dolly—though my friends call me Princess Pocket, Doonie, Dolly Pocket, or Bunny. So, you can call me Dolly. I am twelve years old and have been with my mother since I was just twelve weeks. She is the one I love the most, though I graciously allow my father (who I have known for about ten years) to remain in my orbit. I adore my mother and show her my love with cuddles and what some call “making biscuits.” But if anyone catches me, I stop immediately—no one must think me soft.
My little brother, Eclipse? Let's just say I tolerate his presence. He foolishly thinks I adore him. Ridiculous. I do not play, I do not “do cat things,” and I certainly do not enjoy being picked up. I have very specific rules about how I am petted, and I expect them to be followed.
I am, simply put, the regal overseer of my home. Should you be in my presence, admire from a respectful distance. I am a treasure—and if you’re fortunate, I may grant you the privilege of my gaze.
The Heart of MetroPrime
Mister Eclipse " Da Baby"
Hi there! My name is Eclipse, but my humans call me Roonie, Boy, Trouble, or Donut Boy (because I spin like crazy when I’m happy—pets make me extra happy!). I found my humans on October 14, 2023, when they were wandering around the desert in Utah watching this big, shiny circle thing in the sky. They looked like they needed a puppy, so I made them mine. It was the best decision I’ve ever made because now I get cuddles, food, and ALL the love!
I live with my sister Dolly. She’s my best friend (even though she pretends she doesn’t love me—I know she does deep down). She’s super cool and fluffy, and I follow her everywhere!
I’m a mix of Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd, but I’m also part everything else—I’m told there are 13 breeds in me, which makes me extra special. When my humans found me, I was pretty hungry, but that didn’t stop me from being my happy, goofy self. Now I’m living my best life with my amazing family who takes care of me. I love making new friends because I just KNOW everyone loves me (even if they don’t admit it).
Oh, and about my name? It’s because of that shiny circle thing in the sky when I found my humans—it was called an eclipse. Pretty cool, huh?
Proud Members of the Painting Contractors Association
At MetroPrime Painters, we’re proud to bring our commitment to excellence as a trusted Mesa painting company to the Painting Contractors Association (PCA). As members, we adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring that every project reflects our dedication to quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.