Our Story
It started with Paul.
Paul Mademann, an engineer and experienced painter, founded PACER Decorating in Wheaton in 1988. He built the business on a simple idea: where many painters deliver only their product, we deliver our service.
From the beginning, Paul's standards were clear. The most important things we can offer our customers are honest communication, exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and doing what we say we're going to do. Nearly four decades later, those principles remain the foundation of PACER and the reason so much of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals.
Today, the second generation
Eric Mademann grew up in the business. From helping on small jobs as a kid to working summers throughout high school and college, he learned the trade from the ground up. He paid for his entire college education by painting, and over the years he worked as a painter, foreman, and estimator, gaining firsthand experience in every aspect of the company.
Just as importantly, Eric learned from his father how to build a business the right way. He learned that quality must never be compromised, that customers deserve honesty and responsiveness, and that employees who are respected and supported will consistently deliver their best work. Those lessons continue to guide PACER today.
In addition to his experience at PACER, Eric spent 18 years leading operations and yield management teams in the international logistics industry. Throughout his career, he developed a passion for building strong teams, improving processes, and solving problems at their root cause. Rather than applying temporary fixes, he believes in creating lasting solutions that improve quality, efficiency, and the experience of both customers and employees.
Outside of work, Eric is active in the local community and volunteers as a youth sports coach. He and his family believe strongly in giving back through community involvement and supporting organizations that strengthen the neighborhoods PACER serves.
As he leads PACER into its next chapter, Eric is committed to honoring the reputation his father built while continuously improving how the company serves its customers and employees. His leadership philosophy is simple: quality work and taking care of people are the foundation of a successful business, while continuous improvement helps great teams do their best work.
Eric's vision is to make PACER the most trusted, customer-focused, and professionally managed painting company in the community. By investing in people, improving processes, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, he is building on the foundation his father created while preparing PACER for generations to come.
Who we work for
From fine homes to busy commercial spaces, every project gets the same care.
- Residential: high-end interior and exterior painting for homeowners
- Commercial: offices, health clubs and retail, on schedules that keep you open
- Institutional: schools, churches and community facilities
- Industrial and property management: light industrial spaces, townhome associations and multi-building portfolios