Each month we turn a spotlight on a local subcontractor. This month we’re featuring Bill Jolly with Bill Jolly Wallpapering.
Name: Bill Jolly
When did you start Bill Jolly Wallpapering?
In 1981 I started Bill Jolly Wallpapering and Painting, but the seed was planted in 1971 when I was 20 and I first learned how to hang wallpaper. I had a neighbor whose father had been a paperhanger before him. I worked for him for several years. During that time, I was also a musician playing in a rock band that was regionally successful. When I was not on the road, there was always someone who wanted wallpaper or painting done, so I kept my hand in it.
I left the band in 1979, and my wife and I moved to the OBX. I worked as a carpenter for 2 years, and then we built our own house. Following the birth of my first daughter in 1981, I made the decision to focus on hanging wallpaper again, because that’s what I really love to do. It turned out that the timing was right with the building boom just getting underway.
What do you do at Bill Jolly Wallpapering? Everything related to wallpapering, from estimating, removing existing wallpaper, patching or skim coating, sanding & priming walls, to installing all types of wallcoverings in residential homes, commercial buildings, and on Yachts or sport fishing boats. I also do interior painting, but wallpaper is my preference. I am a one-person company, and I do every phase of the job myself. I find the most difficult part of my job is the scheduling, because I want to do everyone’s job when they want, or need it done, and sometimes I can’t make that happen.
What is your favorite thing about your job? I love many things about it. like seeing how every person has their own taste and decorating style. I get a lot of satisfaction when a homeowner walks in and sees the paper on the wall for the first time, whether it is the first or last piece in the room, and are pleased with the look of their selection. I enjoy working with my builders and decorators and getting to know the people I work for, and especially appreciate my repeat customers! I am a people person and having been in business in this area for 40 years, I am now working for the children of some of my long-time customers, and find that very satisfying.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? Being an astronaut in the International Space Station. Seeing the earth from that perspective must be amazing!
How long have you known Mark and Sandy? I met them through a mutual friend probably 20 years ago or so, and the first job I did for them was in 2002. I’m always glad to work on one of their projects. From a subcontractor’s perspective, I know it will be high quality and a well-run job.
What is your favorite thing to do on the Outer Banks? That’s an easy question! Go to the beach and swim with my 10-year-old grandson. I see myself in him 60 years ago, in the joy, he has in the ocean.
What brought you to the Outer Banks? My family vacationed in Nags Head every summer, starting in the mid 1950’s.
Where is your favorite vacation spot? As a family, we’ve always enjoyed going to the mountains of VA & NC, especially Boone, where one of our daughters lives. We drove out to see our other daughter in Colorado a few years back and saw a lot of this country, so now that’s on the list.
When you are looking for someone to hang wallpaper a call Bill Jolly at 252-473-7996.
Email: [email protected]
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/Bill-Jolly-Wallpapering-Painting-167900289888601
