Beyond the Brush: Meet Jesse and Jenilee Castillo, the Heart of Cutting Edge Painting
Jesse Castillo
Owner, Cutting Edge Painting
When you invite a painting company into your home, you’re not just hiring a service; you’re trusting a team of people with your most valuable asset. At Cutting Edge Painting of Knoxville, we believe that trust is built on a foundation of expertise, integrity, and a genuine connection with our community. That’s why we want to introduce you to the heart and soul of our company: owners Jesse and Jenilee Castillo.
Their journey is one of passion, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to quality craftsmanship. It’s a story that was recently highlighted in a fantastic feature by Knoxville Voyager, and we wanted to share a little more about the people who are dedicated to transforming homes across East Tennessee.
A Foundation Built on Decades of Experience
Long before Cutting Edge Painting became one of Knoxville’s most trusted painting companies, Jesse Castillo was honing his craft across the country. With over 25 years in the painting industry, Jesse has worked on a remarkable variety of projects, from residential homes to high-profile commercial properties.
His extensive career has taken him through states like Indiana, Texas, Ohio, and Florida. He even had the unique opportunity to work on the prestigious Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach — widely regarded as the crown jewel of Palm Beach’s private estates. This diverse experience didn’t just teach him the technical skills of the trade; it gave him a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional results in any environment.

In October 2018, Jesse and his family made the move to Knoxville, drawn by the charm and opportunity of East Tennessee. He continued to work for local painting and remodeling companies, further cementing his expertise within our unique community.
From Challenge to Opportunity: The Birth of a Family Business
As Jesse and Jenilee shared in their interview with Knoxville Voyager’s “Hidden Gems” series, the dream of owning their own business was always there. However, it was an unexpected challenge that turned that dream into a reality.
In the midst of the pandemic in early 2021, the remodeling company Jesse was working for faced a shortage of work, and he was let go. For many, this would have been a devastating setback. For Jesse and Jenilee, it was the push they needed.
“This then basically forced us and pushed us to create our own painting company. We had always wanted to start our own business one day… it inspired us to go forward, start our own company that would stand out and be successful in the painting industry.”
And so, Cutting Edge Painting of Knoxville was born. It wasn’t just a business venture; it was the culmination of a lifetime of experience and a testament to their resilience. They faced the challenges of a national paint shortage and rising costs head-on, using their industry connections and creative problem-solving to ensure their clients never felt the impact.
What Sets Cutting Edge Painting Apart?
In a crowded market, Jesse and Jenilee knew they needed to build a company that was different. For them, it comes down to two core principles: unwavering customer satisfaction and being a proud, family-run business.
They don’t just paint walls; they build relationships. They take immense pride in helping Knoxville-area residents turn their property improvement dreams into reality. Whether it’s a full interior and exterior repaint, a detailed cabinet refinishing project, or a simple staining job, their focus is on delivering a flawless finish and a stress-free experience.
As they mentioned in their Knoxville Voyager feature, their goal is to be a community resource. They are always willing to offer tips and advice on how to improve a home, embodying a spirit of helpfulness that goes beyond the project itself.
The Heart of Knoxville
Jesse and Jenilee’s story is a true Knoxville story — one of hard work, community, and turning challenges into triumphs. Their success is driven by a simple philosophy: always keep pushing forward, be active in the community, and network with other local businesses.
We are incredibly proud to have their story shared by a great local publication like Knoxville Voyager. We encourage you to read the full article to learn even more about their journey.
When you’re ready to bring a new level of quality and care to your next painting project, you know who to call. Jesse, Jenilee, and the entire Cutting Edge Painting team are here to make your vision a reality.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free estimate!