From Painter & Decorator Apprentice to Royal Marines Commando – and Back to My Craft
Some careers are built on a straight path—mine took a different route. But every step along the way, from apprentice decorator to Royal Marine Commando, to running my own business, shaped the mindset, discipline, and attention to detail I bring to Drew Decor today.
Painting and decorating wasn’t something I stumbled into—it was my first craft. I started as an apprentice painter and decorator, learning the trade from the ground up. Before I even stepped into the military, I had already developed an appreciation for precision, patience, and the importance of preparation—something that later became a core value in my business.
However, the desire to push myself further led me to one of the toughest challenges in the world—the Royal Marines.
Royal Marines – A Test of Resilience, Endurance & Mastery
Joining the Royal Marines wasn’t just about becoming a soldier; it was about becoming part of an elite force where mental and physical resilience define success or failure. The training is brutal, relentless, and designed to break you before it builds you into something stronger.
Key Operational & Training Experiences:
✅ Arctic Warfare – Norway:
Trained in sub-zero temperatures, learning how to survive and fight in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. This experience taught me about adaptability, endurance, and operating under immense pressure—qualities I take into my work today.
✅ High-Altitude Mountain Training:
Endurance, precision, and survival instincts were key here. Working in high-altitude environments reinforced the importance of strategic thinking and teamwork.
✅ Desert Training – California:
Learning to operate in harsh, arid environments where the elements were against us required problem-solving, endurance, and the ability to stay focused under extreme conditions.
✅ Operational Experience – Oman:
Real-world missions tested my ability to apply everything I had learned under pressure, where mistakes weren’t an option.
✅ Urban Combat – Iraq 2003:
One of my most defining moments came during an ambush in an urban environment in Iraq. My team was caught in a crossfire—enemy gunmen firing from three directions: 10 feet away in front of us, from the top of a road with a heavy machine gun, and across the Shatt al-Arab river from Iran.
We should have been overwhelmed, but we weren’t, because the Marines prepare you for situations like this. Professionalism, training, and discipline turned what could have been a disaster into another mission we walked away from—unscathed. That day, I learned that pressure doesn’t break you—it reveals you.
✅ Returning to Iraq – 2004:
The following year, I returned to Iraq on peacekeeping and security operations. The dynamics of this mission were different—it wasn’t just about combat but also about maintaining stability, supporting rebuilding efforts, and ensuring security in a volatile region. It reinforced my ability to adapt, lead, and operate under intense pressure, skills that later became invaluable in business.
Applying Military Precision to the Painting & Decorating Industry
After leaving the Marines, I returned to my first craft—painting and decorating—but this time, I brought a new mindset with me.
✅ Discipline
Every project must be executed with military precision. No shortcuts, no half-measures.
✅ Attention to Detail
In both combat and decorating, the smallest details can make the biggest difference.
✅ Problem-Solving Under Pressure
Whether it’s adapting to an unexpected job challenge or transforming a difficult space, I’ve learned to find solutions, not excuses.
✅ Professionalism & Reliability
In the Marines, reliability is everything. In business, it’s no different—I bring the same commitment and accountability to every job.
Building Drew Decor – A Business of Craftsmanship & Vision
Drew Decor has been operating for 16 years, built on the foundation of quality craftsmanship and expert decorating services. Then in 2019, my wife Suzanne expanded our vision, introducing Drew Decor Interiors, our dedicated interior store.
Suzanne, an interior stylist and co-owner of the business, brings a creative edge to our services. She leads on the design concepts, helping homeowners and designers bring their ideas to life. I manage the painting and decorating team, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and perfection.
Together, we don’t just paint walls—we transform spaces.
Our Drew Decor Interior Store is a one-stop destination for creating beautiful, bespoke interiors. We offer:
✅ Little Greene Paint
Stocked and mixed in-house for fast, expert colour matching.
✅ Made-to-Measure Curtains & Blinds
Custom-designed to complement any space.
✅ Upholstery Services
Bringing new life to furniture with premium fabrics.
✅ Interior Styling Services
Professional guidance on colour schemes, textures, and finishes.
We don’t just sell products—we help homeowners and professionals create stunning interiors that feel unique and timeless.
The Mentality That Drives Everything I Do
One of the challenges in Royal Marines training is the 30ft rope climb, carrying 30lbs of kit. It’s a test of mental strength as much as physical endurance—because 30ft up is a long way to fall if you don’t have what it takes.
At the start of training, most recruits can’t do it. But over time, you develop the strength, resilience, and mindset to make it to the top. That’s what being a Royal Marine Commando is about.
That’s also what running a business is about. It’s not just about talent or skills—it’s about pushing through challenges, adapting to pressure, and delivering results every single time.
This is the mentality I bring to Drew Decor. It’s why we don’t cut corners. It’s why we’re known for exceptional standards and attention to detail.
Whether you’re a homeowner, interior designer, or developer, if you’re looking for premium decorating services or high-quality Little Greene paint, or Made to Measure Curtains and Blinds let’s talk.
Drew Decor Interior Store
918 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8TR
0114 216 9252
Drew Decor Painting & Decorating team
07825767514
Buy Little Greene Paint Online
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