In the heart of Toronto, Millwick Paint & Wallpaper stands as a testament to the enduring power of dedication, quality and community. Under the stewardship of owner Vince Fera, the operation has evolved from a modest paint shop into a cornerstone of the local home improvement landscape. With a rich history, a commitment to exceptional service and a visionary outlook, Millwick Paint & Wallpaper has built a legacy on craftsmanship and connection.

The Little Store That Grew

Millwick Paint & Wallpaper’s story began in 1984, when Vince took a job as the store’s first employee when he was just 15 years old. What started as a part-time role for a teenager became a lifelong passion.

“I fell in love with the industry,” Vince says. “The store was small, but it had potential, and I wanted to be part of its growth.”

Vince’s commitment paid off. By age 25, he owned a 25% stake in the business, increasing to 50% by age 32. In 2008, after 24 years of partnership with the original owner, Vince became the sole proprietor. His vision for expansion took shape in 2010, when the store doubled in size by incorporating the neighboring building. By 2020, Vince purchased that property outright, cementing Millwick’s presence as a local institution.

This growth inspired the store’s slogan: “The Little Store That GREW, Thanks to YOU,” which is a nod to the loyal customers who have fueled Millwick’s success over four decades. As the store approaches its 41st anniversary, Vince reflects on the journey with pride.

“We’ve come a long way from that small shop,” he says. “Every milestone is a reminder of our customers’ trust and our team’s hard work.”

A Close-Knit Team

At the heart of Millwick’s success is its tight-knit team, led by Vince and anchored by key members Nestor Guevara, Dino Atzori and Juan Carlos Contreras Balderas. Each brings expertise and a shared commitment to the store’s values: humility, collaboration and service.

“Our team is about collaboration,” Vince says. “There is no kind of a boss—we’re all people on the same playing field. Everyone helps everyone and no one feels more superior than others; it’s a team.”

For Vince, working hard, being kind and staying humble are the guiding principles of the business.

“Those values shape everything we do,” he says. “They’re what make this team special.”

This philosophy extends to the hiring process, where Vince entrusts his team with interviewing candidates.

“They know what it takes to fit in here,” he says. “We look for sincerity, a strong work ethic and a team-oriented mindset. The result is a cohesive group that operates with mutual respect and shared purpose, creating a workplace where everyone thrives.”

Nestor, Dino and Carlos all embody these ideals, Vince says.

“Nestor’s meticulous attention to detail ensures flawless color matching, while Dino’s knack for customer rapport makes every visitor feel valued. Carlos, with his deep knowledge of products, guides clients through complex projects with ease,” Vince says. “Together, they form the backbone of Millwick’s operations, delivering the personalized service that keeps customers coming back.”

A Home for Customers

What sets Millwick Paint & Wallpaper apart is its ability to blend professional expertise with a welcoming, almost familial atmosphere. The store offers an extensive selection of premium paints, stains and specialty products, as well as wallpaper, spray equipment and painting accessories. Services like custom color matching, stain customization and wallpaper installation ensure customers receive tailored solutions for their specific projects.

It’s the store’s unique character that truly distinguishes it and creates an environment that is functional and memorable. Stepping into Millwick feels like entering a space designed with intention. The store’s interior pays homage to Toronto’s vibrant hockey culture, with a glass-enclosed paint workstation modeled after a hockey penalty box.

“Hockey is in our blood here,” Vince says. “We wanted the store to reflect the energy of our city.”

On one wall hang the first two hammers Vince purchased at 15, a symbol of his lifelong dedication. A state-of-the-art elevator system streamlines operations, transporting large orders from the basement to the parking lot for seamless customer pickups.

Perhaps the store’s most distinctive feature is The Customers Lounge, an on-site espresso bar offering complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate for the young, as well as biscotti and pastries to customers. Staffed by Vince and his team, the lounge is open six days a week during store hours.

“It’s about starting the day right,” Vince explains. “Contractors grab a coffee in the morning and homeowners relax while browsing wallpaper. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.”

A Community Focus

Millwick’s impact extends beyond its walls, deeply rooted in the Toronto community. Vince’s dedication to giving back is evident in the store’s initiatives, from delivering paint to senior citizens to supporting local churches with project supplies. During the holidays, the team distributes food to underprivileged families, a tradition that reflects their gratitude for the community’s support.

“We’ve been blessed with so much, and we are so grateful,” Vince says. “It’s our responsibility to share that with others.”

Annual events, like inviting local church members to enjoy coffee at The Customers Lounge, foster connection and celebrate the store’s role as a community hub. These efforts have transformed a once-abandoned building into a vibrant space that locals cherish.

As Millwick Paint & Wallpaper looks ahead, Vince’s vision is clear: to continue evolving while staying true to the store’s core values. Plans are underway to enhance the store’s digital presence, offering online color consultations and virtual product browsing to complement the in-store experience. Vince also aims to expand eco-friendly product offerings. No matter what changes the operation makes, the essence of Millwick will remain unchanged.

“We’re about quality, service and community. That’s what got us here, and that’s what will carry us forward.” Fera says. “Every customer, every project, every cup of coffee poured in the lounge—it all matters. This is our story, and we’re honored to share it.”