Today we’d like to introduce you to Airit Kahro.
Hi Airit, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Estonia and moved to the U.S. in 2002. I spent about 15 years in the New York City area working in construction, primarily as a carpenter, gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of projects. That time gave me a strong, practical understanding of how things are built and what it takes to do the work properly.
When my wife and I decided to move to Jacksonville at the end of 2017, I knew I wanted to build something of my own and create a future I could stand behind. Traditional construction in Florida would have required a much larger setup—crews, equipment, and higher startup costs—so I looked for a different path.
I trained with a friend who owns a refinishing business in New Jersey and also worked alongside him doing refinishing as a side job. That hands-on experience gave me a solid foundation and a clear understanding of the level of precision the work requires, and that’s where I found my niche.
Refinishing requires a high level of attention to detail—proper preparation and application are everything. People often mistake it for painting, but it’s actually a technical process where the preparation is just as important as the final finish. If it’s not done right, it won’t last or look the way it should.
I officially started Perfect Refinishing in January 2018. The first year was slower as I built the business from the ground up, but over time it steadily grew. Today, a lot of my work comes from referrals and word of mouth, which I take as a sign that the quality speaks for itself.
From the beginning, my focus has been simple: do it the right way, or don’t do it at all. I don’t cut corners, I use quality materials, and I approach every project the same—whether it’s a homeowner, rental property, or commercial job. The standard doesn’t change depending on the job; every project is done to the same level of quality.
I also believe in treating customers the way I would want to be treated. That means being honest, respectful, and taking the time to educate them—not just trying to sell a job. My focus is on doing quality work that lasts. If something isn’t the right fit for refinishing or won’t hold up properly, I’ll be upfront about it, explain the options, and make sure it’s done the right way from the start.
I take pride in being reliable, showing up on time, protecting the space properly, and delivering a clean, professional finish every time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been ups and downs along the way. Starting from scratch in a new place without an established customer base was one of the biggest challenges early on. The first year was slower, and it took time to build trust, get the word out, and establish a steady flow of work.
Another challenge has been staying consistent in an industry where not everyone focuses on quality. There are always cheaper options out there, but I made the decision early on to focus on doing the job the right way rather than competing on price. That can be harder in the short term, but it’s what builds long-term results.
Running a business also comes with its own pressures—managing everything yourself, staying on schedule, and making sure every job meets your standards. There’s no shortcut to that, and it takes discipline and consistency every day.
Over time, those challenges have become part of the foundation of the business. Staying focused on quality, reliability, and doing things the right way has led to steady growth and strong word-of-mouth, which is what keeps the business moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Perfect Refinishing is a refinishing business based in Jacksonville, FL, focused on restoring and repairing tubs and tile to a clean, updated, and long-lasting finish without the need for full replacement. I work with homeowners, property managers, and commercial clients, helping them extend the life of existing surfaces in a cost-effective way.
What I specialize in is doing the job the right way, with proper preparation, quality materials, and attention to detail. Refinishing isn’t just about making something look better—it has to last. That’s what I focus on with every project.
What sets me apart is consistency and the standard I hold on every job. I don’t cut corners, and I don’t lower the quality depending on the situation. Whether it’s a homeowner, rental property, or commercial project, the approach and level of work stays the same.
I’m also big on being straightforward with customers. I take the time to explain what makes sense and what doesn’t, instead of just trying to sell a service. My goal is to make sure the end result is something that holds up and that the customer feels good about long-term.
At the end of the day, I’m most proud of the reputation the business has built—through word of mouth, repeat clients, and consistent results. That’s what keeps it growing.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing the results of my work and knowing it was done the right way. There’s a lot of satisfaction in taking something worn or outdated and turning it into something clean and finished that looks good and holds up over time.
I also value having control over my own work and being able to take pride in what I do. At the end of the day, it’s about doing honest work, having satisfied customers, and building something steady over time.
Outside of work, spending time with my family and keeping a good balance between work and life is just as important.
Pricing:
- Please call, text, or email for a quote.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://perfectrefinishingfl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectrefinishingfl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perfectrefinishingfl/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perfect-refinishing-llc/
