Best and Brightest: Ashton Cordeiro

Ashton Cordeiro

Business Manager and Co-Owner

Alves Painting

Grand Strand

Age 34

I never expected my career to lead me into the painting industry, but becoming the business manager and co-owner of Alves Painting has shown me that every business is ultimately about people. As a Myrtle Beach native, wife, mom, and entrepreneur, I'm proud to build a family business that serves the community I've always called home. Alongside my husband, I help lead Alves Painting by overseeing our marketing, operations, customer experience, and the systems that keep our business moving forward. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I've learned to lead with confidence, embrace challenges, and bring a unique perspective to the trades. Every obstacle has strengthened my resilience and reinforced that great leadership isn't defined by your title, it's defined by how you serve others. Beyond growing our business, I'm passionate about building relationships with other local business owners and supporting a community where small businesses can thrive together. My long-term goal is to continue growing Alves Painting into one of the most trusted home service companies in the Grand Strand while creating opportunities for others and giving back to the community that has given us so much. To me, success isn't measured only by business growth, it's measured by the impact we leave on the people we serve and the relationships we build along the way.

Favorite Quote and Why: "In the end, it is not the mountain that you must master, but yourself." — Brianna Wiest, "The Mountain Is You." This quote reminds me that the greatest growth comes from within. Every challenge I've faced, both personally and professionally, has strengthened my resilience, deepened my self-awareness, and taught me the value of trusting the process. I've learned that success isn't just about reaching a goal, it's about becoming the kind of person capable of achieving it.

Definition of a Successful Leader: To me, a successful leader is someone who genuinely cares about people. They encourage others, lead by example, and aren't afraid to step in and help wherever they're needed. They treat everyone with kindness, respect, and equal value, regardless of their role or background. I believe the best leaders continue growing themselves while helping others grow too. When you lead with humility and compassion, you create a ripple effect that inspires others to shine and become the best version of themselves.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: I would tell my 18-year-old self not to be afraid of making mistakes or to think everything has to be perfect. Some of life's greatest lessons come from trying, failing, and learning along the way. Don't let imposter syndrome convince you that you're not capable or don't belong. Keep learning from the people around you, trust the process, and remember that you're capable of accomplishing big things if you're willing to stay consistent and keep moving forward.