Life at Walnut Capital: John Graziani
Meet John, a Steel City native with a knack for turning spaces into works of art.
John's journey at Walnut Capital is filled with growth and an unapologetic love for creating spaces that pop and make you feel at home.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, John's life took a detour to Greensborough, North Carolina and back, courtesy of his dad's airborne adventures as a pilot. After navigating Penn Hills High School and trying his hand at sports administration at IUP (while also playing a bit of ice hockey on the side), the job hunt post-graduation led him to the unexpected world of painting—a full-time commitment that became his artistic playground.
A Monster ad for a painter at Walnut caught John's attention, leading to an interview with Jen Dupal. Although he initially swiped left on the job offer, he was ready to take the leap when they reached out again six months later. Leaving the comfort of his previous gig was tough, but the lure of Walnut Capital's growth, size, and potential proved irresistible.
I don't ever feel dragged down at work. I have never had that feeling. I love being able to do so many different projects at once.
Despite the demanding role of Painting Manager, John makes time for his love of hockey, playing in a league for two years and even jetting off to Canada for a tournament. And let's not forget his dedication to the Steelers; catching every game is a non-negotiable.
From redoing the University Commons leasing office during the chaos of COVID to giving corporate furniture a facelift, John revels in the diversity of his job. Walking properties in the summer, noting damages, and collaborating on new color schemes keep his life and job interesting.
One of my favorite parts about my job is that I get to refurbish furniture we have in our corporate units. No one else [in property management] does that.
He has painted quite a few spaces and walls at Walnut Capital. But some fun moments include painting Millie's brick walls bright pink at Bakery Square and attending a convention where he got to tour Acrisure Stadium. Working here has definitely proved there is never a dull moment and there's always something new to discover or try.
John's journey at Walnut Capital is more than a career; it's an ongoing masterpiece of growth, adaptability, and a relentless passion for making spaces beautiful. As our Painting Manager, he's not just adding color to walls; he's creating an atmosphere where creativity thrives, teamwork flourishes, and every wall tells a story. As John continues to pick out color schemes and bring spaces to life, he remains the maestro of Walnut Capital's unique and innovative painting division.
