Start with your values and stick to them

“Sustainability has always been in my DNA,” says David. “Growing up, we camped, composted, recycled. These were the values of that time that we’ve never lost sight of.”

Those early lessons became the foundation for Colormaker’s transformation. Today, they produce water-based, low-VOC, solvent-free paints and inks used by renovators, mural artists and screen printers around the world. Their flagship Permaset® inks achieved internationally certified organic status in 2012.

Takeaway: Let your values guide your products and decisions — they’re not just good ethics, they’re good business.

Innovate for impact

Colormaker is proof that even small businesses can lead on innovation. The Brookvale factory runs entirely on renewable energy, powered by a 100 kW solar array and backed by a custom-built Revolve® battery — the first of its kind in the world. They’ve switched to electric vehicles for local deliveries, removed microplastics from products, and turned cardboard waste into packaging with a mega shredder.

It’s a long list of smart changes that add up to real impact — and real recognition, with three major sustainability awards in 2023 alone.

Takeaway: You don’t need a huge budget to innovate. Start where you can, measure the impact and build from there.

Think global - but act local

Colormaker may be small, but its reach spans Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, the US, Europe and Asia.

Yet their heart stays local. The business supports schools, sponsors art prizes, supplies paint for murals and partners with nearby businesses like Manly Art Gallery and the Salty Rooster. The business is also a founding member of the Brookvale Arts District, a member of the Sustainability Business Network and a long-time backer of the Northern Beaches Environmental Art and Design Prize.

“Small doesn’t mean local-only,” says David. “But by staying connected to your local community, you build a stronger, more resilient community and from that a stronger more resilient business.”

Takeaway: Your local network can become your greatest strength. Collaborate, give back and grow together.

Build a team that believes in the mission

Four of Colormaker’s team members have been with the business for over 20 years. Why? Because they’re part of something meaningful.

From interns to technical staff, everyone plays a role in delivering quality, service and innovation. The team even speaks eight languages — building connection with customers near and far.

Takeaway: Hire people who share your purpose. Invest in them, and they’ll help your business thrive through the highs and lows.

Don’t be afraid to adapt

Over the years, Colormaker has weathered the Iraq war, the GFC and the Pandemic — not by standing still, but by pivoting fast and staying open to change.

“Each challenge taught us something,” says David. “What looked like a crisis one day became an opportunity the next.”

From energy audits and smarter systems to swapping LPG forklifts for electric ones, Colormaker keeps evolving — and sharing what they learn with others.

Takeaway: Stay flexible. What works today might need a rethink tomorrow — and that’s okay.

Stay grounded in what matters

When he’s not leading a sustainability-award-winning business, David makes time for what matters — daily surfs at Freshwater, swims at Little Manly and runs along the Curl Curl parkrun course.

“This community is creative, passionate and down-to-earth,” he says. “That energy inspires everything we do. Brookvale is home — and we’re proud to be building something meaningful right here.”

Final word: purpose is power

Colormaker’s story is one of clear values, smart decisions and deep community connection. For David Stuart, success isn’t about size — it’s about doing good work, for the right reasons, in the right place.

If you’re a business owner looking for a better way forward, Colormaker proves you can go green, grow strong and stay local — all at once.