River City Six – Thomas Rajkovich
Meet Thomas Rajkovich, co-owner of Thomas Faux Finishing and a commercial artist who applies his 30-plus years in the industry to the expert application of each client’s selected finish(es).
Tell us a little about your business.
Thomas Faux Finishing is relatively new to the area. Our specialty is fine faux finishing and design; we perform the application of decorative finishes that replicate the appearance of high-end materials such as marble, wood or stone. We also do faux painting, adding light, color and texture to the walls within homes and business locations in the Omaha Metro, Lincoln and surrounding areas across southeast Nebraska. With services available for both residential and commercial properties, some examples of the work we create for our clients include metallic plasters, modern washboard and grasscloth textures, glass bead finishes, and other high-end decorative paint applications. These are all custom and seamless, delivering a contemporary or transitional look that has the ability to completely transform any room. If design isn’t your knack, we have a talented design consultant on board to help with your creative needs.
How did you get started in the business?
It’s a passion of mine. I’ve been a commercial design artist for over three decades and had the chance to really advance my skills during my time in Los Angeles.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Starting over with the process of building a solid client base now that we’ve relocated to the Midwest. All of our clients back in L.A. love the work that we have done for them, and so far the ones we are honored to have in Lincoln and Omaha, and even as far away as Fairbury, have too.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Working on the Fairbury Theater renovation was quite satisfying. Recreating the ceiling stencils that were badly worn, and with much of them missing, in order to make them appear as they would have in their original state was a real undertaking. However, it truly was such gratifying work to restore this project that has been around for so many years.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife Julie and I recently moved to Lincoln to be close to her parents. Being from Michigan originally, I did miss the Midwest, especially the strong values and work ethic!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spending time with my wife is my favorite. Working on my fine art or projects around the house would probably be second.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Probably to fly; wouldn’t it be cool to soar through the clouds?
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
I enjoy woodworking. Building guitars in particular is a great love of mine.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Probably a full-time fine artist. I would love to display my paintings at the local galleries.
What is your favorite movie?
Goodfellas.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
M’s Pub.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin. Having him talk about how he came up with the greatest rock songs in the history of music would be quite amazing!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
For anyone who is interested in our services, it’s best to get in touch with my wife, Julie, at (323) 610-2387 or julie.uribe01@gmail.com.