In the neighborhoods of Fort Lauderdale, two entrepreneurs are quietly leaving their mark — one home at a time. For Jake Lonsway and Matt Oatts, co-founders of JM Home Prep, the journey to building a trusted home services business has been shaped by family roots, hands-on experience and a shared commitment to craftsmanship.

Jake Lonsway’s story begins in Michigan, where he grew up working alongside his father in the painting business. Those early years instilled not only technical skills but also a respect for hard work and attention to detail. While Michigan was home, Jake’s connection to South Florida ran deep. His family maintained a home in the historic Rio Vista neighborhood, where his great-grandparents and grandparents had lived since the 1960s. Winters and spring breaks spent there planted the seeds for what would later become a permanent move.

Matt Oatts, on the other hand, was raised in Kentucky in a family of entrepreneurs immersed in the construction industry. Surrounded by business-minded relatives, he developed an early understanding of what it takes to build something from the ground up. His professional path led him into automotive manufacturing, where he worked with Toyota Manufacturing — an experience that sharpened his skills in efficiency, systems and quality control.

The two met in Indianapolis, where their complementary backgrounds quickly aligned. In 2008, they launched what would become JM Home Prep, starting with painting and cleaning apartment turnovers. Working closely with property management companies, they handled more than 500 units, building a reputation for reliability and thoroughness. Their business grew steadily, fueled by a shared work ethic and a desire to create something meaningful.

In 2020, Jake and Matt made the decision to relocate to Fort Lauderdale, bringing their expertise to a community Jake had long considered a second home. While maintaining their established operations in Indianapolis, they expanded their focus to serve South Florida homeowners.

Today, JM Home Prep offers a full range of services, including interior and exterior painting as well as comprehensive home preparation. Whether assisting with a new home setup, preparing a property for sale, or managing estate transitions, their approach remains the same: hands-on involvement from start to finish.

What sets Jake and Matt apart is their attention to detail and personal investment in every project. They don’t just oversee jobs — they actively participate, ensuring each home reflects the owner’s vision. For them, painting is more than a service; it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a space and enhance its character.

Their mission extends beyond individual homes. Jake and Matt see their work as a way to enrich and beautify neighborhoods throughout Fort Lauderdale. With more than 18 years in business — and many more in combined experience — they remain driven by the same inspiration that started it all: family, pride in their craft and a genuine love for what they do.

For Jake Lonsway and Matt Oatts, success isn’t just measured in completed projects, but in the lasting impact they leave behind — one freshly painted home at a time.