In 1977, Richard McKinnon II saw an ad in the newspaper for an experienced spray man to work for a painting company spraying acoustic ceilings.  He didn’t have any experience.

At the time, finding a job had become difficult and Richard needed one in order to provide for himself and his girlfriend, Danina.  Richard was the kind of guy that would say he had experience and “jump in the mix.”

He showed up for work on the first day, grabbed the acoustic gun and learned how to spray acoustic.  His initiative on that day, laid the foundation for System 1, Southern California’s best acoustic ceiling removal business.

He worked for that painting company for 6 months to a year and decided to start his own acoustic ceiling business.  He failed several times.  Not because of the service he provided, but because he did not have the proper tools to complete the tasks he needed.  Those tools were expensive.

When he was engaged to Danina, he asked his future father-in-law, Sam San Paolo, for a business loan.  His father-in-law was leery of it because it was a lot of money at the time.

Richard said,  “If you let me borrow the $5,000, I will pay you back.  I will make something of myself.  I will make this business something that you’ll be proud of.  And I’ll take care of your daughter.”  Danina’s father agreed to loan Richard the $5,000.  Because he saw something special in Richard.

Richard McKinnon II started Rainbow Acoustics and did resprays on acoustic ceilings, mainly on houses that were built in the 1960′s where the acoustic was fading and at the time, he would get $200 to $700 for an entire house.

“He was so fast that customers would let him in in the morning and that he would have the place done, resprayed before the guy would even get out of the bathroom.”  He wanted to be the best acoustic sprayman in the business.  And he was.

Richard eventually hired more workers, building a foundation for today’s company, System 1.  He dominated local areas, including Brea, La Habra and Fullerton.  He was the man to do these jobs because he always did good work, always got referrals and always strove to be the best.

Richard McKinnon II and Richard McKinnon III from Rainbow Acoustics (Now System1)

In 1987 Rainbow Acoustics sounded outdated and Richard had an epiphany . . . he wanted to make this business big.  He changed the name to System 1 Acoustics, where he did wall texturing and resprays.

Richard liked it because it sounded like a good business name.  “He was number 1, he wanted to be the best, and we were the A-1 Standard of doing it.”

Richard McKinnon II began in unfamiliar waters when he accepted his job as an acoustic ceiling sprayman.  Nearly 35 years later, his son Richard McKinnon III now runs System 1, a company once known for applying acoustic ceilings is now, the premier company in removing them.  Richard McKinnon II has left a lasting impact on the Southern California community and it’s likely that if you’ve ever had your acoustic ceilings applied or removed, System 1 was involved . . . because they are the best.

Richard McKinnon II passed away in 2007, but his desire to be the best lives on in his son, Richard McKinnon III.  Richard McKinnon III strives to provide the best service to any customer who chooses System 1.  With more than 30 years of exceptional service, System 1 will help provide you with the house of your dreams.

*System 1 has provided Acoustic Ceiling Removal, Painting and Lath & Plaster services to homes across Southern California, including Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Carson, Lomita, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and numerous others.

To contact Richard McKinnon III, please call (800) 698 – 4410.