In 1981, Eric started his own painting firm restoring the interiors of many high-end residences along Park Avenue, in Manhattan. In search for a more creative side to this profession, fate seemed to bring Eric and master faux-finisher Selwyn Mills together. Eric apprenticed with Selwyn Mills, learning the art of faux-finishing in some of the most exclusive mansions along the “Gold Coast” of Long Island.

In 1986, Eric attended classes at Ina Marx’s prestigious "Finishing School," one of the most renowned decorative painting schools, at that time, in the country. After studying intensely with Ina, Alan and Robert Marx, Eric launched “Spiegel’s Decorative Finishes Inc."

Relocating to upstate New York, Eric’s skills as a faux-finisher and restorer awarded him many very impressive contracts, including historic restoration work on many of the State Capital buildings and historic banks in the Albany area. Eric’s work can be seen on many of the famous Victorian mansions also known as “Painted Ladies” in Saratoga Springs N.Y. His firm also restored the elaborate ceiling of an exterior Pergola for the Clark family in Cooperstown N.Y. Eric, also a well respected instructor himself, gave faux-finishing workshops for Benjamin Moore paint stores throughout the upstate N.Y. region.

In 1993, Eric attended classes in Vero Beach at the “Faux Effects International School” to learn about the new breakthroughs in water base technology in the field of faux-finishing. Eric was fortunate enough to study directly with Raymond Sandor founder of “Faux Effects International” and someone who Eric feels is the most influential person in the industry today.

In 1994, one of Eric’s clients commissioned his firm to faux-finish their entire facility in Naples, Fl. Eric fell in love with Naples and relocated his business there in 1995.

Since then, "Spiegel’s Decorative Finishes Inc." has become one of the leading faux-finishing firms in southwest Florida. Their work has graced the interiors of some of the most prestigious homes, restaurants, & lobbies in the area. They have a cliental list that reads of some of the most successful CEO’s and entrepreneurs in the country. They recently completed the decorative painting for a 32,000 sq. ft mansion in Port Royal, faux-finishing almost every ceiling and wall throughout this magnificent home. Their work has been a part of many Sand Dollar and other award winning interiors. Spiegel’s Decorative Finishes Inc. is being featured currently in “Faux Effects World” magazine.

Eric’s desire to be creative and innovative with meticulous attention to detail are the ingredients that make “Spiegel’s Decorative Finishes Inc.” work stand out from the rest. Considered to be one of the top faux-finishers in the country, Eric is always on a constant mission to try new products and invent new techniques.

Linda Fortini / Coordinator

Linda from the “show me” state of Missouri, with an education in business, brings twenty-five years of business and retail management experience to the firm. Linda handles all scheduling and coordinating of projects. All customer service related issues are channeled through Linda. She is the director of marketing for the company and a big part of the creative process behind all advertising and website development campaigns. In a nutshell, she is the force that keeps Eric and the crew on target.

Selwyn brings to the firm a lifelong career in the art of faux-finishing. He has been regarded as one of the premier faux-finishers on the “Gold Coast” of Long Island. Selwyn wrote one of the first comprehensive books on the subject of wall-coverings, called “Hanging Modern Wall Coverings”. In the early seventies he wrote a monthly column called “Decorators Corner” for the P.D.C.A, trade magazine. Selwyn, though semi retired, lends his skills and expertise to many of the company’s projects, while still leaving himself time to pursue his many other interests in the arts.

Spiegel’s Decorative Finishes Inc. employs some of the most talented artisans and craftsmen in the area. Besides bringing their own indivual talents to each project, each artisan and craftsman is personally trained in the art of faux-finishing by Eric. Spiegel’s Decorative Finishes Inc. has established a reputation in the industry for having one of the most professional and courteous staff’s in the business.