Our Story
For over 20 years, Toan Luu passionately owned and operated Luu Color Center, a Benjamin Moore paint store on Nicholson Lane in Rockville. Sadly, on January 4, 2021, he was rushed from urgent care to the ICU at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital with severe Covid symptoms. Despite his valiant fight, Luu passed away on January 11, 2021, at the age of 57.
Born during the tumultuous Vietnam War, he lost his father to the war. Despite these hardships, Luu dreamt of a better life and moved to the United States as a teenager. With determination, he mastered English and proudly became a U.S. citizen in January 1988. A decade later, with the support of a close family friend, he secured a small business loan and, in 1998, achieved his American dream by a small business owner.
Luu established Luu Color Center at 5022 Nicholson Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, where he dedicated over 22 years to his community. His work ethic was nothing short of inspiring. Luu was known for arriving at the store at 4:30 am every day, long before the first customer arrived. He meticulously cleaned the store, took inventory, and ensured everything was in perfect order for the day ahead. He believed in leading by example and demonstrated the importance of diligence, consistency, and passion in everything he did.
Born during the tumultuous Vietnam War, he lost his father to the war. Despite these hardships, Luu dreamt of a better life and moved to the United States as a teenager. With determination, he mastered English and proudly became a U.S. citizen in January 1988. A decade later, with the support of a close family friend, he secured a small business loan and, in 1998, achieved his American dream by a small business owner.
Luu established Luu Color Center at 5022 Nicholson Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, where he dedicated over 22 years to his community. His work ethic was nothing short of inspiring. Luu was known for arriving at the store at 4:30 am every day, long before the first customer arrived. He meticulously cleaned the store, took inventory, and ensured everything was in perfect order for the day ahead. He believed in leading by example and demonstrated the importance of diligence, consistency, and passion in everything he did.
His only child fondly recalls working with him on Sundays as a child, admiring how he went above and beyond for his customers. “Over the years, my dad’s customers became his friends. He loved them dearly. Every day, he would arrive at the paint store around 4:30am. His customers, primarily small independent contractors, would arrive between 5:30am and 8:00am to pick up their orders before starting their day. He always had a warm smile and a dad joke ready to greet them,” she shared. |
Luu's dedication was unwavering; he didn’t take a single day off in ten years, pouring his heart and soul into his beloved paint store. He believed that every customer deserved the best service and highest quality products, and he worked tirelessly to deliver just that. Whether it was helping a contractor find the perfect shade of paint or staying late to ensure a large order was ready for pickup, Luu's commitment to his customers was unmatched.
Now, his daughter is stepping up to continue his legacy, committed to providing the same exceptional service her late-dad did. “This paint store will continue with integrity, honesty, and dedication to the community we serve. I would greatly appreciate all the help and support possible,” she said.
Luu's legacy of hard work, warmth, and community spirit lives on through his daughter and the cherished customers who became family. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to serving others.
Now, his daughter is stepping up to continue his legacy, committed to providing the same exceptional service her late-dad did. “This paint store will continue with integrity, honesty, and dedication to the community we serve. I would greatly appreciate all the help and support possible,” she said.
Luu's legacy of hard work, warmth, and community spirit lives on through his daughter and the cherished customers who became family. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to serving others.
Jamie Kleinman, Managing Partner
Kleinman is a cornerstone of Luu Color Center, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the team. Kleinman served honorably in the United States Navy from 1978 until 1984 as a Submarines Electrician's Mate, where he developed a strong work ethic and a keen attention to detail.
In 1992, Kleinman began working at a locally owned Benjamin Moore paint store in Maryland, where he met Toan Luu, who was then a professional commercial and residential painter. Recognizing Luu's potential and sharing his vision, Kleinman, along with his younger sister, helped Luu open Luu Color Center. The trio worked tirelessly to grow the business, establishing it as the go-to destination for all painting needs, while providing customers with unparalleled knowledge and service.
Kleinman played a crucial role in training Luu in product knowledge and color matching, skills that became the foundation of Luu Color Center’s reputation for excellence. After retiring in 2011, Kleinman enjoyed a well-deserved break until he was called upon once more. When Luu’s daughter reached out for help following her dad’s passing, Kleinman graciously came out of retirement to help rebuild and support Luu Color Center.
In addition to his professional contributions, Kleinman is passionate about music and horticulture. He enjoys creating and playing various instruments, with the guitar being his favorite. His green thumb is evident to all who visit Luu Color Center, as the store is adorned with vibrant plants nurtured and cared for by Kleinman himself.
Kleinman’s dedication, expertise, and warmth continue to enrich Luu Color Center, ensuring that every client receives the highest level of service and care. Kleinman continues carrying forward the legacy of Luu with integrity and passion.
In 1992, Kleinman began working at a locally owned Benjamin Moore paint store in Maryland, where he met Toan Luu, who was then a professional commercial and residential painter. Recognizing Luu's potential and sharing his vision, Kleinman, along with his younger sister, helped Luu open Luu Color Center. The trio worked tirelessly to grow the business, establishing it as the go-to destination for all painting needs, while providing customers with unparalleled knowledge and service.
Kleinman played a crucial role in training Luu in product knowledge and color matching, skills that became the foundation of Luu Color Center’s reputation for excellence. After retiring in 2011, Kleinman enjoyed a well-deserved break until he was called upon once more. When Luu’s daughter reached out for help following her dad’s passing, Kleinman graciously came out of retirement to help rebuild and support Luu Color Center.
In addition to his professional contributions, Kleinman is passionate about music and horticulture. He enjoys creating and playing various instruments, with the guitar being his favorite. His green thumb is evident to all who visit Luu Color Center, as the store is adorned with vibrant plants nurtured and cared for by Kleinman himself.
Kleinman’s dedication, expertise, and warmth continue to enrich Luu Color Center, ensuring that every client receives the highest level of service and care. Kleinman continues carrying forward the legacy of Luu with integrity and passion.
Justin Myers, Assistant Manager
Justin Myers brings over 13 years of experience and extensive product knowledge to Luu Color Center. Justin first joined the team at the age of 28, where he was trained under the esteemed leadership of Toan Luu. During his initial tenure, Myers demonstrated exceptional dedication and a keen understanding of the industry.
Outside of his professional life, Myers enjoys playing board games and poker. His strategic thinking and attention to detail, honed through these hobbies, translate seamlessly into his leadership role.
Myers is excited to be back with Luu Color Center and looks forward to continuing the legacy of outstanding service and customer care that Luu established. He is dedicated to ensuring that every customer receives the best possible experience at Luu Color Center.
Outside of his professional life, Myers enjoys playing board games and poker. His strategic thinking and attention to detail, honed through these hobbies, translate seamlessly into his leadership role.
Myers is excited to be back with Luu Color Center and looks forward to continuing the legacy of outstanding service and customer care that Luu established. He is dedicated to ensuring that every customer receives the best possible experience at Luu Color Center.
Jake Kleinman, Head of Paw Patrol
Jake Kleinman joined Luu Color Center in the Spring of 2023, quickly becoming an indispensable member of the team. As the Head of Paw Patrol, Kleinman’s role goes beyond traditional duties; from opening to closing, he makes his rounds, ensuring clients receive a warm welcome and emotional support when needed while selecting paint colors for their spaces.
Kleinman's presence is a delightful addition to the boutique, bringing joy and comfort to both customers and staff. Weighing in at just 5 pounds, this mini poodle is small in size but big in heart. Known for his love of attention, Kleinman is always ready to offer a friendly paw or a comforting cuddle to anyone who needs it.
Beyond his customer service skills, Kleinman also ensures that the rest of the team upholds the highest level of quality control and assurance. His keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to excellence help maintain the exceptional standards that Luu Color Center is known for.
Kleinman loves a good cheeseburger, which makes for the perfect bribe when he’s not too busy attending to his duties. Kleinman brings a unique and heartwarming touch to the Luu Color Center experience.
Kleinman's presence is a delightful addition to the boutique, bringing joy and comfort to both customers and staff. Weighing in at just 5 pounds, this mini poodle is small in size but big in heart. Known for his love of attention, Kleinman is always ready to offer a friendly paw or a comforting cuddle to anyone who needs it.
Beyond his customer service skills, Kleinman also ensures that the rest of the team upholds the highest level of quality control and assurance. His keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to excellence help maintain the exceptional standards that Luu Color Center is known for.
Kleinman loves a good cheeseburger, which makes for the perfect bribe when he’s not too busy attending to his duties. Kleinman brings a unique and heartwarming touch to the Luu Color Center experience.
Pablo Lopez, Associate
Pablo graduated from Albert Einstein in Silver Spring in the Summer of 2021. Prior to joining our team, Pablo was working for an independently owned construction company that's based in Maryland. The firm services the DC-Metro area. During his free time, Pablo enjoys playing video games and supporting Real Madrid. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.