🎉 Local 159 Member of the Month: Juston Cubitt

Local 159 is proud to recognize Juston Cubitt as our June’s Member of the Month—a painter whose journey through the trade is as inspiring as his work ethic is unwavering.

Juston’s story begins in New Orleans, where painting ran in the family. His stepfather and step-grandfather were both painters, and he picked up a brush for the first time around age 11 or 12. He fondly remembers painting a deck just to buy his first Nintendo—a moment that sparked his lifelong connection to the trade. By 16, Justin was officially earning a paycheck as a painter.

Now 49, Juston reflects on nearly four decades of hard work. While in New Orleans, he used to hear stories about the massive, high-profile projects happening in Las Vegas. The allure of those “big, beautiful jobs” eventually drew him west. In 2005, he made the move to Las Vegas. After a brief period working non-union, he joined Local 159 and immediately started with Raymond on the World Market Center project—his first major union job.

Juston describes joining the union as a turning point. “The wages were double what my girlfriend was making,” he says. “The union here really takes care of the worker.” While acknowledging that union wages in New York or California may be higher, he believes Las Vegas is the best place to live and work union, thanks to a better cost of living and lower taxes. “In New Orleans, workers are making $18 to $20 an hour. The difference here is life-changing.”

Juston joined as a journeyman and has continually sought growth and training through the STARs program, completing certifications like swing stage and respirator training. He feels fortunate for the solid work family he’s built here—coworkers who motivate him daily, and a culture of professionalism where “there’s nothing the union can’t paint.”

Recently badged in for the new Hard Rock Hotel, Justin is excited to contribute to another iconic Las Vegas project. His portfolio includes major accomplishments like CityCenter, Crystals Mall, and Resorts World—projects where he’s proud to have left his mark. He even holds a special place for his very first union job at World Market.

Juston values teamwork and mentorship. He recalls a recent experience at Durango Station, where mentoring an eager apprentice reinvigorated his own passion for the craft. “You’ve got to like painting—and I don’t just like it, I love it,” he says. Whether he’s learning new tricks or passing on what he’s picked up along the way, Juston embraces the collaborative nature of the trade.

His foreman, Julio, who nominated him, says it best: “Justin is the kind of worker any foreman dreams of—no drama, clean work, dependable, and someone you can trust to get it done right without checking up on him.”

Outside of work, Juston takes pride in maintaining nice cars—a personal priority rooted in childhood memories of unreliable transportation. He’s now saving for a townhouse and looks forward to owning a home soon.

For Juston, “High Performance / High Value” means giving your all and taking pride in the work you do. “If you work hard, good things happen,” he says. “Life is beautiful.”

Congratulations, Juston Cubitt—thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Local 159 is proud to have you as our June 2025 Member of the Month!