Minneapolis paint company assists with local Habitat for Humanity efforts
An interview with Aaron Erter, senior vice president, North America, consumer paints at Valspar Corp.
Q: Tell us a little bit about Valspar.
A: At Valspar, we focus on helping people make a change for the better. We offer more distinct, long-lasting colors and finishes than any other paint company in the world, and our paint is the most widely distributed brand in North America with over 10,000 points of sales. But architectural paint is just one segment of our company; Valspar is also a global leader in industrial coatings, including packaging, wood, coil, general industrial and automotive refinishing applications. Our paint and coatings protect some of the world's most well-known brands, equipment and structures, including John Deere farm machinery, Caterpillar heavy equipment, Whirlpool appliances and Coca-Cola beverage cans. This wide range of technical leadership means that whether you are painting a room, staining a deck, refurbishing furniture or customizing your car, Valspar has the right product to beautify and protect.
Q: Explain the history of the company.
A: What started as Samuel Tuck's "Paint and Color" store in 1806 in Boston has grown to become the fifth-largest paints and coatings manufacturer in the world with 11,000 employees operating in 100 countries. Valspar's reputation was built on Valspar varnish, which was first used to protect ocean-going clipper ships in the 19th century.
Q: What are some of Valspar's products?
A: We offer a wide variety of consumer paints, primers and spray paints through large home improvement centers, hardware stores and independent retailers. Our primary brands in the U.S. are Valspar and Cabot stain.
Q: How is Valspar involved with Habitat for Humanity?
A: Valspar, and our employees, believe in Habitat's mission - helping families in need of decent, affordable housing and creating opportunities for them to build a better future by making a change for the better. That's why Valspar has been the national paint partner for Habitat for Humanity since 2002, providing free paint for every Habitat home that is built or refurbished in the United States. At the end of 2017, our paint donations will total over 2.7 million gallons, and since 1993, we've given $68.5 million in financial and product donations.
Valspar is also a critical partner to Habitat for Humanity right here in Chicagoland and we are the presenting sponsor of the Habitat Hero Award Dinner on June 13. Our local executives and employees are always thrilled to help the eight Habitat affiliates in the Chicago region build strong, stable families.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your personal history.
A: First and foremost I am a husband and father of two little girls and we are proud to be Chicagoans. Growing up I was always helping my Dad with some type of home improvement project and really grew to love the satisfaction that comes while working with ones hands and making something tangible. I took that love of home improvement with me to college as I attended UPenn where I headed up the University Habitat for Humanity Chapter in West Philadelphia.
Q: Two people to follow on Twitter and why.
A: As someone always on the go I love Twitter and the snippets of news, entertainment, etc. that it provides. Who and what I follow are as diverse as a Valspar color pallet but two of my favorite are: Pope Francis. He is inspirational yet his messages help to keep me grounded. Stephen Colbert. As clever and funny as it gets.
Headquarters: Minneapolis
CEO: Gary E. Hendrickson
Revenue: $4.4 billion (fiscal year 2016)
When organization started: 1806
Web address: www.valspar.com