HESTER PAINTING & DECORATING - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Controller and Human Resources
- First Member
Christopher Hester is the first member of the third generation of the family to join the company. He is Jeff Hester's oldest son. Christopher started out in 2002 as one of the truck drivers, and then transitioned into the management office handling safety coordinator and all IT related functions. Currently, he is the controller, assists with human resources and coordinates the placement of the painting crews for all of the commercial projects.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Superintendent
Dan joins the management team in the position of Commercial Superintendent. He brings over 15 years of experience in the field as a union painter (3.5 with Hester), which has prepared him well for this leadership position.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Estimator and Project Manager
Dino has been in the paint business for 32 years, specifically estimating since 2014. He has certifications in the following areas: KTA Tator on Paint and Coatings (1992), GRACO technician (2001), Green Advantage Environmental/Sustainable Construction (2014).
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing and Community Management
Heather Hester has joined Hester Painting & Decorating to help with marketing efforts and keep the messaging of the company consistent across all media and remain true to the HPD mission that was established over 50 years ago. Heather focuses on brand recognition and awareness advocacy, as well as maintaining all communication channels as the Director of Marketing.
Job Titles:
- Vice President and Sr. Project Manager for Suburban Residential
Jeff Hester has dedicated his career to residential painting and decorating work. With an eye for custom color matching and a talent for staying ahead of every faux finish trend, it is no wonder Jeff has been featured on both radio and television as "Professor Paint." His decades of expertise are sought by designers and home owners alike.
He has served as President of the Finishing Contractor Association of Chicago and the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America as well as a trustee on the board for the union-run apprentice painting school and union pension fund.
Jeff studied the painting trade at Chicago's Washburne Trade School. He joined Hester Painting & Decorating in 1978.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager for Commercial
Jim Guthrie started with Hester Commercial Painting in 2010 and specializes in large projects and high performance coatings, as well as QA/QC. In 2012 one of his projects won the prestigious PIPP award and American Painting Contractor Magazine's Top Job Award. "Hester won the project on successful service, not price," he said.
Jim received his BS in Construction Management and Engineering from North Dakota State University. While he started out in carpentry, he has been in the painting business since 1988.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Division Manager and Sr. Project Manager
John Jacob brings a wealth of commercial painting expertise to Hester Painting & Decorating and its customers. With more than 32 years of industry field applications and managerial experience, John leads Hester Painting & Decorating's Commercial Painting Division, which was launched in 2000. John also provided the initial guidance in developing our new estimating software with the use of production rates. John has been a leader in creating new business with many new General Contractors and Building management teams throughout the Chicagoland area.
John attended Chicago's Washburne Trade School and is a National Wall Covering Panel Contest winner.
Ken Mattson is an experienced project manager, working for seven years on large, high-end projects with union painting contractors in the Chicago area. He graduated with a BA in business management from Montclair State University in New Jersey.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager for Commercial
Mike Kallas started with Hester Commercial Painting in 2007 bringing with him vast experience in maintenance and property management work. His niche is working with general contractors with health care projects.
Prior to joining Hester he owned his own company for 14 years. He graduated from Triton College in 1979 and Washbourne Trade School in 1982.
Rob Blaine has held many roles at Hester. He currently assists with many management functions. Rob has worked at Hester since 2012.
Sam has been with the company since 2014. He handles all purchasing for materials and sundries.
Job Titles:
- Estimator
- Superintendent
- Project Manager for Downtown Residential
A master faux finisher, Scott specializes in marbleizing and wood graining, two highly specialized faux finishes offered by Hester Painting & Decorating. Scott has been working in painting and faux finishing since 1985, and in 1989 started with Hester Painting & Decorating.
Scott was promoted to superintendent and estimator for the city in 2002 and has flourished in this role. Scott attended Chicago's Washburne Trade School and participated in the industry apprentice program. He also has a background in architectural drafting and art.
Since 1996 Stephen Hester has been at the helm of Hester Painting & Decorating. He has provided a vision for the future of the company, as well as management, finance, legal, and marketing expertise. Stephen is a member of the Young President's Organization (YPO) and is active in Chicagoland's civic and philanthropic communities. He earned an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management in 2004 and received a Bachelor's degree in 1990 from the University of Miami in Florida where he graduated cum laude with a degree in real estate finance. He is a co-founder of the Commercial Painting Industry Association. (www.thecpia.com)
Hester Painting & Decorating celebrated 50 years in business in 2018. Over twenty years ago Stephen saw the potential to expand the company from one that offered 100% high-end residential work to include the commercial market as well. That decision helped the company greatly expand its revenues. Today Hester Painting & Decorating provides its well-reputed service to residential and commercial clients throughout Chicagoland and across the country.