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Try to imagine what’s it like to practice social distancing on a commercial painting job site. Consider how difficult it is to wash hands, wear masks, wipe brushes, and refrain from sharing equipment, ladders, brushes and buckets.

These kinds of adjustments are time consuming, awkward and uncomfortable. But W.E. Given Contracting developed a plan to address the logistics of working during a pandemic and they’re sticking to it while their work continues on projects like schools and hospitals which operate 24/7/365.

W.E. Given is a mother-daughter business that was launched in 1971. Both Pat Given and her daughter Tamera Yocom are involved in every aspect of the business. Estimator/project manager Kim Tingley, with more than 45 years of industry experience, is also an integral part of the company’s daily operation.

Currently, there are 32 employees employed by W.E. Given.

“We have many years of experience with all types of commercial painting projects including new construction, restoration, maintenance and tenant improvement projects,” said Pat Given. “We have an extensive background working in the challenging environments of fully operational, up-and-running projects including hospitals, nursing and retirement facilities, educational facilities and large retail store chains.”

W.E. Given offers a full range of professional services with expertise in a wide variety of applications in commercial and light industrial painting and protective coatings. But right now, they’re something of a doggy day care with 17-year-old Sadie in the background barking.

Despite the casual atmosphere, the experienced folks at W.E. Given take painting and problem-solving seriously, especially because of conditions in the Pacific Northwest where rain is always an issue.

W.E. Given isn’t just a contractor that uses painting as an “add-on” service. The company is solely devoted to the complex knowledge of painting and coatings and the proper surface preparation required for long-term outcomes. Specialty coatings like elastomeric coatings are an example of an important differentiator. These rubberized coatings offer 100,000 to 500,000 square foot buildings a very protective and pliable coating. But they’re not easy to apply, they’re difficult to touch and huge spray compressors are needed to apply them correctly.

Fire-proof or intumescent coatings are also something non-painting contractors and others who dabble in painting can’t or shouldn’t offer customers. Users have to be certified by the manufacturer to know how to apply these products. While it’s not something that’s often called for, these coatings provide tremendous protection for extreme conditions.

Painting buildings during a pandemic has proven to be the biggest challenge the W.E. Given team has faced in many years. But with their experience, reputation, and resiliency this is one family that knows how to adapt.

W.E. Given is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (NMSDC) – Certificate Number 01340.

W.E. Given is also certified in Oregon as an MBE/WBE minority contractor, certification #1474.

For more information about W.E. Given, wegivencontracting.com.

Protecting our valuable construction workforce is a priority. Construction sites are adapting to the meet new safety requirements caused by COVID-19. Below are links to some of the many resources available for information and guidance. 

OSHA:

“Highlights and Quick Facts”

 and “Standards”

CDC:

“CDC Guidance”

“Fact Sheet”

World Health Organization: 

“Getting Your Workplace Ready”

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

“Protecting Yourself in the Workplace”

Congratulations to Bill Reichle and the team at Reichle Inc. recipients of the 2018 SPCO Safety Award. The award recognizes a painting contractor who demonstrates an excellent safety record and corporate commitment to safety.

Portland, OR – Schiller and Vroman, Inc. is the recipient of the Signatory Painting Contractors Organization (SPCO) Annual Contractor Safety Award. The award was presented at the annual Safety Meeting. Criteria for the award was based on 2017 job-site safety records, corporate safety programs and participation in the OSHA approved SPCO joint Safety Committee. Receiving the award on behalf of Schiller & Vroman, Inc. was Dominic RJ a member of the Schiller & Vroman, Inc. safety team.

Schiller & Vroman, Inc. is a commercial painting contractor owned by Steve and Robert Schiller. The company has been in business since 1986. Steve Schiller is an original founding member of SPCO and served for more than 25 years on the Painter’s Apprenticeship and Training Committee.