If you’ve ever considered a career in automotive and specialty paint, now may be the time.
In 1980, at the age of 4 years old, I got my first invitation into my dad’s paint shop to “help out”. I can still remember how that little two car garage smelled of lacquer and the way the full-size conversion van seemed to overflow the space. I remember the countertop workspace full of paint cans, the paper hanging from the vehicle, the hiss of a leaky airline, and the scary sound of the reciprocating air compressor as it kicked on unexpectedly.
My dad (with the help of my Mom) had been building his small painting business for a few years. This meant sometimes working around the clock, but for them… it also meant a sense of gratitude to have the opportunity to do something they were excited and passionate about. Little did they know, they were laying a foundation that has lasted over 44 years. That is 4 decades of providing hundreds of jobs and meeting thousands of customers, while enjoying the pride of workmanship and the dignity of hard work that this industry offers. Our business has changed over the years, but the core competency of what we do; custom paint application, remains relevant.
Why does the automotive paint industry continue to grow and endure even in economic down turns? Why does it provide a secure career, that seldom seems to be affected like other industries? This seems counter-intuitive since “custom paint” has often been accused of being excessive or an unnecessary privilege. In the 70’s when my dad decided to “go for it”, he was questioned by some well-meaning friends and family because he left a good hourly assembly line job at American Motors. (A common pathway for many Kenosha, Wisconsin natives coming out of high school.) But he was an artist, and that assembly line seemed more like prison, than any sort of career path. It’s interesting that the American Motors plant is long gone, but our painting business is alive, well, and growing.
"Our business has changed over the years, but the core competency of what we do; custom paint application, remains relevant."
Over the years, we have come up with some reasons for the security offered in the painting the business. Some may be theory, others fact. Either way, if you are in the industry, considering working in the industry, or just a curious person, you may find it interesting.
“Our customers can have a car painted any color that he wants, so long as it is black.” This famous statement by Henry Ford referred to the Model T, a vehicle created for the masses, that was only offered in black from 1914 to 1925. I don’t know what it cost Ford to paint a model T on the assembly line, but it probably wasn’t more than a few dollars and he passed this production savings on to his customers. Back then, a paint job on a vehicle was nothing more than a way to slow down the aging process of the car’s structure; to simply make it last longer by inhibiting corrosion. Sort of a necessary evil. Just imagine our world today if that idea would have stuck!
“Throughout the 20th century, this appetite for expressing individuality grew. From the birth of the custom car scene and hot rodding to the creation of the chopper, the icing on the cake has and will always be paint.”
Painting has since developed into a pathway to personal expression. Just as clothing style or housing choice, paint offers personalization. Although the early days of the automotive industry may not have offered the thousands of vehicle options we have today, paint was a way for people to differentiate themselves and express their personality. Throughout the 20th century, this appetite for expressing individuality grew. From the birth of the custom car scene and hot rodding to the creation of the chopper, the icing on the cake has, and will always be, paint. People that participate in all these hobbies and creative expressions are notoriously industrious and hard-working. With that comes additional buying power for the things they are passionate about.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting thousands of people from every walk of life, who have spent their hard-earned money on paint. Literally thousands of testimonies of people sharing why it is worth it to make the investment. For some, it is because they love personal expression, just like a tattoo. For others, it carries sentimental value in some way. One of my favorites, however, is people who buy a paint job for the experience of owning something of workmanship, which they then share with their family and friends. So, it is a residually valuable purchase and experience. I think these may be the greatest reasons we see our business thrive when others suffer from economic fluctuations…custom painting has a way of providing a touch of happiness, interest, or distraction from other stressors in life.
Painting is quite simple, yet extremely complex. I have found that, in this industry, you can have a well-paying career doing little more than sanding, using body filler, priming, or applying color and clear. OR… you can have well-paying career doing all of that, while endlessly learning about paint, color, chemistry, sales, and the business of custom finishes. After working in this industry for over 30 years, I have not stopped learning because that is what I truly enjoy and… the industry and technologies continue to evolve. At the same time, I respect those who just want to get good at applying paint like an expert, without all the other extra knowledge. Some people prefer to work their way up while they continue to gain experience and learn, while others enjoy becoming experts at their level of contribution… both are rewarding and honorable. This makes jobs in this industry very attractive because it easily supports a variety of personalities.
"Painting is quite simple, yet extremely complex. I have found that in this industry you can have a well-paying career doing little more than sanding, using body filler, priming, or applying color and clear."
Sadly, over the past couple decades, schools and advisors pushed college degrees to young students with an (almost) lack of respect or any focus in the trades. Interestingly, in today’s market, high-end and luxury vehicle OEMs, as well as motorcycle, boat, and aircraft manufacturers are now looking to custom and/or specialty paint as an attention-getting differentiator for their products. The result… an increased demand in all aspects of beautiful paint applications.
I am very fortunate to have traveled the country as a technical advisor and consultant for the companies tasked with doing much of this work. All of them currently willing to pay top dollar to attract and retain people with skills and experience in the paint and finishing industry. In fact, although it does require some specific training, once qualified, these workers enjoy some of the highest salaries among any automotive service and repair technicians. I suggest looking into businesses in your area that do this type of work. There may be apprentice programs in your area, or even a shop that is willing to train you in the skills needed to start a paint and finishing career.
I was so lucky to experience the sounds, smells and visual excitement of this industry at such a young age, and couldn’t be more proud of the business we’ve grown and the art we continue to create. If you decide to get into the business, make sure and give me a call.
Authored By: Steve Wright
Originally published in The Shop magazine in July 2022.
If you’re considering a career in the custom paint Industry now is the time to jump in. Go to our Career page to apply today!
