American Painting Contractor – Who’s Who in the Painting Industry

Joel Hamberg – Portland, Oregon

President, Joel Hamberg Painting, Inc.

Joel Hamberg has been a leader in the industry for 24 years. His business, Joel Hamberg Painting Inc., has helped restore historic buildings,and that work was selected to receive the Architectural Heritage Center award. This full-service company has a solid record of providing topquality commercial and residential repainting services as well as wood finishing. Hamberg and his business have earned several other forms of recognition for various projects, including being named the 2005 Oregon Contractor of the Year, and being honored with the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America 2006 Picture It Painted Professionally Award for commercial restoration. Also in 2006, the Portland Chapter of PDCA selected Hamberg to receive the Portland Oregon Contractor of the Year award, which is the Top Job award for excellent commercial and industrial work in the region. Hamberg also brought home the PDCA Safety Gold Award last year.

Hamberg’s community projects include having painted offices for the Thrive Foundation for Youth, the Good Shepherd Home (an assisted living facility) and other nonprofits.

Because his business has grown so substantially (in 2007 the company brought in approximately $1 million in revenue), Hamberg is able to handsomely compensate the employees who have contributed to the success of the company. He said he is proud of “becoming an employer who can provide living wages for my long-term employees.” He also is pleased that he has created “a working environment where craftsmanship can shine through.” Over the years, as his business was on the increase, he became more and more skilled at establishing protocol for his workers. “Growing the business provided the setting where we can have systems in place that help everyone know their job.” To become an industry leader one must change with the times and stay on top of new trends, such as the rise of environmentally “green” industry products and systems. However, Hamberg doesn’t stop there. He has taken his accumulation of knowledge and “assisted other contractors to also become ‘green’,” he said. “I have educated clients and prospective customers about the benefits of using newer painting systems. Showcasing these innovations within PDCA has enabled me to win several awards.” He added, “The future still holds many challenges. Keeping abreast of these will help pave the way to being prepared and successfully able to lead the way.”

Another aspect of his job that he finds satisfying is contributing to the larger industry by sharing his wealth of experience with people who are entering the business. “Being a mentor for the newer contractors brings a joy that is hard to describe. Having accomplished many things over the past 24 years, I have the experience that can enrich our lives and assist others.Our goal is to continue to be there to educate, build relationships, communicate, and to be the problem solvers. Painting contracting is a wonderful profession that protects buildings, homes and families.” He also has contributed his practical understanding of the industry to a broad audience via publication. For example, he is cited as a source in “The Top 10 Things You Need to Know about Painting in the Private Sector,” featured in a recent issue of PDCA’s Residential Forum.

Hamberg is a member of PDCA, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Oregon Remodelers Association and the Architectural Heritage Center.