Christine Esposito08.09.05
Things had gotten pretty bleak at 1329 Harrison Avenue in Canton, OH. To call the Harrison Paint team a "skeleton crew" was being kind. After all, this once 160 employee-strong company was now making do with just three. By late summer 2000, production had dwindled-some weeks there would be an order or two, other weeks there were none. Once proud Harrison Paint and its Dutch Standard brand were fading fast.
One of the three employees still on the payroll was Tom Schmidt. Although he joined the company only recently, he refused to let Harrison Paint die. After the bank, the lawyers and the consultants lost hope of finding an investor, he spent his own time and money searching for someone who could breathe new life into the company.
"I just couldn't sit by and see a 90-year-old company die. I just couldn't," Mr. Schmidt said. "But I had to wait for them to give up before I could try."
He wasn't alone in his dedication to Harrison Paint. Paint dealers and even employees who had been handed pink slips wanted to see the company flourish again. According to Mr. Schmidt, customers
One of the three employees still on the payroll was Tom Schmidt. Although he joined the company only recently, he refused to let Harrison Paint die. After the bank, the lawyers and the consultants lost hope of finding an investor, he spent his own time and money searching for someone who could breathe new life into the company.
"I just couldn't sit by and see a 90-year-old company die. I just couldn't," Mr. Schmidt said. "But I had to wait for them to give up before I could try."
He wasn't alone in his dedication to Harrison Paint. Paint dealers and even employees who had been handed pink slips wanted to see the company flourish again. According to Mr. Schmidt, customers
Continue reading this story and get 24/7 access to Coatings World for FREE
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
Already a subscriber? Login
Related Knowledge Center
