Joe began his career in the paint and coatings industry in 1960 with Capitol Paint Manufacturing in Oklahoma City. After a short time away from the coatings industry, he returned to what he knew best and worked for two other paint and coatings manufacturers from 1964 to 1972. In the process, he was eventually promoted to Production Vice President for Gemini Lacquers in El Reno, Oklahoma before leaving the company in the early part of 1972. In the midst of this season of life, Joe would face some of his hardest and most personal struggles, including an addiction to alcohol. It was during these hardships and struggles that a close friend shared the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. In humility and brokenness Joe prayed and trusted Jesus Christ for salvation and forgiveness of his sins. From the time of his salvation, Joe’s life was instantly and radically changed, even more so as he began to trust and depend on God each day for guidance. While still unemployed, Joe was encouraged by his very good friend, Mr. Harry Currie, to begin manufacturing and selling his own line of paint. With Mr. Currie’s financial help and counsel, Joe and his wife, Dorothy, started HIS Paint Manufacturing Company. From the very beginning, Joe dedicated HIS Paint to the Lord and named it for Him. Thus, the name HIS Paint – means that this is “His” (the Lord’s) company. The name alone has opened many doors for Joe to share his story about the life-changing power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. The business began primarily serving the multi-family housing and property management industry as well as professional paint contractors. In the mid-1980s, a recession in the local economy led to exploration into developing new markets. As a result, a niche for custom industrial and specialty coatings was identified; this was the genesis of the Industrial Coatings Group.