Tom Hester, Founder and Chairman After 39 years as the leader of Hester Painting & Decorating, Tom is transitioning into a consulting role. Tom founded Hester Painting & Decorating in 1968 with the mission statement: "To be known as the best painting contractor around." Almost four decades later, his company has expanded into the areas of faux finishing, texturing, wallpapering and decorative finishing of cabinets and furniture. A crowning moment for Tom came in 2004 when he accepted the Illinois Family Business of the Year Award as a testament to the values and hard work that he has always represented.
Tom attended Chicago’s Washburne Trade School and is a past president of the Chicago chapter of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America.
Stephen Hester, President A key manager with Hester Painting & Decorating since 1996, Stephen Hester brings to the helm vision for the future of the company, as well as management, finance, legal and marketing know-how. Stephen is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and is active in Chicagoland’s civic and philanthropic community.
Stephen earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 2004. He received a Bachelor's Degree in 1990 from the University of Miami in Florida where he graduated cum laude with a degree in real estate finance.
Stephen currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Painting and Decorating Contractors of America.
Jeff Hester, Vice President Jeff Hester, a painter with more than 27 years of experience, has dedicated his career to residentialpainting and decorating work. He is an officer on the board of Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, Finishing Contractors of Chicago, and he serves as a trustee on the board of the union-run apprentice painting school, which operates a 120-week, three-year program. Jeff specializes in faux finishes and custom color matching. The Exterior Maintenance Program and the specialty finishes showroom are just two of Jeff’s many marketing innovations. He has also appeared on television as "Professor Paint", an expert resource for painting and faux finishing related topics.
Like his father, Jeff studied the painting trade at Chicago’s Washburne Trade School. He joined the company in 1978.
Rich Irwin, Suburban Superintendent and Estimator Rich Irwin started as a truck driver 33 years with Hester Painting & Decorating. His responsibilities have grown along with the company to his current position as a superintendent and estimator for the suburbs. Rich also manages the shop, which provides additional services for clients such as decorative finishing of furniture and cabinets. Rich truly has a grasp of all operations of the company from stocking the shop to coordinating deliveries to the estimating and running of the projects.
Scott Hamilton, City Superintendent and Estimator
Scott Hamilton has a background in architectural drafting and art. A master faux finisher, Scott specializes in marbleizing and wood graining, two highly specialized faux finishes offered by Hester Painting & Decorating. Scott has been working in painting and faux finishing for over 23 years, 18 of them with Hester Painting & Decorating.
Five years ago, Scott was promoted to superintendent and estimator for the city. He has assumed the new role with great success.
Scott attended Chicago’s Washburne Trade School and participated in the industry apprentice program.
John Jacob, Commercial Sales Manager John Jacob brings a wealth of commercial painting expertise to Hester Painting & Decorating and its customers. With more than 20 years of industry experience, John leads Hester Painting & Decorating's Hester Commercial Painting Division. John also provided the initial guidance in developing our new estimating software with the use of production rates.
John attended Chicago's Washburne Trade School and is a National Wall Covering Panel Contest winner.
Kathy Irwin, Administrative Assistant & HR Manager Kathy Irwin has been with Hester Painting & Decorating for 24 years. She handles accounts receivables, and she oversees human resources functions including payroll, workers compensation and new hires.
Christopher Hester, Safety Coordinator Christopher Hester is the first member of the third generation of the family to join the company. He is Jeff Hester’s oldest son. Christopher started out 4 years ago as one of the truck drivers, and has recently transitioned into the management office handling accounts payable and all IT related functions. He is also currently pursuing his Contractors College Certification from PDCA which will help continue his transition further into the management responsibilities of the company..
