Hester Sons Take Helm of Family Painting Business

SKOKIE, Ill., (March 29, 2006) -- Hester Painting & Decorating, the painting, faux finishing and wall covering company, today named Steve Hester as president and Jeff Hester as vice president, announced Tom Hester, company chairman.   Steve and Jeff, who have both worked for the family-owned firm periodically since they were teenagers, assume these roles effective immediately.

“When I started this business 38 years ago, my goal, however lofty, was to be the best painting contractor in town.  While some might say we’ve achieved that goal, being the best is a continual pursuit.  It is something you work hard at each and every day,” said Tom Hester.  “My sons Steve and Jeff will uphold the legacy of the finest quality painting and craftsmanship our customers have come to expect.”

As president, Steve Hester oversees company strategy, direction, marketing, business development efforts and overall company performance.   In the past decade, Steve has been an integral part of the Hester management team, most recently serving as vice president, leading the company through such initiatives as the opening of a downtown Chicago showroom and the expansion of the company’s commercial painting division.

Steve earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami in Florida.  He resides in Wilmette, Ill.

Jeff Hester, in his role as vice president, is Hester Decorating’s suburban superintendent and estimator, primarily serving clients on the North Shore.  Jeff makes all new product decisions and will continue heading up the creation of Hester-exclusive techniques and products.  In addition, Jeff handles labor relations with the painting union representatives and oversees all aspects of quality control.

Jeff is a graduate of Washburne Trade School and resides in Skokie, Ill.

Steve succeeds his father, Tom Hester, the company’s only prior president and its founder.  Hester Painting & Decorating is a three-generation family business and recipient of Loyola University Chicago Family Business Center’s “Illinois Family Business of the Year.”  As chairman, Tom remains involved in business development and key client relationships.  Tom’s wife, Marianne; two of Jeff’s sons, Christopher and Jonathan; and Tom’s brother, Kevin, work in the company as well.

Widely regarded as a leader in the fields of painting, faux finishing and wall covering installation, Hester Painting & Decorating has been providing homes and high-profile commercial establishments in the Chicago area with high-end decorating services since 1968.  Hester Painting & Decorating utilizes an enormous repertoire of finishes and wall covering techniques to create unique environments for its clients.  For more information, visit www.hesterdecorating.comor call (847) 677-5130.

Note: digital headshots are available on request. Please email cheryl@mcphilimy.com

Contact: 
Cheryl McPhilimy
McPhilimy Associates
(312) 988-1270
cheryl@mcphilimy.com