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Restoration
of the Scarritt Building, a 1906 Kansas City landmark on the
corner of Eighth and Grand, called for experts in historic
preservation. Goens Bros. Inc., commercial and industrial painting
contractors based in Gladstone, Mo., supplied the crew that
performed plastering, painting, wall covering and faux finishes
throughout the building, which is now on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Construction of Disney's New Tomorrowland, one of seven theme areas in the 107-acre Magic
Kingdom in Orlando, called for reputable contractors who could
keep a secret. Goens Brothers concealed 70-foot towers in their
backyard while crews painted and assembled pieces for the
hush-hush project, which was managed by A. Zahner Sheet Metal
Co., Kansas City.
In the company's 34-year history, these
projects stand out as sterling examples of what has made this
family-owned and operated business a success. Whether they're
preserving the glory of the past or painting a vision for the
future, Goens Brothers has built a reputation on quality and
honesty. "We think our success comes from hard work, having
employees who are dedicated to their jobs, and maintaining good
workmanship," said owner Ron Goens Sr. "We've kept a good name
in the Kansas City area."
Though they could have capitalized on the high-profile Disney
contract, Ron honored the confidentiality clause and
refused to respond to press questions. "We didn't want everyone
coming up to the shop and climbing over the fence to see what
was |
going
on. It was a large project-$700,000 to $800,000-but we kept it
fairly low key."
With 40 to 60 men currently working jobs throughout the Kansas
City area including interior/exterior painting and lead abatement
for Science City at Union Station, and painting and wall-coverings
for the Clock Tower Building on the Sprint Campus-Goens Brothers'
booming business is anything but low key.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Ron and his brother John left jobs with
area painting contractors to start their own business in 1969.
The brothers had served apprenticeships with their father, who
was also a painting contractor, and Ron's sons have since joined
the trade. John Goens II came on board in 1982, and Ron Goens
Jr. started in 1985. Both sons work as project estimators, along
with Shawn Neal, who joined the company in 1986, and Joe
Crispin, who became an estimator last year.
Goens Brothers has grown to five
companies including Goens Brothers Painting, Goens Lead
Abatement Inc. and Goens Equipment Rental & Sales, and
co-ownership in Beagle-Goens Homes Inc. and Home Siding & Window
Company. Ron plans to keep it all in the family.
"I bought my brother John |
out
when he retired in 1989, and when I retire, my sons will take
over. That way we'll continue it going as the Goens Brothers," he
explained.
Business grew gradually over the years with a number of major
restoration projects, including the historic Kansas City Public
Library building at 900 Locust, owned by Ozark National Life
Insurance. Specializing in historic preservation led naturally to
lead abatement. "It's a must if you're doing restoration work,"
said Ron. His abatement crews are specially trained and licensed
in the State of Missouri.
Other high-profile projects have included
Station Casino, Kauffman Stadium, Muehlebach Hotel and The Great
Mall of the Great Plains. "The Kansas City market has drastically
changed for all trades in the last 10 years," Ron said. "Because
of all the new construction, restoration of Union Station, and the
Sprint Campus, we're one of the major hubs of construction right
now."
Ron is committed to Kansas City and to
his company's future. "The greatest reward is having my sons in
the business and seeing it grow," he said. "We've got great
employees, some who've had their sons come to work for me as
well. I see a great future ahead of us. We've been growing for
the last 34 years, and we're going to continue to grow."
A long-time member of The Builders'
Association, which has provided valuable training and
information about new jobs, Ron is also a member of the Painting
& Decorating Contractors of America and the Construction
Specification Institute. |
