Master Builders of Iowa

By Bryon Gant, BSSC Company

A position for a painting estimator had become available at a local company where my my dad had worked for over 30 years. I remember being offered and accepting the position almost 13 years ago now and asking my dad “What have I gotten myself in to, what do I do now?” Working in a different department I knew that he would be there to help when I needed it, but on a daily basis I was hoping there would be someone to help me with my new endeavor. I would find out that person’s name was Randy and he has been my mentor in some shape or fashion throughout my professional career as a painting estimator. In part, Randy has helped provide the tools and set the example for me to enjoy the success that I have achieved myself. It is because of these reasons that I have decided to tell Randy’s story of success in the construction industry. 

Randy’s story starts in East Moline, IL where he grew up and lived in is earlier years. He graduated from United Township High School in 1971 and started working soon after for International Harvester (IH) as an Expeditor of Parts. In addition to working at IH, Randy also attended Black Hawk College where he earned his associates degree. As things continued to go well for Randy at IH, in 1984 he was introduced to the painting trade by his brother-in-law Mark and his friend Dave who was already a seasoned journeyman at the time.

In May of 1984 Randy started his painting apprenticeship with Johnson Contracting. Randy said that his initial reason for becoming a painter was that it would provide job security for both him and his family. He viewed it as a challenge that he was ready and wanted to take on. Little did he know that it would become so much more. It was apparent right from the start that Randy had a gift to lead. His hard work and the attention that he gave to his work on a daily basis earned Randy the opportunity to run his first large project at State Farm in Bloomington, IL as only a third year apprentice. He said that this presented one of his first real challenges in the trade. He had been put in charge of a journeymen that had been painting longer than he had and it was clear that there were those who thought this was unfair. Randy charged on, proving that he had earned and deserved his foreman position. He would continue to run work in the field until 1990 when he was offered and accepted a position in the office as a painting estimator.

Randy had already been an estimator for 6 years when I met him in 1996. It was very easy to see from that start that Randy was on top of his game with everything that he did. By this time, in addition to becoming an estimator, he had also become an Apprentice Instructor (1990-1999). And if that wasn’t enough, in 1991, he took on the responsibility of Health and Safety Director. For the two years that I worked with Randy at Johnson Contracting, he took me under his wing and gave me the starting tools for becoming a good estimator.

In 1998, Randy and I both left Johnson Contracting. Randy had been offered the opportunity to start a new painting division for a local drywall company, which again he saw as a new challenge that he was very eager to take on.