W.E. Given Contracting: Family, Experience, Innovation

Try to imagine what’s it like to practice social distancing on a commercial painting job site. Consider how difficult it is to wash hands, wear masks, wipe brushes, and refrain from sharing equipment, ladders, brushes and buckets.

These kinds of adjustments are time consuming, awkward and uncomfortable. But W.E. Given Contracting developed a plan to address the logistics of working during a pandemic and they’re sticking to it while their work continues on projects like schools and hospitals which operate 24/7/365.

W.E. Given is a mother-daughter business that was launched in 1971. Both Pat Given and her daughter Tamera Yocom are involved in every aspect of the business. Estimator/project manager Kim Tingley, with more than 45 years of industry experience, is also an integral part of the company’s daily operation.

Currently, there are 32 employees employed by W.E. Given.

“We have many years of experience with all types of commercial painting projects including new construction, restoration, maintenance and tenant improvement projects,” said Pat Given. “We have an extensive background working in the challenging environments of fully operational, up-and-running projects including hospitals, nursing and retirement facilities, educational facilities and large retail store chains.”

W.E. Given offers a full range of professional services with expertise in a wide variety of applications in commercial and light industrial painting and protective coatings. But right now, they’re something of a doggy day care with 17-year-old Sadie in the background barking.

Despite the casual atmosphere, the experienced folks at W.E. Given take painting and problem-solving seriously, especially because of conditions in the Pacific Northwest where rain is always an issue.

W.E. Given isn’t just a contractor that uses painting as an “add-on” service. The company is solely devoted to the complex knowledge of painting and coatings and the proper surface preparation required for long-term outcomes. Specialty coatings like elastomeric coatings are an example of an important differentiator. These rubberized coatings offer 100,000 to 500,000 square foot buildings a very protective and pliable coating. But they’re not easy to apply, they’re difficult to touch and huge spray compressors are needed to apply them correctly.

Fire-proof or intumescent coatings are also something non-painting contractors and others who dabble in painting can’t or shouldn’t offer customers. Users have to be certified by the manufacturer to know how to apply these products. While it’s not something that’s often called for, these coatings provide tremendous protection for extreme conditions.

Painting buildings during a pandemic has proven to be the biggest challenge the W.E. Given team has faced in many years. But with their experience, reputation, and resiliency this is one family that knows how to adapt.

W.E. Given is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (NMSDC) – Certificate Number 01340.

W.E. Given is also certified in Oregon as an MBE/WBE minority contractor, certification #1474.

For more information about W.E. Given, wegivencontracting.com.

 

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COVID-19 Resources

Protecting our valuable construction workforce is a priority. Construction sites are adapting to the meet new safety requirements caused by COVID-19. Below are links to some of the many resources available for information and guidance. 

OSHA:

“Highlights and Quick Facts”

 

 and “Standards”

 

CDC:

“CDC Guidance”

 

“Fact Sheet”

 

World Health Organization: 

 

“Getting Your Workplace Ready”

 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

 

“Protecting Yourself in the Workplace”

 

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Reichle Painting 2018 Contractor Safety Award

Congratulations to Bill Reichle and the team at Reichle Inc. recipients of the 2018 SPCO Safety Award. The award recognizes a painting contractor who demonstrates an excellent safety record and corporate commitment to safety.

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Schiller & Vroman, Inc. 2017 Contractor Safety Award

Portland, OR – Schiller and Vroman, Inc. is the recipient of the Signatory Painting Contractors Organization (SPCO) Annual Contractor Safety Award. The award was presented at the annual Safety Meeting. Criteria for the award was based on 2017 job-site safety records, corporate safety programs and participation in the OSHA approved SPCO joint Safety Committee. Receiving the award on behalf of Schiller & Vroman, Inc. was Dominic RJ a member of the Schiller & Vroman, Inc. safety team.

Schiller & Vroman, Inc. is a commercial painting contractor owned by Steve and Robert Schiller. The company has been in business since 1986. Steve Schiller is an original founding member of SPCO and served for more than 25 years on the Painter’s Apprenticeship and Training Committee.

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GOSH Award for an Association

Portland, OR – The Signatory Painting Contractors Organization (SPCO) received the Governor’s Occupational Safety & Health Award for an Association. This award recognizes the organization’s activities that promote workplace safety and contribute to the prevention of workplace injury and illness.

The SPCO maintains a joint Safety Committee comprised of both management and labor representatives as well as a representative from the Painter’s Training Center.  The committee is chaired by Tamera Yocom of W.E. Given Contracting. The group meets monthly to review the safety record of reporting contractors and discuss issues of concern for workplace safety. There are numerous safety concerns that relate to the challenges of the painting industry including personal protective equipment, ladder and scaffolding safety, exposure to high risk substances, working in confined spaces, environmental protection, and job-site awareness training.

At the end of each year, the SPCO Safety Committee reviews all contractor safety records and awards its annual “Contractor Safety Award.”

After receiving the GOSH award in 2011, the SPCO has continued its ongoing safety programs and its OSHA approved Safety Committee.

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CICP Awards Sponsor

The Signatory Painting Contractors Organization (SPCO) was a Platinum sponsor of the 22nd Annual Awards Luncheon for Construction Industry Crime Prevention Program of the Pacific Northwest. The keynote speaker was Chief Danielle Outlaw, Portland Police Bureau. The awards were presented by CICP Executive Director, Karen Blythe.

The CICP is an Oregon non-profit organization working toward the prevention and reduction of theft and vandalism on residential and commercial construction sites in the Pacific Northwest. The CICP Network consists of public and private sector participants including building trade associations, contractors, law enforcement agencies, criminal justice partners, local and state civic leaders, scrap metal recyclers and community members. Governed by a Board of Directors, CICP continues to be representative of the diverse activity of the construction industry.

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Rainbow Painting

Annual Safety Award Winners

 

  • 2017: Schiller & Vroman
    2016: Rainbow Painting Company of Oregon
    2015: FD Thomas, Inc.
    2014: WE Given Contracting
    2013: Siegner and Company
    2012: Long Painting
    2011: HCI Industrial & Marine Coatings
    2010: Fine Painting

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