Jos. Ward Painting Co.

Established more than 145 years ago, Jos. Ward Painting Co. has consistently ranked among the top painting contractors in the St. Louis metropolitan area and Midwest region. Working in the commercial and industrial sectors, Jos. Ward has completed projects and retained clients in the civil, health care, government, infrastructure, institutional, manufacturing, retail, residential communities, tenant finish and utility industries.

Founded by Joseph A. Ward in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1870, the company has used a strong line of communication to establish long-lasting relationships with its clients. A fully automated company with a commitment to using the latest technology in the coatings industry in both management and field applications, Jos. Ward Painting is able to combine its knowledge and expertise to create solutions that exceed customers’ expectations. “While we seek to take advantage of the latest technology, we never forget our history and the business applications that have made our company successful,” says Joseph Ward Sr., CEO of Jos. Ward. “We listen to what our customers’ needs are and present them with is the best solution for their needs.”

A talented team

In order to continue to provide the best service and quality, Jos. Ward Painting provides its office and field employees with continuous training and education. “As part of our total quality management program, we monitor and evaluate employee performance and growth,” says Ward. “The result is certified field mechanics that provide quality workmanship and a professional management team to service all projects.”

With an office staff that maintains a total combined experience of 150 years, the experienced management team is able to provide turnkey project information efficiently. The field craftsmen of Jos. Ward Painting have an average of more than 10 years with the company and a proven track record of performance. This combination of management and labor provides the foundation for successful projects.

Jos. Ward Painting is committed to safely performing quality workmanship on all projects.  The company provides safety training courses to employees that cover the hazards of the industry. Employees are trained in safety through the company and other professional safety engineers. New employees are required to complete safety orientation, which includes a review of company safety policies. The safety training includes confined space worker and supervisor, ladder, lift and scaffold, lead abatement worker, lead abatement supervisor, lead safety renovation and respirator and First Aid training. All field employees have also completed a three-year apprenticeship program as well as Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) 30- and 10-hour training courses.

“We work with engineers, general contractors and operations managers to develop a safety analysis for our work before starting every project,” Ward explains. “It is always the goal of Jos. Ward Painting to provide a safe, on-time, quality, cost-effective project that everyone can take pride in.”

As a business, Jos. Ward Painting is currently in its fifth generation of leadership with Ward as the company’s CEO. He has been with the company for more than 35 years, starting as a young man, working summers and weekends with the business. Ward worked his way up through the company to a leadership position. He has enjoyed the opportunity to work on projects throughout the entire Midwest, which have given him a great sense of pride. “It’s rewarding to know that you have helped to build parts of the country and make it a better place,” says Ward.

A solid client base

Throughout its existence, Jos. Ward Painting has worked for high-profile clients including Fortune 500 companies. The company has been involved in major renovations for commercial/retail clients such as Macy’s and Nordstrom, completing projects from Chicago to the Gulf Coast.  In all retail spaces, Jos. Ward Painting recognizes the importance of the aesthetic properties of both paint and wall coverings. The company works with owners, architects and designers to prepare samples and product information so the final decision-maker is well-informed.

In the industrial sector, Jos. Ward Painting has performed industrial coating projects since the inception of the company. “We have the ability to work with large crew sizes for aggressive schedules when a downtime is at a premium,” says Ward. “We often schedule our painting shifts around the clock to minimize interaction and disruption of our customers’ business operations.” Jos. Ward Painting is known for installing coatings on water tanks and steel structures, as well as epoxy and urethane floor coatings in airplane hangars as well as manufacturing plants.

Carrying on the tradition

As the company builds upon its history of more than 145 years, the family name will continue to lead the company. Joseph Ward VI is currently being groomed to step in and carry on the tradition.  Jos. Ward Painting Co. will continue to incorporate the latest technology while carrying on with the same business practices and ethics that have made the company successful since 1870.