| 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. |
