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Letter to the Editor

Painters Supply and Equipment Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Painters Supply and Equipment, a PBE jobber and PPG Platinum distributor headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this September. With two warehouses and 36 locations in Michigan, Ohio and Ontario, Canada, they are the largest PBE distributor in North America.

Founded by Chester "Chet" Taurence and his wife Arlene, the first store opened in September of 1952 in Lincoln Park. In 1953, Taurence began expanding his business, opening another store in Garden City, followed over the years with locations in East Detroit, Pontiac, Warren, Toledo and others. In 1999 the company began purchasing locations and expanding in Ontario, Canada.

Taurence has been selling PPG products (formerly the Ditzler brand) since 1937. Fresh out of high school he began working for D.Mellin Moran, an automotive parts distributor in Wyandotte, Michigan and has continued to sell Ditzler/PPG products for over 65 years.

In 1986 Automotive Body Repair News (ABRN) presented Painters Supply and Equipment with the "Automotive Wholesaler Achievement Award" or what is essentially their distributor of the year award. In 1994, Painters Supply was among the original group of 14 distributors who were the first to earn the elite status of "Platinum Distributor" from PPG Automotive Refinish. In January of 2000, PPG named Painters Supply and Equipment the "2000 Platinum Distributor of the Year".

According to Don Askew, director of distribution programs for PPG Automotive Refinish, "Chet Taurence is a shining example for all individual entrepreneurs that you can be a great person and a great businessman at the same time. He is also a true friend of the automotive aftermarket industry. In private discussions I've been gratified to hear many collision center owners say that if it weren't for Chet they would never have gone into business or stayed in business. We at PPG have been privileged to be one of his business partners for all these years."

Taurence commented on his personal philosophy, "Even though the business has changed over the years, there are some things that remain consistent. "Things like high integrity, reliability and service to the customer. This is basically a one-on-one kind of business and our business is based on relationships. You have to build on your relationships and provide your customer with personal attention and excellent support."

Taurence's recipe for success and mission statement is: "To offer quality products at competitive prices; provide the customer with the best training and support; keep up with changing technology; and serve the customer as they like to be served." As Painters Supply and Equipment Company enters their 50th year, it's a recipe that seems to be working.

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