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Westwork
Category:
Tile Contractors
533 N Grove Ave
Oak Park, Illinois 60302
(708) 848-4800
Observing painting tradesmen and contractors is something that I've done for over 30 years in Oak Park and River Forest. And if you are truly knowledgable about painters and craftsmen. You would...
Observing painting tradesmen and contractors is something that I've done for over 30 years in Oak Park and River Forest. And if you are truly knowledgable about painters and craftsmen. You would understand that a compliment like that is a big, big thing. This area boasts some of the world's great architects and home builders.
And having painted houses with many oldtimer painters over the years. I now find myself one of those oldtimer painters.....Recalling names like...Doyle, Muccianni, Taglia, Armour and WestWork's Ken Javor. I've painted houses with some of the finest painting contractors in this country. Just by working for and with some of these guys. And Ken Javor was one of the easiest and more talented contractors to work for. But I learned awesome things from all of them. Oak Park and surrounding communities are fortunate that Ken Javor is still in this business. With the possible exception of John Amberg of Experienced Painters......WestWork did some of the finest work interior and exterior that I saw anyone do. My vote is five *****
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Maybe when they get around to it, we could discuss some of the work that they are doing these days!
Sy Bounds
Maybe when they get around to it, we could discuss some of the work that they are doing these days!
Sy Bounds
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I've alway's been a little bemused and sort of disappointed that so many talented African American Attorney's such as an Ernie Wiley have had to scratch and scape to get by, when countless people...
I've alway's been a little bemused and sort of disappointed that so many talented African American Attorney's such as an Ernie Wiley have had to scratch and scape to get by, when countless people who look like him need his skills. As a master housepainter who has gone months without work, because some refused to accept the reality that I was 'that good'. I shouldn't be surprised. But make no mistake, other lawyers call on this talented attorney all the time. He does many things, but as I recall he wanted to represent young, college and pro bound basketball players. His counsul and advice is smart and knowledgable. He's a four star guy!
Sy Bounds / Reviewer
Phone 312-212-3233
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I never developed a closeness with either of the Olsen sisters. But it was real obvious to me that they were ahead of their time concerning animals way before it became popular. They hired a young...
I never developed a closeness with either of the Olsen sisters. But it was real obvious to me that they were ahead of their time concerning animals way before it became popular. They hired a young white kid that I use to mentor named Mick to clean the place and help them out. Maybe Maywood has never noticed, but I always saw them as a little eccentric, yet they're style and just the way they were. Easily places them in the category of historically significent Maywoodians. A couple of really nice, grand dames.
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When I started my house painting business, it was Jerry Braun where I first went to purchase my paint supplies and learn about being a houspainter. Jerry's from the old school. And I suspect that...
When I started my house painting business, it was Jerry Braun where I first went to purchase my paint supplies and learn about being a houspainter. Jerry's from the old school. And I suspect that he's probably retired by now. But he was alway's pleasant and kind. And I learned many painting tips from him. So I will thank him at this time for those early years.
Sy Bounds
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As a long time housepainter in this area. I've worked for and with some now legendary craftsmen / painters thru-out the years. All in the know house painters, realize that J.C.Licht ( Benjamin Moore...
As a long time housepainter in this area. I've worked for and with some now legendary craftsmen / painters thru-out the years. All in the know house painters, realize that J.C.Licht ( Benjamin Moore paints ) is / was the place where the best painting contractors bought their paint. Normally these guys did the homes in River Forest and Oak Park. So they had to get the best paint at the best price. For years that was J.C.Licht. I'm guessing about 12 or so years ago Sherwin-Williams started to compete with a less expensive paint for contractors and local home owners ( River Forest & Oak Park ). And J.C.Licht raised their prices. So a lot of contactors started going to Sherwin-Williams.
I was featured by the Sun-Times at the time. Concerning my perspective, writing, training concepts, radio program etc, dealing with painting and decorating. The manager at Sherwin-Williams at the time was Carmine ( I can't think of his last name ) and I worked together to promote our mutual concerns. NBC did a video at one of our training sessions in Oak Park. Carmine represented Sherwin-Williams very well. Oddly, enough they had a black regional manager at the time. And I receive more help from Carmine than I could get from that gentleman. Carmine understood that I was trying to reach African American youngsters. Anyway, Sherwin-Williams is a very competitive, professional, informative place to go and buy your paint supplies. I give it four stars
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I remember when I got the contract to paint the exterior of Neighborhood United Methodist Church. That was around 20 years or so ago. Back when I use to employ many young brothers from the westside...
I remember when I got the contract to paint the exterior of Neighborhood United Methodist Church. That was around 20 years or so ago. Back when I use to employ many young brothers from the westside and Maywood.
I bumped into Ezra coming down the alley in the rear of the church. He was doing some carpentry on the church at the time. And he did something that I've seen few black contractors do at all. He knew that I was a painting contractor. So he told me that the church was looking for bids to paint the church exterior.
I followed up, and I employed about 5 brothers and an equal number of hispanics. That was one of the most important painting contract's that I ever completed. And a lot of guys were employed from that job.
Ezra has also hired and trained many young men as well over the years. He's got a great professional presence and he's make's his customers feel at ease. But, make no mistake he is a very knowledgable, professional and experience contractor. I've always noticed how he normally takes the small, medium size jobs.
For years he like, myself and most other black contractors had to go to other areas to find employment. Because local African American politicians kept making sure that anybody got the work, except the guys living here. I saw a lot of good men's spirit broken over the years. Maybe it's changing these days. Anyway, if you want a top notch, capable carpentry contractor, I think that you can't go wrong by calling Ezra Ransome first!
Sy Bounds
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