Welcome to a new feature here at NCW Veterans Info: Veterans In Business. It’s my honor to introduce you to local veterans who are starting or running businesses here in North Central Washington.
In this second edition, meet Joshua Simonson and Reece Caouette, owners and operators of Westguard Painting. I met Josh through VFW Post 3617 and enjoyed learning more about how he has been running this painting business and grown over the years.
Please tell us a little about yourself and your military service.
J: Army, 1999 – 2003, and 2005-2007 Non-Divisional Maintenance in CO, recalled to serve in IRAQ to do the same
R: Army, 1996-1999, Field Artillery stationed in HI
Why did you decide to go into business for yourself? And how did you decide what that business would be?
J: My brother was a manager at a paint store and got me a job with a local painter after the job I had (and hated) fell through.
R: I was the manager at a paint store and helped my brother get his business started. I saw him being successful with better hours and work environment, so I thought I’d give it a try.
How do you feel your military service helped you become a successful entrepreneur?
J: I think the Army trained me to get things done. I saw a way to get things done and not have to answer to someone other than my customer and myself. That way if I did a poor job I didn’t have anyone to blame, and no one could blame me for their bad jobs.
R: I didn’t like the dog and pony show aspects of the Army, but I appreciated the initiative that was drilled into me. It was easy to transition the military standard of quality into how I handle my business.
Both: Working in the military helped us understand how to work as a team. We also had similar understandings of acceptable work ethic and quality.
Who or What other resources helped you along the way?
J: I learned from a good painter in the Valley, he showed me how to paint, and how to do it well. He helped me understand the importance of customer service and good word of mouth.
R: My time as a paint store manager helped me get connected to the contractor’s network in the valley. I also learned a lot about the products I sold and was able to transfer that knowledge to working with the paint instead of just selling it.
What does the future look like for you and this business?
J&R: We have both been looking at other opportunities. Josh has been coaching at Eastmont High School for 5 years and would like to be able to commit more time and energy to that passion. Reece has found a calling to missions and ministry so would like to devote time and energy to being the Connections and Missions Pastor at Awaken Wenatchee Church. While they both still occasionally enjoy picking up a roller and working together, they were able to bring on a new partner. Our Friend Ethan is a good friend who understands the importance of good work, customer service and integrity. He has taken majority ownership of the company. He’s looking at hiring more employees and branching out to build the company into more than just a family affair.
As a side note, Westguard Painting was voted World’s Best Painter for both 2019 AND 2020! Westguard Painting is also a proud sponsor of the Vets Gazette.
