Prime Coat was founded in 1990 by Christopher O’Brien with a basic business approach – provide high quality solutions for customers and the rest will take care of itself. This philosophy immediately separated Prime Coat from other painting/coatings companies.
In 1996 two additional owners were added to the roster, a third generation coating specialist, Michael Ballou, and a former executive VP from a national construction company, Raymond O’Brien.
With this core management team in place, Prime Coat began to focus exclusively on building its Prime Coat Coating Systems brand. From 1996 to 2004 Prime Coat grew at an average rate of 62% a year. In 2005 Prime Coat grew 50% and became best in class in two market segments.
At a time when most manufacturers and contractors were running away from responsibility Prime Coat was embracing it and proclaiming the benefits of a turnkey, “No Finger Pointing” approach to high performance coating systems.The future looks bright as Prime Coat continues to manufacture and install its own coatings all across the county providing high quality solutions for our customers!
Meet the Team
Christopher J. O’Brien
CEO
During the last 19 years, Chris O’Brien has worked with specification writers, architects, building consultants, general contractors, facility managers, home and business owners to design and execute coating and topping projects that beautify and protect. He holds patents on both processes and equipment, has authored articles for numerous magazines, served on the board of directors for several profit and non-profit corporations and is actively engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sales of specialty coatings all across the United States.
Relevant Accomplishments
- Founded Prime Coat Corporation, 1990.
- Developed 24 proprietary epoxy wall and floor coatings under the Prime Coat Coating Systems brand.
- Developed two (2) educational CD Rom games for Terraglyph Interactive, 1994-1996.
- Developed web-based Estimating, Training and HR software for the Specialty Coatings Industry, 2001-2003.
Memberships
- Member of NACE since 2000
- Member of ICRI since 1999
- Member of SSPC since 1996
- Member of PDCA since 1990
Committees
- PDCA PCEP (Painting Contractor Education Partnership)
- PDCA Endorsement Program
- ICRI Coatings and Waterproofing
Education
- NACE Coating Inspector #8876
- PDCA Certification, 1996
- University of Miami Law School, 1987
- Trinity International University, BA 1986
- Libertyville High School – Diploma 1982
Michael J. Ballou
President
During the last 22 years, Michael Ballou has worked with specification writers, architects, building consultants, general contractors, facility managers, home and business owners to design and execute coating and topping projects that beautify and protect. He is actively engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sales of specialty coatings all across the United States.
Relevant Accomplishments
- Merged with Prime Coat Corporation, 1995.
- Developed 24 proprietary epoxy wall and floor coatings under the Prime Coat Coating Systems brand.
- Developed, perfected, manufactured, installed and marketed the “Seamless System”™.
- OSHA authorized to teach confine space entry.
- OSHA authorized to teach 10 and 30 Hour safety in Construction.
- Developed web-based Estimating, Training and HR software for the Specialty Coatings Industry, 2001-2003.
Memberships
- Member of NACE since 2000
- Member of ICRI since 1999
- Member of SSPC since 1996
- Member of PDCA since 1996
Committees
- ICRI Coatings and Waterproofing
Education
- PDCA Certification, 1996
- Libertyville High School – Diploma 1986
John Even
Vice-President
During the last 20 years, John Even has mangaged and installed over $112 million in volume for Prime Coat across the United States. John has ultimate responsibility for job set-up (crew selection and scheduling, material ordering), job oversight (running day-to-day operations with all Foremen), communications with clients (first point of contact at job start and throughout project), fleet management, and Warehouse day-to-day operations.
Relevant Accomplishments
- Five (5) years, top field earner
- Five (5) years, top field installer
- Five (5) years, setting the standard
- Oversee and manage all Prime Coat installations across the U.S.
- Aided in the development of all Prime Coat Systems.
- Aided in the development of Prime Coat’s Seamless System
Education
- Dale Carnegie Training Course, 1995
- Prime Coat Federally Approved Training Program
- Confined Space Training
- OSHA 10-Hour Training
- Crystal Lake High School – Diploma 1987