The Story of Kelly-Moore Paints and Its Products

Kelly-Moore Paints has a rich history that dates back to 1946, when the company was founded by a group of independent paint dealers in San Francisco.

The company's early success was fueled by its focus on providing high-quality paint products to the local market.

Kelly-Moore Paints is still family-owned and operated, with a strong commitment to community involvement and customer satisfaction.

Their products are designed to meet the unique needs of homeowners and professionals in the Western United States, where the company has a strong presence.

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Kelly-Moore Paints has a rich history that spans several decades. The company was taken over by Joseph P. Cristiano in January 1985, six months after William Moore retired.

Cristiano spent several months learning the ropes by shadowing sales representatives. This experience likely helped him make informed decisions as he led the company forward.

In 1994, Kelly-Moore Paints expanded its presence in Alaska and Washington by acquiring Preservative Paint Co. of Seattle. This acquisition created a wholly owned subsidiary with two new retail locations in Alaska and fifteen new retail locations in Washington.

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Kelly-Moore acquired K-M Universal in 1995, expanding its presence in the Southwest by adding a factory in Tempe, Arizona, and a number of retail outlets in Arizona and California. This strategic move helped the company grow its customer base.

A year later, Kelly-Moore absorbed another acquisition, the paint division of Island Equipment Co., situated in Guam. This move further solidified Kelly-Moore's position in the market.

In 1999, Kelly-Moore partnered with M.A. Bruder & Sons, a Pennsylvania-based company with a similar business model. This partnership allowed both companies to serve national accounts without overlapping regions.

As a result of the collaboration, both Kelly-Moore and M.A. Bruder were included in the American Institute of Architects' MasterSpec Finishes directory, used by 5,500 architectural and construction firms. This exposure likely helped both companies attract new clients.

Kelly-Moore continued to grow and expand its operations, acquiring Ponderosa Paint Manufacturing in 2000. This acquisition further strengthened the company's position in the market.

The company relocated its manufacturing from the San Francisco Bay Area to Hurst, Texas, in 2017. This move likely helped Kelly-Moore reduce its environmental impact and improve its operations.

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Kelly-Moore Paints has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hurst, Texas, that produces technologically advanced paint products.

This facility sets the industry standard for new product development and quality control.

Kelly-Moore's commitment to innovation and quality has earned them recognition as "The Painter's Paint Store!"

Kelly-Moore Paints is known for providing high-quality, innovative products with exceptional service at a fair value. This is a result of their focus on meeting the unique needs of professional painting contractors.

Their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hurst, Texas, produces some of the most technologically advanced paint products. This sets the industry standard for new product development and quality control.

Kelly-Moore Paints has been recognized throughout the paint industry as “The Painter’s Paint Store!” This reputation is built on their commitment to providing knowledgeable, efficient service at a fair price.

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Kelly-Moore Paints has halted operations and is closing all of its stores, a move that affects 157 stores nationwide. The company has been in business for 78 years, but was unable to overcome massive legal and financial burdens.

The closure of Kelly-Moore Paints stores is particularly notable in San Francisco, where five stores will be closing. These locations include 565 S. Van Ness Ave., 1020 Harrison St., 364 Divisadero St., 701 Bayshore Blvd., and 445 Taraval St.

Kelly-Moore Paints has a significant presence in the Bay Area, with 61 locations affected by the shutdown. This includes stores in Novato, San Rafael, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Oakland, Concord, Fremont, Mountain View, San Mateo, and Santa Clara.

The company's manufacturing facility in Texas will also be permanently closed, as well as its retail stores. However, the Union City complex will remain open temporarily to help fulfill existing orders.

Kelly-Moore Paints cited asbestos litigation as a major factor in its inability to secure funding or partnerships. The company determined that bankruptcy proceedings were not a viable option due to its lack of assets.

The closure of Kelly-Moore Paints stores may lead to a surge in vacant storefronts in the Bay Area, but some commercial real estate experts believe that these spaces could be attractive to retailers. According to David Taxin, a partner with Meacham Oppenheimer, stores of this size (typically 7,000 to 8,000 square feet) could be re-purposed for other uses.

Here are the specific locations of the Kelly-Moore Paints stores that will be closing in San Francisco:

Kelly-Moore Paints has a rich history that spans over 76 years, with its founding in San Carlos, California in 1946. It's been a long journey, with the company being acquired by William Moore in 1952, who played a crucial role in its evolution.

Moore was actively involved in every facet of the business for the next thirty years, ensuring the company's growth and success. He retired in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of $136 million in revenue and almost $11 million in profit.

In 2023, Kelly-Moore Paints was acquired by Flacks Group, a global investment firm based in Miami, Florida. This acquisition includes the company's 157 retail stores in several states, as well as its manufacturing facilities in Hurst, Texas.

The acquisition has generated optimism on both sides, with Kelly-Moore Paints' Steve DeVoe stating that the company will have the resources to continue innovating and delivering the best products and experiences to its customers. Flacks Group is known for taking chances on companies that other investors pass up, and they're excited about the opportunities with Kelly-Moore.

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Kelly-Moore Paints is a true legacy brand that resonates across multiple generations, with its high-quality products and exceptional service earning it a loyal customer base. The company generates about $400 million each year and is named the ninth largest paint company in the US.

Under the new ownership of Flacks Group, Kelly-Moore Paints is poised for expansion, with Charles Gassenheimer, managing director at Flacks Group, stating that the company positions the paint firm for plenty of growth.