UBCC Member Spotlight: Sherwin-Williams Souderton

BY MELINDA RIZZO

Whether Urbane Bronze, the 2021 color of the year or a classic staple like Dover White, Sherwin Williams has customers covered
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Few home improvement projects satisfy the urge for a new look like a fresh coat of paint.
 
From a classic shade like Toile Red to Naval, the 2020 color of the year, paler shades of white or creamy neutrals the coronavirus pandemic surged the “nesting” demand among home and property owners, prompting many to reach for a brush or hire a professional painter for a bright updated look.
 
Jon Josko, Sherwin Williams of Souderton store manager said the coronavirus pandemic reinvented how some services are delivered.
 
“It drew a lot more DIY customers to the store. With everyone stuck at home people were looking for something to do, or they finally had the time to make the changes they wanted to make to their homes,” he said.
 
According to a National Public Radio report released in September, 2020, 3 out of 4 homeowners tackled some type of major home improvement project during the year. (https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/909264580/why-home-improvement-has-surged-and-how-its-changing-america)
 
Nationwide paint sales have been up in response to an otherwise difficult year in 2020 – and light natural gray tones continue to be popular trends to open up and soften interiors.
 
“We’ve seen and heard people working from home revamping (or creating) a home office to make it a comfortable professional space and to have a nice space to work in,” he said.
 
New Tools in the Kit
 
Sherwin Williams has included new online tools for both consumers and professional painters, who can access paint without coming to the store by ordering from their PRO App.
 
Retail customers can order and pay online and have their order ready for curbside pickup.
 
“It’s a huge benefit for consumers and for professionals,” Josko said.
 
Home consultations have been replaced by virtual consultations and phone calls. Sherwin Williams color consultants are available free of charge, by appointment for 30 minute phone or video chat times.
 
Video consultations replaced in-home color consulting as a coronavirus safety precaution for employees and customers.
 
“When we had to stop consultants going to homes because of the pandemic, we opened up the other services. Thank goodness for technology,” Josko said.
 
Online color tools include color paint chips, a bonus for those who either don’t have time to stop, or who don’t feel safe coming, into a retail store, he explained.
 
Brisk Home Sales Market Drives Paint Sales
 
An energetic housing market prompted paint sales, too, with both buyers and sellers coming to pick colors – either to sell the home or customize it after the sale.
 
“The home seller is repainting to sell with neutrals, and the new buyer is coming in to pick colors to make the space their own,” Josko said.
 
Pandemic Silver Linings
 
Josko said from strengthening employee bonds to galvanizing a local network of Sherwin Williams stores into supportive resources there have been some pandemic- related silver linings.
 
“Teamwork among our stores has really come into play.  If we don’t get something one week, a nearby store might have extra supply,” he said, of the almost daily calls he either receives or makes from neighboring stores.
 
Working together, offering understanding and recognizing co-workers may handle stressors differently, has made all the difference in the workplace.
 
“Having a good crew you enjoy working with every day is a big help,” Josko said.
 
Covid-19 has been an unpredictable teacher, but Josko said he’s learned a lot about customer resilience and determination – other silver linings from challenging year with traumatic and stressful headlines and tragic losses for so many families.
 
“I’ve found a lot of customers have been patient with one another. They seem to realize there are a lot of forces we can’t control,” he said.
 
Founded in 1866 Sherwin Williams serves the paint and coating manufacturing industry and local communities from its Cleveland, Ohio, headquarters selling products to consumers and professionals.
 
Sherwin Williams of Souderton is located at 739 Route 113 Space 12 in Souderton. For more information visit www.sherwin-williams.com or call 215.723.2037.
 
Sherwin Williams joined the chamber in early 2020 and we are excited to promote services they offer to community members that want in person and virtual options. Thank you Jon, we look forward to Sherwin Williams offering a fresh brush of color to Upper Bucks Chamber! 

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