Western Specialty Contractors bid farewell on Jan. 1, 2018 to Chief Operating Officer Jim Rechtin, Sr. who officially retired from the company after 46 years of dedicated service. Senior Vice President of Operations Tom Brooks has been promoted to replace Rechtin as COO.
"I can tell you, with 46 years of experience working for Western Specialty Contractors, that it is a great place to work, with great people top to bottom, that has endless job opportunities," said the retiring Rechtin. "Going to work for Western turned into more than just a job for me, it became a lifelong career."
Rechtin started working for Western in 1971 as a laborer, then was promoted to foreman two years later, then to Superintendent in 1975. In 1977, Rechtin was promoted to Sales/Project manager, then two years later to Department Branch Manager, then to Branch Manager in 1982. In 1992, he was promoted to Region Manager where he served for 14 years before being promoted to Eastern Division Manager where he oversaw 18 branch offices. In 2009, Rechtin was promoted to Vice President of Operations, then to Chief Operating Officer in 2014.
"Western’s growth to over $225 million in revenue can be attributed to Jim’s leadership and dedication. He has been instrumental in mentoring several of our Superintendents and Sales/Project Managers into Branch and Regional Managers," said Western President Jeff Kelley. "Jim has been a great business partner and friend. I have to say I appreciate his loyalty, help and expertise over the years."
For the past several years, Rechtin has been preparing his successor for the COO position, and plans to continue working with Western’s senior management team on a consulting basis during his retirement.
About Western Specialty Contractors
Family-owned and operated for over 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures including: industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO with over 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.
