Ken Nein spent more than 30 years in the paint industry before deciding to venture out into his own firm by starting Iconic Coatings Company in 2019.
“I sold powder coating for many years in my career and developed relationships with OEM accounts,” Nein said. “They were constantly having issues with their applicators. They hinted that they wished they had more reliable coaters in the area. That got me thinking of getting into the applicator field.”
Nein had to raise capital through an SBA loan, go through the permitting process and find the correct facility.
Since that start, he acquired a 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fullerton, where he employs 13 people, including his two sons.
Iconic Coatings is a finishing company serving original equipment manufacturers in industries such as commercial lighting and construction. Iconic applies the final coat of paint to metals that often face the elements. The paint protects products like doors, windows and signs against rain, pollution, salt and extreme temperatures.
Nein’s weathered COVID-19 by pivoting to smaller jobs.
“COVID slowed down my ability to work with large production facilities,” he said. “Rather than going directly to manufacturing companies, I was forced to find smaller businesses like tire rims and patio furniture.”
It’s well documented that several large manufacturers have left California due to the cost of doing business, such as labor, utilities and regulations.
“I’m going to stay, stick it out. Maybe I’ll be the last man standing,” Nein said. “I keep it lean and manageable.”
Nowadays, he is focused on the architectural industry.
“I see that as our future,” Nein said. “It cannot be replaced or offshored. They’re building residential or commercial buildings—everything needs to be finished here locally.
“The lead time is very short, and when they’re finished fabricating everything, they’re pretty much behind schedule. They need the last part done yesterday.”
He plans to continue renovating his factory by adding more automation and expanding into new locations.
When asked for his advice to others who want to start a business, he joked, “Don’t do it. Are you insane?”
On a serious note, he said companies must have “a good reputation in the industry.
“Be focused on your product. Deliver the best product available.”
(Editor’s Note: Author Peter J. Brennan has known Ken Nein for a decade because Ken’s son Jeff is married to Peter’s daughter Nicole.)
