For Gary Benton, life is about family. Family at home, and family at work.
Benton joined H.J. Holtz & Son in 2006 after his former employer wouldn’t allow him the time needed to care for a loved one who needed surgery. Years later, when Benton had an accident outside of work and had operations on both wrists, he was given the time he needed to recover. Now, at 68, Benton is making small adjustments to how he does his job, but it’s okay with management.
“It’s not like you’re working for somebody trying to use you to death,” he says. “If I need time off, for an appointment or something, it’s easy. They’re very understanding. Other companies are about production. They understand there’s living, too.”
Benton has always preferred exterior painting to indoor, noting that indoor jobs are complicated by décor and furniture. He still enjoys being outside, and his experience over the years with angles and difficult-to-reach spots is something he shares with team members. One change, however, is that he’s ready to cede the highest tasks to younger painters.
“Going up the 40-foot ladders is getting harder,” he laughs. “Medium heights are good, and I run around on the ground, but those tall ladders are something else.”
Benton is also more relaxed these days; he doesn’t feel pressure to work at breakneck speed. “I can take my time, pay more attention to what I’m doing,” he says.
Benton’s work family includes the half dozen foreman – all still with the company – who trained as painters under him. He anticipates his current partner will also soon make the leap, creating an opportunity for Benton to bring someone new along. “[My current partner] asked me recently if I thought he was ready. I said, ‘You’ve been ready; you just need to do it.’
“It will be a big change for me,” he adds, “but I can’t sit there and worry about something I don’t have control over.”
Yet Benton’s influence continues: His family welcomed grandson David earlier this year. The baby isn’t wielding a brush yet, but give it time.
Congratulations, Gary!