Golden Hammer Profile: The Wooster Brush Company

Since 1851, Wooster, Ohio-based Wooster Brush Company has been a national paint aisle mainstay, bringing (and keeping) jobs to the U.S.

It was only natural that the company walk away with a Golden Hammer Award in 2014, given its propensity for staying current with trends in coatings and aiding the corresponding evolution of the paint applicator.

But most of all? It's the reputation, according to the company.

"We feel that we are known as a strong, reliable company that has developed and provided innovative painting tools made in the USA for over 163 years," said VP marketing Scott Rutledge in an email. "Our reputation for on-time, complete delivery of these tools and also our promise to do what we say we will do are also, hopefully, things of recognition."

That dependability is bolstered by its legacy, which includes the invention of the angle sash paintbrush, introduction of nylon filaments for use with latex paint, creation of a special process to cement bristle into paintbrushes, and plenty more innovation where that came from.

As for any major developments the industry can expect from Wooster in the near future?

"That, of course, is a secret that we cannot divulge," said Rutledge.

The above is one of a series of profiles recognizing this year's Golden Hammer Vendor winners, to appear on HomeChannelNews.com and in HCN Daily. Thirty-one Golden Hammer Vendor winners were honored this year at the 2014 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas.