As the granddaughter of Steve and Loretta Kush, Kush Paint has been a huge part of my life. At the age of 4, we moved to the little house next door and lived there for 6 years. Living next to a paint shop is a little unconventional. I remember stopping in the store and hanging out with my Grandpa Steve and my sister. One time he put paper cone shaped strainers on our heads and had us sing happy birthday to the customers when they walked in. He was quite the character. Always so playful. That's why my grandma and him made a good pair. She was the more serious one, she was in charge of the business aspects.
My Grandpa Steve started his career in paint manufacturing before WWII at Mac-O-Lac. He made varnish, along with one of his brothers. After the war he worked for Mercury paints, another local paint manufacturer. Legend has it that they told him he could have their giant roller mill if he could haul it away. He took it apart and moved it piece by piece. That's how Kush Paint was born. The roar of that roller mill is something I will always remember. It shook the building. We have high speed mixers now, and don't need to use that old mill.
So much has changed over the years. The biggest change occurred in the early 2000's when Kevin and Diana, my parents, decided to knock down that little house and the front of the store. They put up a much larger storefront. Working in that tiny building was quite a challenge. It was pieced together by my Grandparents over the years. I remember working out of that old building in the summers. We would have a line in the street of customers waiting to come in and get their boat bottom paint. We were something of a legend, anyone with a boat in St. Clair Shores knew about us. Old time customers like to come in and reminisce about my Grandpa. Second and third generations swear by our products.
Their little store has weathered so many storms, I think Steve and Loretta would be so proud that Kush Paint is still afloat and thriving. Small businesses are slowly disappearing because of big box and online shopping. Kevin and Diana have used innovation and creativity to build on what was once a tiny converted garage with heart into the business we know today.
Over the years Kush Paint has had some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable employees. The backbone of this business and faces that customers have seen over and over again, through the years. Michael Z has been with us for nearly 40 years. He is the go-to for any paint question or problem that needs to be solved. Pat B retired a few years ago but was first recruited by Loretta when she noticed how hard of a worker she was. Mike and Pat made quite the team in the front end of the shop. Coltan and Mark take care of the manufacturing along with Mike G, Shawn and Kevin. We can't forget some past employees: Brian, Kenny, Jamie, and Mike B. Farida is back with us and we are so glad for that.
We are always looking to the future while remembering those who helped pave the way. Cheers to 75 years!
