We're so glad you're considering T. L. Hart, Inc. If you are anything like us, you want to know who you are dealing with.

What makes our company different from the others? Why should you buy from T. L. Hart?

On this page we'll attempt to tell you why, but first let us tell you how we got started in the painting business. We think it is a story you will find fascinating.

A Little History

T. L. Hart, Inc. was founded as a Michigan Corporation in January, 1985, as the cumulative effort of group of Christian businessmen who called themselves "The King's Club."

Having spent two years studying biblical principles of management, the King's Club decided in July of 1984 to select a business from within the group to apply what they had learned. They chose Hart Painting Company, which had gross sales in 1984 of $240,000.00.

From August to December the group spent one meeting per month picking apart and reviewing Hart Painting Company. In between meetings a committee was appointed to work with Hart on specific areas of the business. At its final meeting in December, the group, along with Terry Hart, presented a business plan for a completely new business, T. L. Hart, Inc.

A three member committee was assigned the first year's oversight of the new company, which in 1985 grew to $330,000 in gross revenues. This group later became T. L. Hart's permanent Advisory Board, which still meets quarterly to provide oversight and input into the growing company. T. L. Hart's sales in 2002 exceeded $2.6 million.

The real story, however, began in November, 1977, when Terry Hart was involved in a dramatic explosion. While off work recovering from injuries he sustained in the accident, Terry got the idea of starting a painting company. Thus in the Spring of 1978 T. L. Hart's roots were planted, with the establishment of three successive small businesses: Brothers in Christ Painting Company (1978), Daystar Painting Company (1979-80), and Hart Painting Company(1980-84).

About the Owner

A native of mid-Michigan, Terry Hart is responsible for the general oversight of the company, including administration, sales, and operations. He is a 1968 graduate of St. Johns High School. He earned an Associates Degree from Lansing Community College in 1971. He has completed numerous training and management seminars through his active association involvement. He is a former board member and past President of the Associated Builders and Contractors - Central Michigan Chapter; past President of the Michigan Council Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA); former National Board Member of PDCA; current Secretary/Treasurer of Michigan Council PDCA; current acting President and Secretary/Treasurer of the Lansing Chapter PDCA. He also serves on the Commercial Painting Committee for National PDCA, as well as being chairperson of PDCA's Certification Committee. He is happily married and has five grown children and five grandchildren. He is an avid reader and active in church related affairs.

Why Buy from T. L. Hart, Inc.?

We are committed to our customers. Yours is not just a 'paint job' or a sale, you're a potential long-term relationship, one we're eager to build. We're not in this just to make money, but for the satisfaction of serving people. That's why we strive to please our customers, adopting a "whatever it takes" attitude toward their needs. That means doing things how and when the customer wants. That means product and service quality defined by the customer.

We're competitive -- not cheap, but competitive. In painting, as in other areas, you can always get the job done for less, but you also get what you pay for. When you buy from T. L. Hart, Inc., you're not only getting a paint job, you're getting a professional who stands behind its work and who will be around for you the next time. We understand, however, that you want the best job for the best price. That's why we continually seek ways to reduce costs and work efficiently.

We operate 'above-board'. We avoid all impropriety -- even the appearance of impropriety. We do things legally. Our workers are bonafide employees, not "sub-contractors" paid 'under the table'. We are licensed, fully insured, bondable and in full compliance with all known State, Federal and local labor, safety and environmental laws.

Speaking of employees, we think we have the finest group of painters and paperhangers in the greater Lansing area. Our workers are carefully screened and selected on the basis of character, skill and work ethic. Our uniformed employees are courteous, service-orientated and seek the best interests of our customers.

Because our workforce is larger than most, we're capable of meeting your requirements. We'll perform very large projects, such as painting the inside of a factory, or we'll paint a kitchen. We're a painting company -- that's what we do. Whether it is large or small, in town, out-of-town, or out-of-state, we want to serve your needs.

We're safe and drug-free. We have a full-scale, operational Safety & Right-to-Know Program, which includes initial hire-in and regular, paid training to all employees on a regular basis throughout each year.

Not only do we perform standard painting, we also offer services such as sand-blasting, floor coating, electrostatic painting, carpentry, dry-wall finishing and other painting related work. We have a 4,000 square foot spray shop for your in-house painting needs.

Because we believe in providing you a great paint job, we guarantee our work in writing for one year as a standard part of our contractual Agreements. In reality though, we stand behind our work for years to come, guarantee or not.

We think professionals need to stay in touch with their industry and its constant change. That's why we are active members of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers, the Steel Structures Painting Council, the Associated Builders and Contractors of America; and the Greater Lansing and Michigan Chambers of Commerce.

We're also concerned about the environment. That's why our employees are trained how to handle waste paint and solvents, spills and other situations that could affect the environment. T. L. Hart, Inc. is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a Small Quantity Generator. Our EPA number is MID985640804. All wastes generated by T. L. Hart are handled in accord with State and Federal Regulations. Liquid waste is hauled by a licensed waste hauler.

Finally, we're in it for the long haul. When we started, it was with a view to build a viable business in the area of painting. Now in our 19th year, we've proven that you can depend on T.L. Hart, Inc. to meet your painting needs.

Our Vision for the Future & Purpose for Being

Very simply, we look to be the best provider of painting, wall covering and related services to area businesses, manufacturers and home-owners; to satisfy our customers and employees, make a profit, and honor God in the process.

Our Philosophy

We believe in the free enterprise system; that companies should be awarded work on the basis of merit and not on the basis of labor affiliation.