Good Business, Great People, Portrait Unveiling

The Brown Portrait: Unveiled

35 years ago, at the age of 50, Lou Brown broached the subject of opening up a new business with his wife, Carolyn. Taking on this new venture included his taking early retirement, negotiating to convert those funds to a lump sum, cashing in their life insurance policy, selling the cars, selling their house and putting all that on the line for this dream.  Oh, and at that point they had two kids in college and two more to go.  Home would be a small, sounds like not too nice, apartment.  And, Carolyn said yes. Talk about a leap of faith and an American dream.

Nothing good comes easily. API Plastics -- Lou and Carolyn's venture would require countless sacrifices, lots of work, lots and lots of perseverence, lots of talented and committed employees, suppliers, and loyal customers to survive, and even more of all of those to succeed.

Lou Brown, Dad (Ken Johnson), Oscar Haynes next to the portrait after the unveiling at API Plastics

I've founded a company myself. Actually at this point, I should say two -- since art is my second career, second business. Both of my businesses have been difficult (is there one that isn't?) and it makes me appreciate even more what these two have achieved -- humbly, honestly, fairly, thankfully. Survival in business is an almost insurmountable goal.  API Plastics has succeeded in providing opportunities for the Brown family, employees, suppliers while helping clients, community and giving back in so many ways. 

This past Saturday, April 27, the company celebrated its 35th anniversary, honored Lou and Carolyn Brown and all the people who have helped shape its success with a great party on the plant floor in Huntsville, Alabama.  We also pulled the white sheet off my portrait of Lou and Carolyn to unveil it to a very friendly crowd.  Sometime soon, that painting will be hanging in the lobby of the business they envisioned so many years ago.

Getting to know Lou and Carolyn -- and now the rest of their family and many friends -- has been such an honor. To know them truly is to love (and admire) them.  Somehow, too, they manage to make you feel like you're kin.

Oscar Haynes -- wife of my parents' pastor Joan Bell-Haynes, model for my portrait class, family friend and one of my 100 Faces -- is who introduced this pair to me.  He was part of the Virginia contingent (including me, Randy, my parents) that flew to Huntsville for the weekend.  That same group -- plus Joan -- enjoyed lots of fun together last summer when Lou and Carolyn came up to spend eight days sitting on my living room couch while their portrait was painted.

Today the company is led by Lou and Carolyn's son, Steve Brown.  He (Steve) mentioned that his dad and he are tremendously alike. I could tell. He's thankful for all that he's been given. Works to pay it forward. Appreciates and acknowledges the work of good people.

In one of Lou's conversations with me, he talked about speaking with Steve on setting up a foundation. Again, the two were on the same page. They wanted to provide well for the family, employees, customers, suppliers, and charities they believed in. Enough was enough for themselves.

It was funny to be singled out -- to stand up and speak at the unveiling.  Lou introduced me, Randy, my parents and Oscar as special guests. Everyone there was special.

Thank you, all!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."