Page 8 - CMA PROfiles Winter 2014

ASSOCIATE OF THE QUARTER

Gemini Industries Celebrates 50 Years

by Joel Meredith These core values and Gemini’s commitment to standing by their
ith over 150 employees, warehouses stretching the country from work hearkens back 50 years to the company’s birth when the opera-
Nevada to the East Coast, and a fleet of semi-trucks connecting tion was little more than one man, William “Bill” Smith, his vision,
W them to distribution centers across the United States and Canada, and some borrowed equipment. Smith founded the company in 1964.
you could say that Gemini Industries runs a pretty sizeable operation. With a single 165-gallon tub and an agitator on loan at his disposal,
Gemini Industries is a national leader in quality wood coatings that Gemini filled their first order for 12 drums of lacquer placed by a
runs on a unique employee-ownership business model which means mobile home manufacturer in Oklahoma.
that employees have a larger stake in the outcome of their work, and
therefore take greater ownership and pride in what they do. Smith was a World War II veteran and a graduate from the University
of California. Armed with a Chemical Engineering degree and his
According to a statement supplied by Gemini, “When you are talk- determination, Smith slowly began the laborious process of sowing
ing to a Gemini team member, you are talking to an owner. You will the seeds for a successful company focused on creating high quality
find that you are treated better, supplied better, and supported better wood finishes.
because of this ownership culture.”
Originally known simply as Gemini, the company has twice
All of the company’s core values – integrity, innovation, participa- changed its name since opening their doors and today is known as
tion, responsibility, and commitment – can be seen in this way of Gemini Industries.
doing business. continued on page 10

8 PROFILES • Volume 14 • Issue 1, 2014 • www.cabinetmakers.org