PPG Automotive Refinish announced it has recognized Color Systems of Warwick, R.I., as its 2015 Platinum Distributor of the Year. Bob Wenzinger, director of the PPG Platinum Distributor program, presented the award at the annual PPG Platinum Distributor Conference held Feb. 25-28 at the Green Valley Resort in Las Vegas.
Steven Choiniere, Color Systems president and owner, and sales manager Steve Lauro attended the conference and accepted the honor on behalf of the company. Michael McGarry, PPG president and CEO, and John Outcalt, PPG vice president, Global Automotive Refinish, also participated in the presentation.
“We are proud to present the Distributor of the Year award, an annual award that exemplifies the tradition and success of the Platinum Distributor program,” said Wenzinger. “The award recognizes a company for outstanding performance, loyalty, product knowledge, and customer service and support. Color Systems has excelled in every area. It is a privilege to honor Color Systems as the Platinum Distributor of the Year.”
Choiniere added, “When the award was announced I was extremely surprised and genuinely delighted. Not for myself but for everyone at Color Systems. We work very hard all year long, and we’ve been growing. Getting noticed for our efforts is rewarding and gratifying.”
Color Systems is a second-generation family business. It was started in 1982 by Choiniere’s older brother, Michael, as an offshoot of the family’s successful auto parts business, Carparts, Inc., which was established by their father, Frank, in 1971. Steven Choiniere, fresh out of college, joined Color Systems at the time of its inception. The two companies operated side by side in the same building, as distinct entities, with separate staffs. In 2008, the auto parts business was sold so the brothers could concentrate on paint distribution.
In October of 2011, Color Systems decided to promote only PPG products and became a Platinum Distributor. “It was the best business decision we ever made,” said Choiniere. “Going single-line with the best paint company in the world was smart. I’m very happy we did what we did.” The company, with its 14 full-time employees, has since established itself as the go-to paint distributor among collision centers throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Much of Color Systems’ success can be attributed to its emphasis on building customer relationships that are based on trust and service, a practice that reflects the company’s marketing tagline, “More than just paint.” The company’s standing with its customers is so strong that conversions to PPG ENVIROBASE High Performance waterborne products are often made simply because of customers’ respect for Color Systems’ recommendations. Customers receive the complete support of Color Systems’ technical staff. Consequently, more than 95 percent of Color Systems’ collision customers, despite being located in non-regulated regions, are using the Envirobase High Performance brand, according to a company press release.
In keeping with its commitment to provide its customers with exceptional products and service, as well as to make itself a more productive and efficient organization, Color Systems takes advantage of PPG’s MVP support offerings and regularly participates in a Platinum Distributor forum group and PPG distributor training programs.
For more information about the PPG Platinum Distributor program, call (800) 647-6050 or visit www.ppgrefinish.com.
