River City Six – Scott Smith
Meet Scott Smith, residential estimator with Gerst Painting and Contracting, Inc. (www.gerstpainting.com)
Tell us a little about your business.
Gerst Painting and Contracting is a multi award-winning painting company that specializes in interior and exterior painting/wall covering services for residential and commercial properties in the Omaha metro area. Founded in 1977, Gerst offers premium craftsmanship from some of the most highly-trained professionals in the industry. When you choose Gerst, you’re choosing a locally owned and operated business that cares about the community we serve.
How did you get started in the business?
Over 30 years ago, when I started my family, I was offered a position as a painter and learned to master the techniques. About 20 years ago, I came to Gerst Painting. Initially recruited as a professional painter, I worked my way up to foreman and then this past June, I accepted my new role as residential estimator.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I have helped Gerst “paint its way” to achieve the Best of Omaha award for the past 14 years and B2B for the past five. Those are accomplishments I am very honored to say I was a part of.
Tell me a little about your family.
I currently live in my hometown of Waterloo, NE. I have a tight-knit family, which is made up of my wife Angie and our son Michael Lee.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
The day my son was born.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy spending my days off with my wife and enjoying the outdoors, going camping, fishing, and hunting. And of course, rooting for the Huskers on game days!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I am a country boy at heart; I love nature.
What are you the most proud of?
My family.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t gamble with what you can’t afford to lose.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Trustworthy.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
To be able to fly.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Farming skills.
Which talent would you most like to have?
A better golf swing would be nice.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
A professional hunting guide. I think it would be cool to lead hunting excursions and be involved with scouting efforts.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Nebraska Special Olympics.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Stand, a novel by Stephen King.
What is your favorite movie?
The Outlaw Josey Wales.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Farmer Brown’s Steak House in Waterloo.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Please contact Gerst Painting at (402) 289-1010, or visit our website at www.gerstpainting.com.