Local water tower, sign painter celebrates 32 years

April 9, 2019 | 3:15 am

Updated April 9, 2019 | 2:09 pm

Don Hulsey started his career as a small business owner with just $100 dollars worth of paint and brushes. Now, 32 years later, Strokes by Don has painted nearly the same number of water towers across the country. | Photo by AP Imagery

The date was April 13, 1987, and Don Hulsey started his career as a small business owner with just $100 dollars worth of paint and brushes. Now, 32 years later, Strokes by Don has painted nearly the same number of water towers across the country and is a true testament to the entrepreneurial opportunities within the American dream.

“I went to work on a Monday morning and the job I was at, I found out the company was sold. I had always wanted to own my own business so I thought here we go!” Hulsey said. “I figured if I do it myself, if anything ever happens I will at least see it coming.”

Hulsey does just about any sign that is non-electrical. His work also includes engraving, vinyl artwork, lettering vehicles and other high profile projects. Many in Owensboro may pass by his artwork every day and not realize the man behind the paint.

“I’ve lettered trucks for companies all over town,” Hulsey said. “The bigger jobs have been those like Owensboro Grain. I did the Unifirst building, and, throughout the years I’ve done 31 water towers across the country. Every one of them has a story that goes along with it.”

The closest water tower to home that he completed was the water tower in Hartford, Ky. but Hulsey has also traveled in upwards of 11 hours to complete projects spanning numerous states.

Hulsey’s grandchildren showing off his work with pride. | Photo submitted

Here locally his most recent artwork can be seen on the newly painted grain bin in downtown Owensboro. The original handpainted Owensboro Grain sign on Second Street was Hulsey’s original artwork and has lasted over two decades.

“What was unique about working with them is that the Owensboro Grain logo that is on Second Street — I did that 22 years ago,” Hulsey said. “That was kind of cool. When this one came up I kind of liked the idea that I had done business for them 22 years ago and the rigging company was the same I had worked with on a water tower years ago. So, I said, yea I’ll do it. I still enjoy getting up there. You can see things from up there that you can’t see from anywhere else.”

With every project having a story, Hulsey recalled the smokestack he painted in Hancock County.

“I did a smokestack at what was Commonwealth Aluminum, where Aleris is now. I had put the Commonwealth logo on it. When the wind started blowing the smokestack is designed to sway 6 feet from center either way to prevent it from breaking,” recalled Don. “When that smokestack started swaying and I was on the cable, well we didn’t sway together. I got my layout before the wind started but I would literally dip my brush and paint a few strokes as it swayed by. It got real interesting. I was glad when I had it finished.”

His quality work and dedication he pours into his projects is something many will see for decades to come and thanks to technology has expanded his opportunities.

“When I started this business I bought $100 worth of paint and brushes and I was in business,” Hulsey said. “Now I have over $100,000 dollars worth of computer equipment. That’s how much technology has changed. There’s so much stuff going to vinyl now which is computer cut so I don’t actually get to hand paint as much as I used to.”

When asked what the hardest thing about being a small business owner has been over the years, Hulsey said he has used technology to help overcome any hurdles.

“Bookkeeping is the hardest thing,” Hulsey said. “I’m a one-man shop here and that’s just a part of the life. Everything else I’ve enjoyed, and it’s gone pretty smooth. That’s one thing that technology made a difference on though — bookkeeping is a lot easier than it used to be.”

Hulsey’s biggest piece of advice for those with an entrepreneurial mindset is to just find something that they really enjoy doing.

“If it is something you enjoy doing, it’s really not like working,” says Don. “My wife says I retired 32 years ago because I set my own hours and enjoy what I’m doing. People ask me all the time when I’m going to retire and I say, ‘From what?’ I really do enjoy coming to work every day.”

April 9, 2019 | 3:15 am

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