About the business:
CEO Earl Washington was working for a paper and chemical company in Jackson, Miss. when he decided he had enough steam and gumption to start his own company. With the help of $30,000 he had saved and an SBA loan, he established U.S. Coating Specialties and Supplies, which, more than three decades later, actively competes with much larger competitors.
The company supplies commercial chemicals, cleaners, equipment and provides services including roofing, waterproofing and painting. Government contracts account for 48% of its business.
--By Eno Alfred and Alex Rodriguez
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