ST. LOUIS (March 20, 2018) – Western Specialty Contractors recently bid farewell to Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jim Rechtin Sr., who officially retired from the company after 46 years of dedicated service. Senior Vice President of Operations Tom Brooks has been promoted to replace Rechtin as COO.
"I can tell you, with 46 years of experience working for Western Specialty Contractors, that it is a great place to work, with great people top to bottom, that has endless job opportunities," said Rechtin. "Going to work for Western turned into more than just a job for me, it became a lifelong career."
Rechtin started working for Western in 1971 as a laborer; was promoted to foreman 2 years later; and then promoted to superintendent in 1975. In 1977, Rechtin was promoted to sales/project manager; then 2 years later to department branch manager; and then to branch manager in 1982. In 1992, he was promoted to region manager, where he served for 14 years before being promoted to Eastern division manager, where he oversaw 18 branch offices. In 2009, Rechtin was promoted to vice president of operations, and finally to COO in 2014.
"Western's growth to over $225 million in revenue can be attributed to Jim's leadership and dedication. He has been instrumental in mentoring several of our superintendents and sales/project managers into branch and regional managers," said Western President Jeff Kelley. "Rechtin has been a great business partner and friend. I have to say I appreciate his loyalty, help and expertise over the years."
For the past several years, Rechtin has been preparing his successor for the COO position, and plans to continue working with Western's senior management team on a consulting basis during his retirement.
For more information, visit Western Specialty Contractors.
