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Industrial Protective Coatings, Inc. is a family owned, industrial flooring
company. Founded in 1980 by Gerald and Jean Brosteau, the company was initially
housed in a 200 square foot area in the basement of their home. The main focus
of the company at that time was the formulation and installation of epoxy and
polyester monolithic flooring systems. The primary targets for these flooring
systems were the local Cheese and Pulp and Paper Industries. Within a few years
they were expanding into new markets which included Food and Meat Processing, Dairy
and Warehousing Facilities.
With initial success came the need for a dedicated, skilled installation
crew. Jean and Jerry hired a full-time crew as well as a most invaluable
foreman, Bob Lukas who remained with IPC until his passing in 2006. Bob is
missed by all.
It was not long before IPC outgrew Jerry and Jean’s basement. They began
leasing a 2500 square foot building in the East De Pere Industrial Park, the
first official manufacturing site.
Due to the dedication of the IPC installation team IPC was able to perfect
its own flooring systems and began to develop and manufacture its own products.
By the end of the 1980’s IPC was manufacturing seven different flooring systems
under the trade mark name of “Anchor Bond™.”
By 1989 IPC had outgrown its facility and moved into the current location at
1855 Enterprise Drive, a 4800 square foot facility. IPC now had room for formal
offices as well as more floor space for manufacturing and storage.
The 1990’s saw very aggressive growth. The Brosteau children, recent college
graduates, were ready to move into the business. Toby Brosteau’s main focus was
to establish a marketing plan for the company. He immediately developed a
catalog of IPC products, produced mailings and established the first website. He
also became active in sales. Kelsie Brosteau was able to utilize her accounting
background and experience to assist Jean with all the bookwork. She also became
active in sales and began bidding projects.
IPC again found it necessary for another expansion and an additional 4800 square
feet was added to the existing facility.
The new millennium found IPC making new vital changes. In 2001 IPC was
fortunate to hire Pat Londo. Pat, a full-time in-house chemist, would be in
charge of product development, quality control, purchasing, and packaging. His
years of experience in the industry would prove to be a huge asset for IPC. In
2002 IPC added to its full time sales force by hiring two salesmen. Rick
Bentzien, one of those original salesmen, remains with the company today and is
in charge of sales in Southern Wisconsin. Also in 2002 Cheryl Hornett was hired
to manage the day to day affairs of the office. Late in 2003 Roy Knoll was added
to the sales staff and is the representative for Northern Wisconsin.
2004 found Jerry and Jean looking toward retirement, but they had one more
project in mind – another expansion. In 2004 IPC added 6000 square feet to the
current facility. The facility now had enough room for manufacturing,
formulating, packaging and private labeling.
In January of 2005 Toby Brosteau, Kelsie Brosteau and Pat Londo purchased IPC
from Jerry and Jean Brosteau. Jean has retired but Jerry continues on with IPC.
In 2006 IPC was fortunate to be able to promote Matt Phillips from within.
Matt had been an installer for many years with IPC and now he is the lead man in
the field.
Over the past 36 years IPC has seen many changes. With that initial
determination and success Jerry and Jean built a solid, reputable company. The
new generation continues to follow in that tradition. Today IPC employs about a
dozen full-time skilled installers. Most recently, IPC introduced its
newest product line, Anchor Bond™ Anchor Crete™, a cementitious urethane fortified
trowel applied floor. The reception for this system has been overwhelming.
IPC is looking forward to continued growth and expansion in the future.
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