HARDIN, James W. (b. 1920) | Oral History

HARDIN, James W. (b. 1920)

Oral Histories

Owner and operator, Jim Hardin’s Paint and Wallcovering, Denton, Texas. Family background; employment with Esler paint and Paper Company, Denison; promotion to assistant manager and outside salesman; effects of Depression in Denison; comments on union activities in Denison; military service in World War II; experiences in hanging wallcovering; employment at Jack Hodges’s Paint store, Denton, 1953; purchase of business from Hodges; views on Dallas competition; comments on development of paint components; views on organization of KEM Institute to promote latex paint; comments on the development of wallcovering; business orientation toward homeowner; pricing changes in paint and wallcovering; outlet for Pittsburgh paint products; growth of business; family employees; description of advertising; views on credit business; factors in developing successful operation; work in trade associations; advantages of family-operated business.
Date of Interview: January 31, 1981

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