Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Professional Painting & Coating Solutions Minneapolis
Established in 1942, Julius B Nelson & Son has built an enduring reputation for excellence in painting, drywall finishing, and specialty coatings across the Twin Cities and upper Midwest. Our union workforce of 40-65 certified professionals brings decades of collective experience to every project, adhering to the highest safety standards through rigorous training programs. We serve diverse sectors including education, healthcare, commercial, and industrial facilities, delivering precision craftsmanship for both interior and exterior applications. Our legacy includes landmark projects like the University of Minnesota Nano Technology Center and Children's Hospital Expansion, demonstrating our capability to handle complex, high-specification work. With three generations of leadership continuity and employees often retiring after 30+ years of service, we maintain deep institutional knowledge and technical expertise.Our commitment to quality is evidenced by long-term client relationships spanning decades and our role in pioneering safety protocols within the industry. We specialize in challenging applications such as 3M Di-Noc installation, specialty coatings, and historic preservation while maintaining modern efficiency standards. Our team's proficiency in swing stage work, scaffold systems, and rigid wall protection solutions enables us to tackle projects others might avoid. This combination of tradition, technical capability, and client focus has sustained our growth through eight decades of industry evolution.
Services
Interior Painting
Exterior Painting
Drywall Repair
Specialty Coatings
Wall Covering
Floor Coatings
Power Washing
Scaffold Work
Parking Lot Striping
Wood Finishing
Details
- Year established: 1942
Highlights and features
- 80+ years serving commercial and industrial clients
- Union-certified workforce with 40-65 experienced professionals
- Mandatory safety certification for all employees
- Completed landmark projects for major institutions
- Employees often retire after 30+ years service
Services
Interior Painting
Precision interior painting for commercial and institutional spaces using premium materials and advanced application techniques. Our union-certified crews ensure flawless finishes in offices, schools, and healthcare facilities while maintaining strict safety protocols. Specializing in fast-track projects with minimal disruption to operations.
Specialty Coatings
Application of high-performance coatings including Duraplex, Polymyx, and fiberglass wall systems for demanding environments. Our technicians handle chemical-resistant, anti-microbial, and decorative specialty coatings that meet exacting industry specifications for durability and aesthetics.
Drywall Repair
Comprehensive drywall repair and finishing services for both new construction and renovation projects. Our skilled craftsmen deliver seamless repairs and premium finishes that meet exacting architectural standards across commercial and institutional buildings.
Scaffold Work
Expert scaffold system installation and work-at-height solutions for complex building exteriors. Our OSHA-certified teams safely execute challenging projects requiring specialized access equipment and engineered scaffolding configurations for painting and coating applications.
Floor Coatings
Durable floor coating systems for industrial and commercial spaces that provide chemical resistance, slip protection, and long-lasting finishes. Our solutions include epoxy, urethane, and anti-static coatings tailored to specific facility requirements.
People
Gary Buchert
Owner and President
With over 40 years in the industry, Gary has served as President since 2010. He chairs the Twin Cities Apprentice Training Committee and brings deep expertise in labor-management relations and technical execution.
Phil Carter
President/Project Manager
Leading projects since joining in 2005, Phil ensures client satisfaction through meticulous planning and execution. His 18 years with the company reflect our commitment to experienced project leadership.
Richard Tollefson
Project Manager
As Project Manager since 2006, Richard combines technical expertise with practical field experience to deliver complex projects on schedule while maintaining our high quality standards.
Heidi Landon
Secretary/Treasurer
Managing financial operations since 2010, Heidi ensures fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency that supports our long-term business sustainability and client commitments.
Joe Laube
Superintendent
With 20 years of field experience, Joe oversees project execution with emphasis on safety compliance and technical excellence, ensuring every project meets our exacting standards.
Questions
What types of projects does Julius B. Nelson & Son handle?
We specialize in commercial, industrial, and institutional projects including schools, hospitals, office buildings, and retail spaces.
Are your workers certified for safety?
All employees undergo mandatory safety certification training to meet industry standards.
How long has your company been in business?
We've provided painting and coating services since 1942, serving the upper Midwest region.
What specialty services do you offer?
We install 3M Di-Noc film, apply specialty coatings, and handle complex scaffold work and swing stage projects.
Can you handle large-scale commercial projects?
Yes, our union workforce handles projects of all sizes, from small repairs to major facility expansions.
Do you offer exterior painting services?
We provide comprehensive exterior painting including lift work, water repellants, and durable coating systems.