Wallace E. Brown began the Grand Rapids Varnish Corporation in September 1, 1915. Having humble beginnings as a child, Brown initially worked as brush hand at a Grand Rapid furniture plant and eventually began selling finishes. His work experience includes a job with Lilly Varnish Company of Indianapolis. His return to Grand Rapids led him to deciding on the location and business plan for selling varnish; with a few investors and Brown’s personal savings account, it all began. Hiring his brother George Brown who worked for a varnish maker, was key to a good varnish recipe and the start of research for the company. The company grew with record sales and research that led to producing the first flat finish in the market known as SIL-KOTE. His passing in 1944 led to a change in management at the company. The company continued to grow with increasing sales, research and development of various products. The trade name “Guardsman” was used since 1937 for the company. On January 1, 1963 the company’s name was changed to Guardsman Chemicals Coatings, Inc. This was part of an expansion program incorporating companies with a strong position in the industry. With headquarters based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and plants located in key industrial areas, the goal was to market nationally. This expansion advanced research and the name change was key to the image of the company on a national platform. Similarly, Guardsman Products was an inevitable name change adopted in 1987.