May 2, 2004
This year marks the 25th year of Superior Waterproofing & Restoration being in business. Many things have changed since the company’s inception in April of 1979. Thomas Schmitt, the company’s president and founder, has virtually brought this business out of the basement.
He started the business in the basement of his first home with only a wheelbarrow, brooms, shovels, and mostly rented tools. At that time in his life, he simply could not afford new tools or equipment. Furthermore, each project was on a project-to-project basis, never knowing, but always hoping for the phone to ring with another job prospect.
Initially the company was founded on residential waterproofing, primarily foundation work. Now the company is faceted into four divisions: masonry restoration and waterproofing, concrete restoration and waterproofing, below-grade waterproofing foundations, and resinous flooring.
Today, it is a company which averages 60-80 men in the field, with a salaried staff of 13 in the office; annual sales ranging from 7-10 million dollars. Superior has had 25 years of consecutive growth, which we contribute to the people who work for us. Tom would like to say thank you to those who work at Superior, some of whom have been with the company 15-20 years, or longer.
There have been many pivotal points in the success of this company, certain projects that helped to establish Superior as a respectable and commendable company. Restoration of DuBourg Hall for Saint Louis University was a quantum leap for Superior. It helped to build the company’s credibility and demonstrate that they are capable of many things.
Another huge aspect to the company’s success was Tom’s father joining the company in 1988. Prior to working at Superior, Ralph Schmitt had been in the business for 30 years, working for a competitor. He showed and opened a lot of doors for Superior.
Superior would like to say thank you to everyone who has been a part of the success; to all the customers and friends, to all the relationships that have been developed along the way.
As published in the Superior internal newsletter, May 2004