Don Herrmann, of Addison, had his own painting business, but he was getting tired of climbing ladders.
So, when the owner of Village True Value Hardware store in Western Springs offered him a job in the paint department, he accepted. That was 20 years ago.
Q: What is a common mistake people make when painting?
A: They want it done fast. But you have to take time repairing cracks, making sure everything is sanded and smooth. The prep is the key.
Q: What is the nicest thing about working in a family-owned business?
A: I became friends with so many people here.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I love the outdoors. I bike, hike, go camping. And I still paint on my days off.
Q: Where is one of your favorite places to bike nearby?
A: Cricket Creek Forest Preserve in Addison. I can do 16 miles there in the morning.
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Q: Where is your favorite place to vacation?
A: The Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Q: Where would you like to go that you haven’t been?
A. I have never been to Europe. My heritage is Scottish. That’s where my grandmother was born, so I would like to go there.
Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?
A: Bohemian Crystal in Westmont. I love the beef with dill gravy there. I love dill to begin with.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “Titanic”
Q: Do you have a favorite TV show?
A: I do a lot of Netflix. I watch a lot of documentaries and I liked the series, “13 Reasons Why,” about a girl who committed suicide.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: A cat named Fate.
Q: Do you have a pet peeve?
A: I’m a clean freak because I was raised that way. I like things to be in order.
Q: What superpower would you like to have?
A: I’d like to know more about what happens after death.
Q: If they made a movie of your life, which actor would you like to portray you?
A: Tim Allen. People tell me I look like him.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago.