After a decade working in the custom painting and pressure washing industry, Matthew Chamberlain started his own company Chamberlain and Company Custom Painting LLC in 2009.

Chamberlain is a staunch believer in pressure washing as a necessary first step in exterior painting, and his company prides itself on using the best quality products and equipment in their business.

He started using Mi-T-M equipment in 2015 and currently has two Mi-T-M pressure washers, a Mi-T-M propane heater, and a Mi-T-M rotary surface cleaner.

“Mi-T-M equipment is so easy to use, from start up to shut down,” says Chamberlain. “The quick connect accessories and attachments are effortless. Being introduced to the rotary surface cleaner was a game-changer. It cuts down on wash time and labor tremendously. If there is an use or need, Mi-T-M has a solution.”

Chamberlain and Company Custom Painting purchases all of their Mi-T-M equipment through their local Sherwin-Williams store. The one time they needed to call Mi-T-M customer service, Chamberlain was impressed with the attention and fast support, “It’s obvious that contractors are important to Mi-T-M.”

Chamberlain recommends to anyone using a pressure washer to, “Always do research on the substrate to be cleaned and the chemicals you plan to use.”

Their unique service, a Complete Garage Make-over, offers a full custom painting of garage walls and ceilings, and install epoxy or VCT tile flooring, making your garage personalized to your taste.

Chamberlain and Company Custom Painting serves the Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania areas and offers many interior and exterior services, including drywall repair, cabinet refinishing, and deck maintenance.

We want to extend the warmest of congratulations to Becky Kremer on her retirement from the company! Becky started on June 14, 1976. We talked with her below on her experience at Mi-T-M and what she plans to do now:

What was your first position at Mi-T-M?

Secretary – It included secretarial, receptionist, bookkeeping, purchasing, anything related to office work. When I was hired it was just AJ, I and one other guy (Jerry Brimeyer) in the office and there were just a couple guys in the shop.

What is your current position at Mi-T-M?

Sales Administration Manager

Is there one memorable moment or outstanding memory from Mi-T-M that you’ll always remember?

One would be AJ calling from the road and asking “Where am I?” because he was travelling so much. Another memorable time is when we starting making terrific sales. When I was first here, there were months when we were lucky to sell a couple units. It was such a shock when we started having single days when the sales equaled annual sales for some of our early years. I am still amazed at some of our sales days and where all that equipment goes.

What are you plans after retirement? Or what are you looking forward to doing once you retire?

The summer will be spent with the grandkids. We will spend quite a bit of time at our timber (especially my husband). Mostly I am looking forward to relaxing and not feeling rushed to get things done.

For people just starting at Mi-T-M, what would you say to them or tell them? (advice, tips, guidance, etc.)

Mi-T-M is a great place to work. You can tell by the number of employees who have been here for so many years. If you have any questions, there always is someone there to help you out.

Anything additional you’d like to mention?

While I am really looking forward to spending time with my husband and family, I am going to miss my Mi-T-M family terribly. When you have been together for as long as some of us have been, you develop a bonding relationship. I think some people here are aware that in December, it hit me hard that I was actually going to be leaving Mi-T-M and how much I will miss the day-to-day interaction with these special people. However, as retirement nears I am really looking forward to this new phase in my life.

Desert Storm Toast

Chuck Kluesner

Hire Date: May 23, 1984

What was your first position at Mi-T-M?

I was hired as an assembler of hot water pressure washers. Mi-T-M had just started the production of these units. From production, I went to the parts department, then worked in shipping and receiving and now I’m just in shipping.

What is your current position at Mi-T-M?

Shipping Supervisor

Is there one memorable moment or outstanding memory from Mi-T-M that you’ll always remember? If so, what is it?

Desert Storm is something I’ll never forget. We worked 12-18 hours a day for 10 days to build those 2000 machines. On the last day we worked 25 1/2 hours straight and after, AJ made a toast to celebrate and then told us all to go home and get some sleep. Over all the whole experience of working at Mi-T-M is memorable; seeing the expansion of the company over the years; going from shipping nothing to now – it’s an astounding difference.

What are you plans after retirement? Or what are you looking forward to doing once you retire?

I’m looking forward to yardwork and gardening, fishing, spending time with the grandkids, relaxing and taking trips.

For people just starting at Mi-T-M, what would you say to them or tell them? (advice, tips, guidance, etc.)

Mi-T-M is a good company to work for.

Tom Woerdehoff

Hire Date: August 1, 1988

What was your first position at Mi-T-M?

My first position was in sales.

What is your position at Mi-T-M?

I’ve been Credit Manager for 26 years.

Is there one memorable moment or outstanding memory from Mi-T-M that you’ll always remember? If so, what is it?

Actually there are a couple. In the early nineties AJ would strap on roller blades and do laps around the plant at the Kapp location. After production left you could find him out there in the low light having fun. It always brought a smile to my face. He should dust them off and go at it again. Another was whipping up a batch of homemade Irish Cream a couple days before Christmas and bringing some in to share. It became a tradition and I was pleased that I was able to add to the holiday spirit. And finally, all the people that have passed through this great company on their way to somewhere else. There have been many and most have left strong contributions and fond memories.

What are you plans after retirement? Or what are you looking forward to doing once you retire?

I prefer to not call it retirement but an opportunity to do other things. Too much to mention in this small space!

For people just starting at Mi-T-M, what would you say to them or tell them? (advice, tips, guidance, etc.)

Enjoy what you are doing and try to find a reason to laugh and share humor. Look up Donnie Holdridge; he is always good for a laugh. Do the best work possible. There were many who came before you who I’ve had the pleasure to know and who took pride in their work. They are the reason Mi-T-M is as great as it is. Build on that.

Anything additional you’d like to mention?

I do need to thank AJ, Sam and Tom Allendorf for the opportunity to work here and contribute all these years. I am very grateful. Best wishes to all the friends I have made throughout my time here.  Many have been with me since the beginning and I cherish the memories.  I look forward to keeping in touch – but maybe in the future that can be over a beer and a pool table.

Karen Steger -The “Voice” of Mi-T-M

In the spirit of Administrative Professional’s Day, we’d like to introduce you to one of the most recognizable voices of Mi-T-M. For 26 years, customers have been greeted by the warm and friendly voice of Karen Steger – a humble employee who refers to herself as, “just the receptionist.”

As a potential customer’s first point of contact, it’s crucial for Karen to provide the highest quality customer service possible. Karen is the voice of Mi-T M which means she is also the first person many customers speak with when they call. She is on the front lines of giving every customer the best experience possible, each and every time.

Karen has had the pleasure of meeting many loyal Mi-T-M dealers and customers face-to-face when they come to the Mi-T-M Headquarters. Meeting customers and dealers in person allows Karen to distinguish who is calling just by the sound of their voice. Mi-T-M always strives to make every customer feel like the #1 priority of their company and Karen makes sure that happens with each interaction.

Karen has made many great memories at Mi-T-M that she’ll be able to reflect on for years to come. From being featured on the company calendar twenty years ago to a recent trip to Mexico where she was able to strengthen relationships with Mi-T-M dealers.

Customers of Mi-T-M equipment stay with us because of amazing employees like Karen and the quality products we create.

The Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs. The Famous F-4 MiG Killer. #463. Triple Nickel squadron

Ponsford Ltd., is the most unique conservation group in the United States and has been using Mi-T-M equipment for over 25 years. Ponsford has developed into a highly regarded conservation, restoration, and preservation group since its inception, but the tools with which they operate has required little change.

Peace Monument at Lookout Mountain – Chattanooga, Tennessee (National Park Service) *Additional laser treatment powered by Mi-T-M generators.

Arlington National Cemetery

From 1984 – 2006 Ponsford was granted the honor of cleaning and preserving monuments at the Arlington National Cemetery such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the John F. Kennedy Grave. Mi-T-M pressure washers were an essential tool when it came to cleaning 300,000 white head stones in just 6 months time. That’s 50,000 head stones a month, so you can see why dependability mattered. Protecting these historic landmarks against deterioration and maintaining their integrity is vital for the remembrance and acknowledgment of why they are placed there.

Arlington National Cemetery honors those who have served our nation by providing a sense of beauty and peace for guests of the site. The impressive landscape in Arlington, VA serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. As a conservation group that operates around the globe, servicing monuments of Arlington National Cemetery is an extremely prestigious opportunity. Decades of experience has given Ponsford the intimate knowledge needed to effectively clean highly valued monuments, statues, and objects.

Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Hot vs Cold Cleaning Power

All of this experience has led Ponsford to rely on Mi-T-M equipment because of the superior performance it has provided. Hot and cold pressure washers are used to clean these monuments and provide contrasting results. A hot water pressure washer does an amazing job of removing surface mold and other debris from a sculpture without needing to increase the pressure from the washer. This prevents erosion and surface wear that can compromise the structural integrity of the monument or statue and can be costly to repair. Cold pressure washers aren’t used as frequently on delicate surfaces but are used on heavy duty metal surfaces where a sandblasting tip is used for more abrasive applications. A cold-water pressure washer and sandblasting tip is generally used on memorials such as tanks and heavy artillery installations seen at national and local parks.

South Carolina Army National Guard: APC – Armored Platoon Carrier

A Passion And An Honor

Owner Gordon Ponsford says, “having the opportunity to clean monuments and sculptures at such a historic and storied location such as Arlington National Cemetery is one of the highest honors. It is very important to us to preserve and honor our history.”

Mr. Ponsford points out two important reasons why he’s chosen to stay with Mi-T-M products over the years: reliability of the equipment and service from the dealers. Mr. Ponsford’s travels take him across the entire globe but he is always able to find a Mi-T-M servicer wherever he goes. Furthermore, under a federal or government contract there is no leniency with malfunctioning equipment. With Mi-T-M equipment being so reliable, he has never had to look elsewhere.