After 140 years, paint store thinks it's time for a makeover

A business at any age can be a fragile.

Even an established business can be felled by economic calamity, a change in technology or fashion, or a freeze in financing.

When you consider that, it’s amazing that Dugan’s Paint and Flooring Center is celebrating 140 years of business this year.

One reason for Dugan’s longevity could be because it’s been owned by the Dugan family since its birth. Owner Chuck Kempton has been involved with the business all of his life. His stepfather had the Dugan name.

“I came to work in high school,” he said.

His daughter, Tyger,  is the sixth generation working there. Jason Kempton, his nephew, is store manager.

The company opened in 1871 as a paint supply and glazing warehouse on Second Street in Sedalia. It’s been in its present store on Erika Avenue since 2000.

There are stores in Laurie, Osage Beach and Warrensburg, as well.

Though Dugan’s opened as a paint seller, it has gone beyond that, offering blinds, flooring and installation.

To celebrate its birthday, the Sedalia store is sponsoring a room makeover contest, opening March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, because “the leprechaun is our logo,” Kempton said.

Anyone can submit photos of a room to be remodeled. The public can then vote on the room it thinks deserves the makeover. Voting closes April 1. For each vote received, Dugan’s will donate $1 to the Children’s Therapy Center in Sedalia.

The room with the most votes will win a $1,400 room makeover.

“We want the community to know we want to give back to the community,” Kempton said of the celebration.

“Everything is about how good the community has been to us.”