BEND, Ore., April 28, 2015 – The Bend Chamber of Commerce recognized Webfoot Painting Co. as Large Business of the Year at its 26th annual SAGE Awards. The SAGE (Star Awards for Greatness and Excellence) signature awards program celebrates the efforts and successes of local businesses and organizations.Webfoot, a 12-year-old locally owned and operated full-service painting and deck maintenance company, also made history receiving the award at the April 10 gala event after previously earning the Small Business of the Year award in 2012. In just three years, Webfoot has grown from 15 to 40 employees due to its dedication to excellent service, superior reputation and referrals, and commitment to the community through its various outreach efforts.

“We have long been grateful for Central Oregon’s supportive community, our loyal customers and partners, and, specifically, the Bend Chamber for recognizing us for the second time,” said Gavin Hepp, Webfoot’s co-owner. “Our propelled growth and success, while steady and authentic, is a testament to our outstanding team and our differentiating quality in how we conduct business, which is through unsurpassed customer service and matched by the highest-quality painting experience.”

According to the Bend Chamber, the Large Business of the Year award is given to a for-profit business member in Central Oregon with 30 or more employees. This prestigious award recognizes business excellence in the community on the basis of business growth and performance, expansion of operations and efficiencies, consistent outstanding customer service, investments in capital improvements, innovation/expansion of product line(s), responsiveness to business and industry challenges and adversity, and consistent community involvement.Webfoot Painting was founded in 2003 by Hepp and co-owner Travis Ulrich in Portland and moved its operation to Bend in 2006. The duo has led Webfoot to become one of the largest painting service companies in Central Oregon. Since rooting in Bend, the company has averaged year over year growth of 38 percent despite the ups and downs of the economic climate.Webfoot specializes in both exterior and interior work, as well as deck maintenance and drywall patching services. Its reputation has grown and strengthened through consistent customer satisfaction, high-level expertise and service, and its community service efforts that extends to its Carving for Kids charity event and annual Charity Paint Giveaway. In 2015, Carving for Kids will raise $15,000 for MountainStar Family relief Nursery, selling custom carved pumpkins to businesses and local families. Webfoot’s 2015 Charity Paint Giveaway recently awarded J Bar J Youth Services with $10,000 in painting services, which will be used to paint the Cascade Youth and Family Center next month.Webfoot maintains a company culture that rewards and retains its employees, which it also attributes to its business success and growth. Webfoot offers a company sponsored IRA, thorough training and leadership development programs, a focus on safety and best work practices, and cloud based tools that allow its managers access to project and schedule information on their tablet computers and smart phones. Webfoot also has several other progressive programs for their employees, such as “Volunteer for Vacation,” whereby staff can earn up to three days of paid time off annually for volunteering in the community.“Webfoot’s employee culture is one that nurtures our employee talent while also giving back,” added Hepp. “We have a very committed and organized team that understands what it takes to be a true community leader, consistently dedicates time and services to needy families and nonprofits, and is an all-around contributor to the vitality of Central Oregon. Since our inception, we’ve wanted to be a pillar in the Bend community.”

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