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Tnemec Bids Farewell to Leader

Monday, February 4, 2013

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Albert C. “Ace”  Bean Jr., a guiding force behind coatings maker Tnemec for nearly seven decades, has died at his home in Kansas City, MO.

Like the company he led, he was 91 years old.

Mr. Bean, the son and namesake of Tnemec's founder, was named company president in 1956. In 1964, he became chairman of the board, remaining active in that position until 2006, when he became chairman emeritus.

Mr. Bean remained active in the company until his death, even attending the annual sales meeting in 2012.

"Ace Bean guided our company during a career that spanned more than 66 years, during which time he instilled the Tnemec spirit in several generations of employees and sales representatives," said Pete Cortelyou, company president and CEO.

"To all, he was a gentleman, known for his integrity and compassion."

"Ace" Bean was "known for his integrity and compassion," said current president and CEO Pete Cortelyou. Mr. Bean attended countless Tnemec sales meetings, including those in 1975 (left) and 2012 (right).

Life of Achievements

Mr. Bean was born on July 2, 1921—the same year his father, Albert C. Bean Sr., founded Tnemec Company.

Although he remained a lifelong resident of Kansas City, where Tnemec is headquartered, Mr. Bean graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in government. After graduation, he joined the Navy and served on a destroyer in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

After World War II, in 1946, Mr. Bean joined Tnemec as a full-time sales manager for all of the major oil-producing states.

Under his leadership and that of his father, Tnemec has become a leading producer of high-performance architectural and industrial coatings with a global market.

Industry Statesman

Mr. Bean was a past member of the board of directors of the National Paint & Coatings Association, which later became the American Coatings Association. In 1998, he was honored with the Industry Statesman Award.

From 1973 to 1993, Bean served on the board of directors for Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City and served the hospital's foundation from 1993 to 2003. He received the Foundation Fellow Award in 2000.

Throughout his career, Bean held a firm commitment to Tnemec Company's belief in providing its customers with innovative coatings. His belief in product quality and customer support helped to build the company's reputation.

Bean is survived by his wife, Molly; son Albert C. Bean III; daughters Melanie Bean and Kimbrough Higgins; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.