About American Brush Company

According to stories handed down over the decades, American Brush was founded sometime in 1910. The only real evidence we have is a catalog, published in 1925, which refers to brushes "of similar quality to those produced 15 years ago".

The company was incorporated in 1916 as American Brush Manufacturing Company at 91-97 SE Union Avenue, Portland, Oregon. William Nelson, a brushmaker by trade who came to Oregon from Minnesota, was the founding president. By 1925 more than 150 different trade names were taken to cover a product line that included over 600 different kinds and sizes of brushes . Several of these trade names continue today. A large portion of the products produced between 1910 and 1930 were high quality paint brushes.

In 1928, the business moved to Northeast 31st and Sandy Boulevard. William Mcbride was then President and Mel O'Shea was the Treasurer. The crash of 1929 did little to help American. Poor purchasing decisions and the effects of the crash forced American into bankruptcy in 1930. The company was quickly reorganized by Mel O'Shea under the name America Brush Company. Paint brushes were dropped from the line, and in 1931 janitorial supplies were added. Brooms and brushes were sold door-to-door during the 1930's and early 1940's.

The first full-line catalog was published in 1935. This catalog introduced our sweeping janitor symbol, which was originally designed by one of the salesmen. The symbol was registered as a trademark in 1947 and in recent years has been named Pat McSweep. Commonly known as McSweep, he plays an important roll in our company today. Pat is an acronym standing for: Professional American Tradition.

In 1945, Mel O'Shea decided to sell and offered the business to three employees, Gus Nelson (William Nelson's son), Bill Doern (a factory worker since 1927), and Viola Nelson (no relation to Gus) who ran the office. After the purchase was finalized, they moved the business to an old harness shop on NE 21st and Hoyt (adjacent to what is Jantzen property today). A second building was subsequently added at that site.

By the late 1950's, the company purchased the present building, which was built in 1909 as a candy factory. Brush machinery was updated from overhead belt drive to direct drive and some automation of the manufacturing process was started with the move.

In June 1963, Bill and Gladys Doern purchased the company and Gladys became the office manager. By late 1964 their daughter Betty and her husband John Martin joined the business. The Doerns' retired in 1974 and the Martins now continue the tradition of American quality and competitive pricing that Bill Doern first learned as a new hire at American in 1927.

Today we have expanded our markets and our capacity to manufacture high quality products. As we grow, we remain committed to providing our customers with the best in products and service at fair prices.

The American Brush Company web site is an evolving web site dedicated to providing information about brush products and brush applications. Our goal is to build a site that not only represents ABC's products well, but also provides some insight into the brush industry. We will continue to add new features and information to improve the site. On our web site you will find information like:

-Information on American Brush Company

-Information on our brush products, both catalog goods and custom brush products.

-A glossary of brush terms, brush construction methods and materials.

-Information on promotional products and specials.

-News about our company

At this time the site is dedicated to providing information only. No pricing or buying is available online, but we will consider these features if there is a demand. If you want to purchase one of our products, please contact us and we will be happy to assist your purchase. We accept VISA, Mastercard, Ameican Express, Discover, personal and business checks and even ship products COD.

Mission Statement and Business Philosophy

Our Mission
American Brush Company exceeds the expectations of our clients in the development, manufacture and delivery of quality products and services. Through industry leadership, innovation and knowledge, we provide the partnership for successful operations for our clients and ourselves.

Our Business Philosophy
American has long had a tradition of ethical, responsible leadership in its relations with both our clients and employees. This leadership is built on the principle that people are the most important aspect of our business; they are our clients and our employees.

What we believe about ourselves and the way we do business permeates everything we do. Therefore, we have assembled the following beliefs to provide the cornerstone of our corporate strategy and planning.

-Quality is critical to the our success

-We deliver service that exceeds our customer expectations.

-Everyone plays an important and significant role at American

-Teamwork and personal individuality strengthen our ability to achieve goals.

-Personal and professional growth stregthens the American team.

-We are responsible members of the community.

-Our growth is sustained through profitable operations.