Our Legacy
D. Zelinsky & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1884 by David Zelinsky (Kenneth Zelinsky’s great Uncle) and established its first office in Oakland, California then shortly after moved its offices to San Francisco. D. Zelinsky & Sons became one of the largest painting contractors in the United States. We have established offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles (California), Sacramento (California) and associate offices in Seattle (Washington), and Washington, D.C. Today, Alee plays a pivotal role in upholding our legacy by actively participating in the business and serving on the Board of Directors.
1957
PAVING THE WAY
Ken Zelinsky started with D. Zelinsky & Sons, Inc. after his service with the U.S. Marine Corps. He began as an apprentice painter in 1957. After serving his apprenticeship and working as a job foreman, Ken entered into estimating, and shortly afterward assumed the responsibility of branch manager of the firm’s Sacramento operations.
1971
PAINTING HONOLULU
In 1971 D. Zelinsky & Son’s opened its branch office in Honolulu Hawaii with Ken as the Vice President and General Manager of operations. Within four years, with long hours, tenacity, and dedication, Ken grew the Hawaii operations to a workforce of 60 men, and increased the volume of work tenfold.
1976
D. Zelinsky & Sons of Hawaii, Inc.
In 1976, Ken purchased the Hawaii branch continuing the legacy with D. Zelinsky & Sons of Hawaii, Inc. Ken continued the success of the business with invaluable partners including his secretary, wife and lifelong partner Constance “Hap” Fischer, and his superintendent Sung Man U, known as “Johnny U”.
2002
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
John and Lari moved to Hawaii in 2002 to learn the business and help Ken slow down so he and his wife Hap could enjoy their retirement. In 2012 Ken transferred the company ownership to his three children, Steve, Lari and Matt. His Daughter Lari Zelinsky-Bloom and his son-in-law John Bloom together manage and run the operations.
2019
five generations of zelinsky heritage
As of 2019 Lari became CEO and 100% shareholder. John is President/Director of Business Development. They work together with the same commitment and dedication as Ken when he was building the Hawaii operations. As the fifth generation of the Zelinsky heritage, they plan to continue the business and the legacy onto the future.
2021
Continuing the legacy
In 2021 John and Lari formally announced the executive management to take on the responsibility and continue the legacy of Zelinsky Company. John and Lari have been succession planning for years to assure the company has a smooth transition as they plan to retire and let the next generation take the reigns. James Wong (CFO), and Jesse Taylor (Vice President, Operations) will be working closely together as the new executive management team.
