Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
With a desire to see the world and a mechanically inclined brain, James Kleinman joined the U.S. Navy in 1978. James served for six years working on submarines and the surface fleet as a nuclear-trained electrician’s mate second class.
“The Navy slogan I had seen growing up was, ‘Join the Navy, see the world,’ and that got me at a certain level,” James says. “As I grew older, I got interested in machinery—hot rods, planes, submarines—all the gears of war.”
After he took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and scored high in electrical and mechanical, recruiters were eager to sign him up to serve with the U.S. Navy, James says.
“They were just falling all over themselves, they wanted to get me in,” he says. “Somebody offered me submarines, and I knew that’s where I wanted to go.”
Having the opportunity to work with all of the military gear at the time was a highlight for James and his love for machines. He also loved getting to see the world as the old Navy slogan promised, visiting Australia, the Philippines, New Zealand and more.
“I didn’t even realize at the time how technologically advanced the gear I was working on was compared to the civilian world,” James says. “And I was able to see so many different places. But my most favorite moment was on a surface ship in the middle of nowhere where you could see nothing but storms and the ocean.”
Supporting the Industry
After his time in the Navy, James did a number of odd jobs using the different skills he gained in the Navy, but ultimately settled into working as a professional painter.
“When you’re in the military, you learn so much, so after I got out, I did a lot of different things,” he says. “Eventually, I just got more into painting, because it indulged my creativity more.”
In 1992, James began working at a locally owned Benjamin Moore paint store in Maryland with his sister, Amy. There he met Toan Luu, who was a professional commercial and residential painter. In 1998, Amy and Toan opened Luu Color Center in Rockville, Maryland, and James joined them in the business.
Being able to solve customers’ problems is James’ favorite part of working in the industry.
“I like the challenge of solving problems every day. Every problem that comes in, even when it’s the same old problem, is still a little bit different,” James says. “I love working with color, paint and design, it’s in my creative blood.”
Along with learning practical skills in the Navy that he has put to use in the paint store, James says he gained the important lesson of being self-sufficient.
“The Navy taught me a lot of very important and fundamental lessons about how to make it in the world,” James says. “I’m grateful for that.”
After retiring in 2011, Kleinman enjoyed a well-deserved break until he was called to join the industry once more. When Toan’s daughter Huong Luu reached out for help following her father’s passing in 2021, James graciously came out of retirement to help rebuild and support her and the store.
“For me, it meant everything to have Jamie come out of retirement five years into it to help me rebuild after my dad’s passing,” Huong says. “Without Jamie’s willingness to step back in and support the business, we simply would not be where we are today. His commitment and heart have made all the difference.”
The company has blossomed under Huong’s lead with James’ support.
“I am so grateful to get such a rare second chance at something so close to my heart,” James says. “I left a lot of blood, sweat and tears that were still there when I came back. I feel so very fortunate to have that chance.
Paying Tribute
While there is no way to repay the sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) recognizes that not only have these individuals made a lasting impact on their country, but they are also a prominent and positive influence within the home improvement industry.
To honor the ongoing impact military veterans make throughout the home improvement industry,
NHPA launched the Helmets to Home Improvement recognition program, with the National Hardware Show (NHS) as the program’s official founding sponsor and venue partner.
We need your help honoring these amazing men and women. Please visit YourNHPA.org/veterans to nominate a Helmets to Home Improvement honoree.
