Where Every Color Tells a Story: A Local Sherwin-Williams Collaboration with WestConn

Where Every Color Tells a Story: A Local Sherwin-Williams Collaboration with WestConn
Where Every Color Tells a Story: A Local Sherwin-Williams Collaboration with WestConn
Where Every Color Tells a Story: A Local Sherwin-Williams Collaboration with WestConn
Where Every Color Tells a Story: A Local Sherwin-Williams Collaboration with WestConn
Where Every Color Tells a Story: A Local Sherwin-Williams Collaboration with WestConn

At the Sherwin-Williams store just minutes from WestConn’s campus, color isn’t the only thing bringing the space to life — it’s the people. This local shop has become a vibrant example of how a university’s alumni and students continue shaping the community long after the classroom lights dim.

Leading the store is Bill Foster, Store Manager and proud WestConn graduate, whose dual major in photography and psychology helped shape his path. While studying at WestConn, Bill painted houses — the spark that eventually connected him to Sherwin-Williams. After traveling the country and pursuing a photography career, he realized five years ago that he could combine his creative eye, knowledge of paint, and love for working with people. He joined Sherwin-Williams as an Assistant Manager, was quickly promoted to Store Manager, and has since brought the location to the forefront by reaching new heights in market growth.

Bill credits WestConn for teaching him how to execute tasks under pressure with confidence. A former president of two campus clubs, he fondly reminisces about his favorite spot — the third floor of the Haas Library, with its floor-to-ceiling windows — where he spent countless hours studying, creating, and preparing for the future.

Working alongside him is Jenna Carlone, Sales Representative for Commercial, New Residential, and Property Management, and a 2013 WestConn alumna with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Human Resources. Jenna’s career with Sherwin-Williams began through an internship she found at a WestConn Career Fair. From there, she entered the Manager in Training program, advanced to Assistant Manager, then Manager, and now thrives in her Sales Representative role.

Twelve years later, Jenna has built not only a strong career but also lifelong friendships and memories linked to WestConn. She says her classes prepared her to be adaptable in the workforce, and she still thinks back to her public speaking class — her favorite — and the lessons that continue to guide her in her role today.

The WestConn connection doesn’t stop there. Daniel Espin, a senior majoring in computer science, brings energy and purpose as a part-time Sherwin-Williams employee pursuing his education. A first-generation college student carrying a full-time course load while working to support his family, Daniel says WestConn has prepared him for his future by teaching him discipline, problem-solving, and resilience.

When asked about his goals, Daniel’s answer was simple and sincere: to be financially stable. He shared that Sherwin-Williams doesn’t just sell paint — “we sell an experience.” As a bilingual team member, Daniel connects with local contractors and customers in meaningful ways, helping ensure that every person who walks through the door feels welcome and at home. When asked about his dream job, he smiled and answered: to be financially free.

Inside this Sherwin-Williams store, the WestConn impact is unmistakable. Alumni lead with passion, students learn with purpose, and the community benefits from the shared commitment of all three. Here, amid buckets, brushes, and color swatches, one thing is clear: sometimes the most powerful color in the room is WestConn blue and orange.