At CORE Powder Coating, our name reflects the foundation we stand on: Commitment, Organization, Reliability, and Excellence. We are a family-first company that believes in doing business with integrity, respect, and purpose. Our strong Christian values guide the way we work, treat people, and hold ourselves to a higher standard of excellence in everything we do. Our Mission At CORE Powder Coating, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and durability in every project. Our commitment to quality is our top priority, ensuring a finish that enhances both aesthetics and protection. With efficient processes, we guarantee fast turnaround times without compromising on quality, making us a reliable partner for all your powder coating needs. We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service, working closely with you to understand your requirements and provide tailored solutions that exceed your expectations. Our attention to detail and expertise ensures that every job is treated with care and precision, delivering reliable consistent results. Above all, we are committed to excellence, reflecting our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction in every job we undertake. How CORE Began CORE Powder Coating was built on experience, trust, and shared values. In 2018, Aaron Karlson launched a powder coating division at N.W. Metal Fabricators, Inc. in Hermiston, Oregon. He asked James Yates to manage and grow that segment of the business. With a background in mechanical engineering and experience as a plant engineer at Honda, James brought a deep understanding of efficiency and precision into the powder coating world.
After five years of growth of powder coating in Hermiston, Aaron and James began looking at partnering together for a new business in Tri Cities, where they both live. They explored a few different options and eventually decided to build a new facility in the Horn Rapids area of Richland. Meet the Families James is a devoted husband and father of four, two boys and two girls. He enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in outdoor recreational sports, and tackling challenges with a detail-driven mindset.
With a background in mechanical engineering focused on equipment design and operational efficiency, James has applied his expertise to revolutionize powder coating. His career began with Honda Manufacturing, where he designed equipment to improve line speeds and reduce downtime. He later served as a process engineer at Hanford before transitioning fully into the surface coatings industry.
James brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to his work, constantly striving to advance industry standards and improve both his own processes and those of the field as a whole.
His wife, Melissa, a preschool teacher by profession, also plays an integral role in the business, contributing creativity and structure behind the scenes. Aaron is also a husband and father of four, with two boys and two girls. His wife, Katie, is a highly accomplished doctor who serves as the Program Director at Kadlec Family Medicine Residency. Both families are deeply committed to their Christian faith, which influences the way they live, lead, and do business with integrity, humility, and care. In addition to the partnership at CORE, Aaron continues to manage the operations of NW Metal Fabricators in Hermiston. His education includes a Master’s Degree in Accounting and an MBA with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship.
Our Team Culture CORE is proud to have a team of employees who bring skill, reliability, and effort to the job every day. We believe great work starts with great people, and we work hard to create a positive, supportive workplace where our employees are valued and taken care of. Loyalty, craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to quality are what drive our team forward. Why Choose CORE When you choose CORE Powder Coating, you’re choosing a company built on strong values, professional experience, and a people-first mindset. We deliver top-quality finishes, fast turnaround times, and customer care that reflects who we are. We strive for and maintain an honest, hardworking, and committed team to do things right. Whether it’s a small project or a full-scale production run, we stand behind every job we do. We want to partner with our customers, their success is our success.