In the late 1980s, the varnish industry largely consisted of large-scale suppliers shipping out truck loads of products. The idea of a supplier of vehicles and varnishes creating small, customized orders was considered to be unique.   However, Mike Gerkin Sr. saw an opportunity for a varnish supplier that would focus on developing individualized solutions for its customers. After the sale of Ecovar, Inc. to Lawter International in 1988, Mr. Gerkin, Ecovar’s president, decided to “go it alone,” a...