Every professional has at least one story they like to tell of an exceptionally challenging project. The job typically involves one or more of the following: scaffolding, lifts and tall ladders, unpleasant and unpredictable weather conditions, extremely rough substrates, super-size surfaces, awkward reaches, poor access, environmental restrictions–and sometimes, unusual requirements of the property owners. Sound familiar? Well, contractor Gerald Yamada faced all of the above (and at an altitude of more than 13,000 feet above sea level) to paint two observatories on the summit of Mauna Kea on Hawaii’s big island. If you think you’ve had some rough days on the job, read on. Continue reading →