Strength in Coatings, Strength in Growth: Meet Shannon Benjamin

At Baynum Solutions, we’ve always believed that people make the difference. That belief rings especially true as we welcome Shannon Benjamin to our leadership team as Director of Sales for Baynum Commercial + Industrial Solutions.

With more than 30 years in the coatings industry, Shannon’s career has taken him through senior roles at Sherwin-Williams’ Protective & Marine Coatings division, PPG Industries, National Coatings & Supplies, and Basco Manufacturing. For decades, he’s been a trusted partner to Baynum — helping specify products, share technical expertise, and support projects in both the commercial & industrial and amusement markets. Now, his experience and insight are officially inside the organization, and that’s a game-changer for us and our customers.

A Resource Built on Experience

Shannon’s background covers the full spectrum of protective coatings: architectural, industrial, marine, and powder. In his time with Sherwin-Williams, he specialized in protective and marine environments, which happen to be the exact conditions amusement rides and water attractions face every day — surfaces constantly exposed to water, chemicals, weather, and heavy use.

That same depth of knowledge is just as critical in the C+I sector, where Baynum tackles large-scale painting projects, tank relining, and corrosion control. Shannon’s experience with protective systems adds another layer of confidence for clients who rely on us to keep their infrastructure safe, efficient, and lasting.

Why AMPP Matters

In addition to his decades of coatings work, Shannon is also an AMPP Level 2 Coatings Inspector. Certified by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), this credential demonstrates advanced skill in coatings inspection and corrosion prevention. It’s a mark of technical rigor that aligns directly with Baynum’s promise: doing the work right, to the highest standards, every time.

What This Means for Our Customers

“Shannon has been a trusted part of our work for years, and having him on our team takes things to another level. He knows the specs, he knows the environments, and he knows what it takes to get the job done right. His AMPP certification in inspection and corrosion control gives us even more strength in protecting rides and attractions for the long haul.”

Walt Bowser, our President & CEO

What makes this addition so exciting is that it’s not just Shannon’s expertise — it’s his reach. He brings a network of partnerships, brand alignments, and technical insight that shortens the path from problem to solution. For our customers, that means faster access to the right products, better alignment with manufacturers, and greater confidence that their projects will meet the highest standards.

Looking Ahead

For Baynum, adding Shannon isn’t just about strengthening our team today — it’s about shaping where we go next. His decades of coatings expertise, now in-house, give us and our customers an edge as we continue raising the bar in coatings, restoration, and the long-term protection of rides and facilities around the world.

Baynum Solutions Announces Leadership Transition

Names Walt Bowser President and CEO, Welcomes Kevin Gessner as SVP, Administration

Baynum Solutions, the premier amusement park, water park, commercial and industrial painting and construction provider to leading companies worldwide since 1983, today announced the upcoming retirement of Managing Director Daniel Adams and promotion of Walt Bowser to President and Chief Executive Officer. John Andrews, longtime leader of the successful commercial and industrial division, will assume the role of SVP, Baynum Solutions and Kevin Gessner joins in the role of SVP, Administration. 

Adams, who joined Baynum Solutions in 2006, has served as Managing Director since 2022, leading the company through a period of significant growth. Lauren Adams, Director of Human Resources, will also be retiring from the company after 28 years of service.

“Dan and Lauren have been a remarkable part of our success and have helped build a fantastic team here,” said Baynum Solutions Founder Chris Baynum. “Our company is better and stronger than ever thanks to them and I wish them the very best.”

Bowser, a former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation executive, joined Baynum Solutions in 2016, expanding the company’s Amusement Solutions division to include painting, construction, theming and maintenance. In his new role as President and Chief Executive Officer, he will assume responsibility for all divisions of the company. 

“Baynum Solutions has experienced stellar growth in the past decade, expanding and diversifying our services to meet the exacting standards of our top tier clients,” stated Bowser. “I am honored to be part of this fantastic team with more than forty years of world-class service behind us, and a limitless future ahead.”

Reporting in a new role of SVP, Administration, Kevin Gessner joins Baynum Solutions to lead finance, human resources, marketing and operations. A Kentucky native, Gessner has spent more than 25 years leading multi-disciplinary programs at the nation’s top healthcare organizations.

Baynum Solutions recently completed marquis projects for Samuel Adams Brewery, PNC, DHL Express and Xavier University. The company’s amusement division has been busy giving a fresh coat of paint to more than a dozen iconic roller coasters including Millennium Force, Thunder Striker, Goliath Six Flags Magic Mountain, Goliath Six Flags Over Georgia and Titan. Additional 2025 projects soon to be on display include painting and construction jobs at Universal Epic Universe, Dollywood, SeaWorld, Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park, Wild Adventures, Kalahari Sandusky Ohio and Splish Splash.

About Baynum Solutions:

For more than forty years, Baynum Solutions has provided superior commercial painting and surfacing services for top companies around the globe including Six Flags, United Parks, Herschend Family Entertainment, Kalahari Resorts, Landry’s, Palace Entertainment, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Universal Orlando, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Building Management Partners and others. In addition to painting and re-surfacing, Baynum Solutions offers amusement ride and slide construction and installation, maintenance, theming, Life Floor and iSlide sales and installation, and industrial cleaning and surface preparation.