Following the success in Memphis, Westland Construction contracted Intermark Steel for the structural steel, miscellaneous steel, and ornamental railings on a challenging project in Haiti. The logistical and political hurdles were significant, requiring Intermark’s Founder and Owner, Matt Blaser, to spend several months in the country coordinating the work. This project became a true test of his accumulated experience.
When the baptismal font railings were finally released from the Haitian Port Authority—a story of navigating corruption for another day—they were unpacked for inspection. Unfortunately, the railings, which had been powder-coated in Florida, appeared more like a dull green than the intended metallic finish. With the open house for the Temple fast approaching, there was no time to refabricate, re-coat, or reship them.
In a series of meetings with the lead architect from CRSA Architects, Matt successfully persuaded them to allow him to paint the railings using metallic automotive paint. His brother flew out to Haiti, and together they utilized their car restoration skills to paint the baptismal rails in a remote laydown yard between two conex boxes. The challenges faced during this project were immense, but the teamwork and resourcefulness displayed contributed to the successful completion of a beautiful building that now stands proudly on the island of Haiti. Only those who worked on-site will ever fully appreciate the miracles that made this project possible.