Congratulations to Solomon Colors Chair and CEO Rich Solomon on receiving the 2026 Trailblazer Award from the Abraham Lincoln Council, Scouting America.
Rich was honored at the annual Trailblazer Award Dinner on September 8 at Erin’s Pavilion. The award recognizes community leaders who live the principles of the Scout Law in their professional and personal lives.
For those who have worked alongside Rich, the recognition feels especially fitting. His commitment to service, family and community is something we’ve seen firsthand at Solomon Colors.
Rich's connection to scouting began long before his career at Solomon Colors. As a Cub Scout and later a Boy Scout in Troop 38, he remembers pinewood derbies, campouts, and summers at Camp Illinek. His former Scoutmaster, Ken Anderson, was on hand to be recognized during the evening.
Years later, Rich returned to scouting as an assistant Scout Leader with Troop 13 when his son, Adam, now President of Solomon Colors, became a Scout himself. Father and son shared high-adventure trips together, including the Boundary Waters and Cloud Peak in Wyoming.
"Scouting builds character," Rich said, "and I am thankful Abraham Lincoln Council was there for me and my son Adam."
Family has also been central to the Solomon Colors story. The company traces back to 1927, when Rich's grandfather found a use for a byproduct of coal mining, turning it into pigment for mortar and concrete.
The original company was called Solomon Grinding Service for a reason. "That's what he was always about, service to our customers, and we've continued that today," Rich said, reflecting on his grandfather.
Rich joined the family business in 1979. Since then, Solomon Colors has grown from about 20 employees to more than 200. In 1996, the company became 51 percent employee-owned, giving the people who helped build it a stake in its future. Next year, Solomon Colors will celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Rich's belief in service has also shaped how Solomon Colors supports our employees and our local community. A few examples:
During the award presentation, Scout Executive Jeff Whitten said:
"As Solomon Colors approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, its legacy of innovation, family leadership, investment in employees and commitment to Springfield and central Illinois, including longstanding support of local charities and community organizations, embodies the spirit of a true Trailblazer."
— Jeff Whitten, Scout Executive
The Trailblazer Award is an honor for Rich, and a proud moment for everyone who knows him at work, at home or out on the trail.
At the close of the evening, Rich brought the focus back to Scouting: "We are here tonight to keep Scouting going in Central Illinois."
Congratulations, Rich. We’re proud to see you receive this recognition for your commitment to your family, company and community.
See more coverage of Rich's award:
Explore impressive concrete installations to find inspiration for your next project.
Find out how much color and fiber you'll need for any size project.
