Team
Behind every flawless finish is a team that takes the work seriously. From prep and blasting to coating and quality control, the people at CORE are the reason every job gets done right.
Founded by Aaron Karlson & James Yates
CORE started with two owners who wanted to raise the standard for powder coating in the region. By investing in the right equipment, building strong processes, and focusing on consistent results, they created a shop that customers can rely on for both small projects and large-scale work.
Aaron's Bio
Owner & President
Aaron graduated from BYU with a Master’s of Accounting in 2001 and from George Mason University with an MBA in 2009. He started his professional career as a CPA with Ernst & Young in Washington DC, where he lived for over 10 years and held a variety of jobs including the Controller of the Not-For-Profit In-Q-Tel. In 2011 he moved back to the West Coast to help his parents with the family business NW Metal Fabricators in Hermiston, Oregon. He still serves as the Owner and President of that company.
In 2025 he teamed up with James Yates to open CORE Powder Coating. The two of them worked together for seven years at NW Metal Fabricators and started a Powder Coating division of the company. They saw an opportunity to expand those services to a larger market in the Tri Cities. In his personal life, Aaron is married to Katie Karlson, the Medical Director of the Family Residency Program for Kadlec Hospital. They are proud parents to four children. In his free time, Aaron enjoys spending time his family and is an avid golfer.
James Yates
Owner & Chief Operations Officer
James Yates graduated from Brigham Young University–Idaho with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career at Honda Manufacturing in Indiana, where he developed a strong foundation in manufacturing processes and production efficiency. He later moved to the Tri-cities to be closer to family and continue his engineering career.
James joined NW Metal Fabricators, where he worked alongside Aaron for seven years. During that time, he led the development and launch of the company’s powder coating division, focusing on efficient processes and high-quality standards.
At CORE Powder Coating, James leads the production side of the business with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and consistency. With a background in mechanical engineering, he is always looking for ways to improve processes and raise the standard in the powder coating and finishing industry.
James and his wife, Melissa, who owns and operates a preschool in West Richland, have four children. He enjoys spending time with his family, riding dirt bikes, and staying active, while remaining driven in his work and committed to continual growth. He is also actively involved in his Christian faith.
Garrett Bowman
Lead Painter
Devon Jolley
Lead Media Blaster