TheBeardedFinisher Podcast

Why Sanding Matters More Than You Think | Mike Ziegler on Furniture Refinishing (Part 1)

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum welcomes Mike Ziegler, veteran refinisher and Klingspore rep, for Part 1 of a two-part deep dive into all things sanding, finishing, and furniture craftsmanship. From humble beginnings in his father’s garage to becoming a trusted voice in the coatings and abrasives world, Mike brings decades of wisdom to the mic.
They break down the do’s and don’ts of sanding, the difference between refinishing and restoring, and why pine furniture continues to humble even the most experienced pros. You’ll also hear how customer interactions can shape your process, why prep work is everything, and what role 2K finishes do—or don’t—play in the furniture world. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned finisher, this episode is packed with valuable reminders and industry gold.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to the Bearded Finisher Podcast 01:21 – Mike Ziegler's Journey in Refinishing 04:01 – Transitioning to Furniture Refinishing 06:43 – Exploring Cabinet Refinishing Techniques 09:22 – Challenges with Pine Furniture 11:22 – Finishing Techniques and Preferences 14:06 – The Role of 2K Finishes in Furniture 16:23 – Sanding Techniques and Best Practices 19:08 – The Shift Towards Natural Wood Finishes 22:17 – Understanding the Importance of Prep Work 25:07 – Sanding and Coating Insights 28:45 – Customer Interactions and Problem Solving 32:28 – Klingspore Woodworking Overview 34:42 – The Evolution of Klingspore Abrasives 37:43 – The Fun of Customer Interactions 40:19 – Creative Solutions for Wood Finishing 42:54 – The Impact of Light on Wood Finishes 46:39 – Exploring Stains and Dyes 50:10 – Inspiring Others in the Woodworking Community
Connect with Mike Ziegler 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-zieg/
Instagram: @duffstyle 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinishingFromAToZieg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/70m4V4lXhTiLJlpzBTylv6
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Relovedshabbychicfurniture

Why Innovation Starts in the Shop | Dino Kouros (Part 2)

Episode Summary: In part two of this incredible conversation, Zach sits back down with Dino Kouros, founder of Kuros Tools, to explore what it really takes to bring innovation to the finishing and woodworking trades. From product development and prototyping to trust in the supply chain and navigating tough partnerships, Dino shares what he's learned through trial, error, and pure passion. They also dig into the importance of choosing the right customers, building transformative relationships, and letting quality lead in every area of business. If you’ve ever had a tool idea, struggled with delegation, or wondered if experience matters more than credentials—this episode delivers.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to the Bearded Finisher Podcast 00:30 – Quality Over Cost in Finishing Products 01:52 – The Value of Transformative Relationships 05:11 – Community Support and Growth 07:08 – The Importance of Who, Not How 08:31 – Creating Practical Finishing Tools 09:54 – Innovations in Finishing Products 17:10 – Expanding Product Distribution 20:57 – Understanding Market Value in Finishing Tools 25:08 – The Process of Product Development 27:46 – Building Trust in the Supply Chain 28:44 – Creating Markets for Innovative Products 30:09 – Navigating Partnerships and Business Ventures 32:57 – The Importance of Experience Over Credentials 34:52 – The Journey of Invention and Prototyping 37:18 – Streamlining Production and Family Dynamics 39:12 – Advice to My Younger Self 42:08 – Taking Risks and Embracing Trades 44:00 – Understanding Business and Delegation 46:29 – Collaborating on New Tool Innovations
Connect with Dino Kouros
🌐 Website: kurostools.com 📸 Instagram: @kourostools ✉️ Email: info@kurostools.com

Simplify the Job, Amplify the Craft: Dino Kouros Talks Shop (Part 1)

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Dino Kouros, a second-generation cabinet maker, craftsman, and the mind behind Kouros Tools, to explore the intersection of tradition, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With stories ranging from working under his father’s guidance to battling road rage with podcasts, Dino opens up about his transition from commercial to residential work—and from builder to toolmaker.
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dino shares how parenting and craftsmanship go hand-in-hand, why simple tools are often the most powerful, and what it really takes to innovate in a saturated industry. From the early days of cabinetry to prototyping new tools for painters and finishers, this episode highlights the foundational mindset shifts required to build a business with legacy and purpose.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Technical Difficulties 06:04 – Dino's Background and Tool Innovations 11:59 – Dino's Family Legacy in Cabinet Making 14:56 – Transitioning from Commercial to Residential Work 18:04 – The Journey to Independence in Business 20:55 – Design Philosophy and Client Interaction 24:00 – Parenting and Learning from Experience 25:56 – Navigating Parenting Challenges 28:10 – The Journey into Woodworking and Tool Creation 32:37 – Transitioning from Carpentry to Tool Innovation 35:30 – The Evolution of Kuros Tools 37:19 – Balancing Carpentry and Tool Business 49:34 – The Impact of Mentorship in Craftsmanship 55:25 – Exploring New Finishing Techniques and Tools 55:53 – Finding Quality Finishes 58:47 – The Importance of Product Quality 01:00:06 – Educating Customers on Value
Connect with Dino Kouros
🛠️ Kouros Tools Website: https://kourostools.com/ 📸 Instagram: @kourostools 📧 Email: Via Instagram DM
Follow Dino for behind-the-scenes looks at tool innovation, craftsmanship, and the mindset behind building products by tradespeople, for tradespeople.

Furniture Refinishing 101 (Part 1) | What You Need to Know & Buy with Aaron Moore

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum welcomes back Aaron Moore, a seasoned expert in furniture refinishing and restoration, for a deep-dive conversation full of valuable takeaways for both beginners and pros. From stripping techniques and adhesive choices to pricing strategies and delivery challenges, Aaron shares practical knowledge from the trenches of the trade.
This conversation covers the delicate balance between craftsmanship and business, offering a transparent look at mistakes, bidding, and learning through experience. Aaron and Zach talk about tools you actually need (including budget options), how to build trust with clients, and the role of social media in growing a refinishing brand. Whether you’re just starting your side hustle or already running a full-fledged shop, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Furniture Refinishing 02:58 – Common Mistakes in Furniture Refinishing 06:02 – Understanding Refinishing vs. Restoration 09:00 – The Role of Strippers in Refinishing 12:09 – Safety and Health Considerations 14:58 – Essential Tools for Beginners 17:55 – Techniques and Tips for Successful Refinishing 25:48 – Essential Tools for Furniture Refinishing 28:40 – Choosing the Right Adhesives 32:57 – Techniques for Repairing Veneer 35:18 – Cleaning and Maintaining Finished Furniture 46:09 – Pricing Strategies for Furniture Refinishing 54:46 – Understanding Pricing and Bidding Strategies 57:16 – Building Trust Through Transparency 01:00:35 – Learning from Mistakes and Education Costs 01:01:31 – Under-Promise and Over-Deliver 01:03:07 – Starting Small and Nurturing Passion 01:06:52 – Outsourcing and Specialization 01:10:01 – The Importance of Reliable Delivery 01:17:21 – Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth
Connect with Aaron Moore
📸 Instagram: @moores_refinishing 🌐 Website: www.mooresrefinishing.com 📧 Email: Via Instagram DM
Follow Aaron for behind-the-scenes looks at stunning refinishing work, DIY tips, and practical guidance on launching or leveling up your furniture business.

From Painting to Purpose | Brian from Pretty Boy Products on Growth, Sobriety & Community

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Brian, the founder of Pretty Boy Products, for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation on entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and personal growth. From the early challenges of launching a brand to finding deeper meaning through sobriety and community, Brian opens up about his journey through the painting industry—and beyond.
This episode covers everything from international insights and family life to delegation, brand building, and the creation of a versatile cleaning product that’s changing the game. Whether you're a solo painter, a growing entrepreneur, or someone looking for real stories of grit and growth, this one will hit home. Brian doesn’t just talk shop—he shares how purpose and perseverance fuel a better business and a better life.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Setup 06:02 – International Perspectives on Painting Industry 12:01 – Family Life and Parenting 18:12 – Challenges in the Painting Industry 24:05 – Success Mindset and Persistence 29:54 – Journey Through the Painting Industry 37:41 – The Power of Delegation and Team Building 43:35 – Community and Connection in the Painting World 51:42 – The Joy of Craftsmanship and Customer Satisfaction 01:00:13 – Innovative Cleaning Solutions 01:05:56 – Life Lessons and Personal Growth 01:11:59 – Passions Beyond Painting
Connect with Pretty Boy Products
📸 Instagram: @prettyboyproducts 🌐 Website: www.prettyboyproducts.com 📧 Email: Via Instagram DM
Follow Brian and the Pretty Boy journey for tips on cleaning, entrepreneurship, personal development, and elevating the painting craft with purpose.

Is Painting Evolving Fast Enough? | Anthony Foresto on Microcements, Innovation & Sustainability

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Anthony Foresto, an artist-turned-painter and visionary in modern finishing. From airbrush mastery to microcement application, Anthony brings a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on where the painting industry is headed. Together, they unpack everything from equipment evolution to the environmental impact of paints—and why the industry needs to stop clinging to outdated norms.
This conversation dives deep into compressor technology, diaphragm pumps, and fast prototyping, challenging conventional wisdom while exploring innovative tools and sustainable materials. Anthony also shares his vision for future ventures, emphasizing the need for education, certification, and a renewed curiosity in the trades. Whether you're a finisher, builder, or material nerd, this episode will stretch your thinking—and maybe even your CFM specs.
Chapters:
00:00 – Life in a Big House 06:07 – The Transition from City to Suburbs 12:00 – Exploring Microcements and Modern Finishes 23:43 – Exploring Airbrush Equipment and Preferences 29:33 – The Evolution of Air Supply Systems 39:19 – Challenging Industry Norms and Practices 47:21 – Exploring the Art of Paint and Its History 56:06 – The Environmental Impact of Paints and Materials 01:00:55 – Certification and Education in Painting 01:06:58 – Future of Sustainable Building Materials
Connect with Anthony Foresto
📸 Instagram:  🌐 Website:  📧 Email: Via Instagram DM
Follow Anthony for a deeper dive into microcements, sustainable materials, equipment innovation, and the evolution of the painting craft.

Can You Build a Career in Color? | Chris Garibay on Automotive Paint, Purpose & Progress

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Chris Garibay, Director of Sales and Operations at Santint, to talk about color—not just in paint, but in life. From his early days teaching with Teach for America, to serving in the National Guard, and eventually entering the paint industry via Sherwin-Williams, Chris brings a deep, thoughtful perspective to every step of his career journey.
This conversation dives into the complexities of automotive color matching, the massive impact of dispensing technology, and how global players like Santint are reshaping the way we think about precision and innovation in coatings. Chris also opens up about his love for Chicago, the personal fulfillment he finds in community work, and how data, service, and sustainability are all driving the future of paint. Whether you're in the field, managing a team, or navigating your next career leap, this episode brings insights you won't want to miss.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Chris Garibay and Sand Tent 02:01 – Understanding the Automotive Color Industry 06:01 – Chris's Background and Chicago Roots 11:57 – Teach for America Experience and Its Impact 18:07 – Military Service and Unique Experiences 21:49 – Transitioning to Civilian Life and Sherwin-Williams 26:09 – Career Movements in the Paint Industry 29:50 – The Importance of Consistency in Customer Service 34:08 – Transitioning from Paint to Other Industries 36:46 – Challenges in Property Management and Coatings 41:57 – The Role of Larger Companies in Community Resources 43:57 – Santint's Global Operations and Market Strategy 51:23 – Innovations in Paint Dispensing Technology
Connect with Chris Garibay
📸 Instagram: @chrisgaribay22 🌐 Santint North America: www.santintna.com 📧 Email: Reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram DM
Follow Chris for insights on color matching, community-building, and how data-driven tools are elevating the automotive and coatings industry.

Why Does Passion Matter More Than Paint? | Larry Lanouette on Craftsmanship & Growth

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Larry Lanouette, a master certified painter, consultant, and entrepreneur with decades of experience transforming painting businesses from the inside out. From cutting grass to fine finish work with Fine Paints of Europe, Larry shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career—including how military service, luxury finishes, and international travel all influenced his mindset on process, training, and company culture.
This conversation dives deep into what it really takes to grow a high-end painting business: from managing egos and team dynamics to retail strategy, customer experience, and the philosophy behind creating innovative tools like his ICR brushes. Whether you’re a business owner, craftsman, or aspiring consultant, this episode is packed with tactical insights and candid wisdom on reigniting your passion, defining your personal goals, and scaling with purpose—not just profit.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Larry Lanouette and His Journey 03:00 – The Evolution of Larry's Painting Career 08:58 – Transitioning to Luxury Finishes 11:45 – The Impact of Military Experience on Painting 17:03 – Identifying Voids in the Industry 20:02 – Rekindling Passion in the Painting Business 22:39 – Managing Growth in the Painting Industry 24:53 – The Importance of Process and Training 27:58 – Selling the Experience: Process Over Product 30:52 – Building Trust Through Transparency 36:33 – Innovative Management Techniques 42:10 – Self-Reflection and Company Culture 49:05 – Working On vs. In the Business 51:11 – The Importance of Knowing What You Want 51:54 – Introduction to ICR and Its Purpose 52:54 – Innovative Brush Design and Quality 56:40 – Production Brushes and Their Features 01:00:13 – Distribution and Retail Strategy 01:02:30 – Upcoming Projects and Content 01:04:26 – Advice to My Younger Self 01:08:10 – Personal Growth and Passions
Connect with Larry Lanouette
📸 Instagram: @larrylanouette 🖌️ ICR Brushes: @icrbrushes 🌐 Website: Coming Soon 📧 Email: Via Instagram DM
Follow Larry for insight on luxury finishes, fine paints, brush design, and transforming your painting business from hustle to high-end.

How Did Patrick Mosca Turn Drumming Into a Craftsmanship-Fueled Career?

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum chats with Patrick Mosca, a passionate drum maker and craftsman based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Patrick shares his inspiring journey from being a lifelong drummer and former mechanic to launching two woodworking businesses focused on cabinet finishing and custom stave drums.
They dive into the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship and family life, the art of high-gloss finishes, and the importance of time management in both parenting and craft. Patrick offers practical wisdom on problem-solving in woodworking, investing in the right tools, and learning through trial and error. From finishing techniques to life as a perfectionist entrepreneur, this episode is filled with relatable insights and encouragement for anyone chasing passion and precision in their work.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Patrick Mosca and His Craft 03:00 – The Journey from Drummer to Drum Maker 06:12 – Life in Wilmington: A New Beginning 09:00 – Family Life and Parenting Insights 12:00 – Transitioning from Mechanic to Woodworking 15:02 – Building a Business: From Painting to Cabinetry 17:57 – The Milestone Mindset in Craftsmanship 22:50 – The Concept of Time in Work and Life 25:47 – Problem Solving in Craftsmanship 29:05 – Balancing Two Businesses: Sureline and KPM 34:07 – Spraying Techniques and Equipment Challenges 38:57 – The Art of Finishing: Achieving Gloss and Depth 44:55 – The Beauty of Craftsmanship 47:03 – Challenges in Finishing Techniques 48:04 – The Perfectionist's Dilemma 49:57 – Lessons from Entrepreneurship 52:59 – Balancing Work and Life 55:59 – Investing in the Right Tools 57:57 – Reflecting on Growth and Learning 59:56 – Advice to My Younger Self
Connect with Patrick Mosca
📸 Instagram (Drums): @kpm_drums 📸 Instagram (Cabinetry): @surelinefinish 📍 Location: Wilmington, NC 📧 Contact: DM via Instagram or email listed on profiles
Follow Patrick for a behind-the-scenes look at handcrafted stave drums, stunning finishes, and real-life insights on balancing business and fatherhood—one high-gloss coat at a time.

How Did Uplifted Finishes Build a Brand Around Love, Life, and Craftsmanship?

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Yuland and Marissa from Uplifted Finishes to dive into their incredible journey from the Hollywood film industry to building a thriving cabinet refinishing business in Phoenix. They share how a chance meeting in a grocery store led to a powerful personal and professional partnership rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
The conversation explores the impact of COVID on their career paths, their transition into furniture and cabinet work, and how social media became a vital tool for building client relationships. They also discuss the importance of transparency in pricing, creating detailed estimates, and the philosophy of solving problems for high-income homeowners. Packed with real-world advice on branding, communication, and staying true to your craft, this episode is a must-listen for small business owners, creatives, and anyone passionate about building a meaningful career.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Background 03:01 – Love Story and Name Origins 05:58 – Career Paths and Early Experiences 08:59 – Transitioning from Hollywood to Furniture 11:57 – COVID Impact and Moving to Phoenix 14:53 – Current Work and Specializations 17:53 – Social Media and Branding 24:58 – Connecting Through Digital Media 27:48 – The Importance of Quality Over Quantity in Followers 31:01 – Building a Small, Quality-Focused Team 33:55 – Targeting High-Income Households 37:02 – The Power of Transparency in Pricing 39:54 – Innovative Pricing Strategies for Success 48:39 – Detailed Estimates and Homeowner Communication 51:25 – The Importance of Transparency in Work Processes 54:50 – Leveraging Social Media for Client Trust 57:34 – Product Knowledge and Manipulation in Finishing 01:01:42 – Unique Projects and Personal Passions 01:08:20 – Advice for the Younger Generation
Connect with Uplifted Finishes
🌐 Website: www.upliftedfinishes.com 📸 Instagram: @upliftedfinishes 📘 Facebook: Uplifted Finishes on Facebook 📧 Email: info@upliftedfinishes.com
Follow Uplifted Finishes to see behind-the-scenes projects, learn about unique finishing techniques, and get inspired by their passion for craftsmanship and storytelling.