Mastering the Art of Plaster with Jeremy Mastretta

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Jeremy Mastretta to explore his journey from the painting trade in Connecticut to launching a plaster-focused brand in Bozeman, Montana. Jeremy opens up about his early days as a young worker, the move west that changed his life, and how he embraced the art of plastering through hard work and constant learning.

You’ll hear how Jeremy navigated the transition into manufacturing, dealt with the challenges of scaling production, and tapped into plaster trends that appeal to today’s high-end markets. The episode also dives into topics like the importance of mentorship, community training, staying true to craftsmanship, and what it means to balance personal philosophy with business growth.

Whether you're a finisher, a creative entrepreneur, or just someone fascinated by trades done well, this one is packed with insight, storytelling, and practical lessons.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to The Bearded Finisher Podcast
01:12 – Jeremy Mastretta’s Journey in Finishing
04:05 – Discovering Plaster and Craftsmanship
06:50 – Trends in the Plaster Industry
09:16 – Transitioning to Manufacturing
12:47 – The Challenges of Manufacturing
14:44 – Building Relationships in Business
16:34 – Vision and Leadership in Business
18:01 – The Future of Production vs. Service
26:47 – Community and Training in Plaster
33:59 – Unique Techniques and Finishes
37:25 – Insights on Customer Relationships
42:42 – The Philosophy of Business
59:55 – Hobbies and Personal Passions
01:05:17 – Conclusion and Episode Wrap-Up