TheBeardedFinisher Podcast

Sustainable Innovation: How Clean Armor is Transforming the Coatings Industry

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Matt Springer, founder of Clean Armor, to explore his groundbreaking work in coatings technology. Matt shares his journey from restoration and refinishing to developing Clean Armor’s innovative polymer-based coating system. They discuss the science behind UV coatings, their diverse applications, and the environmental benefits of Clean Armor’s zero VOC, non-toxic products. Matt highlights how the company is disrupting the coatings industry with quick-curing, durable solutions suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and large-scale manufacturers. The conversation also covers Clean Armor’s focus on domestic supply chain development, market strategy, and Matt’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the coatings sector.
Key Takeaways:
Matt Springer transitioned from restoration to founding Clean Armor to revolutionize coatings technology.
Clean Armor creates zero VOC, non-toxic, and environmentally safe coatings.
The technology enables quick curing and long-lasting durability across various substrates.
Clean Armor products are designed for use without additional UV blockers, even outdoors.
The company is committed to disrupting the coatings market while maintaining a strong domestic supply chain.
Matt emphasizes the importance of environmental safety and sustainability in the industry.
Clean Armor’s technology serves both individual users and large manufacturers.
Persistence and focus are essential traits for success in entrepreneurship.
Titles:
Cleaner, Stronger, Faster: How Clean Armor is Disrupting the Coatings Industry
The Future of Coatings: Environmental Innovation with Matt Springer
Revolutionizing Coatings: Inside Clean Armor’s Vision for Sustainability and Growth
Sound Bites:
"Cleaner, stronger, faster."
"We have zero emission release."
"This technology could disrupt 25% of global coatings."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Clean Armor and Matt’s Journey 06:01 — The Science Behind Clean Armor Coatings 12:34 — Benefits of UV Coatings for Various Industries 18:27 — Versatility and Applications of Clean Armor Products 29:54 — Market Strategy and Future Vision for Clean Armor 52:35 — Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Coatings

Empowering Women in Refinishing: Cait’s Journey with Vintage by Cait

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum chats with Cait from Vintage by Cait, who shares her inspiring journey into the cabinet refinishing industry. Cait discusses how she transitioned from bartending to running her own business during the COVID pandemic, overcoming challenges and building her brand through social media. She highlights the importance of preparation, customer experience, and community support in the refinishing industry. The conversation also touches on empowering women, balancing work and personal life, and embracing the creative possibilities of DIY home improvement. Cait offers valuable advice for aspiring refinishers, encouraging them to overcome fear of failure and focus on continuous learning and growth.
Key Takeaways:
Cait launched her business after being furloughed during COVID, turning her basement into a studio.
Proper preparation is key to achieving high-quality results in refinishing.
Social media plays a crucial role in growing her business and engaging customers.
Prioritizing customer experience helps build trust and repeat business.
Cait encourages aspiring refinishers to embrace failure as part of the learning process.
Building a supportive community is vital for industry growth and personal development.
Work-life balance is essential for productivity and mental well-being.
DIY projects and creativity can empower individuals to transform their spaces.
Understanding coatings and their applications is critical for success in refinishing.
Titles:
From Bartender to Business Owner: Cait’s Journey in Cabinet Refinishing
Empowering Women and Building Community in the Refinishing Industry
Social Media, Customer Experience, and DIY Success with Vintage by Cait
Sound Bites:
"I turned my basement into a literal studio."
"You could paint anything if you prep it right."
"Don't be afraid to fail because most likely you're going to."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Vintage by Cait 02:54 — Cait’s Journey into Cabinet Refinishing 05:56 — Transitioning to Full-Time Business Ownership 08:49 — Overcoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship 12:05 — Social Media Strategies for Business Growth 15:02 — Prioritizing Customer Experience in Refinishing 18:02 — Advice for Aspiring Refinishers 21:07 — Achieving Work-Life Balance in Business 24:03 — Empowering Women and Building Community 26:58 — Final Thoughts and Social Media Presence

From Film to Finishing: DC Clark’s Vision for Accessa Marketplace and the Coatings Industry

Title: From Film to Finishing: DC Clark’s Vision for Accessa and the Coatings Industry
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum sits down with DC Clark, founder of Accessa, to discuss his fascinating journey from the film industry to the coatings sector. DC shares the evolution of his company from Clark Deco to Accessa, highlighting how market demands shaped their offerings and led to the launch of the Accessa Marketplace. The conversation explores Accessa’s focus on providing technical support, the importance of diverse coating brands, and the booming RV market. DC also offers insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of building strong vendor relationships, setting clear goals, and continuously adapting to industry changes. The episode wraps up with a discussion on balancing work and family life, as well as exciting upcoming innovations and product launches.
Key Takeaways:
DC Clark's early exposure to distribution laid the foundation for his business acumen.
The transition from Clark Deco to Accessa was driven by evolving market needs.
Accessa emphasizes technical support and diverse product offerings to meet customer demands.
The RV market is a key growth area for Accessa, reflecting industry trends.
Strong vendor relationships and goal-setting are essential for business success.
Accessa’s new website will enhance customer experience and accessibility.
Balancing work and family life remains a challenge for entrepreneurs.
Continuous learning and adaptation are critical in the coatings industry.
Titles:
From Film to Coatings: DC Clark’s Journey with Accessa
Navigating the RV Market and Entrepreneurship with Accessa
Innovating the Coatings Industry: Insights from DC Clark of Accessa
Sound Bites:
"I was not really prepared for what I was getting myself into."
"We started getting into larger OEM type companies."
"Clark Deco was one of the original distributors that started shipping online."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to DC Clark and Accessa 01:44 — From Film to Finishing: DC Clark’s Journey 05:03 — The Transition from Clark Deco to Accessa 10:41 — Launching the Accessa Marketplace 14:32 — Technical Support and Diverse Offerings at Accessa 18:22 — Importance of Diverse Coating Brands in Customer Solutions 21:18 — The Booming RV Market and Accessa’s Role 29:35 — Entrepreneurial Advice for the Coatings Industry 44:13 — Balancing Work and Family Life 51:46 — Upcoming Innovations and Product Launches
 

Streamlining the Painting Industry: Chris Ricker’s My Paint Buckets Solution

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum interviews Chris Riker, founder of My Paint Buckets, a software solution tailored for the painting industry. Chris shares his inspiring journey from a military career to becoming a painting business owner and software creator. He highlights the challenges painters face, such as inefficiencies in material management, scheduling, and theft, and explains how My Paint Buckets addresses these pain points. They discuss the importance of leveraging technology to streamline operations and empower painters to focus on scaling their businesses.
The conversation dives into the software’s key features, including tailored user roles, scheduling tools, and a user-friendly dashboard. Chris also emphasizes the significance of understanding the business side of painting, adapting to technology, and defining clear goals and processes for success in the evolving painting industry.
Key Takeaways:
Chris Riker transitioned from a military career to the painting industry, bringing a fresh perspective.
My Paint Buckets was developed to tackle inefficiencies like material theft and poor scheduling.
The software focuses on material management, scheduling, and user-friendly dashboards.
Tailored user roles enhance collaboration and ensure relevant information sharing.
Target users include residential painters seeking to improve efficiency and scalability.
Painters must adapt to technology to remain competitive in a changing industry.
Defining clear goals and processes is essential for long-term business success.
Efficiency and organization are critical for scaling a painting business.
Titles:
Revolutionizing Painting: Chris Riker on My Paint Buckets Software
Efficiency and Innovation: Empowering Painters with Technology
From Military to Painting: Chris Riker’s Mission to Streamline the Industry
Sound Bites:
"I started in the military."
"I want to do something different."
"I need software to manage materials."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Chris Riker and My Paint Buckets 03:08 — Chris’s Journey from Military to Painting Industry 05:56 — The Creation of My Paint Buckets Software 09:06 — Identifying Pain Points in the Painting Business 12:06 — Target Demographic: Residential Painters 15:01 — Challenges Painters Face and How Technology Helps 18:09 — Efficiency: The Key to Scaling a Business 21:00 — Material Management and Reducing Theft 24:02 — Scheduling Tools and Task Management Features 26:57 — User-Friendly Dashboards and Tailored User Roles 29:59 — Current Market Position and User Base Insights 33:00 — Future Developments and Engaging the Community 35:58 — Chris’s Personal Insights and Closing Remarks

Unlocking ROI: Lead Generation, Unique Offers, and Personal Branding

 
Sound Bites:
"I started making TikToks in high school."
"I made my parents $22,000 in one month."
"Mentorship helped me skip the learning curve."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Josh Ocasio and Digital Marketing 04:51 — Mentorship: A Key to Skipping the Learning Curve 09:58 — Social Media Marketing vs. Traditional Advertising 15:01 — Understanding ROI and Effective Lead Generation 19:54 — Building Systems to Manage and Convert Leads 24:58 — The Power of Unique Offers in Attracting Clients 29:54 — Engaging Customers with Content Creation 34:58 — Personal Branding: Standing Out in Marketing 39:59 — Fun Facts: Legos, Gin Martinis, and More

Balancing Business and Family: Michael Rossi’s Blueprint for Growth and Freedom

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Michael Rossi of Cabinet Coats to discuss his transition from construction to cabinet refinishing and the strategies he’s used to grow his business. Michael shares insights on self-awareness, goal setting, and the importance of building a strong team to focus on the bigger picture. They discuss the benefits of running effective ads, the value of strong company culture, and how mindset and perception can help overcome challenges. Michael emphasizes the need for systems and processes to work on the business, not just in it, and the role of flexibility and core values in navigating the business world.
The conversation highlights how continuous improvement and a positive attitude lead to success, as well as the challenges of dealing with difficult people. Michael shares his entrepreneurial mindset, the importance of balancing work with family, and how focusing on customer satisfaction drives long-term success. The key takeaway is the importance of prioritizing family and freedom while striving for growth and achieving personal and professional goals.
Key Takeaways:
Transitioning to cabinet refinishing offers higher profit margins and faster project timelines.
Self-awareness and goal setting are crucial for business growth and long-term success.
Delegating tasks and building a strong team allows owners to focus on scaling their businesses.
Effective advertising, particularly on Instagram and Facebook, can drive significant growth.
Continuous improvement, strong company culture, and employee care foster loyalty and productivity.
Core values and principles guide decision-making, even during tough situations.
Customer satisfaction and adaptability are essential for sustained success in changing markets.
An entrepreneurial mindset involves taking risks, learning from failures, and embracing challenges.
Balancing business success with quality family time ensures freedom and fulfillment.
Titles:
From Construction to Cabinet Refinishing: Michael Rossi’s Success Blueprint
Building Systems, Culture, and Customer Satisfaction: Insights from Cabinet Coats
Balancing Business and Family: Michael Rossi on Growth and Freedom
Sound Bites:
"Do less, make more."
"Success is on the other side of all the work you don’t want to do."
"You either work in the business or on the business."
"Money is a tool."
"I failed my way to success."
"Choose your hard."
"Someone’s always going to have a worse day."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Michael Rossi and Cabinet Coats 03:16 — Transitioning from Construction to Cabinet Refinishing 09:00 — The Role of Self-Awareness and Goal Setting 13:39 — Building a Team and Delegating for Success 18:23 — Running Effective Ads on Social Media 25:06 — Creating a Long-Term Vision for Business Growth 31:56 — Building a Strong Company Culture 35:33 — Overcoming Challenges with Mindset and Perception 37:41 — Prioritizing Customer Satisfaction for Longevity 39:59 — Flexibility and Adaptability in Business 43:45 — The Role of Core Values in Decision-Making 45:11 — Dealing with Difficult People with Kindness 46:08 — Maintaining a Positive Attitude for Better Outcomes 53:28 — Embracing Failure and Taking Risks 55:00 — Importance of Systems and Processes in Scaling 56:35 — The Role of Capital and Cash Flow in Growth 01:02:15 — Balancing Work with Personal Life and Family 01:13:30 — Advice for Entrepreneurs: Focus on Family and Freedom

Building Relationships and Reputation: Craig McConnell’s Finishing Journey

Episode Summary:  
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum chats with Craig McConnell from Midnight Finishing about his journey into the world of finishing, which began after his move to Whistler in 2003. Craig shares how he transitioned into cabinet making and finishing, emphasizing the value of building strong relationships with wood shops and contractors in small communities. He discusses his preference for solvent-based coatings and his plans to upgrade his shop with tinting capabilities. 
 
The conversation explores the importance of setting realistic client expectations and the philosophy of under-promising and over-delivering. They also touch on leveraging social media to build a community of finishers, sharing knowledge, and embracing lean manufacturing principles for continuous shop improvement. Craig highlights the challenges of setting up a shop, especially navigating varying regulations. Outside of his work, Craig enjoys snowboarding, golfing, and collecting punk rock records.
 
Key Takeaways:  
- Building solid relationships with wood shops and contractors is key in tight-knit communities.
- Consistency and mastery of specific products or processes lead to quality results.
- Protecting your reputation is essential; delivering work you’re proud of builds trust.
- Shop upgrades and improvements over time can boost productivity and efficiency.
- Choose coatings and equipment that align with your business needs and goals.
- Setting clear client expectations and striving to over-deliver fosters long-term success.
- Social media is a powerful tool for creating a network of like-minded professionals.
- Embracing lean manufacturing principles can enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Setting up a shop involves navigating regulations that can vary significantly.
 
Titles:  
- Mastering Relationships and Reputation in Cabinet Finishing
- Setting Realistic Expectations: Under-Promise, Over-Deliver
- Shop Upgrades and Social Media: Craig McConnell’s Journey
 
Sound Bites:  
- "Probably relationships."
- "I protect my reputation pretty fiercely."
- "If you're making a contractor look bad, they're not coming back to you."
- "I try not to over-promise anything."
- "Set expectations you can beat; that way, you win every time."
- "Instagram has morphed into this awesome community of finishers."
 
Chapters:  
00:00 — Introduction to Craig McConnell  
02:57 — Life and Work in Pemberton, BC  
11:10 — High-End Millwork and Ski Resort Projects  
19:06 — Enhancing Shop Efficiency and Productivity  
24:53 — Choosing the Right Coatings and Equipment  
30:55 — Building Relationships and Protecting Your Reputation  
33:41 — The Power of Word-of-Mouth in Small Communities  
33:49 — Setting Realistic Client Expectations  
36:02 — Building a Community via Social Media  
38:33 — Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Shop Improvement  
53:00 — Navigating Challenges When Setting Up a Shop  
58:52 — Snowboarding, Golfing, and Collecting Punk Rock Records

DIY to Done Right: Patrick Sartor on Crafting his Skill Set in Cabinet Finishing

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Patrick Sartor, an integration project manager by day and a passionate cabinet finisher by night. Patrick shares his journey into the finishing industry, highlighting the value of preparation, providing a top-tier customer experience, and tackling the unique challenges of water-based coatings. They discuss the shift from solvent-based to water-based products and the advancements in quality and durability these coatings now offer. This conversation emphasizes attention to detail, cost tracking, and the importance of ongoing improvement. Patrick also shares his insights as a DIY enthusiast, offering advice for those interested in pursuing a career in finishing. Zach and Patrick discuss the need for proper training and accreditation in the painting industry and the importance of setting clear expectations and holding contractors accountable for consistent, high-quality results.
 
Key Takeaways:
Proper preparation is essential for professional cabinet finishing results.
A superior customer experience is crucial for success in the finishing industry.
Knowing your costs is essential to running a profitable business.
Working with water-based coatings requires problem-solving and continuous learning.
Industry standards, training, and accreditation would benefit both painters and clients.
Clear expectations and accountability are key to achieving quality results.
Water-based coatings have seen improvements in durability and performance.
The finishing industry offers financial opportunities, but success requires a business-minded approach focused on customer satisfaction.
 
Titles:
Mastering the Basics: Preparation in Cabinet Finishing
Balancing DIY Passion and Professional Finishing
The Shift to Water-Based Coatings: Challenges and Benefits
 
Sound Bites:
“Finishing is considered an unskilled trade, but it’s anything but that.”
“Customer experience and quality outweigh the cost of coatings.”
“Repeatability is key to consistent results and profitability.”
“Painting is all about solving problems—they’re going to happen.”
“You’ve got to get off the gun and focus on running the business.”
“Put the time in to learn the product and stick with it.”
 
Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Patrick Sartor  
11:18 — The Role of Preparation in Cabinet Finishing  
18:19 — Delivering Exceptional Customer Experiences  
22:52 — Cost Tracking and Business Success  
24:06 — Overcoming Challenges with Water-Based Coatings  
28:12 — The Shift to Water-Based Coatings: Pros and Cons  
30:42 — Training and Accreditation Needs in Painting  
31:59 — From DIY to Pro in the Finishing World  
35:10 — Transitioning from Solvent-Based to Water-Based Coatings  
38:34 — Setting Expectations and Contractor Accountability

Consistency, Coatings, and Customer Experience: Inside Nick Slavik's Journey to Success

Episode Summary:  
In this Bearded Finisher Podcast episode, Zach Shrum interviews Nick Slavik, a renowned painting contractor, who shares insights on professionalizing a painting business and strategies for growth. The discussion covers key topics like the role of facial hair, optimizing crew size, the timing for adding estimators and office staff, and the impact of professionalism in client relationships. Nick discusses his social media approach to marketing, coating choices based on ease of use, and structuring one-page estimates with clear work descriptions. He emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, customer experience, and consistency to sustain a successful business.
 
Beyond the painting industry, Nick shares his passion for land management and restoration projects, demonstrating his commitment to long-term projects that add value over time. This conversation highlights how small businesses in the painting industry are shifting towards more entrepreneurial, professional operations. Consistency, a strong customer focus, and strategic planning emerge as crucial elements for standing out in the market.
 
Key Takeaways:
- Professionalizing involves hiring estimators and project managers around the $1-1.5 million revenue mark.
- Growth brings unique challenges, requiring strategies for balancing work-life pressures.
- Social media expands lead sources, reaching new audiences and diversifying client streams.
- Coating choice should prioritize predictability and support apprenticeship efforts.
- Estimates should be concise, modular, and offer clarity on the scope of work.
- Success hinges on long-term vision, planning, and enhancing customer experiences.
- Investing in land and restoration projects can offer long-term rewards.
- Consistency and professionalism are key in differentiating a painting business in a competitive industry.
 
Titles:
- Choosing Coatings for Predictability and Ease
- Effective Estimate Structuring
- Long-Term Vision for Painting Business Success
 
Sound Bites:
- "The beard. I just love this."
- "How did it all start?"
- "It's a math problem."
- "If you put too much, nobody will read it."
- "Describe it in five words—it’s harder than you think."
- "People want a good experience."
 
Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction and Beard Talk  
04:48 — Nick Slavik’s Painting Industry Journey  
07:05 — Professionalizing a Painting Business  
12:27 — Crew Size and Coatings Choice  
15:38 — Social Media for Marketing  
19:08 — Market Shifts and Real Business Management  
22:17 — Systemizing with Inventory Infographics  
25:15 — Coating Choices and Estimate Structuring  
34:04 — Professionalism and Customer Experience  
36:19 — Enhancing Client Experience  
37:15 — Differentiating Through Professionalism  
39:04 — The Painting Industry’s Golden Era  
44:17 — Pricing for Sustainability  
46:04 — Strategic Long-Term Planning  
57:29 — Sherwin Williams' "Easy Button"  
01:00:30 — Land Management Investments  
01:03:24 — Consistency for Long-Term Success

Innovative Finishing Tools: Ventilation Systems and Efficiency with Jimmy Pro

Summary:  
In this episode of the Bearded Finisher podcast, Zach Shrum interviews James Kelly, founder of Jimmy Pro, a company specializing in tools for the painting industry. They discuss James' background in the finishing business, his journey in starting Jimmy Pro, and the innovative products they offer. James shares the inspiration behind products like the ventilation port and filtration boxes, which improve efficiency for finishers. The conversation highlights challenges of scaling a service-based business and the transition from being hands-on to managing operations. They also cover marketing strategies, partnerships, and the importance of building trust with employees. James and Zach discuss tools like syringes for caulking and the benefits of water-based coatings, as well as the value of checklists for reducing mistakes and improving productivity.
 
Keywords:  
Bearded Finisher podcast, James Kelly, Jimmy Pro, finishing tools, ventilation port, filtration boxes, painting industry, scaling a business, managing employees, processes, caulking, water-based coatings, ventilation systems
 
Takeaways:  
- James Kelly started his finishing business at 18 and later launched Jimmy Pro to fill niche needs in the industry.
- Key products include the ventilation port and filtration boxes that help improve efficiency.
- James focuses on organic growth and is exploring partnerships with paint stores and distributors.
- Zach recommends trade shows like IWF to showcase products and build connections.
- Running a lean business without employees can be less stressful, but scaling requires strong trust and camaraderie with staff.
- Transitioning from fieldwork to management needs a new mindset and skill set.
- Checklists and structured processes can greatly reduce mistakes and increase efficiency in service-based businesses.
- Tools like syringes for caulking and using water-based coatings can improve project quality.
- Ventilation systems are vital for safety and comfort in painting environments.
 
Titles:  
"From Finishing Business to Jimmy Pro: James Kelly’s Journey"  
"The Challenges and Rewards of Scaling a Lean Business"  
"Boosting Efficiency with Innovation: Ventilation Ports and Checklists"
 
Sound Bites:  
"If you ever find yourself setting up a fan for ventilation, you'll spend 5 to 15 minutes doing that. The ventilation port cuts that time significantly."  
"A furnace filter clogs fast—it's not designed for high volumes of overspray."  
"Transitioning from tools to managing people is a major challenge in scaling a business."
 
Chapters:  
00:00 Introduction and Background  
03:25 Starting Jimmy Pro and Innovative Products  
06:02 The Ventilation Port and Filtration Boxes  
09:03 Marketing Strategies and Partnerships  
26:27 Running a Lean Business  
29:21 Scaling a Service-Based Business  
31:13 Transitioning from Fieldwork to Business Management  
34:41 Efficiency with Checklists  
41:31 Using Syringes and Water-Based Coatings  
45:23 Importance of Ventilation Systems