TheBeardedFinisher Podcast
Welcome to TheBeardedFinisher Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of finishing, painting, manufacturing, and supply chain. Join me as I chat with finishers, painters, manufacturers, and suppliers, sharing their stories, insights, and expertise. It’s like sitting down with old friends over a beer, where every conversation is filled with valuable nuggets of wisdom and experience. At TBF LLC, I offer bespoke consulting and coaching services tailored to the needs of businesses in the painting and finishing industry. With a focus on sales growth, technical training, production efficiency, and employment services, my aim is to empower companies to thrive in this dynamic sector. Let’s work together to elevate your business to new heights. Connect with me to stay updated on the latest episodes of TheBeardedFinisher Podcast and explore how TBF LLC can support your business goals.
Episodes

Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Summary:
In this episode of the Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum speaks with Austin Waldo, a prominent figure in the woodworking community and founder of the Austin School of Furniture and the Texas Woodworking Festival. They discuss Austin's journey from a digital marketing professional to a woodworking entrepreneur, the growth of the Texas Woodworking Festival, and the challenges faced in the woodworking and finishing industries. Austin shares insights on the importance of community, education, and resources for aspiring woodworkers, as well as his personal passions outside of woodworking.
Keywords:
woodworking, Texas Woodworking Festival, Austin School of Furniture, woodworking community, woodworking classes, wood finishing, entrepreneurship, woodworking resources, woodworking events, woodworking education
Takeaways:
Austin Waldo transitioned from digital marketing to woodworking.
The Texas Woodworking Festival started as a small meetup and grew significantly.
Community engagement is crucial in the woodworking industry.
Finishing is often overlooked by woodworkers due to its complexity.
The Austin School of Furniture offers a variety of woodworking classes.
Entrepreneurship requires patience and strategic planning.
Resources like score.org can help aspiring business owners.
Hands-on learning is essential for mastering woodworking skills.
The festival includes a range of exhibitors from hobbyists to large manufacturers.
Austin enjoys beach volleyball, beer, dogs, and fishing.
Titles:
Austin Waldo: Beyond Woodworking
Educational Pathways in Woodworking
Sound Bites:
"This is my favorite beard themed podcast."
"I started the Austin School of Furniture in 2018."
"The Woodworking Social Club is essentially a drinking club with a woodworking problem."
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction to Woodworking and the Texas Woodworking Festival
02:51
Austin Waldo's Journey into Woodworking
06:06
The Birth of the Austin School of Furniture
08:48
Growth of the Texas Woodworking Festival
12:04
Challenges in Wood Finishing
15:12
Educational Opportunities in Woodworking
18:05
The Festival Experience and Community Engagement
20:57
Entrepreneurial Insights from Austin Waldo
23:56
Resources for Aspiring Woodworkers
27:03
Personal Passions and Hobbies of Austin Waldo

Sunday Oct 13, 2024
The Science Behind Coatings: From Polyurethane to Bio-renewables
Sunday Oct 13, 2024
Sunday Oct 13, 2024
Summary:
Jake Jevrick, a chemical engineer at LBB Specialties, dives into the world of specialty chemicals and their role in the formulation of paints and coatings. He explains how LBB Specialties provides key components like binders, colorants, pigment extenders, and additives. Jake discusses advancements in water-based polyurethane coatings, the shift from solvent-based systems, and the rise of biorenewable precursors. He also touches on R&D efforts improving wetting agents, anti-corrosive additives, and light-fast fluorescent pigments. Zach and Jake explore the use of micronized pigments in water-based stains and the challenges of creating high-quality exterior wood stains. They emphasize the importance of communication between formulators and applicators, the industry’s versatility, and the value of creativity. Jake shares his background in art and philosophy, offering advice for newcomers to the coatings field.
Keywords:
specialty chemicals, paints and coatings, LBB Specialties, binders, colorants, pigment extenders, additives, water-based polyurethane, solvent-based systems, biorenewable precursors, wetting agents, anti-corrosive additives, fluorescent pigments, micronized pigments, water-based stains, exterior wood stain, communication, formulators, applicators, creativity, coatings industry
Takeaways:
LBB Specialties supplies components crucial for paints and coatings formulations.Advancements in water-based polyurethane coatings and biorenewable precursors are driving the industry forward.R&D focuses on wetting agents, anti-corrosive additives, and brighter, cleaner pigments.Micronized pigments offer improved clarity in water-based stains, but exterior wood stains remain challenging.Effective communication between formulators and applicators is essential for success in the coatings industry.The coatings field is versatile, serving multiple sectors, and creativity is highly valued.Staying connected with suppliers and planning ahead is key to navigating industry changes.Titles:
"Advances in Water-Based Polyurethane and Coatings Innovation""Creativity and Versatility in the Coatings Industry""Mastering the Challenges of Water-Based Exterior Wood Stains"Sound Bites:
"LBB Specialties provides the components for paints and coatings formulation."
"The regulatory push for water-based coatings has driven innovation in polyurethane technology."
"Micronized pigments offer the clarity needed for high-quality water-based stains."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Specialty Chemicals in Coatings
05:46 Water-Based Polyurethane Advancements
11:01 Regulatory Push and R&D
23:16 Safety and Isocyanates in Water-Based Coatings
28:28 R&D in Wetting Agents and Additives
36:19 Micronized Pigments in Water-Based Stains
38:10 Challenges in Exterior Wood Stains
42:27 Quest for Semi-Transparent Exterior Stains
48:13 Wood as a Complex Substrate
56:02 The Coatings Industry’s Economic Role
59:46 Ubiquity of Coatings in Daily Life
01:02:04 Planning for Industry Changes

Sunday Oct 06, 2024
Sunday Oct 06, 2024
Summary:
In this episode, Kimberly and Jeremy from Red Tulip Designs share their journey from furniture finishing to cabinet refinishing. They began selling painted furniture for extra income and eventually shifted to cabinet painting. They emphasize the power of consistency in social media marketing and how it builds trust with clients. The conversation touches on the importance of word-of-mouth marketing and delivering exceptional customer service. Additionally, they discuss the need for responsiveness and reliability in the industry.
The central theme of the conversation is the value of building relationships in business. Kimberly and Jeremy stress that connections within the industry and with clients are crucial to success. Networking, trust, and word-of-mouth referrals are highlighted as essential components of their business growth. They also emphasize continuous learning through classes, workshops, and mentorship to improve their skills. Finally, they share their hobbies outside of work, such as collecting coach purses and participating in remote control rock crawling competitions.
Keywords:
Red Tulip Designs, cabinet refinishing, furniture finishing, social media marketing, word-of-mouth marketing, customer service, relationships, networking, trust, referrals, continuous learning, improvement, mentorship, business numbers, hobbies
Takeaways:
Consistency in social media marketing is key. Frequent posting and engagement help build trust and brand recognition.
Word-of-mouth marketing is vital, particularly for older generations not active on social media.
Providing excellent customer service, returning calls promptly, and being reliable differentiates a business from competitors.
Building trust with clients through transparency and communication leads to long-term relationships and referrals.
Being responsive and reliable demonstrates professionalism and commitment to clients.
Relationships with others in the industry and with clients are crucial for success.
Networking and word-of-mouth referrals are invaluable for business growth.
Continuous learning through classes, workshops, and mentorship enhances skills and knowledge.
Tracking business numbers and understanding financials is essential.
Having hobbies outside of work provides balance and personal fulfillment.
Titles:
The Importance of Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Building Trust Through Excellent Customer Service
The Power of Relationships in Business
Continuous Learning and Improvement for Success
Sound Bites:
"You're the only ones that actually acted like you even wanted my business."
"Consistency is key in social media marketing."
"Word-of-mouth marketing is still important, especially for older generations."
"The relationships they've built with others in their industry have been the single biggest indicator for their success."
"You're selling yourself and creating a relationship. A byproduct of that relationship is buying paint."
"You're always growing and nurturing those relationships. It's huge."
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Background
06:46 - Transitioning to Cabinet Refinishing
22:50 - Social Media Marketing Strategy
31:35 - The Importance of Word-of-Mouth Marketing
37:38 - Building Trust Through Excellent Customer Service
38:44 - The Value of Being Responsive and Reliable
47:17 - Continuous Learning and Improvement
53:44 - Tracking Business Numbers
56:05 - Balancing Work and Hobbies

Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Faster Dry Times and Full Cures: Inside Elevated Finishing’s Schubox System
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher podcast, Zach Shrum talks with Ryan Randall, director at Elevated Finishing. Ryan shares his journey from working at a tobacco company to becoming an application engineer and product specialist in the finishing industry. They dive into the benefits of the Schubox heating system, designed to dry paint faster using long wave infrared technology for a full cure. Ryan explains how the system heats coatings from the bottom up, making it cost-effective and customizable for shops of all sizes. Elevated Finishing’s Schubox curing rooms offer controlled, efficient curing and use platinum emitters to ensure a quick, clean process in a sealed environment. The system is also stackable, allowing for faster turnaround times. Ryan emphasizes the company's focus on slow, steady growth and building strong relationships with customers. Elevated Finishing is also looking to expand its product range to include flatline systems in the future. For more details, you can find Elevated Finishing on their website and social media.
Keywords:
Schubox heating system, drying paint, finishing industry, application engineer, product specialist, Elevated Finishing, long wave infrared, cost-effective, customizable, full cure, curing rooms, platinum emitters, sealed system, stackable, quick turnaround times, steady growth, customer relationships, expanding products, flatline systems
Takeaways:
Elevated Finishing’s Schubox heating system offers a cost-effective, customizable solution to dry paint faster.
The system uses long wave infrared technology for a full cure, heating coatings from the bottom up.
Ryan Randall’s career journey includes transitioning from a tobacco company to a finishing industry expert.
The Schubox system was developed to be a space-efficient and affordable curing solution for small shops.
It uses platinum emitters in a sealed environment to ensure a clean, efficient curing process.
The stackable system allows for quicker turnaround times, making it ideal for growing businesses.
Elevated Finishing emphasizes slow, steady growth while focusing on building strong customer relationships.
Future plans include expanding product offerings to include flatline systems.
Titles:
Ryan Randall’s Journey in the Finishing Industry
The Advantages of Elevated Finishing’s Schubox System
Expanding Product Offerings: Flatline Systems
Slow and Steady Growth: Building a Strong Foundation
Sound Bites:
"I've been following you guys on social media and just obsessed with the Schubox heating system."
"There's a huge gap between a lot of manufacturers and applicators."
"You're a full cure. You're not just skimming the surface, especially with water-based coatings."
"Dust is the only real issue. If you let your room get full of dust, it'll eventually cause problems."
"For the community out there wondering, the Schubox system improves efficiency on dry time."
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Obsession with the Schubox Heating System
02:24 - Ryan Randall’s Journey in the Finishing Industry
10:43 - The Gap Between Manufacturers and Applicators
16:39 - The Fun Back and Forth Between Machinery and Coatings
23:30 - The Advantages of the Schubox System for Small Shops
28:31 - The Science Behind the Schubox System
30:20 - Efficient and Controlled Curing with Schubox Curing Rooms
36:13 - Building a Strong Foundation for Slow and Steady Growth
44:12 - Expanding Product Offerings: Flatline Systems

Sunday Sep 22, 2024
From Furniture to Cabinets: Chrissy Rollison’s Journey in Finishing
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher podcast, Zach Shrum interviews Chrissy Rollison from Winegardener Fine Finishing and Coatings. Chrissy shares her journey from painting furniture to kitchen cabinets. She discusses her experience with different products and tools, such as Renner coatings, the Titan ED655 pump, and the Harbor Freight Black Widow gun. They explore the importance of continuous learning, attending workshops, and staying updated with the latest industry trends.
Chrissy and Zach also talk about the role of sharing knowledge in the finishing industry, emphasizing how industry leaders like Nick Slavik and Dennis Rodriguez promote transparency and community. They delve into the challenges and rewards of running a finishing business, stressing the value of education, research, and testing to find the best products and practices. Additionally, they discuss the need for better communication and support in online communities and the importance of getting professional-grade products into local paint stores. Outside of work, Chrissy has a passion for plants.
Keywords:
painting business, furniture painting, kitchen cabinets, industrial coatings, Renner, Titan ED655, Harbor Freight Black Widow, Fine Paints of Europe, classes, continuous learning, finishing industry, transparency, industry leaders, challenges, adapting, education, research, communication, support, professional-grade products, local paint stores, plants
Takeaways:
Chrissy started by painting furniture and eventually moved into kitchen cabinets.
She has experience with products like Renner coatings, the Titan ED655, and the Black Widow gun.
Continuous learning, attending workshops, and testing products are key to professional growth in the painting industry.
Chrissy highlights the importance of finding the right tools and products for each individual’s needs.
Sharing knowledge is essential in the finishing industry, with leaders like Nick Slavik and Dennis Rodriguez promoting transparency.
Running a finishing business requires constant learning and adapting to new trends.
Research and education are crucial for finding what works best for each business.
Better communication and support in online communities can enhance the experience for industry professionals.
Access to professional-grade products in local stores would benefit more finishers.
Chrissy’s hobby outside of finishing is taking care of plants.
Titles:
Passion and Dedication: Insights from a Professional Painter
The Importance of Continuous Learning in the Painting Business
Chrissy Rollison's Passion for Plants
Continuous Learning and Adapting to New Trends
Sound Bites:
“I started young, in high school. We moved into a house, and I found a dresser and acetone in the basement. I stripped it with acetone.”
“I found PBG Breakthrough.”
“I saw a video of you spraying, I think it was circa out of a 3M HVLP.”
“Nick Slavik sent me his SOPs for his entire business. I couldn’t believe it.”
“Dennis Rodriguez is another one.”
“I miss the control, but I walked out of here at 4:30 yesterday. I was home by seven.”
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Location
02:48 - Chrissy’s Journey in the Painting Business
09:24 - Transition to Winegardener Fine Finishing and Coatings
18:38 - Working with Winegardener and Product Preferences
26:21 - Favorite Guns and Continuous Learning
29:32 - Attending Classes and Workshops
31:05 - Sharing Information and Transparency in the Industry
33:43 - Industry Leaders and Changing the Industry
36:08 - Challenges and Rewards of Running a Business
38:26 - Continuous Learning and Adapting to Trends
45:15 - Professional-Grade Products in Local Paint Stores
53:17 - Improving Communication and Online Communities
59:23 - Chrissy’s Passion for Plants

Sunday Sep 15, 2024
Sunday Sep 15, 2024
Summary:
Dennis Rodriguez shares his journey from his family’s upholstery shop to cabinet refinishing, discussing challenges with solvent-based coatings and his switch to water-based alternatives. He emphasizes the importance of bulk ordering primers, stocking standard colors, and streamlining operations with efficient material coordination and job naming. The conversation touches on running a painting business, focusing on organization, finances, and the value of having a select system of colors. Dennis also discusses techniques for stain matching, including the use of powder and breakaway glazes, and the benefits of the Envirolac stain program. He highlights the importance of having systems in place to manage projects and customer expectations. Dennis offers advice for those starting in the finishing industry, stressing the importance of learning the trade, diversifying skills, and considering subcontracting to scale. He also recommends investing in high-quality tools and equipment. A surprising fact about Dennis is his strong Christian faith, which has positively impacted his business and family life.
Keywords:
furniture refinishing, cabinet refinishing, water-based coatings, solvent-based coatings, bulk ordering, stock colors, material coordination, job naming, painting business, organization, finances, select colors, stain matching, powder glazes, breakaway glazes, Envirolac stain program, project management, customer expectations, subcontracting, scaling, tools, equipment, faith
Takeaways:
Dennis transitioned from upholstery to cabinet refinishing and faced challenges with solvent-based coatings.
Bulk ordering primers and stocking standard colors streamlined his business.
Coordinating material orders and job naming improved efficiency.
Running a painting business requires both painting and business skills like organization and financial management.
Bulk ordering saves time, and having a select system of colors simplifies the process.
Techniques like powder glazes and breakaway glazes help with stain matching.
The Envirolac stain program offers versatility and ease of use.
Managing customer expectations and having systems in place are crucial for success.
Investing in high-quality tools and learning the trade are essential for business growth.
Faith and strong values can positively impact both business and personal life.
Titles:
"Streamlining Success: Bulk Ordering, Stain Matching, and Running a Finishing Business"
"From Upholstery to Cabinets: Dennis Rodriguez on Growing a Refinishing Business"
"Scaling a Finishing Business with Subcontracting and Smart Systems"
Sound Bites:
"I went all in with both feet. This is where we need to be."
"Bulk order all the primers you use and have them in stock all the time."
"Painting is a skillset. Running a business is also a skillset."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:12 The History of Midway Interiors
05:46 Transition to Furniture Refinishing
09:21 Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based Coatings
25:27 Coordinating Material Orders and Job Naming
35:06 Planning Ahead and Bulk Ordering
36:40 Running a Painting Business
38:35 Simplifying Color Selection
40:52 Stain Matching Techniques
42:14 Powder and Breakaway Glazes
46:45 Envirolac Stain Program Benefits
57:46 Project Management and Customer Expectations
01:09:41 Starting and Scaling a Business
01:23:48 Investing in Tools and Education
01:31:58 Faith and Success in Craftsmanship

Sunday Sep 08, 2024
The Power of Focus: How Henry Maez Turned Challenges into Opportunities
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Summary:
In this episode, Henry Meyes, owner of RH Solutions, shares his journey in the painting industry and his shift to focusing on kitchen cabinet refinishing. Henry discusses overcoming challenges like a major leg injury and COVID-19, all while growing his business and becoming a leader in the field. Drawing inspiration from entrepreneurs like Zach Shrum, he plans to expand and offer high-quality refinishing services. The discussion highlights the importance of honing a specific skill, such as Jade Turner’s expertise in Vero metal, and how focusing on what you do best leads to success. Henry emphasizes the value of training classes, building relationships with suppliers, and marketing through authentic social media content. He shares insights on the power of paid ads, particularly on Facebook and Instagram, and how they’ve significantly boosted his business. Communication and creating positive client experiences are key parts of Henry’s strategy, as is fostering a great business culture and teamwork. He also touches on balancing work with personal passions like camping and spending time with family.
Keywords:
painting industry, kitchen cabinet refinishing, challenges, business expansion, expertise, training classes, marketing, social media, paid ads, communication, teamwork, family
Takeaways:
Shifting from exterior to interior painting can be strategic.
A niche focus, like cabinet refinishing, can boost business.
Mentorship and training can drive growth.
Social media authenticity and paid ads yield great returns.
Building a strong team and maintaining a positive work culture is essential.
Work-life balance and personal passions, like family time, are crucial.
Titles:
"Focusing on Cabinet Refinishing for Business Growth"
"The Power of Paid Ads and Client Communication"
"Building Expertise, Culture, and Work-Life Balance"
Sound Bites:
"Business is war. I'm gonna run you over."
"Focus on what you do best and just become the son of a gun for it."
"Social media is a powerful son of a gun."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Transitioning to Interior Painting
06:02 Building Experience
13:14 Starting RH Solutions and Overcoming Challenges
24:09 Becoming an Expert in Your Field
26:04 Training Classes and Mentorship
28:56 Relationships with Suppliers
33:13 Growing a Social Media Following
38:09 The Effectiveness of Paid Ads
51:25 Paid Advertising Success
53:57 Creating a Positive Client Experience
56:32 Building a Great Culture and Teamwork
01:09:19 Balancing Family and Work

Sunday Sep 01, 2024
New Doors, New Horizons: Scaling a Painting Business with Chris Salisbury
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Summary:
In this episode of the Bearded Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum interviews Chris Salisbury from Nu Doors. They discuss their journeys in the painting industry, business challenges, and experiences with trade shows. Chris shares how he started his painting company at a young age, evolving it into Nu Doors. They discuss the benefits of using new doors over refinishing old ones, emphasizing scalability and the importance of learning from failure. The conversation highlights the need for repeatable processes and the challenges of finding and retaining skilled employees. Social media's role in marketing and building customer trust is also explored. Chris details their approach to manufacturing and selling prefinished doors and their paint store offering a range of finishing products. They also touch on the potential for New Doors to partner with national chains, entrepreneurship, and the value of surrounding yourself with successful people. The power of asking for what you want and the importance of transformative relationships are key themes. Books like Who Not How and The Gap and the Gain are recommended for growth. Chris shares his passion for his work and satisfaction in achieving his goals, with a brief mention of investing in RV resorts.
Keywords:
painting industry, business challenges, trade shows, AWFS Vegas, starting a company, new doors, refinishing doors, scalability, learning from failure, systems, painting business, repeatable processes, skilled employees, workforce, social media marketing, trust, trends in painting industry, prefinished doors, paint store, finishing products, New Doors, partnership, national chains, entrepreneurship, success, transformative relationships, asking for what you want, books, personal growth, professional growth, investing, RV resorts
Takeaways:
Starting a business young and learning from failure is crucial for growth.
Trade shows like AWFS Vegas offer networking and learning opportunities.
Using new doors instead of refinishing saves time and labor.
Scalability requires systems and the right team.
Learning from experienced entrepreneurs can drive growth.
Repeatable processes ensure consistency and quality.
Social media is key for marketing and building trust.
Prefinished doors and a paint store offer added value.
Surrounding yourself with success is vital.
Recommended books for growth: Who Not How and The Gap and the Gain.
Titles:
Trade Shows and Networking
Scalability and Developing Systems
Challenges of Finding and Retaining Skilled Employees
Adding Value with Prefinished Doors and a Paint Store
Books for Personal and Professional Growth
The Power of Asking: Transformative Relationships
Sound Bites:
"Starting a business and learning from failure."
"The benefits of new doors vs. refinishing."
"Scalability and developing systems."
"A sheet of paper can make all the difference."
"Repeatable processes in manufacturing keep customers coming back."
"The labor shortage in skilled trades is not temporary."
"You are who you surround yourself with."
"Ask the question if you're in the momentum."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:59 Starting a Business and Learning from Failure
08:00 The Benefits of New Doors vs. Refinishing
12:05 Scalability and Developing Systems
15:02 Trade Shows and Networking
24:32 Creating Repeatable Processes
27:30 Challenges of Finding and Retaining Skilled Employees
32:30 The Role of Social Media in Marketing and Building Trust
43:04 Trends in the Painting Industry
49:21 Adding Value with Prefinished Doors and a Paint Store
51:53 The Future of New Doors
52:52 Surrounding Yourself with Success
53:23 The Power of Asking
56:38 Books for Personal and Professional Growth
01:05:44 Investing in RV Resorts

Sunday Aug 25, 2024
From Artist to Finishing Pro: Konstantin’s Blueprint for Success
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Summary:
In this episode of the Bearded Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum interviews Konstantin from the Constanta Group. They discuss Konstantin's journey in the finishing industry, from his early days as an artist to starting his own finishing company. They talk about the benefits of refacing and replacing doors in cabinet painting, and the importance of following your passion in your work. He also talks about the advantages of using melamine for cabinet backs and the importance of matching the edge band tape to the cabinet color. The conversation then shifts to the topic of trends in cabinet design, with Konstantin mentioning the popularity of white melamine and the resurgence of white oak. They also discuss the importance of educating clients and building trust. Konstantin shares the advice he received to partner with a millwork guy and utilize their spray booth, as well as the effectiveness of Facebook and Instagram ads. Constantine shares his insights and experiences in running a successful painting business. He emphasizes the importance of marketing and advertising, particularly through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Constantine also discusses the value of mentorship and connecting with like-minded individuals in the industry. Outside of work, Constantine enjoys snowboarding, surfing, and playing hockey. He encourages listeners to explore their passions and build meaningful relationships.
Keywords:
Bearded Finisher Podcast, Konstantin, Constanta Group, finishing industry, artist, starting a finishing company, refacing doors, replacing doors, cabinet painting, following your passion, cabinet production, automation, CNC machines, efficiency, precision, melamine, edge band tape, trends, white melamine, white oak, education, trust, business strategies, partnership, spray booth, Facebook ads, Instagram ads, painting business, marketing, advertising, social media, mentorship, connections, passion, snowboarding, surfing, hockey
Takeaways:
Follow your passion in your work and don't quit, even when things get tough.
Refacing and replacing doors in cabinet painting can save time and reduce callbacks.
Educating clients and building trust are important in the cabinet industry.
Finding a mentor or coach who has experience and can provide guidance in growing a business.
Constantine emphasizes the importance of giving back and helping others in the industry.
YouTube is a powerful platform for sharing knowledge and connecting with a wider audience.
Constantine's social media handles: YouTube - Constantine Udelov, Instagram - @constanta_cabinets
Titles:
Automation in the Finishing Process
The Journey in the Finishing Industry Matching Edge Band Tape for a Cohesive Look
Automating Cabinet Production with CNC Machines Mastering Marketing and Advertising for Your Painting Business
The Value of Mentorship and Building Connections in the Industry
Sound Bites:
"Lean in towards your passions. Things that you truly love, don't go for the money."
"If you love it, keep going. You'll get to the other side."
"This stuff looks cool. They're watching it. They're going, Holy shit, this looks super awesome. What is this?"
"I got most of my clients through Facebook and Instagram ads."
"Running ads on a permanent basis consistently is extremely important."
Chapters:
00:00
The Journey in the Finishing Industry
08:23
The Benefits of Refacing and Replacing Doors
26:32
Automation in the Finishing Process
32:02
The Benefits of Using Melamine for Cabinet Backs
41:33
The Importance of Education and Trust in the Cabinet Industry
46:09
Partnering with a Millwork Guy for Finishing Solutions
53:34
Harnessing the Power of Facebook and Instagram Ads
58:32
The Value of Mentorship
01:03:13
Building Connections in the Industry
01:05:17
Finding Fulfillment Outside of Work

Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Live at IWF 2024 With Skylar!!
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Summary:
In this conversation, Zach Shrum interviews Skyler Ferrara from Surf Prep Sanding. They discuss topics such as the benefits of waking up early, the importance of serving others, the unique setup of Surf Prep's booth at IWF 2024, the innovation in sanding tools, and the value of building relationships in business. Skyler also shares his advice for finishers and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of focusing on others and celebrating accomplishments.
Keywords:
waking up early, serving others, booth setup, sanding tools, building relationships, advice for finishers, advice for entrepreneurs
Takeaways:
Waking up early and starting the day with beach activities can be a refreshing and enjoyable routine.
Serving others and having fun are important core values in business.
The setup of Surf Prep's booth at IWF 2024 is unique and engaging, with sanding stations, a kicker sound system, and a TV screen for demonstrations.
Surf Prep is innovating in the sanding industry with brushless electric tools that are energy-efficient and maintain a consistent temperature.
Building relationships and focusing on the needs of customers can lead to business growth and referrals.
It's important to celebrate accomplishments and focus on what has been achieved rather than constantly worrying about what still needs to be done.
Titles:
Innovation in the Sanding Industry
Building Relationships and Business Growth
Sound Bites:
"I just want you to build it like wake up in on Catalina Island and just trip out on the sunrise over the ocean"
"We have got the man and the legend Mr. Skyler Ferrara from Surf Prep Sanding"
"Sanding, as you know, is, it's demanding. Yes. It's it's a critical part of that process flow."
Chapters:
00:00
Waking Up Early and Beach Activities
13:06
Serving Others and Having Fun as Core Values
14:02
The Unique Setup of Surf Prep's Booth at IWF 2024
19:02
Innovation in the Sanding Industry
26:05
Building Relationships and Business Growth
31:19
Celebrating Accomplishments and Focusing on the Positive