TheBeardedFinisher Podcast

From Mortgages to Paint Cans: Kyle Hansen’s Journey in Distribution

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Kyle Hansen, a paint distributor from Calgary and owner of a Benjamin Moore paint store. Kyle shares his journey from the mortgage industry to the paint distribution world, detailing the challenges of inventory management, understanding product lines, and the critical role of market research. The conversation dives into lessons Kyle has learned about navigating the paint business, including mastering the art and science of color and stain matching, building a strong support network, and adapting to the industry’s shift toward water-based coatings. Kyle also offers practical advice for aspiring distributors and insights into future trends shaping the paint industry.
Key Takeaways:
Kyle transitioned from the mortgage industry to paint distribution, gaining hands-on experience in running a retail business.
Effective inventory management is crucial for maintaining cash flow and business success.
Understanding product lines and building strong partnerships with suppliers is key.
Market research and forecasting help in making informed business decisions.
The paint industry requires a balance between offering product variety and specialization.
Customer service and relationship building are vital in a small and interconnected industry.
Color matching is both an art and a science, and finding skilled matchers is rare and valuable.
The industry is shifting toward water-based coatings due to environmental and performance advantages.
Building personal equity, a supportive network, and continuously learning are essential for long-term success.
Titles:
From Mortgages to Paint: Kyle Hansen’s Journey in Distribution
Mastering Inventory, Color Matching, and Industry Trends with Kyle Hansen
Navigating the Paint Business: Insights from a Calgary Distributor
Sound Bites:
"My savings account is sitting in paint cans."
"I wouldn't let anybody pay me to paint their house."
"The most important thing is to try to absorb as much as possible."
"You never want to be the smartest person in the room."
"The industry is small, and relationships matter."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Kyle Hansen and His Paint Industry Journey 06:04 — Transitioning from Mortgages to Paint Distribution 11:58 — Overcoming Inventory Management Challenges 18:06 — Understanding Product Lines and Supplier Partnerships 24:01 — The Role of Market Research and Forecasting 29:57 — Lessons Learned from Running a Retail Business 35:52 — Navigating the Learning Curve in Paint Distribution 39:26 — Building a Support Network for Success 43:01 — The Art and Science of Color Matching 49:51 — Tackling Challenges in Stain Matching 55:36 — The Rise and Adoption of Water-Based Coatings 01:00:08 — Advice for Aspiring Paint Distributors 01:03:08 — Industry Insights and Future Trends

The Fine Finish Institute: Shane Woods’ Journey of Redemption and Advocacy

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Shane Woods, founder of the Fine Finish Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to vocational training and community support in the finishing industry. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction and finding purpose through service, emphasizing the transformative power of education and collaboration. The conversation explores Shane’s vision for an inclusive and supportive industry, innovative finishing techniques, and the importance of certification in the trade. Shane also discusses his personal health journey, his passion for teaching, and the mindset shift required to view money as a tool for success.
Key Takeaways:
Shane Woods grew up in a family of craftsmen and artists, which shaped his career.
He overcame significant struggles with addiction, finding purpose through service.
The Fine Finish Institute offers vocational training to those in recovery and the broader community.
Foundational skills and education are critical to success in the finishing industry.
Shane aims to address the lack of formal certification for craftsmen.
Collaboration and compassion are vital for fostering a supportive industry.
An online platform for training and resources is part of Shane’s vision.
Preparation and cleaning are essential steps in the finishing process.
Shane’s health journey underscores the importance of personal growth alongside professional success.
Titles:
From Addiction to Advocacy: Shane Woods’ Mission for the Finishing Industry
Empowering Craftsmen Through Education and Service: Shane Woods’ Story
The Fine Finish Institute: Transforming Lives and the Finishing Industry
Sound Bites:
"I just needed, you know, get out of my way."
"I was actually searching for that feeling of servitude."
"Cleaning is the most important part."
"Money isn't mine; it's a tool."
"This will be something that will be there forever."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Shane Woods and His Journey 01:00 — Early Life and Influences in Craftsmanship 02:56 — Career Beginnings and Initial Challenges 05:59 — Struggles with Addiction and Recovery Journey 10:10 — Finding Purpose Through Service to Others 11:58 — Founding the Fine Finish Institute 19:02 — Building a Non-Profit for Vocational Training 22:00 — The Importance of Certification in the Finishing Industry 27:59 — Transforming the Industry with Education and Collaboration 32:11 — Innovative Finishing Techniques and Tools 34:40 — The Role of Training and Community Support 36:57 — Adopting New Coatings and Techniques 48:44 — Business Coaching and Insights for Contractors 51:32 — Personal Growth and Shane’s Health Journey 59:03 — Connecting with the Community and Shared Resources

Building Legacy and Community: Insights from Aaron Moore of Moore’s Refinishing

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Aaron Moore from Moore’s Refinishing to discuss his journey from high school woodshop enthusiast to successful business owner. Aaron shares his insights on the transformative role of social media in business growth, the importance of building client relationships, and adapting to market changes. They delve into niche markets, the challenges and strategies of content creation, and the rewarding process of teaching and mentoring others in the woodworking and refinishing community.
The conversation explores the philosophy behind finishing product selection, emphasizing quality and technique, with a special nod to Mohawk products. Aaron and Zach discuss the patience required in refinishing, the significance of branding and legacy, and the value of collaboration within the coatings industry. They also touch on Aaron’s desire to write a book to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation of finishers.
Key Takeaways:
Aaron started his journey as a high school woodshop student and worked his way up through hard work.
Social media has revolutionized how refinishing businesses connect with customers and grow.
Building strong client relationships and staying adaptable is key to navigating market changes.
Content creation requires authenticity and consistency to reach niche markets.
Teaching and mentoring not only help others but also deepen personal understanding and skills.
Writing a book can be a powerful tool for sharing knowledge and building a legacy.
Quality finishing products like Mohawk can significantly enhance results.
Refinishing requires patience, preparation, and a commitment to technique.
Collaboration and community building are vital in the coatings industry.
Titles:
Building a Refinishing Legacy: Aaron Moore’s Path to Success
Social Media, Technique, and Mentorship: Insights from Moore’s Refinishing
Mastering Refinishing: Aaron Moore on Business, Branding, and Community
Sound Bites:
"I was the grunt."
"You have to show the work and you have to prove yourself."
"I just want to see everyone succeed."
"It's all in the technique."
"Mohawk has the market on touch-up stuff."
"The coatings world is an incestuous community."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Moore’s Refinishing 02:12 — Aaron’s Journey into Refinishing 09:10 — Transitioning to Business Ownership 18:01 — The Impact of Social Media on Business Growth 25:32 — Navigating Market Changes and Embracing Competition 26:24 — Leveraging Social Media for Success 30:17 — Understanding Niche Markets and Content Creation 34:16 — Writing a Book: Sharing Knowledge and Experience 39:55 — The Value of Teaching and Mentoring in Refinishing 45:24 — Selecting the Right Finishing Products for Quality Results 53:58 — Mastering Technique in the Art of Finishing 56:42 — Exploring the Benefits of Mohawk Products 01:00:39 — The Interconnected Nature of the Coatings Industry 01:02:48 — The Patience and Skill Behind Refinishing 01:07:20 — Legacy and Branding in Refinishing Businesses 01:10:10 — Teaching and Inspiring the Next Generation

Building Success Through Relationships: Louis Jasso’s Journey in Finishing

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Louis Jasso, a seasoned expert in the finishing and manufacturing industry. Louis shares his journey from working in the family business to transitioning into manufacturing and distribution, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships in business. He discusses the unique challenges of the coatings industry, the critical role of social media in driving growth, and advice for newcomers on simplifying processes and finding trustworthy partners. Louis also opens up about his personal passions, particularly his love for cars and connecting with his six children through automotive projects.
Key Takeaways:
Louis transitioned from the family finishing business to focus on manufacturing and distribution.
Relationships are essential for success in the coatings and manufacturing industries.
Social media has significantly contributed to Louis’s business growth and product promotion.
Newcomers to the finishing business should prioritize finding a reliable distribution partner.
Simplifying processes and focusing on strategies are key to sustainable growth.
The finishing industry presents unique challenges, requiring resilience and adaptability.
Louis connects with his children through automotive projects, blending his passion for cars with family bonding.
Personal connections are vital in business as people buy from people.
Louis believes in doing the right thing to build trust and long-term success.
Titles:
Building Relationships and Growing Business: Insights from Louis Jasso
Navigating Challenges and Simplifying Success in the Finishing Industry
Cars, Coatings, and Connections: The Journey of Louis Jasso
Sound Bites:
"I refuse to do any residential cabinet work."
"I got PTSD from that shit."
"Do the right thing and the right thing will happen."
Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Louis Jasso and His Business Journey 03:01 — Transitioning from Finishing to Manufacturing and Distribution 06:00 — The Importance of Building Strong Relationships in Business 08:53 — Challenges in the Coating Industry and How to Overcome Them 11:59 — Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth 15:07 — Advice for Newcomers: Simplifying and Partnering for Success 18:12 — Louis’s Personal Passions: Cars and Family Connections

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