TheBeardedFinisher Podcast

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  

From Digital Marketing to Woodworking: The Rise of the Texas Woodworking Festival

 
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

The Science Behind Coatings: From Polyurethane to Bio-renewables

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

Consistency, Customer Service, and Continuous Learning: The Red Tulip Designs Story

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

Faster Dry Times and Full Cures: Inside Elevated Finishing’s Schubox System

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

From Furniture to Cabinets: Chrissy Rollison’s Journey in Finishing

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

From Upholstery to Cabinet Refinishing: Dennis Rodriguez’s Journey and Business Tips

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