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.
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Episodes
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
Summary:
In this conversation, Zach Shrum and Moose Christian discuss their experiences at the IWF 2024 trade show. They talk about the new technologies and products they saw, including paint racks, spray twirlies, and UV-cured coatings. They also discuss the importance of networking and learning from others in the industry. Moose shares his journey into the painting business and how he found his niche in refinishing kitchen cabinets. They also mention some equipment they are interested in trying, such as the Gola pumps. Overall, it was a fun and informative conversation about the woodworking and coatings industry.
Keywords:
IWF 2024, trade show, new technologies, paint racks, spray twirlies, UV-cured coatings, networking, painting business, refinishing kitchen cabinets, equipment
Takeaways:
The IWF 2024 trade show showcased new technologies and products in the woodworking and coatings industry.
Moose Christian found his niche in refinishing kitchen cabinets and enjoys the continuous learning and growth in the industry.
Networking and connecting with others in the industry is valuable for sharing knowledge and experiences.
There are various equipment options available, such as Gola pumps, that can improve efficiency and profitability in painting projects.
Titles:
The Value of Networking in the Industry
Finding Your Niche in the Painting Business
Sound Bites:
"I was at Paintline on Tuesday and their new racks that they came out with and their new spray twirly. I am so stoked on that thing."
"I'm ready to start spraying in the metaverse if you want your like metaverse cabinets refinish I got you"
"There was, what was that? I can't even remember that booth. was, you know, not it's on this side, but they were using the rope robot to pick up and put the pieces on. I think it was styles."
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction and Technical Difficulties
03:18
Overview of IWF 2024 Trade Show
08:17
Moose Christian's Journey in the Painting Business
12:58
The Value of Networking in the Industry
17:30
Exploring Innovative Coatings and Equipment
22:05
Nightlife and Future Plans
Sunday Aug 11, 2024
Sunday Aug 11, 2024
Summary:
In this episode of the Bearded Finisher Podcast, Zach interviews Matt Ryan, a paint industry veteran. They discuss their preference for interior or exterior painting, Matt's journey in the painting business, his transition to the distribution world, and his passion for water-based wood coatings. The conversation highlights the importance of finding passion in your work and the value of time versus money. The conversation revolves around the longevity and success of the paint store, Johnston Paint & Decorating, which has been in business for 99 years. The key themes include the importance of community involvement, building relationships with customers, and the challenges of working with water-based coatings. The conversation also touches on trends in the painting industry, such as the popularity of green cabinets and the comeback of stain. The most common question the speaker receives is about micro bubbles in water-based coatings. In this conversation, They discuss the importance of education and continuous learning in the coatings industry. They emphasize the need for painters to find a product that works for them and stick with it, rather than constantly switching products. They also highlight the value of helping others and providing guidance and support to those who are new to the industry. Matt shares his passion for elevating the trades and promoting respect for the painting profession. They discuss the changing perception of painters and the need to attract younger people to the industry. Matt also reveals his love for sports and his involvement in the recovery community.
Keywords:
painting business, weather, interior painting, exterior painting, water-based wood coatings, distribution, VRBO, entrepreneurship, paint store, longevity, success, community involvement, relationships, water-based coatings, trends, green cabinets, stain, micro bubbles, education, continuous learning, coatings industry, product selection, helping others, trades, respect, painting profession, attracting younger people, sports, recovery community
Takeaways:
Find passion in your work and do what you love.Value your time and understand the importance of time versus money.Explore different opportunities and be open to new ventures.Helping others and providing guidance and support is a valuable aspect of the coatings industry.Elevate the trades and promote respect for the painting profession.Attract younger people to the industry by showcasing the opportunities and fun it offers.Continuous learning and self-education are essential for success in the industry.Matt Ryan is passionate about sports and is involved in the recovery community.
Titles:
The Value of Time versus MoneyBuilding a Backup Plan for the Future Challenges and Considerations with Water-Based CoatingsThe Importance of Community Involvement and Building Relationships Attracting Younger People to the Coatings IndustryThe Importance of Product Selection and Consistency
Sound Bites:
"There's something called the black hole of paint and you never get out of it."
"Find a product that works for you and stick with it."
"Sometimes you just need to put the paint in the hopper and shoot it and it comes out perfect."
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction
01:05
Preference for Interior or Exterior Painting
05:23
The Transition to Water-Based Wood Coatings
08:09
The Value of Time versus Money
22:52
The Importance of Community Involvement and Building Relationships
28:34
Challenges and Considerations with Water-Based Coatings
31:23
Trends in the Painting Industry & Product Selection
55:42
Elevating the Trades and Promoting Respect
01:06:26
Matt Ryan's Passion for Sports and Recovery Community
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Summary:
In this episode of the Bearded Finisher podcast, Zach Shrum interviews Corrie Leister from Inspired By You. They discuss how Corrie got started in the business, her journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, and the growth of her company. They also talk about the trends in kitchen cabinet refinishing and the importance of finding the right people for each role in the business. In this conversation, Corrie Leister and Zach Shrum discuss the importance of investing in oneself and creating a positive and memorable experience for customers and employees. They emphasize the value of continuous learning and the need for training in the painting industry. Corrie shares her passion for coaching volleyball and building leaders in the next generation. They also mention upcoming classes and resources available through Inspired by You.
Keywords:
Bearded Finisher podcast, Corrie Leister, Inspired By You, entrepreneurship, teaching, kitchen cabinet refinishing, trends, finding the right people, investing in oneself, creating a positive experience, continuous learning, training, coaching, building leaders
Takeaways:
Corrie Leister started her business, Inspired By You, after leaving her teaching job and discovering her passion for painting and art.
She started with kitchen cabinet painting and expanded into other areas of furniture art and home decor.
Corrie created a Facebook group, Kitchen Cabinet Painting Experts, which grew into a community of professionals sharing knowledge and elevating the trade.
Inspired By You now has 20 employees, including part-time moms, and operates with different teams for prep, spray, installation, and coordination.
The trend in kitchen cabinet refinishing is moving away from yellow and orange tones and towards neutral colors like greens and beige.
Corrie emphasizes the importance of finding the right people for each role in the business and creating a positive and supportive culture. Investing in oneself is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Creating a positive and memorable experience for customers and employees is essential for business success.
Continuous learning and training are necessary in the painting industry to stay competitive.
Coaching and building leaders in the next generation is a fulfilling endeavor.
Inspired by You offers classes and resources to help painters improve their skills and grow their businesses.
Titles:
The Growth of Inspired By You: From Garage to Shop
The Power of Community: Kitchen Cabinet Painting Experts The Value of Continuous Learning and Training
Inspired by You: Classes and Resources for Painters
Sound Bites:
"I love being covered in paint. It just comes with the territory."
"I was like, sure, how hard could it be? You know, like, I'll figure it out. I can't be that hard."
"Through this journey, I started Inspired By You and now we're spraying industrial coatings from a state-of-the-art spray booth."
"Do stuff that's going to bring value to you, not because you need business."
"The best investment you could ever make is the investment in yourself."
"People need to feel appreciated."
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction and Weather Talk
01:21
Corrie's Journey from Teaching to Entrepreneurship
03:36
Starting Inspired By You and the Birth of a Facebook Group
08:03
The Growth of Inspired By You and the Creation of Teams
13:28
Trends in Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing
18:00
Creating a Positive and Supportive Culture at Inspired By You
24:40
Entrepreneurship and Mindset
30:51
Investing in Yourself and Creating a Positive Experience
32:21
The Value of Continuous Learning and Training
35:02
Coaching and Building Leaders in the Next Generation
45:14
Inspired by You: Classes and Resources for Painters
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Summary
In this episode of the Bearded Finisher podcast, Zach Shrum interviews Jacob from Sivam North America and Brian from Focal Finishes. They discuss their backgrounds in the coatings industry and how they ended up in their current positions. Jacob shares his journey from being a third-generation finisher and woodworker to working for Sivam North America. Brian talks about his experience as a painter and how he transitioned into the wood coatings industry. The conversation explores the shift in the finishing industry from acid cure to water-based coatings, with a focus on the North American market. It discusses the reasons behind this shift, including the environmental regulations in Europe and the growing demand for safer and more sustainable products. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, such as the influx of European manufacturers into the North American market and the competition between different Italian coating companies. Additionally, it highlights the differences in marketing and social media presence between European and American manufacturers. They talk about the benefits and challenges of using UV coatings, the importance of finding the right system for each job, and the unique selling points of Focal Finishes. They also share advice for those interested in pursuing a career in the coatings industry and reveal some surprising hobbies outside of work.
Keywords
coatings industry, Sivam North America, Focal Finishes, background, journey, relationships, finishing industry, acid cure, water-based coatings, North American market, environmental regulations, European manufacturers, Italian coating companies, marketing, social media presence, coatings industry, UV coatings, finding the right system, Focal Finishes, career advice, hobbies
Takeaways
The coatings industry is highly interconnected, and relationships play a crucial role in business success.
Sivam North America and Focal Finishes offer unique products and services in the coatings market.
Italian coating companies are expanding their presence in North America, offering a wide range of specialized products.
European manufacturers have a different approach to marketing and social media compared to their American counterparts.
Focal Finishes sets itself apart by pairing equipment with coatings and providing personalized solutions for customers
Advice for those interested in the coatings industry: always be willing to learn and try new things, and don't be afraid to ask for help
Titles
The Growing US Coatings Market
Brian's Background: From Painter to Focal Finishes The Rise of Italian Coating Companies
Emerging Technologies in the Industry Finding the Right System for Each Job
What Sets Focal Finishes Apart from Competitors
Sound Bites
"Once you get into this world, forget it. You're not getting out, it's over."
"It's like an afternoon soap opera. Everybody knows what everybody's doing."
"It ain't broken, why fix it?"
"Find a system and stick to it. Damn it. Quit jumping around every single job that you do."
"95 % of the time you're considering, you know, don't overcomplicate it. Complexity is not always good."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Welcome
01:28
Jacob's Journey: From Finisher to Sivam North America
08:13
Sivam North America and Focal Finishes' Unique Offerings
10:40
The Importance of Relationships in the Coatings Industry
15:04
The Growing US Coatings Market
30:06
Marketing and Social Media in the Finishing Industry
45:59
Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of UV Coatings
53:31
What Sets Focal Finishes Apart from Competitors
55:19
Advice for Those Interested in the Coatings Industry
56:00
Surprising Hobbies: Video Gaming and Flower Arranging
01:00:42
The Fun and Camaraderie of the Coatings Industry
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Summary
In this episode of the Bearded Finisher podcast, Zach Shrum interviews Jacob from Sivam North America and Brian from Focal Finishes. They discuss their backgrounds in the coatings industry and how they ended up in their current positions. Jacob shares his journey from being a third-generation finisher and woodworker to working for Sivam North America. Brian talks about his experience as a painter and how he transitioned into the wood coatings industry. The conversation explores the shift in the finishing industry from acid cure to water-based coatings, with a focus on the North American market. It discusses the reasons behind this shift, including the environmental regulations in Europe and the growing demand for safer and more sustainable products. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, such as the influx of European manufacturers into the North American market and the competition between different Italian coating companies. Additionally, it highlights the differences in marketing and social media presence between European and American manufacturers. They talk about the benefits and challenges of using UV coatings, the importance of finding the right system for each job, and the unique selling points of Focal Finishes. They also share advice for those interested in pursuing a career in the coatings industry and reveal some surprising hobbies outside of work.
Keywords
coatings industry, Sivam North America, Focal Finishes, background, journey, relationships, finishing industry, acid cure, water-based coatings, North American market, environmental regulations, European manufacturers, Italian coating companies, marketing, social media presence, coatings industry, UV coatings, finding the right system, Focal Finishes, career advice, hobbies
Takeaways
The coatings industry is highly interconnected, and relationships play a crucial role in business success.
Sivam North America and Focal Finishes offer unique products and services in the coatings market.
Italian coating companies are expanding their presence in North America, offering a wide range of specialized products.
European manufacturers have a different approach to marketing and social media compared to their American counterparts.
Focal Finishes sets itself apart by pairing equipment with coatings and providing personalized solutions for customers
Advice for those interested in the coatings industry: always be willing to learn and try new things, and don't be afraid to ask for help
Titles
The Growing US Coatings Market
Brian's Background: From Painter to Focal Finishes The Rise of Italian Coating Companies
Emerging Technologies in the Industry Finding the Right System for Each Job
What Sets Focal Finishes Apart from Competitors
Sound Bites
"Once you get into this world, forget it. You're not getting out, it's over."
"It's like an afternoon soap opera. Everybody knows what everybody's doing."
"It ain't broken, why fix it?"
"Find a system and stick to it. Damn it. Quit jumping around every single job that you do."
"95 % of the time you're considering, you know, don't overcomplicate it. Complexity is not always good."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Welcome
01:28
Jacob's Journey: From Finisher to Sivam North America
08:13
Sivam North America and Focal Finishes' Unique Offerings
10:40
The Importance of Relationships in the Coatings Industry
15:04
The Growing US Coatings Market
30:06
Marketing and Social Media in the Finishing Industry
45:59
Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of UV Coatings
53:31
What Sets Focal Finishes Apart from Competitors
55:19
Advice for Those Interested in the Coatings Industry
56:00
Surprising Hobbies: Video Gaming and Flower Arranging
01:00:42
The Fun and Camaraderie of the Coatings Industry
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Summary:
In this episode, Zach Shrum interviews Peter Cutrona from Ravago Chemical North America. They discuss Peter's background in the coatings industry and his experience working for different companies. They also talk about the dynamics of the coatings industry, the importance of relationships, and the challenges of working for global companies. Zach and Peter discuss the importance of trust and building relationships in the coatings industry. They also talk about the history and offerings of Ravago, a company centric in plastics and recycling. Peter shares his insights on the advancements in waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) and the challenges of formulating coatings for different applications. They express their passion for the industry and the need to attract younger generations to ensure its future. In this conversation, Peter Cutrona and Zach Shrum discuss the importance of innovation in the coatings industry and the need for collaboration between manufacturers and applicators. They also highlight the opportunities for young professionals in the industry and the importance of finding a niche. The conversation concludes with a call to embrace change and work towards closer collaboration within the industry.
Keywords:
coatings industry, background, experience, relationships, challenges, global companies, sales meeting, trust, relationships, coatings industry, Ravago, plastics, recycling, waterborne polyurethane dispersions, PUDs, formulation, applications, younger generations, innovation, collaboration, coatings industry, young professionals, niche, sculpting, tennis, golf, pickleball, road cycling, change
Takeaways:
The coatings industry is a small and interconnected community where relationships and reputation are important.
Working for global companies can have its challenges, including dealing with shareholders and adapting to different cultures.
Despite competition, there is a sense of camaraderie in the industry, with professionals often collaborating and supporting each other.
Advancements in waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) have improved their durability and applicability.
There are opportunities for young professionals in the industry, and they can pursue education in coding chemistry or gain on-the-job training to become successful in sales or lab roles.
Finding a niche and specializing in a specific area can lead to success, even for smaller companies competing against larger ones.
The coatings industry should strive for closer collaboration and communication between manufacturers, applicators, and distributors.
Titles:
The Evolution of the Wood Coatings Market
Maintaining Professionalism in Business Interactions Challenges and Innovations in Coating Formulation
Ravago: A Company Centric in Plastics and Recycling Finding Success in a Niche Market
Peter's Passion for Sculpting and Sports
Sound Bites:
"We're going to go to this guy if you don't get your act together."
"May the best paint company win, but this is wrong."
"It's okay to get a little dirty."
"We would have a principal come in and give a technical talk to the chemists in the PNW"
"We need to promote this show to both sides of the business"
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction and Weather Talk
01:59
Peter's Background in the Coatings Industry
14:55
Experiences with Wood Coatings
25:55
Ravago: A Company Centric in Plastics and Recycling
40:26
Advancements in Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs)
46:00
Attracting Younger Generations to the Coatings Industry
48:11
Driving Innovation in the Coatings Industry
52:34
Finding Success in a Niche Market
56:13
Education and On-the-Job Training in the Industry
01:06:19
Peter's Passion for Sculpting and Sports
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
Summary:
Jim Carrigan, owner of Jeco Finishing, shares his journey into the world of finishing and the benefits of pre-finishing cabinets. He emphasizes the importance of systemizing processes and using a consistent product line to maintain high quality and craftsmanship. The conversation covers various topics related to the woodworking and finishing industry. Some of the main themes include the challenges of moving to a new location, the importance of building relationships with clients, the shift towards stains and away from paint, the use of Vero and other special effects in finishing, and the potential of micronized pigment stains. The conversation also touches on the benefits of making your own colors and the need for a larger skilled finishing base in the industry. In this final part of the conversation, Jim Carrigan and Zach Shrum discuss the challenges of stain matching and the preferences of North American customers. They also touch on the importance of continuous learning and the need for more training and accreditation in the finishing industry. Jim shares his advice for those wanting to get into the finishing game and emphasizes the importance of staying teachable and finding a niche. They also discuss the role of social media in the industry.
Keywords:
finishing, pre-finishing, cabinet finishing, wood finishing, solvent 2K coatings, craftsmanship, quality, systemizing processes, customer expectations, woodworking, finishing, challenges, moving, building relationships, stains, paint, Vero, special effects, micronized pigment stains, making colors, skilled finishing base, stain matching, North American market, continuous learning, training, accreditation, finishing industry, social media, coaching
Takeaways:
Pre-finishing cabinets can shorten the construction cycle and improve overall project efficiency.
Systemizing processes and using a consistent product line are key to maintaining high quality and craftsmanship.
Solvent 2K coatings offer flexibility and durability, making them a preferred choice for finishing cabinets.
Building strong relationships with clients is crucial for maintaining goodwill and customer loyalty.
Vero and other special effects in finishing are becoming popular, allowing for unique and creative designs.
Making your own colors can significantly reduce material costs and provide more flexibility in color matching.
Continuous learning and staying teachable are crucial in the finishing industry.
More training and accreditation are needed in the finishing industry.
Social media can be a valuable tool for learning and connecting with others in the industry.
Titles:
Managing a High-Volume Finishing Shop
The Benefits of Pre-Finishing Cabinets The Shift Towards Stains
The Benefits of Making Your Own Colors Jim Carrigan's Involvement in Coaching
Transitioning Customers to DIY Staining
Sound Bites:
"Pre-finishing is the way to go. It shortens the construction cycle and improves efficiency."
"Systemize, systemize, systemize. Follow the same steps every time for consistent results."
"Solvent 2K coatings are a game changer. There's no better product for finishing cabinets."
"Your clients probably don't even consider going anywhere because it hasn't changed anything."
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction and Personal Background
03:03
Getting into Finishing and the Transition to Pre-Finishing
11:58
Systemizing Processes for High Quality
18:58
Managing a High-Volume Finishing Shop
31:12
Building Strong Relationships with Clients
33:35
The Shift Towards Stains
39:09
Exploring Vero and Special Effects in Finishing
52:39
The Need for a Larger Skilled Finishing Base
55:08
Continuous Learning and Staying Teachable
01:03:36
The Need for More Training and Accreditation & Social Media
01:15:17
Jim Carrigan's Involvement in Coaching
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Summary:
Robert Chickey shares his journey in the coatings industry and how he got involved with Vero Metals. He started as a painting contractor and transitioned to wood finishes, specializing in historically accurate coatings. After a career-ending injury, he shut down his company and became a consultant. He later became the trainer for Vero Metal and worked on getting the product spec'd by architects and designers. He emphasizes the importance of learning the language of architects and designers and building a certified application specialist program. In this part of the conversation, Robert Chickey discusses the importance of community and knowledge sharing in the finishing industry. He emphasizes the need for finishers to invest in their own education and skill development. Robert explains the features and applications of VeroMetal, a liquid metal coating, and how it offers advantages over traditional metals. He shares lessons he has learned in business, including the importance of knowing your costs and pricing your services accordingly. In this final part of the conversation, Robert Chickey emphasizes the importance of mindset and willingness to change in achieving elite-level success. He encourages finishers to invest in themselves and seek guidance from coaches or consultants to accelerate their growth. Robert also discusses the need for training and education in the coatings industry. The conversation concludes with Robert sharing his social media profiles for those interested in following his work.
Keywords:
coatings industry, Vero Metals, painting contractor, wood finishes, historically accurate coatings, consultant, trainer, spec'd, architects, designers, certified application specialist, community, knowledge sharing, education, skill development, color skills, business principles, VeroMetal, liquid metal coating, advantages, lessons learned, costs, pricing, mindset, elite-level success, investment, guidance, training, education, coatings industry, color matching, stain clarity, Adler, grinding pigments, social media
Takeaways:
VeroMetal offers advantages over traditional metals, such as the ability to create complex shapes and lighter weight options.
Knowing your costs and pricing your services accordingly is key to running a successful business. Mindset is crucial for achieving elite-level success in any industry.
Investing in oneself and seeking guidance from coaches or consultants can accelerate growth and success.
Training and education are essential in the coatings industry, particularly in areas like color matching and stain clarity.
Titles:
Advantages of VeroMetal as a Liquid Metal Coating Investing in Yourself for Accelerated Growth
The Power of Mindset and Willingness to Change
Sound Bites:
"The community aspect is super important to me."
"Investing in yourself is a gauge for me to say, you are worthy of my time."
"Lots of people are good at building shit and suck at finishing."
"The difference between average or above average and elite is not skill set. It's mindset."
"We need more women to want to come in this space."
Chapters:
00:00:00
Introduction & Part 2 Intro
01:17:01
Advantages of VeroMetal as a Liquid Metal Coating
10:15:20
Lessons Learned in Business: Knowing Your Costs and Pricing Your Services
25:22:32
The Power of Mindset and Willingness to Change
40:45:01
Advancements in Grinding Pigments for Better Coatings
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
Summary:
Robert Chickey shares his journey in the coatings industry and how he got involved with Vero Metals. He started as a painting contractor and transitioned to wood finishes, specializing in historically accurate coatings. After a career-ending injury, he shut down his company and became a consultant. He later became the trainer for Vero Metal and worked on getting the product spec'd by architects and designers. He emphasizes the importance of learning the language of architects and designers and building a certified application specialist program. In this part of the conversation, Robert Chickey discusses the importance of community and knowledge sharing in the finishing industry. He emphasizes the need for finishers to invest in their own education and skill development. He also highlights the significance of color skills in finishing and the value of understanding business principles. Robert explains the features and applications of VeroMetal, a liquid metal coating, and how it offers advantages over traditional metals. He shares lessons he has learned in business, including the importance of knowing your costs and pricing your services accordingly. In this final part of the conversation, Robert Chickey emphasizes the importance of mindset and willingness to change in achieving elite-level success. He encourages finishers to invest in themselves and seek guidance from coaches or consultants to accelerate their growth. The conversation concludes with Robert sharing his social media profiles for those interested in following his work.
Keywords:
coatings industry, Vero Metals, painting contractor, wood finishes, historically accurate coatings, consultant, trainer, spec'd, architects, designers, certified application specialist, community, knowledge sharing, education, skill development, color skills, business principles, VeroMetal, liquid metal coating, advantages, lessons learned, costs, pricing, mindset, elite-level success, investment, guidance, training, education, coatings industry, color matching, stain clarity, Adler, grinding pigments, social media
Takeaways:
The importance of having separate skill sets when starting a business partnership
The value of learning from failures and being willing to take risks
The significance of being able to control the outcome in the wood finishing industry
The challenges and rewards of working at an elite level in the coatings industry
The need to adapt and persevere in the face of obstacles
The importance of learning the language of architects and designers to establish credibility
The process of building a certified application specialist program
The significance of getting the product spec'd by architects and designers
The role of social media in promoting and growing a business Investing in education and skill development is crucial for finishers in the industry.
Color skills are highly valuable in finishing, and understanding business principles is essential for success.
Titles:
Becoming the Trainer for Vero Metal
Growing a Business through Social Media The Significance of Color Skills in Finishing
Sound Bites:
"You can't have two people to do the same thing. You have to have two people that have separate skill sets that can play nice together."
"I started my second company in 1991 and we started out as painters, painting contractors. We did mostly paint, but back in the 90s, at least in Minnesota where I'm based, everything was white."
"The path for getting wood to look like that was not possible with what was in the marketplace. So I pretty much disregarded what was in the marketplace and went kind of down the rabbit hole."
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction and Background
10:19
Challenges and Perseverance
30:37
Building a Certified Application Specialist Program
39:24
Advantages of VeroMetal as a Liquid Metal Coating
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
Summary:
In this episode of the Beard and Finisher podcast, host Zach interviews Alex Koves, the founder of Markov, a company that specializes in ERP software for manufacturing. They discuss Alex's background and how Markov focuses on simplifying complex manufacturing processes, particularly in the coatings and batch processing industry. They talk about the challenges of ERP implementations and the importance of investing in change and having knowledgeable implementers. They also touch on the trend of integrating more technology, such as mobile devices, into the manufacturing process. In this conversation, Zach and Alex discuss the challenges and lessons learned in running a small business, including the importance of delegation and trusting your team. They also explore strategies for finding the best clients and staying ahead of technology. Alex shares his passion for judo and the importance of balancing work and family life. They also discuss the need for solutions in creating safety data sheets and accessing quality control results in a more efficient manner.
Keywords:
ERP software, manufacturing, coatings, batch processing, complexity, implementation, technology integration, small business, delegation, trust, clients, technology, judo, work-life balance, safety data sheets, quality control
Takeaways:
Markov specializes in ERP software for manufacturing, particularly in the coatings and batch processing industry.
ERP implementations can be challenging, but investing in change and having knowledgeable implementers can increase the success rate.
Integrating technology, such as mobile devices, into the manufacturing process can improve efficiency and accuracy.
Markov focuses on providing solutions that simplify complex manufacturing processes and help companies stay organized as they scale up. Delegation and trusting your team are crucial for business growth and success.
Focus and specialization are key to attracting the best clients and staying ahead of technology.
Balancing work and family life is important for personal well-being and happiness.
Creating efficient solutions for safety data sheets and accessing quality control results can greatly benefit manufacturers.
Titles:
The Benefits of Integrating Technology in Manufacturing
Markov: Helping Manufacturers Stay Organized and Scale Up Balancing Work and Family Life: The Key to Personal Well-being
Efficient Solutions for Safety Data Sheets and Quality Control
Sound Bites:
"Where you find complexity, there's usually value buried there, and when you can tame it."
"Being a smaller niche supplier and developer definitely has its privileges and advantages."
"The average implementation time for an ERP is nine months."
"That's huge."
"Right, who's checking the grades? Yeah."
"Now it feels easy to do that, but that was a real challenge."
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction and Background
07:00
The Benefits of Being a Niche Supplier
14:30
The Average Implementation Time for an ERP
30:28
Simplifying ERP Implementations