TheBeardedFinisher Podcast

The Power of Focus: How Henry Maez Turned Challenges into Opportunities

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

New Doors, New Horizons: Scaling a Painting Business with Chris Salisbury

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

From Artist to Finishing Pro: Konstantin’s Blueprint for Success

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

Live at IWF 2024 With Skylar!!

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

Live At IWF 2024 With Christian!!

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

Navigating Water-Based Coatings: Challenges, Trends, and Industry Insights with Matt Ryan

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

From Teacher to Entrepreneur: The Rise of Inspired By U with Corrie Leister

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

From Tradition to Innovation: Insights from Sivam North America and Focal Finishes

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

From Tradition to Innovation: Insights from Sivam North America and Focal Finishes

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

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Coatings Industry with Peter Cutrona

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