Welcome to TheBeardedFinisher Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of finishing, painting, manufacturing, and supply chain. Join me as I chat with finishe...
How Did Jamie Neville-Young Turn Dealing in Design into a Restoration Success?
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Beard and Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Jamie Neville-Young, founder of Dealing in Design, to discuss his journey into furniture restoration, the evolution of his business, and the unique challenges of working with both antique and modern pieces. Jamie shares insights into his mobile lifestyle, the intricacies of finishing techniques, and the importance of reversibility in restoration work. His passion for the craft shines through as he emphasizes the artistic nature of restoration and the problem-solving skills required in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
Early Beginnings: Jamie began his journey in furniture restoration at 18 and worked under a mentor for nine years before starting his own business.
Business Evolution: The Dealing in Design podcast served as a catalyst for his business growth, allowing him to connect with a broader audience.
Mobile Lifestyle: Living in a mobile home provides Jamie with flexibility and adventure, influencing his approach to design and restoration.
Finishing Techniques: He emphasizes that preparation constitutes 95% of the work in finishing, highlighting the importance of meticulous groundwork.
Artistic Pursuit: Jamie views restoration as an artistic endeavor, valuing the creative process over the business aspects.
Sound Bites:
"I started my own podcast."
"Shellac is the most used finish."
"Prep is 95% of the work."
"It's an artistic creative pursuit."
"I love having fun with the content."
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Jamie and His Journey
05:57 – The Evolution of Jamie's Business
11:53 – Living the Mobile Life
18:09 – Coatings and Finishing Techniques
24:03 – The Art of Restoration and Problem Solving
28:07 – Understanding Paint Chemistry and Techniques
31:35 – The Journey of Social Media Growth
36:40 – Content Creation Strategies and Audience Engagement
42:12 – Cultural Differences in Business and Content Creation
46:08 – Transitioning to a High-End Business Model
51:41 – Defining Entrepreneurial Success
54:57 – The Cost of Labor and Business Structure
58:12 – Exploring Innovative Finishing Techniques
01:01:45 – The Importance of Continuous Learning
01:03:36 – Future Aspirations and Creative Projects
01:09:00 – Personal Insights and Hobbies
Connect with Jamie and Dealing in Design:
Website: dealingindesign.com
Instagram: @dealingindesign
Spotify Podcast: DEALING in DESIGN with Jamie Neville-Young
For more insights and updates, follow Dealing in Design on their social media platforms.
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1:12:22
Is Diversification the Key to Success? Vince Todd Jr. on Building a Stronger Business!
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Beard and Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Vince Todd Jr., Vice President and Principal at Accessa Coatings Solutions. They discuss Vince's journey in the coatings industry, the evolution of his family business, and the importance of innovation and problem-solving. The conversation delves into strategies for business growth, the significance of building a strong team, and the balance between diversification and maintaining core competencies. Vince also shares personal experiences, including his battle with cancer and the founding of the Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer awareness and research.
Key Takeaways:
Innovation and Problem-Solving: Emphasizing the need for continuous innovation to address challenges in the coatings industry.
Strategic Diversification: Balancing diversification with a focus on core business strengths to drive growth.
Team Building: The critical role of assembling a dedicated and skilled team for business success.
Leadership Transition: Shifting from working within the business to overseeing and guiding its strategic direction.
Personal Resilience: Drawing from personal experiences, such as overcoming cancer, to inspire and lead with empathy.
Sound Bites:
"We want to put our own stamp on it."
"Set a high standard."
"It's all relationship-based, 100%."
"Follow your passion, number one."
"Control the controllables."
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Vince Todd Jr. and Accessa Coatings Solutions
03:01 – Evolution of the Family Business
06:13 – Insights into the Coatings Industry
09:04 – Embracing Innovation and Problem-Solving
12:01 – Balancing Diversification with Core Focus
15:09 – Building and Leading a Strong Team
18:00 – Strategies for Business Expansion
23:51 – Transitioning to Strategic Leadership
29:17 – Adapting to Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
35:53 – Personal Journey: Overcoming Cancer and Founding the Heroes Foundation
50:59 – Future Outlook for Accessa and the Coatings Industry
56:10 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Connect with Accessa Coatings Solutions:
Website: accessa.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AccessaCorp
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/accessa-coatings-solutions
Connect with the Heroes Foundation:
Website: heroesfoundation.org
Facebook: facebook.com/HeroesFoundation
Instagram: instagram.com/heroesfoundation
For more insights and updates, follow Accessa Coatings Solutions and the Heroes Foundation on their social media platforms.
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1:15:04
Struggling to Scale Your Painting Business? Here’s How Oram Painting Did It!
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Beard and Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Joshua Lamoureux, owner of Oram Painting in Calgary, to discuss his journey from student painter to successful entrepreneur. Joshua shares the challenges he faced and the strategies he used to build a thriving painting business. They dive into topics like team management, production strategies, financial oversight, and client relationships, offering valuable insights for anyone in the service industry.
The conversation also explores the evolving labor market, cash flow challenges, and the role of fitness in employee well-being. Joshua explains how investing in branding and perceived value can set a painting business apart and how collaboration within the industry can lead to stronger pricing strategies.
Key Takeaways:
From Student Painter to Business Owner: Joshua transitioned to entrepreneurship after realizing his values didn’t align with his previous employer.
Scaling a Business: Achieved $300K in revenue within the first three quarters.
Client Relationships: Strong personal relationships and trust are key to business growth.
Team Loyalty: Paying employees even during downtime helps maintain a committed workforce.
Production Strategies: Uses a just-in-time model for high-end finishing work.
Cash Flow & Pricing: Payment delays are a common challenge, and understanding pricing structures is critical.
Leadership & Wellness: Investing in employee fitness can improve morale and productivity.
Branding & Perceived Value: Creating an exclusive brand helps attract premium clients.
Sound Bites:
"I hit $300K my first three quarters."
"A lot of guys out there are hesitant to hire people."
"I'm not leaving until I get a check."
"We went all in on fitness in our company."
"Your finish coat should be the fastest thing you do."
Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Joshua Lamoureux and Oram Painting
03:03 — Joshua’s Journey: From Student Painter to Entrepreneur
08:28 — Scaling a Business: Challenges and Early Success
11:01 — Building a Painting Business with Oram Painting
14:12 — Production Strategies and Team Management
19:55 — Business Models and Financial Management
25:06 — Client Relationships and Estimation Practices
30:07 — The Value of Skilled Labor in Painting
31:22 — Understanding Payment Structures
32:31 — Time and Material Contracts Explained
34:31 — Why Trust Is Essential in Client Relationships
35:31 — Commercial vs. Residential Work: Key Differences
39:39 — How to Handle Payment Delays in Construction
40:20 — Assessing Client Trustworthiness Before Taking Jobs
42:23 — Why Timely Payments Are Crucial for Growth
45:36 — Challenges in Custom Home Painting Projects
49:06 — Pricing Strategies: Balancing Quality and Cost
52:20 — The Changing Landscape of Labor Costs
01:00:50 — How Cash Flow Impacts Wages in the Painting Industry
01:01:45 — Solving Labor Shortages with Innovation
01:02:46 — Investing in Employee Wellness and Fitness
01:04:59 — Reframing Leadership to Maximize Employee Potential
01:06:57 — How Fitness Can Improve Work Performance
01:09:17 — Navigating Market Pressures and Pricing Strategies
01:11:47 — How Camaraderie Among Business Owners Helps Pricing
01:13:30 — Shifting Mindsets in the Painting Industry
01:15:43 — The Role of Experience in Service-Based Businesses
01:19:49 — Branding and Perceived Value in a Competitive Market
01:21:10 — Creating an Exclusive Brand to Attract Premium Clients
01:23:53 — Should You Charge for Estimates? How It Impacts Business
Connect with Oram Painting:
Website: orampainting.com
Facebook: facebook.com/orampainting
Instagram: instagram.com/orampainting
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/oram-painting
For more insights and updates, follow Oram Painting on their social media platforms!
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1:29:23
Why Is Wood Finishing the Most Misunderstood Part of the Industry with Joseph Baggett?
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Joseph Baggett, founder of Innovative Wood Process (IWPS), to discuss his journey in the wood finishing industry and the critical role of training and education. Joseph shares insights on the transition to modern finishing technologies like 2K urethanes, the challenges of supply chain management, and the importance of leadership in fostering a learning culture.
The conversation explores the least understood aspects of woodworking, the need for vocational training in finishing, and the significance of cash flow in entrepreneurship. Joseph also highlights the importance of engaging younger generations in the industry, incentivizing training for better worker retention, and balancing work and personal life. Whether you’re a manufacturer, finisher, or business owner, this episode offers valuable lessons on technology adoption, industry leadership, and continuous learning.
Key Takeaways:
Wood finishing remains one of the least understood aspects of woodworking.
IWPS provides a holistic approach to improving the finishing industry.
The demand for vocational training in finishing is growing.
Strong leadership and knowledge sharing improve industry standards.
The transition to 2K urethanes enhances quality and efficiency.
Understanding pot life is crucial for successful product application.
Cash flow management is essential for sustaining a business.
A solid supply chain is key to ensuring product availability and consistency.
Engaging younger generations is necessary for the future of the industry.
Work-life balance is critical for long-term success.
Titles:
Innovating Wood Finishing: Joseph Baggett on Training, Leadership, and 2K Urethanes
The Future of Finishing: Education, Supply Chains, and Industry Growth with Joseph Baggett
Mastering Wood Finishing: Vocational Training, Technology, and Business Success
Sound Bites:
"Finishing is often the least understood part of woodworking."
"Younger generations must be engaged in the industry."
"Quality in finishing can make or break a business."
"A strong supply chain builds trust and ensures growth."
"Leadership in the wood industry requires humility and learning."
Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Joseph Baggett and Innovative Wood Process
06:03 — The Role of Finishing in Woodworking
11:59 — The Growing Need for Vocational Training in Finishing
18:10 — Leadership and Learning in the Wood Industry
23:59 — The Future of Finishing Technologies and 2K Urethanes
30:26 — Understanding Pot Life and Overcoming Industry Challenges
40:20 — The Importance of Building Trust in the Supply Chain
48:40 — Entrepreneurship: Managing Cash Flow and Scaling a Business
56:13 — Balancing Work, Personal Life, and Industry Commitments
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57:41
Mastering Customer Engagement & Business Efficiency with Tanner Mullen
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Tanner Mullen, founder of DripJobs, to discuss his journey from running a painting business to developing a software solution tailored for contractors. Tanner shares how his firsthand experience in the painting industry led him to recognize the need for automation, customer engagement strategies, and streamlined project management.
The conversation dives into the importance of setting clear expectations, aligning sales and production, and managing difficult customers. Tanner also highlights the power of follow-ups, systemizing estimates for consistency, and using technology to scale a business effectively. He shares insights on leadership, extreme accountability, and balancing entrepreneurship with family life. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for painting contractors looking to grow their business through automation and smarter customer interactions.
Key Takeaways:
Tanner transitioned from a corporate job to owning a painting business before launching DripJobs.
Automating customer follow-ups can significantly improve lead conversion.
Understanding the customer journey helps refine engagement and sales strategies.
Systemizing estimates ensures consistency and accuracy in pricing.
Aligning sales and production expectations is crucial for customer satisfaction.
Managing difficult customers requires patience and strong communication skills.
Leveraging technology can streamline operations and help scale a business.
Extreme accountability is essential for leadership and business success.
Balancing work and family life is key to long-term fulfillment.
Titles:
From Painter to Software Innovator: Tanner Mullen’s Journey with DripJobs
Automating Success: How DripJobs is Changing the Painting Industry
Mastering Customer Engagement and Business Growth with Tanner Mullen
Sound Bites:
"I always wanted to own a business."
"It's like crafting a masterpiece."
"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."
"You can charge more."
"Family is number one on my list."
"Embrace technology."
Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Tanner Mullen
01:14 — From Painting to Business Ownership
04:32 — The Birth of DripJobs and Its Mission
10:32 — Understanding Customer Engagement and Follow-Ups
16:38 — Transitioning from Painting to Software Development
20:31 — Challenges in Software and Business Management
23:38 — Taking It One Step at a Time in Business Growth
24:08 — Setting Expectations for Better Leadership
25:02 — The Joy of Transforming Spaces Through Business
26:32 — Managing Difficult Customers with Patience
28:43 — Extreme Accountability and Leadership Lessons
30:34 — Aligning Sales and Production for Efficiency
32:32 — The Importance of Customer Venting and Listening
33:31 — Setting Expectations in Estimates for Clarity
36:55 — Synchronizing Sales and Production Teams
40:00 — Leveraging Technology for Business Efficiency
42:59 — Understanding and Implementing Production Rate Estimating
46:32 — Why Systemizing Estimates Improves Consistency
51:54 — Exclusive Offer for Podcast Listeners
01:01:07 — Enhancing Customer Engagement with Technology
01:04:14 — Balancing Work, Family, and Business Growth
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.