News and commentary on the closing of Kelly-Moore, and tracking THE lies of Charles Gassenhemier.

Join me and my co-host Steve Rice as we test a new format created just for you. If you're a paint geek! This episode I'll introduce you to both Steve and our new format, starting you off with some tips for dealers about diversifying their businesses. And the one about my daughter Miranda. Join us for the laugh!

In THE News! With News and analysis for independent paint retailers for August 21, 2023. THE earnings! With coverage of earnings and sales results from Sherwin-Williams, PPG and Masco. And guess what? Dealers are doing better!

As a paint retailer it's hard to distinguish your stores from other retailers in the space, often leaving price and location as the only reason a customer favors you over S-W, HD or even another independent. To ensure I stood above THE crowd while calling on NY's industrial coatings users, I stood on my certification NACE Level III Coatings Inspector. THE strategy paying off to the tune of million's of dollars in additional sales over the course of my career. Almost all of which were at a higher GP than anything I was making selling Regal to NYC painters! Recent, industry veteran Steve Rice reached out to say hello and as we chatted it became clear that Steve had used NACE certification to advance his career in the same way I had and so I asked him to join me on a podcast so we could share the strategy which made us both so successful in the industrial coatings markets. Whether you're a small dealer looking to make your stores stand out in a crowded market or a larger retailer looking to grow industrial to what it should be, 30% of your total coatings sales, this episode is for you!

My analysis of the paint industry's performance so-far this year. Plus the one about the time John Morikis got caught stretching THE truth! Results and analysis on SW, PPG, Ace, Masco & HD, and THE independent channel! THE best 13-minutes in paint!

Mother-daughter painting contractors Billie Machain and Veronica Tucci made time in their busy schedules to record a podcast with me recently. THE women are so busy because in addition to managing their rapidly expanding Philadelphia-based commercial painting business the pair were recently named one of Behr's top "Women in Paint" for 2023! In this entertaining 15-minute episode Billie and Veronica do all the talking, sharing their paint bonafides with stints at Sherwin-Williams, Duron as well as time in THE independent channel while working for Buten's! Now teaming up as painting contractors, THE pair share their secrets for success, including how they take advantage of laws and other policies which give advantage to women, veteran, minority-owned businesses. If you're a female, minority, veteran-owned dealer, you need to listen to this episode!

Now the chain's paint department manager Jon Dazey began his career at White's as an OSR: an all-expenses paid outside sales rep for the chain of lumberyards compliments of Benjmain Moore. (Pssst, they'll give you one too!) And while interesting, we don't spend much time discussing Jon's career path because dealers want will want to hear how White's is using industrial products and a focus on governments to grow his paint sales. And he wants to tell you how to do it!

Join me as I talk insurance with Matt Rogers of Papenhausen Hardware in San Francisco. Matt is an accidental expert on what insurance independent paint and hardware retailers need: Rogers had to rebuild Papenhausen after a fire destroyed the 100+ year-old business. TWICE! When he was done rebuilding his store the second time, Matt started a trade organization for independent home improvement retailers and a LinkedIn group where paint and hardware dealers can connect with other independents. To offer or obtain advice and support, share experiences or just tell a tale from behind THE counter.

Join me as I discuss hiring and retention with Gina Schaefer of the 13-store Washington, DC ACE retailer "A Few Cool Hardware Stores" Despite chronic nationwide labor shortages and high turnover rates for retail employers, Gina continues to hire and retain employees. Gina's strategies, plus her efforts in employee training and development, has driven her turnover rate as low as 25% in some stores! Gina said all THE work, All you have to do is listen! (Sorry btw about the reduced audio quality. I'm not sure what happened there but I'll get right on that.)

In THE News! February 16, 2023. In the news this week are earnings reports from Sherwin-Williams, PPG and RPM. As well as forecasts from all three for a challenging 2023 for paint sellers! Plus, what body part Sherwin chief executive John Morikis most resembles when he bullies his employees!