In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Bret Johnson, Lab Manager at Superfici, to discuss the cutting-edge innovations shaping today’s coatings and finishing industry. From the rapid advancements in water-based and UV coatings to the rise of automation and modular equipment, Bret shares valuable insights from his years in the lab and on the trade show floor. The conversation dives into the real-world challenges small shops face, including labor costs, equipment setup, and the importance of choosing systems that improve both efficiency and quality. Bret and Zach also explore Superfici’s long-standing legacy, the evolution of automated color change and closed-loop systems, and the vital role of relationships, service, and support in driving success. Whether you’re a finisher, manufacturer, or coatings professional, this episode offers a deep look at where the industry is headed — and how to stay ahead of the curve. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Superfici and AWFS Show Highlights 05:04 – The Rise of UV Coatings in the Market 10:37 – Bret Johnson's Journey in the Coatings Industry 16:10 – Lab Work and Product Development Insights 23:43 – Building Relationships in the Coating Industry 31:08 – The Shift Towards Automation in Small Businesses 36:04 – Overcoming Color Change Challenges in Finishing 41:40 – Understanding Equipment Options and Modular Systems 48:32 – The Pros and Cons of Paper vs. Belt Systems 53:49 – Innovative Finishing Solutions 58:26 – Automation and Efficiency in Finishing 01:05:09 – Superfici: Company Overview and Structure 01:09:32 – Advice to Younger Self and Personal Insights 01:18:07 – Closing Thoughts Connect with Bret Johnson & Superfici 🌐 Website: superficiamerica.com 📸 Instagram: @superficiamerica 💼 LinkedIn: Superfici America Follow Superfici for the latest innovations in coating systems, automation, and finishing technology.

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Mark Lipton, a seasoned voice in the paint industry with a family legacy that began in the Bronx and spans multiple generations of paint retailers. Mark shares his firsthand insights on the evolution of paint manufacturing, the disruption caused by Kelly Moore’s acquisition, and the growing influence of private equity in the coatings sector. The conversation explores the realities independent paint retailers face when competing with big box stores, the strategic role of partnerships like Benjamin Moore and ACE, and the impact of shifting consumer preferences. From regulatory changes and safety in manufacturing to technology in retail and the uncertain future of U.S. paint production, Mark offers a candid look at where the industry has been—and where it’s headed. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Mark Lipton 02:29 – Mark's Journey in the Paint Industry 05:18 – Family Legacy in Paint Retailing 09:43 – The Evolution of Paint Manufacturing and Safety 13:09 – The Kelly Moore Controversy 24:17 – Industry Consolidation and Future Trends 28:57 – The Evolution of Paint Manufacturing 34:11 – Private Equity's Impact on the Paint Industry 34:59 – Understanding the Richards Acquisition 52:19 – The Shift in DIY Paint Market Dynamics 57:19 – Navigating Career Challenges and Opportunities 58:59 – Innovative Business Models in Retail 01:01:04 – The Importance of Technology in Retail 01:03:02 – Fragmentation in the Paint Industry 01:05:32 – The Need for Integrated Systems 01:10:46 – Private Equity and Its Impact on the Industry 01:13:20 – Manufacturing Challenges and Opportunities 01:15:08 – The Future of the U.S. Economy 01:19:10 – The Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Growth 01:23:21 – Closing Thoughts & Outro   Connect with Mark Lipton 📸 Linked In: @markliptonpaint  🎙️ Podcast: Mark My Words (available on major platforms)🌐 Website: markliptonpaint.com Follow Mark for in-depth commentary on the paint business, retail strategies, and industry insights.

Hey everyone, quick update. The Bearded Finisher Podcast has been an absolute blast to create — I’ve loved the conversations, the guests, and connecting with all of you. But here’s the real talk: this show isn’t without cost. And with us moving to Colorado and me juggling other business projects, I feel the best way to keep the podcast alive and strong is to switch to a biweekly release schedule. That way I can keep the quality high, keep bringing you great guests, and make sure this thing keeps going instead of burning out. We’ll see how you guys respond and adjust from there — but I just want to say thank you for supporting the show. It means a lot. Have a great day, and I’ll see you next Monday with a brand-new episode.

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Denny Jahnz to explore his journey from business ownership to corporate life with SurfPrep. Denny shares candid insights on managing burnout, setting healthy boundaries, and finding balance between passion and work. The conversation dives deep into manufacturing innovation, sanding tools, and product development, while also examining the realities of corporate culture and team dynamics. Zach and Denny reflect on the relevance of industry trade shows like AWFS, the rising costs of Vegas hospitality, and how AI and automation are reshaping craftsmanship and consumer expectations. This episode blends personal reflection with business strategy, offering both entrepreneurs and industry professionals valuable lessons on adaptability, innovation, and sustainable growth. Chapters: 00:00 – Transitioning from Business Owner to Corporate Life 02:59 – Understanding Burnout and Stress Management 05:56 – Finding Balance as a Business Owner 08:46 – Navigating Corporate Culture and Values 11:59 – Innovating in the Manufacturing Sector 15:01 – Pushing Boundaries in Product Development 25:33 – Understanding Team Dynamics in Business 28:13 – Innovative Approaches to Sanding Tools 30:58 – The Importance of Versatility in Tool Usage 34:05 – Navigating the Industrial and Retail Landscape 47:03 – Reflections on AWFS and Industry Trends 52:38 – The Rising Costs of Vegas Dining 54:05 – Shifts in Vegas Hospitality and Ownership 55:40 – Innovations in Technology at Trade Shows 57:47 – The Impact of AI on the Industry 01:01:55 – The Future of Craftsmanship and Technology 01:10:57 – Transitioning from Business Owner to Employee Connect with Denny Jahnz 📸 Instagram: @surfprepsanding 🌐 Website: www.surfprepsanding.com 📧 Email: Via SurfPrep contact page Follow Denny and the SurfPrep team for updates on sanding tools, innovations, and industry education.

Episode Summary In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Josh Ocasio, a digital marketing strategist who has managed over $16 million in paid ads and generated more than $70 million in revenue for his clients. Together, they dive deep into how local, service-based businesses can build authority online, leverage social proof, and use video content to stand out in competitive markets. Josh shares practical insights on adapting marketing strategies for today’s social media landscape, where traditional tactics often fall flat. He explains why video testimonials boost conversions, how text follow-ups outperform email, and why consistent engagement with prospects is key to nurturing leads. The conversation also highlights onboarding strategies, campaign automation, and cost-effective ways small businesses can maximize their ad spend while building trust and authority in their communities. Whether you’re a business owner, service provider, or entrepreneur looking to strengthen your marketing, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you grow smarter, not harder. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Josh Ocasio and His Business 03:02 – Building Authority Online for Local Businesses 06:08 – The Evolution of Social Media Marketing 09:03 – Content Creation Strategies for Engagement 12:00 – Adapting Online Strategies for Local Businesses 14:57 – The Power of Testimonials and Video Content 18:14 – Nurturing Leads Through Effective Communication 24:53 – The Power of Local Authority vs. Online Presence 30:01 – Maximizing Ad Spend for Small Businesses 36:18 – Effective Onboarding for Service-Based Businesses 48:57 – Efficient Content Creation for Local Clients 53:02 – Launching Effective Campaigns 56:03 – Lead Generation and Nurturing Strategies 01:00:59 – The Value of Automation in Sales 01:05:50 – Success Stories and Overcoming Hesitations   Connect with Josh Ocasio Instagram: @joshocasio  Website: Coming Soon Online Article: New York Weekly Email: Via Instagram DM Follow Josh for insights on authority building, local marketing, and effective strategies to grow your service-based business.

Episode Summary In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Matt from MF Paint to explore his remarkable journey from endurance athlete to painter and entrepreneur. Growing up in a family of contractors, Matt’s early life was shaped by construction and craftsmanship, but health challenges forced him to pivot and ultimately led him to discover his passion for painting. Matt opens up about the struggles of starting a business in harsh conditions, the lessons learned from home renovation, and the realities of navigating new construction. Together, Zach and Matt dive into the challenges and opportunities in today’s painting industry, including the importance of pricing strategies, mentorship, and focusing on the 20% of work that brings 80% of the profit. Matt also reflects on fatherhood, community, and the personal growth that comes from learning to prioritize what truly matters in life and business. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Setting the Scene 02:23 – Matt's Background and Early Influences 05:13 – Athletic Pursuits and Their Impact 08:03 – Transitioning to the Paint Business 10:52 – Challenges and Growth in the Painting Industry 13:53 – Building a Business and Learning Experiences 16:46 – Navigating New Construction and Trim Carpentry 19:25 – Efficiency in Work and Quality Control 22:05 – Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations 31:15 – Balancing Efficiency and Quality in Painting 35:58 – Transitioning from New Construction to Remodeling 39:49 – Investing in Business Growth and Equipment 44:35 – Exploring New Techniques and Materials 51:08 – Understanding the Business of Painting 56:16 – Resetting Business Focus for Greater Profitability 01:04:16 – The Challenges of New Construction 01:07:41 – Building Relationships and Networking in the Industry 01:09:04 – The Importance of Saying No 01:12:58 – Investing in Your Business 01:17:17 – Personal Growth and Life Lessons 01:20:50 – Advice to My Younger Self 01:23:55 – Finding Balance Between Work and Family Connect with Matt (MF Paint) Instagram: @mf_paint  Facebook: MF Paint Follow Matt for insights on painting, remodeling, and balancing craftsmanship with personal growth.

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Ryan Huisman to explore his remarkable journey from youth pastor to powerhouse in the paint and coatings industry. Ryan reflects on his early days working at Sherwin Williams, building a $6 million store, navigating corporate politics, and eventually transitioning to Miller Paint. From challenges in wood coatings logistics to the growing popularity of water-based products, this episode dives deep into the ever-evolving landscape of paint sales, customer relationships, and staying adaptable in a consolidating market. Ryan’s story is filled with real-world wisdom for anyone in the coatings industry. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Ryan Huisman 02:40 – Ryan's Journey in the Paint Industry 13:31 – Transitioning Through Various Roles 22:47 – Becoming a Store Manager at Sherwin Williams 29:11 – The Rise of a Paint Store 32:29 – Navigating Corporate Challenges 36:05 – Transitioning to Miller Paint 44:11 – From Store Manager to Sales Rep 49:56 – The Impact of Corporate Changes 56:03 – The Paint Industry Landscape 58:35 – Challenges of Transporting Wood Coatings 01:00:11 – Sales Strategies in the Wood Coatings Market 01:04:10 – Impact of Acquisitions on Wood Coatings 01:07:33 – The Shift to Water-Based Products 01:10:02 – Exploring Solvent-Based Innovations 01:14:31 – Common Misconceptions in the Painting Industry 01:19:12 – The Importance of Continuous Learning 01:21:00 – Advice to My Younger Self Connect with Ryan Huisman 📱 Instagram:Instgram/huismanryan

In this special live-on-location episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Skylar and Nippen from SurfPrep and Jakub from Sivam Coatings to explore the latest innovations in finishing and coatings straight from the AWFS show floor in Las Vegas. The conversation covers how automation is transforming sanding processes, alleviating common pain points, and boosting productivity for small shops. The guests share insights on the value of investing in new technology, the importance of training and ongoing support, and how community feedback drives continuous improvement. They also dive into the newest offerings from Sivam Coatings, including their push toward non-isocyanate acrylic products, and share market trends shaping the future of woodworking and finishing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Bearded Finisher Podcast 00:30 Exploring New Technologies in Finishing 01:56 Addressing Pain Points in Sanding 06:00 The Role of Automation in Woodworking 12:40 Community and Continuous Improvement in Automation 12:59 Investment and Value in Automation for Small Shops 15:37 Training and Support for New Technology 19:21 Features and Benefits of the New Sander 22:40 The Future of Finishing Technology 26:16 Networking and Industry Trends at AWFS 30:54 Sivam Coatings: Innovations and Product Lines 51:36 Future Products and Market Trends Connect with SurfPrep 🌐 Website: https://www.surfprepsanding.com 📱 Instagram: SurfPrep Sanding   📱 Facebook: SurfPrep Sanding   Connect with Sivam Coatings 🌐 Website: https://www.sivamcoatings.com 📱 Instagram: Sivam Coatings   📱 Facebook: Sivam Coatings

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum takes us inside the AWFS show for a jam-packed episode with key players in the finishing and coatings industry. From Superfici America’s Mini system to ICRO’s visionary products and Paintline’s evolution, this episode explores the latest tools, trends, and strategies shaping the future of the trade. The discussion highlights a shift toward user-friendly automation, the resurgence of stains, and a continued push for water-based, ISO-free innovations. Whether you’re a seasoned shop owner or just stepping into the finishing world, this episode is loaded with insight. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the Bearded Finisher Podcast 00:28 – Exploring Superfici America and Industry Insights 01:21 – Tony's Journey in the Finishing World 04:42 – The Benefits of the Superfici America Mini 07:01 – User-Friendly Technology in Finishing 08:24 – Understanding Production Footprint and Investment 10:15 – Return on Investment in Automation 12:31 – Quality and Support in Finishing Equipment 14:25 – The Importance of Technical Knowledge in Sales 15:21 – Paper vs. No Paper in Finishing Lines 17:44 – Trends in Stains and Coatings 19:02 – Showcasing Products at AWFS 20:58 – Innovations in the Finishing Industry 23:23 – Sponsorship Opportunities for Brands 23:53 – Introduction to Paintline and Visionary Award 25:47 – The Evolution of Paintline Products 28:07 – Transitioning from Finishing to Manufacturing 30:03 – Updates on Spray Racks and New Products 33:05 – Previewing the New Trim Rack 36:30 – Distribution and Accessibility of Products 39:24 – The Importance of Relationships in the Industry 42:04 – ICRO's Innovations and Market Strategy 44:29 – The Shift Towards Water-Based Products 46:44 – Building Relationships in the Coatings Industry 48:43 – Bobby's Journey in the Finishing Industry 51:00 – The Importance of Technical Knowledge in Sales 52:53 – ICRO’s Visionary Award Winning Product 55:48 – Distribution and Shipping Strategies 01:00:02 – Final Thoughts and Industry Innovations Connect with the Guests 📍 Super Fici – superficiamerica.com  📍 Paintline – thepaintline.com 📍 ICRO Coatings – icro.it/en

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Chris, co-founder of Nudoors, to explore how they’re revolutionizing the cabinet refinishing industry. From certified installer programs to cutting-edge AR tools, the Nudoors system is giving small businesses the ability to scale without the burdens of traditional franchising. Zach and Chris break down the journey of starting a cabinet refinishing company, building innovative products, and developing support systems that empower refinishers nationwide. Whether you're a finisher looking to grow or just curious about where the industry is heading, this one’s packed with insight. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 05:15 – The Journey of Nudoors 12:30 – Certified Installer Program 20:45 – Advanced Technology: New Vision 30:00 – Product Development and Innovation 40:15 – Supporting Business Growth 50:00 – Closing Remarks and Call to Action Connect with Chris – Nudoors 🌐 Website: nudoors.com 📸 Instagram: @nudoors 📧 Email: [email protected] Follow Nudoors to stay updated on certified programs, product innovations, and growth tools for your finishing business.