TheBeardedFinisher Podcast

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Jeremy Mastretta to explore his journey from the painting trade in Connecticut to launching a plaster-focused brand in Bozeman, Montana. Jeremy opens up about his early days as a young worker, the move west that changed his life, and how he embraced the art of plastering through hard work and constant learning. You’ll...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with the team from Rise Up Labels to explore how a sticky label problem turned into a full-fledged business revolutionizing the woodworking industry. From the creation of their residue-free RiseClean labels to the evolution of their product line, Rise Up Labels has become known for delivering innovative, hi...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Beard and Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum welcomes Jamie Bourne of Abode Academy to talk about his journey from traditional decorator to one of the UK’s leading trainers in spray finishing. Jamie shares how he transitioned into education, the rise of spray techniques across the UK, and why specialty finishes like liquid metal and spray stone are creating new in...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Beard and Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum sits down with Gary LeClerc, founder of Stripwell, to discuss his journey from furniture restoration to developing eco-friendly stripping solutions that challenge industry norms. Gary shares the inspiration behind Stripwell, the challenges of educating consumers on innovative products, and the importance of versatility...

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...

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 b...

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...

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 i...

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 s...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Jeff Halonen, co-founder of Steelhead Technologies, to discuss how digital solutions are transforming job shop and service-based manufacturing. Jeff shares his journey from a mechanical engineering background at General Motors to building Steelhead, a software platform designed to improve workflow efficien...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Kyle Hansen, a paint distributor from Calgary and owner of a Benjamin Moore paint store. Kyle shares his journey from the mortgage industry to the paint distribution world, detailing the challenges of inventory management, understanding product lines, and the critical role of market research. The conversat...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Shane Woods, founder of the Fine Finish Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to vocational training and community support in the finishing industry. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction and finding purpose through service, emphasizing the transformative power of education and c...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Aaron Moore from Moore’s Refinishing to discuss his journey from high school woodshop enthusiast to successful business owner. Aaron shares his insights on the transformative role of social media in business growth, the importance of building client relationships, and adapting to market changes. They delve...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Louis Jasso, a seasoned expert in the finishing and manufacturing industry. Louis shares his journey from working in the family business to transitioning into manufacturing and distribution, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships in business. He discusses the unique challenges of the c...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Matt Springer, founder of Clean Armor, to explore his groundbreaking work in coatings technology. Matt shares his journey from restoration and refinishing to developing Clean Armor’s innovative polymer-based coating system. They discuss the science behind UV coatings, their diverse applications, and th...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum chats with Cait from Vintage by Cait, who shares her inspiring journey into the cabinet refinishing industry. Cait discusses how she transitioned from bartending to running her own business during the COVID pandemic, overcoming challenges and building her brand through social media. She highlights the importance of prepar...

Title: From Film to Finishing: DC Clark’s Vision for Accessa and the Coatings Industry Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum sits down with DC Clark, founder of Accessa, to discuss his fascinating journey from the film industry to the coatings sector. DC shares the evolution of his company from Clark Deco to Accessa, highlighting how market demands shaped the...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum interviews Chris Riker, founder of My Paint Buckets, a software solution tailored for the painting industry. Chris shares his inspiring journey from a military career to becoming a painting business owner and software creator. He highlights the challenges painters face, such as inefficiencies in material management, sched...

  Sound Bites: "I started making TikToks in high school." "I made my parents $22,000 in one month." "Mentorship helped me skip the learning curve." Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Josh Ocasio and Digital Marketing 04:51 — Mentorship: A Key to Skipping the Learning Curve 09:58 — Social Media Marketing vs. Traditional Advertising 15:01 — Understanding ROI and Effective Lead Generation 19:54 — Buil...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Michael Rossi of Cabinet Coats to discuss his transition from construction to cabinet refinishing and the strategies he’s used to grow his business. Michael shares insights on self-awareness, goal setting, and the importance of building a strong team to focus on the bigger picture. They discuss the ben...

Episode Summary:   In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum chats with Craig McConnell from Midnight Finishing about his journey into the world of finishing, which began after his move to Whistler in 2003. Craig shares how he transitioned into cabinet making and finishing, emphasizing the value of building strong relationships with wood shops and contractors in small commun...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Patrick Sartor, an integration project manager by day and a passionate cabinet finisher by night. Patrick shares his journey into the finishing industry, highlighting the value of preparation, providing a top-tier customer experience, and tackling the unique challenges of water-based coatings. They discuss...

Episode Summary:   In this Bearded Finisher Podcast episode, Zach Shrum interviews Nick Slavik, a renowned painting contractor, who shares insights on professionalizing a painting business and strategies for growth. The discussion covers key topics like the role of facial hair, optimizing crew size, the timing for adding estimators and office staff, and the impact of professionalism in client rela...

Summary:   In this episode of the Bearded Finisher podcast, Zach Shrum interviews James Kelly, founder of Jimmy Pro, a company specializing in tools for the painting industry. They discuss James' background in the finishing business, his journey in starting Jimmy Pro, and the innovative products they offer. James shares the inspiration behind products like the ventilation port and filtration boxes...

  Summary:  In this episode of the Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum speaks with Austin Waldo, a prominent figure in the woodworking community and founder of the Austin School of Furniture and the Texas Woodworking Festival. They discuss Austin's journey from a digital marketing professional to a woodworking entrepreneur, the growth of the Texas Woodworking Festival, and the challenges fac...