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

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

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