Summary:

In this episode of the Beard and Finisher podcast, host Zach interviews Alex Koves, the founder of Markov, a company that specializes in ERP software for manufacturing. They discuss Alex's background and how Markov focuses on simplifying complex manufacturing processes, particularly in the coatings and batch processing industry. They talk about the challenges of ERP implementations and the importance of investing in change and having knowledgeable implementers. They also touch on the trend of integrating more technology, such as mobile devices, into the manufacturing process. In this conversation, Zach and Alex discuss the challenges and lessons learned in running a small business, including the importance of delegation and trusting your team. They also explore strategies for finding the best clients and staying ahead of technology. Alex shares his passion for judo and the importance of balancing work and family life. They also discuss the need for solutions in creating safety data sheets and accessing quality control results in a more efficient manner.

Keywords:

ERP software, manufacturing, coatings, batch processing, complexity, implementation, technology integration, small business, delegation, trust, clients, technology, judo, work-life balance, safety data sheets, quality control

Takeaways:

Markov specializes in ERP software for manufacturing, particularly in the coatings and batch processing industry.

ERP implementations can be challenging, but investing in change and having knowledgeable implementers can increase the success rate.

Integrating technology, such as mobile devices, into the manufacturing process can improve efficiency and accuracy.

Markov focuses on providing solutions that simplify complex manufacturing processes and help companies stay organized as they scale up. Delegation and trusting your team are crucial for business growth and success.

Focus and specialization are key to attracting the best clients and staying ahead of technology.

Balancing work and family life is important for personal well-being and happiness.

Creating efficient solutions for safety data sheets and accessing quality control results can greatly benefit manufacturers.

Titles:

The Benefits of Integrating Technology in Manufacturing

Markov: Helping Manufacturers Stay Organized and Scale Up Balancing Work and Family Life: The Key to Personal Well-being

Efficient Solutions for Safety Data Sheets and Quality Control

Sound Bites:

"Where you find complexity, there's usually value buried there, and when you can tame it."

"Being a smaller niche supplier and developer definitely has its privileges and advantages."

"The average implementation time for an ERP is nine months."

"That's huge."

"Right, who's checking the grades? Yeah."

"Now it feels easy to do that, but that was a real challenge."

Chapters:

00:00

Introduction and Background

07:00

The Benefits of Being a Niche Supplier

14:30

The Average Implementation Time for an ERP

30:28

Simplifying ERP Implementations

Summary:

In this episode of the Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Kevin Shimmer, a high-end finisher in the cabinet industry. Kevin shares his journey from being a cabinet maker to becoming a full-time finisher. They discuss the tools and equipment they use, including drum sanders and spray guns. They also talk about the challenges and trends in the finishing industry, such as working with different wood species and using different types of coatings. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the world of high-end finishing and the importance of continuous learning and collaboration within the industry. In this part of the conversation, they talk about using water-based stains and the importance of spraying them instead of wiping them. They also mention different brands and kits available for creating custom stains. They discuss the benefits of using a spray booth for finishing and the challenges of onsite touch-up work. Kevin shares the importance of taking time with the finishing process and the value of asking questions and seeking advice from experienced professionals. Zach and Kevin discuss their experiences in the finishing industry, including challenges with finding and using certain products. They also talk about the importance of training and mentorship in the industry. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family and doing side projects. They wrap up the conversation by discussing future plans.

Keywords:

Bearded Finisher Podcast, Kevin Shimmer, high-end finishing, cabinet industry, tools, equipment, drum sanders, spray guns, challenges, trends, wood species, coatings, continuous learning, collaboration, staining, finishing, cabinets, water-based stains, spraying, wiping, custom stains, spray booth, touch-up, time management, asking questions, finishing industry, challenges, products, training, mentorship, family, side projects, future plans, collaborations

Takeaways:

They discuss the tools and equipment used in the finishing industry, including drum sanders and spray guns.

Continuous learning and collaboration are important in the finishing industry. Water-based stains are better sprayed than wiped

There are different brands and kits available for creating custom stains

Onsite touch-up work can be challenging and requires attention to detail

Taking time with the finishing process is important for achieving a high-quality result

Asking questions and seeking advice from experienced professionals is valuable Finding and using certain finishing products can be challenging, especially when it comes to getting accurate information and data sheets.

Training and mentorship are valuable in the finishing industry, as they can help improve skills and provide guidance.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family and doing side projects.

Preparation and attention to detail are key in achieving a high-quality finish.

Collaboration and sharing knowledge within the industry can lead to new opportunities and growth.

Titles:

Challenges and Trends in Finishing

The Rise of Colors and High-Gloss Finishes Creating Custom Stains with Kits

Challenges of Onsite Touch-Up Work Balancing Work and Family Life

The Importance of Training and Mentorship

Sound Bites:

"I bought a drum sander."

"All cabinetry. Yeah. No, no, correct. Yep."

"You want to close that knee quite a bit."

"There's a lot of new ones out there."

"Luckily it's a very forgiving product."

Chapters:

00:00

Introduction and Background

06:47

Tools and Equipment

14:01

Working with Different Wood Species

30:42

Challenges of Onsite Touch-Up Work

47:05

Challenges in Finding and Using Finishing Products

55:27

Balancing Work and Family Life

01:02:43

Exploring Future Plans and Collaborations

Summary

In this episode of the Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Chad Khalaf from Surf Prep Sanding. They discuss Chad's journey in the painting business, his transition to working at Surf Prep, and the importance of relationships and having fun in the industry. They also touch on the core values of Surf Prep and the innovative products they offer. The conversation highlights the significance of process efficiency and the impact it can have on a business's bottom line. In this conversation, Chad Khalaf discusses some of the new products and developments at Surf Prep. He mentions the release of a new red paper disc that is more aggressive and tear-resistant than the yellow paper disc. He also talks about the universal hole pattern that fits every five-inch orbital sander on the market, making it easier for painters and finishers who have multiple sanders. Chad also mentions the new names for their abrasives, such as Riptide, Blizzard, and White Lightning. He discusses the importance of investing in your business and not being afraid of change. Chad's passion is adventure, and he shares his love for extreme activities like Ironman races. He encourages listeners to work harder, not quit, and educate themselves and their customers about the benefits of using high-quality products.

Keywords

Bearded Finisher Podcast, Chad Khalaf, Surf Prep Sanding, painting business, journey, relationships, having fun, core values, process efficiency, innovative products, Surf Prep, new products, red paper disc, aggressive sanding, tear-resistant, universal hole pattern, abrasive names, investing in your business, not quitting, education, adventure

Takeaways

Building relationships and having fun are key aspects of the painting industry.

Efficiency in processes can save time and money, leading to increased profits.

Surf Prep Sanding offers innovative products that help improve surface preparation.

Core values are important in guiding a company's identity and decision-making.

Learning from others and being open to different perspectives can lead to personal and professional growth. Surf Prep has released a new red paper disc that is more aggressive and tear-resistant than the yellow paper disc.

They have developed a universal hole pattern that fits every five-inch orbital sander on the market, making it easier for painters and finishers who have multiple sanders.

Surf Prep has given names to their abrasives, such as Riptide, Blizzard, and White Lightning.

Chad emphasizes the importance of investing in your business and not being afraid of change.

His passion is adventure, and he encourages listeners to work harder, not quit, and educate themselves and their customers about the benefits of using high-quality products.

Titles

Innovative Products for Surface Preparation

The Role of Core Values in Company Identity Embracing Change and Working Harder

Chad Khalaf's Passion for Adventure

Sound Bites

"It's okay to be different, just don't be weird."

"Work hard, play harder."

"Building relationships and having fun are key."

"Our new hole pattern that Skylar just created is a universal hole pattern that fits for the five-inch disk. It fits every single sander on the market. So no matter what tool you have, this one disc will fit every five-inch orbital sander hole pattern."

"Our new red paper will be called Riptide. Our film is now going to be called Blizzard. Our new white lightning is a ceramic blend disc."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

08:15

Transition to Surf Prep

26:09

Company Culture and Core Values

32:58

The Fun and Stories in the Painting Industry

40:57

The Importance of Investing in Your Business

51:20

Embracing Change and Working Harder