“Desperation sometimes drives innovation.”

—Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber

It’s often said that necessity is the mother of invention. But in the case of at least one pro, John Morris of PHP Commercial Painting, desperation proved to be the driving force behind an innovative new approach to solving the labor shortage.

When faced with a desperate hiring crisis in early 2022, Morris looked beyond the usual labor channels. Thanks to his open mind and heart, he was able to conceive a solution that not only served his needs, but benefited other painters in the area, all while providing the opportunity his new hires so desperately needed. It’s an inspiring tale that underscores the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and putting a little faith in new ideas—and in others. Fortunately, not every decision to step out of one’s comfort zone is driven by desperation. As you’ll read in Two Pros, desire —in this case, the desire to grow one’s business—can be an equally strong motivator. Desire also plays an important part in many of the product choices detailed in this issue’s Pro Picks, focused on pressure washers. From wanting to do a stellar job to wanting to do it as efficiently as possible, desire factors into every decision a pro makes and, ultimately, determines the type of business they grow and the type of professional they become.

As for inPAINT, the desire to provide meaningful, eye-opening content is what drives us to connect with you, our readers, and discuss the challenges you’re facing. While not every point of connection or conversation leads to a full-blown article, they all serve as grist for the mill and most definitely shape our thinking as we strive to provide meaningful, problem-solving content.

If you have specific subjects you’d like to see addressed, please reach out. We’re eager to hear your thoughts and, just maybe, develop an out-of-the-box solution that works for you and others.

Cheers, Amanda Haar, Managing Editor, inPAINT amanda@inPAINTmag.com

Ryan Adamski

2023 Editorial Advisory Board

Production Manager, CertaPro Painters

Bryce Benfield Owner, South-East Paint & Protective Coatings Co.

Peter Berke

Owner, North Atlantic Painting Company

Lauren Fink Owner, Apex Painting

Jeremy Fyfe Owner, GLS Painters

Larry Marler Owner, The Works Remodeling and Finishing

PUBLISHER

Edward McAdams

MANAGING EDITOR

Amanda Haar

DESIGNER

Carl Bezuidenhout

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

Cindy Puskar

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Brian Sodoma

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS

Melissa Arnold First Choice Pressure Washing and Home Services

Rick Augustine R and R Painting

Peter Barber Two Dudes Painting Company

Mike Cassel PHP Commercial Painting

Scott Deardon

Militello Painting & Powerwashing

Don Easton Easton Painting

Rodrigo Evangelista Masterpiece Painter

Randy Fornoff MTS Painting

Peter King King’s Pressure Washing

Eric Lopez Vork Brothers Painting

Jason Lunn 3M

Madeleine MacRae MM MacRae Coaching & Consulting

John Morris PHP Commercial Painting

Orlando Obeso Allied Painters

Sammy Paget BrightLocal

Ed Peach Gold Standard Painting

Justin Proulx New Freedom

Nick Slavik Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co.

Daren Strunk St. Joseph the Worker

Rich Purnell Owner, BASE Painters

Steve Spinelli Owner, Uni Pro Painting

©2023 REM Publishing Group LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of content in any manner without written permission by the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Publisher assumes no liability for any damages or loss of any kind that might arise from the use, misuse or inability to use the materials or information contained in this publication. All material and information appearing in this publication is distributed and transmitted ‘as is,’ without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, and is subject to the terms and conditions stated in this disclaimer.

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