inPAINT Magazine May/June 2024

inPAINT

RESULTS OF OUR 2024 READERS SURVEY

Pro picks for exterior coatings

How pro painters can benefit from artificial intelligence

PLANEX LHS 2-M

THE SPECIALIST

ECCENTRIC SANDING MOTION

OPTIMIZED 55 " LENGTH

ERGONOMIC T-HANDLE

“To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace.”

—Doug Conant, founder and CEO of

ConantLeadership,

former president and CEO of Campbell’s Soup Company

Since 2016, inPAINT has conducted an online readers survey. In addition to looking into which tools and products pros prefer, the survey dives into the challenges they face in running their business. It didn’t take more than a few surveys to realize that finding talent was a consistent challenge to business success for many. We then began asking readers to share what efforts they’re making to overcome perennial staffing shortages.

While we can always count on a few tongue-in-cheek responses (“Hire more hungry workers”), we can also count on very thoughtful ones that address the needs of employees and the business. This year was no exception.

As you’ll read on page 15, inPAINT readers are both creative and resourceful. From adjusting the size and scope of the jobs they take on to paying employees in cash, there’s no shortage of innovative approaches. But overwhelmingly, the most popular strategy was to simply treat (and compensate) employees well and to make them feel valued. This approach works to retain talented workers while simultaneously establishing a culture that’s appealing to potential hires. Way to win-win, inPAINT readers.

This year, we added a new question about which services pros are offering besides interior and exterior painting. It’s interesting to see how respondents are leveraging existing opportunities and their skills to grow their businesses.

And if by chance you didn’t get invited to participate in our survey and are wondering why, just know it’s not us, it’s you. To be specific, you’re not on our email list. If you’d like to be, simply subscribe at inpaintmag.com/subscribe, and you will receive future survey invitations as well as an occasional communication with expert advice or a new-product announcement. Just like the magazine, it’s all free.

PUBLISHER Edward McAdams

MANAGING

Amanda Haar  DESIGNER Carl Bezuidenhout

CREATIVE

DIRECTOR Cindy Puskar

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Brian Sodoma

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS

Dave Charest Constant Contact

Christina Dornbierer Blue River Painting Maria Viveiros Ferreira Everlasting Charm

Morgan Knox Pro Painter Network

Trevor Marshall Colorado Painting

Jose Moreno Pro Custom Painting

Brad Turner My BTLR

Corey Wilkinson Wilkinson Brothers Design & Illustration Cheers, Amanda Haar, Managing Editor, inPAINT amanda@inPAINTmag.com

Ryan Adamski

2024 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Production Manager, CertaPro Painters

Bryce Benfield

Owner, South-East Paint & Protective Coatings Co.

Melissa Caperton

Co-Owner, MJ Painting & Design

Jen

Frey Co-Owner, MJ Painting & Design

Jeremy

Fyfe Owner, GLS Painters

Larry Marler Owner, The Works Remodeling and Finishing

Rich Purnell Owner, BASE Painters

Steve Spinelli Owner, Uni Pro Painting

Casey Wilkinson Wilkinson Brothers Design & Illustration

amanda@inPAINTmag.com

ADVERTISE 602-296-5391 ed@inPAINTmag.com

Sherwin-Williams

INDUSTRY’S MOST ADVANCED AIRLESS SPRAYERS EVER BUILT ULTRA

INDUSTRY’S MOST ADVANCED ELECTRIC-POWERED GUN EVER BUILT

“Does it come in vegan?”

> Of all the unusual requests you’ve fielded from customers over the years, there’s a potentially even more unusual one on the horizon.

UK-based paint manufacturer PAINT ZERO recently introduced a vegan paint made from 100% sustainable plant extracts, natural minerals and salts. In addition to checking the vegan box, this new product is purported to improve indoor air quality and contribute to carbon-offset goals for architects and building contractors, while also being naturally mold and mildew resistant.

Currently, the interior-only product comes as a water-mixable powder, which makes it lighter and easier to transport than liquid paint. Available in 75 colors, PAINT ZERO dries quickly, and because it has no toxins or VOCs, customers can use the space the same day it’s painted. PAINTZERO.com

PPG completes 500th Colorful Communities project

> Launched in 2015, Colorful Communities is an initiative by PPG to beautify and revitalize communities around the world. Since its launch— and fueled by the power of 25,000 PPG employee volunteers who donated 160,000 hours to apply nearly 50,000 gallons of paint—the program has worked to transform community centers, hospitals, schools, veterans’ homes and more in 50 countries. Recently, the program completed its 500th project at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.

The PPG ‘review’: what it means for pros

> In late February, news broke that PPG was conducting a review of strategic alternatives for its architectural business in the U.S. and Canada, which may include a sale of the entire business, certain parts of the business, a joint venture, a new investor, a strategic partnership, or no portfolio action. While the timing and outcome of the strategic review is uncertain, PPG shared with inPAINT that throughout the review, it will be ‘business as usual’ for the paint pros it serves. This includes:

■ Inventory: PPG does not have any plans to reduce inventory. Inventory and operations will remain the same throughout the review period, and there also won’t be any changes to the operations and distribution practices. PPG will continue to fully support its customers, network of dealers and stores.

■ Prices: PPG introduced an unrelated price increase this year and doesn’t anticipate any additional increases in 2024.

■ Service: Day-to-day contacts for sales, services and support will not change. As a demonstration of the company’s continued commitment to service, PPG is continuing to lock in multi-year deals with customers.

New podcast series for commercial painters

> The Commercial Painting Industry Association (CPIA) recently launched the Commercial Painting Podcast. Developed specifically for painting professionals and business owners, the free series aims to help listeners sharpen their skills, gain insights and follow industry trends.

A joint effort between the CPIA and A David Creation, each podcast features CPIA cofounder Aaron Moore and president of A David Creation, David Chism, discussing relevant commercial painting topics, including marketing, sales, hiring, business development, technology and more. They also interview key thought leaders from across the country, each bringing a unique skill set and perspective to the discussion.

Over a dozen episodes are currently available at TheCommercialPaintingPodcast.com, TheCPIA.com/podcast, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

The impact of AI Inspired by spring

Here’s a look at how five paint manufacturers capture the spirit of spring in their color collection.

Home renovation backlog blues

Ever feel like you’re behind before you even get started? There may be a good reason for that. Here’s a look at the current backlog for the U.S. construction sector per the Houzz Renovation Barometer for Q1 2024.

Here’s how small business owners report the impact of AI and/or automation technology on their marketing.

According to the 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, here are how the most popular kitchen cabinet colors are trending today and in comparison to 2023’s study:

AI-powered marketing

The time- and money-saving way to boost your business

If you’re of the mindset that artificial intelligence (AI) has nothing to do with running a painting business, Dave Charest, the director of small business success at Constant Contact, has two words of advice: catch up.

“In 2021, we polled small business owners about AI and determined there was very little awareness for the technology,” says Charest. “Fast-forward to 2023, and the same poll revealed that 74% of small business owners are looking for ways to leverage AI to grow their business.”

In a separate study conducted by Constant Contact in 2023, 91% of the small businesses reported that using AI made their business more successful. More specifically, says Charest, “33% of them cited saving 40+ minutes per week on standard tasks while 28% expected to save $5,000 from their annual cost of doing business thanks to the efficiencies and time-savings that AI creates.”

One specific area Charest feels is ripe for timeand money-savings for contractors is marketing.

Using AI to get your message across Charest notes, “Marketing is all about messaging. But most people in the trades are not marketing experts. The notion of generating content for a variety of platforms can be incredibly intimidating and, far too often, the task gets put on the shelf for ‘later.’ Then your marketing stalls and then your business potentially stalls. But with AI, you can literally churn out content in a fraction of the time it may have taken you in the past.

“And it’s not just about volume. AI allows you to create content that’s targeted specifically to your customer base.” With more and better content, Charest says, “You can elevate your marketing from a mediocre, every-so-often effort to a structured program of weekly or monthly emails or posts that resonate with potential customers and keep your business top of mind.”

Getting started with AI

The owner of the Pro Painter Network, Morgan Knox has used AI to generate business content for the past three years. Having appreciated the time- and moneysavings herself, she encourages all contractors to get on the AI bus sooner than later.

“If you’re brand new to AI, a good place to start is with ChatGPT” [Chat.OpenAI.com], she advises. “There’s a free version but it’s worth the $20 per month to get the paid version. It’s simply more fine-tuned

and uses a larger dataset that provides more reliable answers and a better overall user experience.”

As for what to start with, Knox suggests blogs, email and Facebook posts. “Start small and play around with the tech and the prompts. It’s easy to master but you’ve got to spend time figuring it out.” She emphasizes that the quality of AI-generated content depends upon what you put into it.

“The more specific you can be about what your services are, where you’re located or what makes you unique, the better and more relevant your content will be,” she says. She suggests creating a mental image or avatar of your best customer type then crafting prompts around that individual. “So, instead of prompting AI with ‘write a story about exterior house painting,’ add more detail, like ‘write a story about this season’s most popular exterior home colors that appeal to women in the Midwest.’ The content created using the latter approach will better connect with your avatar/potential customers.”

AI caveats

Knox cautions pros that AI is not infallible.

“Don’t make the mistake of letting AI think for you,” says Knox. “It’s important to read over, fact-check and edit any content it creates.” She also discourages prompting AI to write in a ‘professional’ tone.

“That’s the fastest way to create really boring generic copy,” she says. “Instead, ask it to be conversational or friendly. Anything BUT professional.”

Knox says it’s also helpful to keep the focus of any content you create tight. “Think of one customer, one problem, one promise, and one call to action. Don’t worry that that’s too limiting. With the time you save, you can generate multiple pieces of content to address multiple problems and position yourself to solve them all.”

“If you’re brand new to AI, a good place to start is with

ChatGPT” [Chat.OpenAI.com].

—MORGAN KNOX, PRO PAINTER NETWORK

3M™ Pro Grade Precision™ Faster Sanding Sheets

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3M™ Hand-Masker ™ M3000 Dispenser

The 3M™ Hand-Masker™ M3000 Dispenser applies painter’s tape to masking film, plastic or paper in one continuous application, saving you valuable prep time. Use when preparing for painting, ceiling texturing, exterior wall finishing or floor sanding. For all the basics in one kit, choose the 3M™ Hand-Masker™ M3000 Starter Pack.

Learn more about 3M™ Hand-Masker™ Masking Products at 3M.com/Handmasker

RESULTS OF OUR ®

2024 SURVEY

Last month, we again reached out to 40,000 online readers of inPAINT magazine and asked pros which brands they’re finding the most success with in a dozen product categories. This information is of interest to other pros who might be considering new options, and serves as a valuable resource for manufacturers, consultants and other industry service providers who are also looking to stay abreast of the ever-evolving needs of the pro.

WE THANK OUR 2024 SURVEY SPONSORS

TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR SURVEY

At inPAINT , we appreciate that your time is valuable and thank all participants for their insights. The following Survey participants were randomly selected from all respondents to each receive a prize valued at $200 or more from our generous 2024 Survey sponsors:

Datacolor

Benjamin Moore ColorReader Pro

Kevin Wooten, South Carolina

Dunn-Edwards

Dunn-Edwards Gift Card

Manuel Leonardo, California

FrogTape

FrogTape Tape Bundle

Brian Pontious, Florida

Mr. LongArm

Credit In Their Online Store

Fred Plotnick, Maryland

ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS

In our Survey, we asked participants to answer questions about their businesses. For some questions, respondents could select more than a single answer, thus some percentage totals exceed 100%.

Purdy

Storage Box & Brushes

Molly Montgomery, Massachusetts

Tower Sealants

Caulk

Kenny Forrest, Michigan

SURVEY RESULTS: RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS

What has been

your best strategy to tackle the staffing shortage?

Here is a synopsis of the most popular answers:

Overwhelmingly, the most popular strategy owners shared is to treat employees well. We found this manifested through a multi-pronged approach. Of course, paying a good wage ranked high on the list of attractive incentives, along with benefits, such as bonuses and PTO. But it isn’t all about money. Making employees feel valued, and providing a positive work environment and a path forward have gone a long way to retain employees—and attract them. Some have found success in employee retention by fostering a sense of camaraderie through team lunches and birthday celebrations, and others by treating their workers like family. As one pro noted, painting can be a tough gig. Keeping morale high and fostering a sense of teamwork through company outings, such as team lunches, can go a long way toward attracting and retaining a workforce.

As another pro stated, it’s about finding ways to make the job more attractive and get the most out of your employees.

Another popular strategy to tackle the staffing shortage is limiting the size and scope of jobs bid to those that can be completed with the current crew. And a lot of pros mentioned hiring subcontractors was necessary to take on larger projects or to complete multiple projects on schedule. Besides their network of subcontractors, a few noted partnering with other painters when they need temporary employees, and some hire family members to fill in, including those of current employees.

Some make it work by taking on projects they alone can handle through longer hours and the weekend warrior approach. This oftentimes necessitates selecting smaller jobs.

When looking for help, many owners say they lean toward hiring young people and training them. To find these workers, many owners rely on word of mouth. Some turn to their current workforce for referrals of people they’d like to work with. Some reach out to high school and community college students about the trades. Job recruiters and job boards also got a few mentions. And a few look to older workers who are experienced, maybe even retired. One pro’s approach is to give those in recovery a chance, for which he reported positive results.

The ‘hire for attitude and train for skill’ approach got a few mentions. Not only do in-house training programs show potential employees you are invested in their growth, but you get to mold those workers into the painters you need.

Some rely on tools, resources and other technologies that save time with estimating and painting, or improve performance and increase production, not only to save time and money, but to allow them to accomplish more with less staff.

A few out-of-the-box approaches were paying employees in cash, paying incentives for finishing jobs sooner, and working less but taking on more expensive jobs.

PRO READERS’ GO-TO BRANDS

EDITOR’S NOTES:

For the purpose of this Survey, product lines and brands such as Glidden, FrogTape, Sikkens, etc. are included under their manufacturer’s name, with a few exceptions. The ‘Other’ category includes all brands receiving a response of less than 5%. inPAINT has no prior knowledge of respondents’ product preferences nor do we filter their responses in any way. The content represents the genuine responses shared through our Survey.

When performance cannot be compromised, FrogTape® – the brand that reinvented painting with PaintBlock® Technology – delivers professional results you can trust –when it matters most.

PRO PICKS

1 CHRISTINA DORNBIERER

Dornbierer grew up painting with her mom, a long-time Nebraska-based painter. After moving to California in 2013, she worked for another painting company till she struck out on her own five years ago. Her business includes a mix of high-end residential and budget-conscious customers.

Stucco is the exterior surface her teams paint the most, and her absolute favorite coating for it is Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Latex Paint, in flat. For added UV and moisture protection on wood fascia, soffit, and other trim areas, she switches to a satin sheen.

“Duration is such a great paint. It covers so well and it lasts a long time. Or I will use the company’s SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint if the budget is tight,” she said. And their Loxon Concrete & Masonry Primer/Sealer is her preference when she needs to prime stucco.

For metal window frames, doors as well as weathered wood and masonry, she turns to Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial Waterbased Alkyd Urethane Enamel or their Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, both in a satin sheen.

“I like those two products for anything that moves and needs a harder finish. Emerald is more high-end and costs more, but the Pro Industrial is excellent, too,” she added. “Sherwin-Williams has always been my preference. I know their products, the discounts are great, and they’re good about supporting their partners.”

The exterior painting season is officially in full swing, and pros all around the country are turning to their tried-and-true exterior coatings. This time of year, harsh UV rays take a toll on surfaces and humidity can pose problems, too. And in some regions of the country, winters are harsh as well, so a pro may need to choose a product formulated to handle wild temperature swings throughout the year. Here, four pros shared which exterior coatings they remain stubbornly loyal to and why.

BY BRIAN SODOMA

2TREVOR MARSHALL

Marshall heads up a painting enterprise that has been in the Denver area for more than 40 years. While he’s not the original owner, he takes pride in carrying on the brand’s legacy of quality work. His crews tackle residential repaints, new commercial and residential construction, and even some light industrial. He has a few paints that cross over well between his commercial and residential projects.

On the residential side, composite lap siding and wood trim are the most common surfaces on homes in the area. Marshall likes SherwinWilliams Duration Exterior Latex Paint or Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint as the premium option, both in a satin sheen.

“Both are great premium products … super long-lasting with great curb appeal,” he said. “They prevent UV fading and peeling, which you find a lot of in our market. Also, a satin sheen helps to extend the life of the paint job for the owner.”

Marshall’s crews also see their share of older homes with weathered-wood surfaces. For this work, he turns to Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior High Build Paint because “it does a great job of filling in small cracks and covers minor imperfections well, and it still has great flow with a smooth overall finish.”

For high-end custom homes, he will turn to Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint. For more budget-conscious customers, he offers either their Ultra Spec EXT Paint or Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint.

“A lot of our customers like the Benjamin Moore color selection, so sometimes that will help them decide between one brand or the other,” he noted.

For metal and substrates with adhesion challenges, he likes Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial Multi-Surface Acrylic Coating . And for commercial or residential direct-to-concrete and masonry, he relies on their LOXON XP Waterproofing Masonry Coating

“The self-priming LOXON XP means fewer coats, and that saves us time,” he added.

EDITOR’S NOTE: As with all inPAINT articles, the pros featured in Pro Picks articles are selected based on their areas of expertise, geographic location and reputation. inPAINT has no prior knowledge of their product preferences nor do we filter their responses in any way. The content represents the genuine responses shared with our writer.

SUBSCRIBE

Painting Contractors | Remodelers | General Contractors

Property Managers | Architects | Designers

3 KIP KIRK

This Georgia-based pro tackles his share of both commercial and residential exteriors. Stucco and brick are common surfaces on homes in his area, for which he prefers LOXON XP Waterproofing Masonry Coating

Hardie board and wood siding, he turns to the manufacturer’s SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint

Exterior Latex Paint

for satin on the body of the building and semi-gloss on trim.

“We’re in the south and it gets hot, which can be hard on the paint. So we would rather invest in a little better product for our customers,” he said. “We spray and back-roll every chance we get. Duration and SuperPaint level out great and the crews like the way they spray, too.”

Kirk has also used Paint as another premium option for customers. It handles extreme weather and offers strong protection from UV rays at a reasonable price.

“It’s in our back pocket for certain situations so we have a different brand available to customers that’s a top-tier product. We’ve used it on some commercial exteriors as well. It’s at that price point where if an owner wants the best but may not be able to pay a lot, it’s an excellent option,” he added.

For metal buildings, Kirk likes to start with Williams Pro Industrial Pro-Cryl Universal Acrylic Primer before he applies an exterior coating. “It’s a nice product that goes on well and it’s going to prevent rust for the customer.” For smaller metal surfaces, he also turns to their DTM Acrylic Coating

While Kirk has his own personal preferences on exterior coatings, input from his crews also drives his decisions. “We’ve looked at other products but it depends on the crews and what they tell me. They’re in the trenches working with it and I value their feedback a lot,” he said.

Blue River Painting Co. used Sherwin-Williams Duration

Exterior Latex Paint on the walls and fascia of this home, and finished the front door with the company’s Pro Industrial Waterbased Alkyd Urethane Enamel.

Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial DTM Acrylic Coating

he will also use from time to time.

The pro keeps a few different primers handy, too. For his general-purpose option, he prefers

Dry Interior/Exterior Stain Blocking Primer

“it covers better than most PVA primers.” For stucco, it’s the manufacturer’s

And when he needs a coating to adhere to a glossy or slick surface, their Primer/Sealer

PLANEX

LHS 2-M Drywall Sander

PLANEX LHS 2-M — THE SPECIALIST

Minimal effort during sanding.

■ Random-orbit sanding motion

■ Weight-reducing suction support

■ Optimized length fixed at 55"

■ Ergonomic T-handle design

■ Plug-it and hose connection is protected above the handle

■ Carrying bag with shoulder strap

The PLANEX M offers a basic easy-to-use interface with a refined sanding pattern utilizing random orbit motion. Simply unpack the sander from the carry bag, turn it on and get to work. The random orbit sanding motion achieves a high surface quality on walls and ceilings. The adjustable suction power means that you can sand on walls and ceilings with less fatigue — helping to reduce the strain on your arms and back. Its working length of 55" (1.4 meters) is ideal for all standard room heights. And with the ergonomic T-handle, the machine is highly controllable and comfortable while also being able to reach most commonly needed surface heights.

FestoolUSA.com

the ultimate power tool KNOWLEDGE

Whether you are seeking information on the newest technology in sprayer equipment, advice on when to change respirator cartridges or a how-to video, we’ve got you covered.

inPAINT is proud to partner with manufacturers to provide relevant content on product and technique, presented in videos and articles and delivered directly to your inbox. (But not too many, we promise.)

PROJECT SNAPSHOTS

MURAL

PROJECT

Location: Fishers, IN

Paint contractor:

Casey & Corey Wilkinson, co-owners Wilkinson Brothers Design & Illustration WilkinsonBrothers.com

Time frame: Less than 4 weeks

Crew size: 2 people

Tools & equipment used:

■ Pressure washer

■ Coarse broom

■ Articulated boom lift/knuckle lift

■ Roller, covers and brushes

Challenges:

■ The building, constructed in 1913, had a rough brick exterior that required a coating that would create a smooth base for a long-lasting, vibrant result.

■ Some weather delays affecting the time line

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COATINGS AND COLORS:

Base coat: Loxon XP Waterproofing Masonry Coating (flat)

Topcoats: Emerald Rain Refresh Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint & Latitude Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint, (both in flat) in:

Wool Skein SW 6148

Antler Velvet SW 9111

Goldenrod SW 6677

Lemon Twist SW 6909

Raucous Orange SW 6883

Blue Cruise SW 7606

Bluebird Feather SW 9062

Dress Blues SW 9176

Sky Fall SW 9049

Stolen Kiss SW 7586

Heartthrob SW 6866

Earthen Jug SW 7703

Bohemian Black SW 6988

Pickle SW 6725

Grasshopper SW 6733

Espalier SW 6734

Alabaster SW 7008

Veri Berri SW 9069

Wall Street SW 7665

Pro product comment:

“We’ve seen other muralists using Sherwin-Williams exterior paints and Casey had his home painted with their product. Having our own good experience, and knowing the paint manufacturer’s reputation among artists, we felt confident in using Sherwin-Williams for this project. Because we want this mural to last as long as possible, we weren’t looking for bargain paints. We wanted paint that stands up well to the sun and is rich in color.

Loxon XP was chosen because it can be applied directly to concrete and masonry substrates. It is also mildew, alkali and efflorescent resistant. We went with Emerald Rain Refresh because it is formulated with self-cleaning technology, so dirt washes away upon contact with rain or water for a clean, fresh look with minimal maintenance. And Latitude was chosen because it is formulated with climateflex technology that resists early moisture in as little as 30 minutes. The temperature in Indiana also ranged from 20˚s to 80˚s F, so the Latitude was great for painting in changing temperatures.”

—COREY WILKINSON

1940S BRICK FIREPLACE REFINISH

Location: New Bedford, MA

Paint contractor:

Maria Viveiros Ferreira

Everlasting Charm

EverlastingCharmPainting.com

Time frame: 3 days

Crew size: 1 person

Tools & equipment used:

■ Festool Midi Dust Extractor

■ 3M masking tape

■ Shurtape FrogTape

■ Plastic sheeting

■ Sandpaper

■ Paintbrush

■ High-density foam brushes

■ Rags

■ Masonry brush

■ SurfPrep 3" x 4" sander with medium foam pad

Challenges:

■ Taping the walls around the brick, as the bricks were not even

■ Adding a fake brick wall to the back of the log-storage space to create a complete facade that matched the old brick

Pro product comment:

“Romabio Classico Limewash is my go-to product for brick, as it’s easy to use, easy to clean up, durable, fire retardant, odorless and hypo-allergenic. It never disappoints.

With Benjamin Moore Advance, I really love the finish and how easy it is to achieve the desired distressed look.”

Pro project comment:

“This project involved a lot of prep to ensure a great, durable finish. Everything was vacuumed and washed. The wood mantle and shelf were then sanded, primed, hit with one coat of primer and a coat of paint. Once it was dry, I distressed the wood using sandpaper.

For the brick, I diluted the Limewash 50/50 with water. Working in sections,

COATINGS AND COLORS:

Mantle & Shelf:

■ Benjamin Moore INSL-X Stix Primer

■ ZINNSER B-I-N Primer

■ Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Paint (satin) in:

Brick: Romabio Classico Limewash in:

Vents: Rust-Oleum Universal Spray Paint (satin) in: White

I applied it with a masonry brush, waited 15 minutes, then wiped it with a dry rag to remove some of the opaqueness. I repeated this across the whole fireplace, allowed it to dry overnight, then used my sander to distress the surface.

I then limewashed the fake-brick area to match the real brick. Overall, it’s one of my favorite fireplace refinishes ever.”

Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17

Romabio Bianco White

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AU-1 Liquid Applied Flashing is a high-performance, single component, Styrene Butadiene Resin (SBR) elastic waterproofing membrane. Available in 1 or 5 gallon pails, the product creates a permanent water-resistant seal around exterior wall openings, while allowing vapor

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Meeting the rigorous performance standards of AAMA 714-22 & 714-19, AU-1 Liquid Applied Flashing ensures long-lasting protection against moisture intrusion at critical building openings, including windows and doors. Its versatility extends to compatibility with green concrete, stucco, building envelope systems, and more.

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ADVERTISER INDEX

3M 3M.com

Pages 9 & 13

Behr

Behr.com

Page 5

Festool Festoolusa.com

Page 2 & 22

FrogTape FrogTape.com

Page 17

Graco Graco.com

Page 7

Habitat for Humanity Habitat.org

Page 3

PaintCare PaintCare.org

Page 29

Purdy

Purdy.com Back Cover

What, Where & When

JUNE

19–21: Apartmentalize, Philadelphia, PA apartmentalize.naahq.org

JULY

13–16: 2024 BOMA International Conference & Expo, Philadelphia, PA bomaconvention.org

AUGUST

12–16: Wallcoverings Installation Academy, Danby, VT wallcoveringsacademy.com

SEPTEMBER

19–21: Mile High Profit Summit, Denver, CO thecontractorfight.com/upcoming-events

19–21: Wallcovering Installers Association, Philadelphia, PA wallcoveringinstallers.org/2024-convention

OCTOBER

3 & 4: The Contractor Lab LIVE!, Las Vegas, NV about.propainternetwork.com/events-page

14–18: Wallcoverings Installation Academy, Danby, VT wallcoveringsacademy.com

18: Women in Construction Conference, Arlington, VA womeninconstructionconference.com

Oct 31–Nov 3: 2024 PowerClean Convention, Orlando, FL pwna.org/powerclean-convention

October 3 & 4

Perhaps the most immersive and interactive learning opportunity ever created for paint contractors, The Contractor Lab LIVE! will arm you with skills and strategies you can put to work as soon as you get home. Centered around small-group exercises and learning, the hands-on, two-day event will cover topics crucial to your business’ success including marketing, sales, operations, financial management and more. You’ll work through real-world scenarios that mirror common daily challenges and gain the knowledge, practice and confidence you need to implement the change your business needs to grow. Plus, plenty of time is included for networking and to explore the one-of-a-kind AREA 15.

PaintCare offers free pickups for recycling!

In addition, painting contractors and businesses can recycle smaller quantities of leftover house paint, stain, and varnish for free at more than 2,400 PaintCare drop-off locations in ten states and the District of Columbia.

To find a drop-off location near you or request a large volume pickup, visit paintcare.org or call (855) PAINT09.

CALIFORNIA | CONNECTICUT | COLORADO | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | MAINE

MINNESOTA | NEW YORK | OREGON | RHODE ISLAND | VERMONT | WASHINGTON

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Cost efficiency and business growth

The power of virtual assistance for small businesses

In today’s fast-paced business environment, small businesses are continually looking for ways to optimize operations and reduce overhead costs. One strategy gaining significant traction is the hiring of virtual assistants (VAs). This type of support can offer both cost efficiency and potent growth opportunities. Let’s explore how leveraging the power of virtual assistance can fuel small business growth without breaking the bank.

Understanding virtual assistance

VAs are companies staffed with skilled, remote professionals who provide a range of services, such as administrative tasks, customer support, marketing, bookkeeping and more. By operating virtually, these workers eliminate the need for physical workspace and associated costs, presenting an efficient alternative to traditional in-house staff. With that, we’ve broken this down into three major benefits:

Cost efficiency

■ Reduced operational costs: Hiring a VA can drastically cut operational costs. You save on office space, utilities, equipment and employee benefits traditional employees would typically require.

■ Pay only for what you need: VAs work on a contractual basis. You only pay for the hours worked or the tasks completed, unlike full-time employees who receive salaries regardless of workload.

■ Decreased training costs: Many VAs possess specific skill sets, so the time and cost of training are often significantly less than a new in-house hire.

Business growth

■ Increased productivity: By delegating routine tasks to a VA, business owners can focus more on core business activities, driving growth and innovation.

■ Scale operations quickly: Whether you’re launching a new service line or experiencing a seasonal sales peak, VAs can help you quickly scale up operations without the long-term commitment of hiring and training new full-time staff.

■ Access to global talent: With a VA, you’re not confined to your local talent pool. You can hire the best talent from anywhere in the world, giving your small business a competitive edge.

“ While the transition from traditional staffing methods to virtual assistance might seem daunting, the potential benefits in terms of reduced costs, enhanced productivity and the ability to let go are immense.”

■ 24/7 availability: Because VAs are often in different time zones, they can ensure your business operations continue outside your regular working hours, providing you round-the-clock service.

Learning to let go

■ The importance of delegation: One of the most significant hurdles small business owners face is learning to let go of control over every aspect of the business. Effective delegation is a crucial skill that allows you to focus on high-impact activities that only you can handle.

■ Trust and communication: Building a strong working relationship with your VA involves establishing trust and open communication. Provide clear expectations and guidelines to set the foundation for a successful partnership.

■ Overcoming the fear of dependence: Many business owners worry about becoming too reliant on an external party. However, the flexible nature of virtual assistance allows you to maintain control while benefiting from specialized support.

■ Adapt and refine: As your business grows, your needs will evolve. Regularly assess how your VA is contributing to your goals and adjust as needed. This dynamic approach ensures you are getting the most out of your VA.

Summing it up

Embracing virtual assistance can be a game-changer for small businesses aiming for cost efficiency and sustainable growth. While the transition from traditional staffing methods to virtual assistance might seem daunting, the potential benefits in terms of reduced costs, enhanced productivity, and the ability to let go are immense. The key is to identify your business needs and hire the right VA who can help drive your business toward its goals. Remember, growth isn’t just about getting bigger; it’s about becoming more efficient and adaptable. In the evolving digital era, virtual assistance provides a powerful tool for small businesses to navigate their journey to success.

of My BTLR, a company that provides flexible USA-based virtual assistant services tailored for small business clients in the trades. MyBTLR.com

BRAD TURNER is the CEO