The Commercial Painting Podcast

David Chism and Aaron Moore

Commercial painting professionals and business owners! Are you looking for a place where you can sharpen your skills, find fresh insights, and get a pulse on the industry across the country? You found it. Listen in as David Chism and Aaron Moore discuss relevant commercial painting topics: marketing, sales, hiring, business development, technology, and more. They'll interview key thought leaders from across the country as well, each bringing a unique skillset and perspective to the discussion.

  1. Where Smart Commercial Painters Are Focusing Next — Insights from Sherwin-Williams

    FEB 5

    Where Smart Commercial Painters Are Focusing Next — Insights from Sherwin-Williams

    ABOUT In this conversation, Aaron, Julie Zamski, and Paul Trautmann discuss the pivotal role of Sherwin-Williams in the commercial painting industry, the current market trends, and the opportunities available for contractors. They discuss various sectors such as water and power, public works, and the importance of business development for smaller contractors. The discussion also covers challenges and opportunities in floor and roof coatings, the significance of networking and trade shows, and predictions for growth in various sectors including healthcare and hospitality. The conversation concludes with insights on upcoming opportunities related to the Olympics and stadium projects. Key Takeaways 50% of projects in the commercial sector are renovations.Data centers are a major growth driver for the future.Understanding product applications is crucial for contractors.Networking at trade shows is essential for business growth.The flooring business presents significant opportunities.Roof coatings can be a viable entry point for contractors.Education and training are vital for entering new markets.The upcoming Olympics will create new investment opportunities.CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Julie Zamski Paul Trautmann Sherwin-Williams CONNECT WITH US ⁠⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠⁠ Request a FREE 1-Hour Consultation with David Chism EPISODE SPONSORS ⁠The Wooster Brush Company⁠ ⁠⁠⁠The Commercial Painting Industry Associate⁠⁠⁠ (CPIA) DC Marketing Group If you enjoyed this episode, remember to like, share, and subscribe!

    42 min
  2. Developing Sales Teams That Know How to Hunt and Close

    10/23/2025

    Developing Sales Teams That Know How to Hunt and Close

    ABOUT In this episode of the Commercial Painting Podcast, host David Chism welcomes Mike Green, a seasoned sales professional with a unique journey from college basketball to the commercial painting industry. Mike shares his story of transitioning from a potential career in professional sports to a successful role in sales and business development. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of self-generating leads, the importance of maintaining a consistent prospecting routine, and the value of building a strong referral network. Mike emphasizes the significance of having a structured sales process and the impact it can have on closing rates and overall business success. Throughout the conversation, Mike and David explore the dynamics of sales roles in the painting industry, highlighting the benefits of a hybrid model where sales reps are trained in both business development and estimating. They discuss the importance of hiring individuals with a competitive spirit and a proven track record, regardless of their prior experience in the trades. Mike shares insights on how to motivate sales teams to take initiative and generate their own leads, especially during slower seasons. The episode also touches on Mike's recent transition to the roofing industry, where he applies his sales expertise to train and lead a team at Ironhead Roofing. He reflects on the similarities between the two industries and the importance of having a system in place to ensure success. CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS Ironhead Roofing mike@ironheadroofing.com CONNECT WITH US ⁠⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠⁠ Request a FREE 1-Hour Consultation with David Chism EPISODE SPONSORS ⁠The Wooster Brush Company⁠ ⁠⁠⁠The Commercial Painting Industry Associate⁠⁠⁠ (CPIA) DC Marketing Group If you enjoyed this episode, remember to like, share, and subscribe!

    45 min
  3. Beyond Renewal: Smart Insurance Strategies for Contractors with Yale Rosen from Risk Strategies

    09/23/2025

    Beyond Renewal: Smart Insurance Strategies for Contractors with Yale Rosen from Risk Strategies

    FEATURED GUEST Yale Rosen ABOUT Insurance is one of those topics every contractor needs but few want to dig into. In this episode, Aaron sits down with Yale Rosen, Risk Advisor at Risk Strategies, to break down the insurance essentials that commercial painting contractors should understand. Yale explains what matters, what to watch for, and how to work with a broker who actually adds value (instead of showing up once a year at renewal). You’ll also hear: The difference between insurance and risk management.When smaller contractors can get by with direct-to-carrier vs. when it’s time to bring in a broker.How safety culture, claims handling, and deductible choices can impact premiums.Why shopping insurance the wrong way can hurt your pricing.The growing importance of cyber coverage and when it’s worth it.And as a bonus, Yale shares his unique path from minor league baseball in the Padres organization to helping contractors nationwide protect their businesses. Whether you’re new to commercial work or running a multimillion-dollar operation, this episode gives you practical takeaways to strengthen your insurance strategy. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Risk Strategies Yale on LinkedIn CONNECT WITH US ⁠⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠⁠ Request a FREE 1-Hour Consultation with David Chism EPISODE SPONSORS ⁠The Wooster Brush Company⁠ ⁠⁠⁠The Commercial Painting Industry Associate⁠⁠⁠ (CPIA) ⁠DC Marketing Group⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, remember to like, share, and subscribe!

    36 min
  4. How to Scale Your Painting Business with Virtual Talent and Fractional CFOs

    08/04/2025

    How to Scale Your Painting Business with Virtual Talent and Fractional CFOs

    FEATURED GUEST Annie Newton ABOUT In this episode of the Commercial Painting Podcast, Annie Newton shares her journey from running a successful painting company in Washington to leading ProfitWorks, a firm that helps painting and service-based businesses grow through fractional CFO services and remote staffing solutions. With over two decades of experience in the trades, Annie offers profound insights on scaling smart, building effective financial back offices, and leveraging remote talent the right way. She breaks down the differences between controllers and CFOs and when a business needs each. Annie also discusses the common “Death Valley” businesses that hit between $3–5 million in revenue—and how having the right systems, mindset, and talent can help push through to the next level. Listeners will learn: The right time to bring in fractional CFO or controller supportHow to restructure your back office for growthThe pros and cons of hiring remote (especially offshore) talentWhy leadership buy-in is essential for remote hiring successHow to avoid common pitfalls with offshore workers—like poor accountability or lack of ROIWhy culture, clarity, and communication are essential for leveraging global teams Whether you’re trying to offload tactical tasks, improve financial visibility, or reimagine your org chart, Annie’s insights are invaluable for leaders looking to scale their painting or trade business with confidence. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ProfitWorks CONNECT WITH US ⁠⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE SPONSORS ⁠The Wooster Brush Company⁠ ⁠⁠⁠The Commercial Painting Industry Associate⁠⁠⁠ (CPIA) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DC Marketing Group⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, remember to like, share, and subscribe!

    48 min
  5. How Today’s Tech Can Help Grow Your Business

    07/02/2025

    How Today’s Tech Can Help Grow Your Business

    FEATURED GUEST Glenn Williamson ABOUT In this episode, Glenn Williamson, founder of New Haven Painting, shares his journey from humble beginnings to running a respected painting business known for its integrity, precision, and customer care. Glenn opens up about how he built New Haven Painting from the ground up, the importance of relationships in the trades, and how word-of-mouth marketing continues to be a pillar of his growth strategy. What makes him unique is the technology he uses to grow his business and the data points he pays attention to. In this episode he covers: -How to filter through leads to find your optimal customer -Strategies on how to find potential customers to grow your business  -Must have technology to manage and organize deals -How to use a CRM to move a bid into a customer -The tech stack he uses to find, convert, and keep customers -When data can be bad and lead to costly decisions Whether you’re a fellow tradesperson or just love a good small business story, this episode delivers actionable wisdom and inspiration. Adding software to your process can be scary, but Glenn shares how you can not only do it but also use these programs to streamline your business.  CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST New Haven Painters CONNECT WITH US ⁠⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE SPONSORS ⁠The Wooster Brush Company⁠ ⁠⁠⁠The Commercial Painting Industry Associate⁠⁠⁠ (CPIA) DC Marketing Group If you enjoyed this episode, remember to like, share, and subscribe!

    35 min
5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Commercial painting professionals and business owners! Are you looking for a place where you can sharpen your skills, find fresh insights, and get a pulse on the industry across the country? You found it. Listen in as David Chism and Aaron Moore discuss relevant commercial painting topics: marketing, sales, hiring, business development, technology, and more. They'll interview key thought leaders from across the country as well, each bringing a unique skillset and perspective to the discussion.

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