U Spray with Mitch and Toddy

Mitch Baird

Welcome to The U Spray Podcast with Mitch and Toddy – your go-to hub for spray painting tips, tools, and industry insights. Whether you’re a professional painter or a DIY renovator, this podcast will help you master your spray equipment and achieve better results, faster. Each episode dives into the best spray painting techniques, equipment know-how, and industry trends so you can get the most out of your tools, strengthen relationships with suppliers and customers, and grow your painting business. With practical advice, expert conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and get access to knowledge that most sprayers don’t share. Meet Your Hosts Toddy – An American spray expert who began his career with Sherwin-Williams in 2008. After years working between the US and Australia, he permanently moved Down Under and joined the painting team at Bunnings, where he connected with key industry mentors who shaped his career. Mitch – An Australian painter with 20 years of hands-on experience. Starting at just 18, he turned a casual house-painting job into a career through word of mouth. Over time, Mitch developed a passion for spray painting, refining his skills and eventually teaming up with Toddy to share their combined expertise. Why Listen to U Spray? Learn how to use your spray gun and painting equipment to its full potential Gain an insider’s perspective on the spray painting industry Stay updated with the latest spray gun innovations and painting techniques Get real-world advice from two trusted industry professionals Stay Connected with The Spray Gun Club For resources, updates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content: Website: thespraygunclub.com.au Instagram: @thespraygunclub | @yo_painters Facebook: The Spray Gun Club | Todd Smith YouTube: The Spray Gun Club Have a question or want to suggest a podcast topic? Contact us via socials, email info@thespraygunclub.com.auor call 1300 U SPRAY

  1. 11/26/2025

    33. Latest Training, Industry Insight & What’s Ahead for SGC

    In this episode, Mitch and Todd dive into what’s been happening inside the spray world—from the recent MPA awards, latest training and the Christmas rush that is upon us. They unpack the real challenges painters are facing right now, share exciting news about industry recognition, and give a sneak peek into what’s coming next at The Spray Gun Club. What we cover in episode 33: Training Insights & Industry Events. We break down recent training sessions and Toddy’s recent attendance at the MPA awards.  The boys have been blown away by the feedback rolling in. We talk about the recognition coming through for painters—and the support SGC is receiving from the community who love what we’re doing. Challenges in the Painting Industry. We discuss the current challenges painters are facing in today’s market and how to stay ahead of the curve. The Christmas Rush & Business Dynamics. It’s crunch time for painters everywhere. We look at what the lead-up to Christmas really means for scheduling, workflow, client expectations, and cash flow—and how to navigate it without burning out. Product Innovations & What’s Next at SGC. New gear, smarter solutions, and future plans. We reveal what’s on the horizon for The Spray Gun Club and how we’re continuing to support painters with better training, products, and servicing. Connect With Us Instagram: @thespraygunclub Toddy’s Instagram: @yo_painters Facebook: The Spray Gun Club Website: www.thespraygunclub.com.au YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thespraygunclub

    21 min
  2. 11/19/2025

    32. Learning From Your Mistakes & Valuing What Really Matters in Business

    In this episode of the U Spray Podcast, the boys sit down for one of those winding, honest conversations that every tradie-turned-business-owner can relate to. The inevitable mistakes we all make along the way, the lessons that come out of those tougher moments, and why the values you hold — time, respect, and genuine connection — end up shaping the whole direction of your business. They dive into: Some of the biggest business mistakes they’ve made… and what those experiences taught themWhy things not going to plan can be a blessing in disguiseHow respecting your own time sets the tone for how others treat your businessThe value of strong relationships — with clients, suppliers, and your own teamCorporate culture: what works, what doesn’t, and how it shapes serviceThe difference between making changes vs. sitting around complainingWhy personal connection still matters more than anythingHow service levels and customer care ultimately define your reputation And of course, they wrap up with the latest SGC Black Friday specials and what painters should know before upgrading their spray guns. Whether you’re growing a trade business, navigating the ups and downs of self-employment, or just want a real conversation about doing better work with better people, this episode delivers. Connect With Us: Instagram: @thespraygunclubToddy's Instagram @yo_paintersFacebook: The Spray Gun ClubWebsite: www.thespraygunclub.com.auYouTube: www.youtube.com/@thespraygunclub

    27 min
  3. 11/05/2025

    31. The Small Business Triangle — Supporting Each Other for Win-Win-Win Deals

    Welcome back to The U Spray Podcast with Mitch and Toddy — your go-to show for all things airless spray guns, painting, and the realities of running a small business in the trade world. In this episode, we’re diving into what Mitch calls “the small business triangle” — a powerful idea about how independent businesses, their customers, and their suppliers can all support each other to create real win-win-win outcomes. Here’s what we cover:The Small Business Triangle: How tradies, suppliers, and customers can all benefit when independents work together.Toddy’s Personal Story: Real-world examples of customers and small businesses winning big through The Spray Gun Club — and how that compares to dealing with corporates.Getting a Better Deal: Practical tips for painters on how to get the best value from your suppliers.Why Independents Matter: The unmatched service, care, and expertise small businesses bring to their customers — and why they need community support to thrive.Corporates vs. Community: The difference between being people-driven and profit-driven. Then, we switch gears to tackle some spray gun best practices and common myths: Toddy’s best practice guide to cleaning and maintaining your spray machine.Why most issues come from paint that hasn’t been strained properly, not a dirty machine.Toddy’s water-saving method for cleaning a sprayer using just 2–4 litres of water.How to store your machine over the weekend to keep it in top condition.Why Mantis Fluid Conditioner is a game-changer — balancing the pH of your water and helping preserve your machine.Mythbusting: Running air through your machine — what really happens and what damage (if any) it causes. Filters and Tips: When to replace them to maximise performance and save money in the long run. Connect With Us: Instagram: @thespraygunclubToddy's Instagram @yo_paintersFacebook: The Spray Gun ClubWebsite: www.thespraygunclub.com.auYouTube: www.youtube.com/@thespraygunclun

    26 min

About

Welcome to The U Spray Podcast with Mitch and Toddy – your go-to hub for spray painting tips, tools, and industry insights. Whether you’re a professional painter or a DIY renovator, this podcast will help you master your spray equipment and achieve better results, faster. Each episode dives into the best spray painting techniques, equipment know-how, and industry trends so you can get the most out of your tools, strengthen relationships with suppliers and customers, and grow your painting business. With practical advice, expert conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and get access to knowledge that most sprayers don’t share. Meet Your Hosts Toddy – An American spray expert who began his career with Sherwin-Williams in 2008. After years working between the US and Australia, he permanently moved Down Under and joined the painting team at Bunnings, where he connected with key industry mentors who shaped his career. Mitch – An Australian painter with 20 years of hands-on experience. Starting at just 18, he turned a casual house-painting job into a career through word of mouth. Over time, Mitch developed a passion for spray painting, refining his skills and eventually teaming up with Toddy to share their combined expertise. Why Listen to U Spray? Learn how to use your spray gun and painting equipment to its full potential Gain an insider’s perspective on the spray painting industry Stay updated with the latest spray gun innovations and painting techniques Get real-world advice from two trusted industry professionals Stay Connected with The Spray Gun Club For resources, updates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content: Website: thespraygunclub.com.au Instagram: @thespraygunclub | @yo_painters Facebook: The Spray Gun Club | Todd Smith YouTube: The Spray Gun Club Have a question or want to suggest a podcast topic? Contact us via socials, email info@thespraygunclub.com.auor call 1300 U SPRAY