Behind the Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast

Behind The Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast
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Behind the Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast Behind the Brush is where painters, decorators and finishing professionals come together for real conversations about the people behind the trade. Hosted by Gerard Donaghy from Paintworks NI Academy, each episode goes beyond paint and tools to explore the journeys, struggles, successes and lessons of some of the industry’s most respected professionals. From business growth and pricing to mental health, family life, social media, craftsmanship and leadership, nothing is off limits. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, every guest has a story worth hearing and something valuable to share. New episodes feature honest, unfiltered conversations with decorators, business owners, manufacturers and industry leaders from across Ireland, the UK and beyond. If you’re passionate about painting and decorating, want to improve your business, and enjoy hearing the real stories behind the people shaping our industry, you’re in the right place. Real. Raw. Relatable. Welcome to Behind the Brush.

  1. 6d ago

    Behind The Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast | Episode 26 with Tony Pearson -Young

    This week on Behind The Brush, I sit down with Tony Pearson-Young for a fantastic conversation about a career that has taken him from apprentice to decorator, business owner, sales, qualified tutor at the Dulux Academy and now Business Development Manager with A J Systems, helping bring Corona Brushes to decorators across the UK. We go right back to Tony’s apprenticeship and ask how training has changed over the last 30-40 years, whether the decorating trade needs licensing, and the real pain points of running your own business. Tony opens up about stepping away from decorating into sales, the skills that gave him, returning to the tools, and eventually taking the leap to apply for the Dulux Academy -overcoming his own limiting beliefs along the way. We talk about the fulfilment of becoming a qualified tutor and trainer, helping hundreds of decorators develop new skills, confidence and push themselves further than they thought possible. And now, another chapter - back on the road, back in sales and helping grow Corona Brushes in the UK with A J Systems. A brilliant story about change, experience, self-belief and never being afraid to start another chapter. Real. Raw. Relatable. This is Behind The Brush with Tony Pearson-Young. 🎙️

  2. Aug 6

    Behind The Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast |The Problems We Avoid Become the Business We Hate- with your host Gerry Donaghy

    A real, raw and relatable solo episode about being too busy, struggling to find good people, dealing with negativity and underperformance, charging the right rates and becoming more efficient. No filters-just honest lessons, practical solutions and plenty of craic from life behind the brush.

  3. Jul 30

    Behind The Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast | Episode 24 with James Wildish

    In this episode of Behind The Brush, I’m joined by James Wildish-founder of XOX Coatings, trainer at the Dulux Academy, and founder of the UK Sprayers Association. James shares his incredible journey from starting out as a "chancer" / decorator to building a large commercial decorating business, only to face a devastating six-figure financial setback that changed the course of his career. We discuss the lessons learned from scaling too quickly, the pressures of running a business, and how he rebuilt through specialist spraying, education and raising standards across the industry. We also dive into the growth of kitchen and uPVC spraying, training the next generation, the purpose behind the UK Sprayers Association, and why community, professionalism and continuous learning are so important for the future of the trade. Whether you’re a painter, decorator, sprayer or business owner, this episode is packed with honest conversations, practical advice and valuable insights from someone who has experienced both the highs and the lows of business. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Behind The Brush, leave a rating and share it with someone in the trade who’ll get value from the conversation. Connect with James Wildish:• XOX Coatings• Dulux Academy• UK Sprayers Association Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you on the next episode of Behind The Brush.

  4. Jul 23

    Behind The Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast | Episode 23 with Kiara Fitzgerald

    What a brilliant conversation with Kiara Fitzgerald on this week’s episode of Behind the Brush. 🎙️ We talked about everything from redundancy and taking the leap into self-employment, to teaching herself how to paint and install panelling, building a business from scratch, and navigating the trade as a female decorator for the last 18 months. Kiara was refreshingly honest about the realities of self-employment, including the pressure of having a month with no work and no income, while sharing why she still genuinely loves what she does. We also chatted about finding support through the Irish Paint Fam, meeting Paint Warrior at a trade show, and why having good people around you makes such a difference. As always, it was a real, raw and relatable conversation with plenty of laughs along the way. If you’re a painter, decorator, tradesperson, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring business journeys, this is one you won’t want to miss. Watch now on YouTube: Behind the Brush Podcast If you enjoyed the episode, please Like, Share and Subscribe. Every share helps us reach more people across the decorating industry. #BehindTheBrush #PaintingAndDecorating #IrishPaintFam #WomenInConstruction #WomenInTrades #SelfEmployment #BusinessJourney #Decorator #Painter #Tradespeople #RealRawRelatable

  5. Jul 16

    Behind The Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast | Episode 22 with Georgie Baker

    Not every success story starts the same. In this episode of Behind the Brush, Georgie Baker shares his incredible journey-from serving time in prison and discovering a passion for joinery and decorating, to rebuilding his life and creating one of the UK’s most respected decorating businesses. We talk about the setbacks that shaped him, including missed opportunities, business partnerships that didn’t work out, and the difficult decisions that ultimately led him to go out on his own. Georgie also shares how opportunities with Dulux opened doors to television, leading to work on programmes including Changing Rooms and Sort Your Life Out, as well as projects in France and recognition through multiple industry awards. This isn’t just a conversation about painting and decorating. It’s about second chances, resilience, backing yourself when life doesn’t go to plan, and proving that your past doesn’t have to define your future. Whether you’re in the trades, running a business, or simply looking for inspiration, Georgie’s story is a powerful reminder that where you start doesn’t determine where you can end up. 🎙️ Behind the Brush - Real. Raw. Relatable.

  6. Jul 9

    Behind The Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast | Episode 21 with Tommy Houston

    This week on Behind the Brush – The Painter & Decorator Podcast, I’m joined by Tommy Huston from Houston’s Decorators. Tommy shares his journey from starting in the trade at just 16 years old, working as part of a large team, spending time away from home, and making sacrifices to help build someone else’s business before eventually taking the leap into self-employment. We discuss whether that same loyalty still exists today, the pros and cons of being employed versus running your own business, pricing, the challenges of the first four years in business, and the lessons that only experience can teach. The conversation also explores investing for the future beyond painting, why thinking long-term matters, the importance of apprenticeships, the future of the trade, and the vision behind creating a stronger community through an industry association. One of my favourite parts of the conversation is about giving back-how, as you climb the ladder in your own career, you should never forget to reach back and help the next person up. This is a real, honest conversation about business, mindset, sacrifice, leadership and what it takes to build a successful future in our industry. If you’re a painter, decorator, business owner or apprentice, there’s plenty of value in this one. As always, thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone else in the trade-it genuinely helps the podcast grow.

  7. Jul 2

    Behind The Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast | Episode 20 with Vincent Mulligan

    Episode 20 – Vincent Mulligan | Behind the Brush – The Painter & Decorator Podcast In this episode, I sit down with Vincent Mulligan to chat about his journey through the painting and decorating industry. We discuss how he stepped away from the trade into management roles and even owned a restaurant before returning to painting with a fresh perspective, new skills, and a greater appreciation for the profession. We also dive into the realities of running your own business, from dealing with the weather and scheduling work to favourite brushes, tools, and the lessons Vincent has learned during his four years of self-employment. Beyond business, we talk about what really matters: family, switching off, enjoying movie nights, and why spending quality time with the people you love is the biggest win of all. We finish by discussing the incredible value of community through the Irish Paint Fam, the hike for autism , and why being part of supportive groups can make such a difference-both personally and professionally. If you’re a painter, decorator, tradesperson, or simply enjoy honest conversations about business, life, and the trade, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Behind the Brush – The Painter & Decorator PodcastReal. Raw. Relatable.

  8. Jun 25

    Behind The Brush Episode 19 with your host Gerry Donaghy

    🎙️ Behind the Brush Episode 19 with your host Gerry Donaghy This week there’s no guest - just me. I’m currently on holiday, and for the first time in a long time I’ve genuinely switched off. That time away has given me the chance to reflect on where I’ve been, where Paintworks NI Academy is heading, and what I believe the future of our industry could look like. In this episode I talk openly about debt, health, the importance of slowing down, and some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years. I also share why Paint It Forward has become so important to me and why I believe our trade is capable of so much more when we work together. I discuss an idea that’s been growing in my mind - a potential association for painters and decorators across Ireland and Northern Ireland (name still to be decided). An organisation where the future of the industry is shaped by the industry itself, through education, networking, live events, awards, mentoring, and the power of thousands of decorators pulling in the same direction. This isn’t an announcement - it’s the start of a conversation. I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else in the trade. Real Raw Relatable Thank you as always for the support.

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About

Behind the Brush | The Painter and Decorator Podcast Behind the Brush is where painters, decorators and finishing professionals come together for real conversations about the people behind the trade. Hosted by Gerard Donaghy from Paintworks NI Academy, each episode goes beyond paint and tools to explore the journeys, struggles, successes and lessons of some of the industry’s most respected professionals. From business growth and pricing to mental health, family life, social media, craftsmanship and leadership, nothing is off limits. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, every guest has a story worth hearing and something valuable to share. New episodes feature honest, unfiltered conversations with decorators, business owners, manufacturers and industry leaders from across Ireland, the UK and beyond. If you’re passionate about painting and decorating, want to improve your business, and enjoy hearing the real stories behind the people shaping our industry, you’re in the right place. Real. Raw. Relatable. Welcome to Behind the Brush.

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