PaintED Podcast PaintEd Podcast

Find More Episodes on PCA Overdrive: https://www.pcaoverdrive.org/beyond-1m-podcast



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Join us on the Beyond a Million Dollar Podcast as we engage in a compelling conversation with
industry experts Mike Katounas and Rick Holtz about the transformative power of training and
development in the paint contracting world. As we navigate the challenges posed by a shrinking
workforce, Rick introduces us to the on-the-job training strategy at H.J. Holtz & Son, Inc., where
a veteran employee mentors others with the support of an operations manager. We dissect the
importance of bespoke systems and consistency in business growth, and Mike weighs in on the
complexities of managing subcontractors at Home Works Painting, emphasizing the necessity
for clear expectations and protocols to uphold standards.
Listen in as we tackle the critical issue of onboarding and employee retention, confronting the
startling statistic that sees some companies losing as many as one in four new hires. Discover
how effective communication and avoiding menial tasks for new recruits can transform their
experience. We delve into successful integration strategies, such as creating training rooms and
standardized operating procedures, alongside the merits of exposing new hires to different crew
leaders for diverse experiences and feedback. Our discussion underscores the investment in
systematic training and onboarding as a cornerstone for nurturing a skilled and dedicated
workforce.
We also share insights into the inner workings of a healthy organizational strategy, revealing
how structured crew leader and operations meetings bolster team cohesion and communication.
You'll get a glimpse into the use of scorecards for tracking performance, the utilization of
technology to keep teams aligned, and the pivot towards collaborative meeting structures that
empower team members and enhance accountability. Through real-world experiences, Rick and
Mike affirm the impact of frequent, but, more importantly, focused meetings in creating a united
company culture and driving business success. Tune in for a treasure trove of practical advice
on refining your company's training, onboarding, and communication practices for lasting
growth. It's a great episode with Scott, Rick, and Mike!


Find More Episodes on PCA Overdrive: https://www.pcaoverdrive.org/beyond-1m-podcast



PCA Overdrive is free for members.

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Listen in as I chat with Chris Soule, the ambitious entrepreneur behind Clean Cut Painting,
about his remarkable transition from an auto body shop apprentice to a successful business
owner in East Hampton, Connecticut. Chris's candid storytelling takes us through his initial
struggles and the formative experiences that led him to venture into entrepreneurship, including
the challenges of a flyer campaign that didn't pan out and how a harsh winter incidentally
kickstarted his career through an insurance restoration job. Our discussion shines a light on the
key decisions and moments that have shaped his journey, from leaving a difficult boss, dealing
with a toxic culture, and learning his business's true statistics.
Throughout our conversation, we uncover the strategic evolution of Clean Cut as Chris shifted
his business to specialize in cabinet painting—a move that not only doubled his revenue but
also streamlined operations and amplified efficiency. We delve into the importance of creating a
company culture rooted in core values, the art of marketing through exceptional customer
experiences, and the critical role of communication and setting clear goals. Chris's story is a
testament to the power of focusing on your strengths and leveraging a personalized and
profound customer experience to position your company as a regional leader.
Wrapping up our time together, we focus on the intertwining of business growth and personal
development, with Chris opening up about his leadership philosophy and the steps he took to
ensure his company's profitability and sustainability. From the impact of financial literacy on
business success to the importance of fostering a high-achieving workplace culture, our
exchange offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make their mark in any service industry,
not just painting! Don't miss out on this inspirational episode as Chris generously shares his
experiences, with a view to the future that includes inspiring his team, educating others in his
business philosophy, and moving toward the million dollar mark!


Find More Episodes on PCA Overdrive: https://www.pcaoverdrive.org/beyond-1m-podcast



PCA Overdrive is free for members.

Not a member? Download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play and enjoy a 7 day free trial!



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Join us for an insightful conversation with Carl Utter, founder of Contractor Growth Strategy.
Carl's story is both fascinating and inspiring; from a thriving musician to a starving salesman,
and eventually becoming a successful sales trainer with a specialty in the painting industry. He
shares his invaluable lessons from his early days of selling insurance door-to-door and his
unique approach to reframing objections. Carl also provides valuable advice for commercial
painters looking to develop new accounts.
We don't just stop at Carl's journey. Together, we explore the philosophy of sales and emphasize
the importance of sales training in the residential and commercial trades. You'll learn why a
structured sales system is vital in today's competitive market, how to build rapport and trust with
customers, and why focusing on doing more things right rather than dwelling on mistakes is the
way forward. You'll also get a peek into the traditional sales system used by many contractors -
referred to as "show up, throw up, screw up, and follow up" - and understand why it's not as
effective anymore.
Listen in as we go deeper into the sales strategies and techniques specifically designed for
painting contractors. Carl reveals the best-selling system for painting contractors and the key
elements that make it work, such as setting am agenda, taking control of the sale, and
presenting the offer persuasively. We also discuss the concept of pre-engineered agreements
and getting something in return for providing a free estimate. This episode is packed with
insights and actionable advice, whether you're a painting contractor who sells, employs
estimators or sales employees, or simply looking to improve your sales strategy. Don't miss out!


Find More Episodes on PCA Overdrive: https://www.pcaoverdrive.org/beyond-1m-podcast



PCA Overdrive is free for members.

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Listen in as we explore the intriguing journey of Ron Rice, owner of Ron Rice Painting. Discover
how Ron transitioned from being an aspiring rockstar/DJ and part-time painter in college to
becoming a successful painting contractor in San Diego. He opens up about the challenges he
faced and the lessons learned while building his business. Ron's humility and constant hunger
for growth make his story a compelling and inspirational one, providing valuable insights for
anyone considering becoming a paint contractor, or any entrepreneur.
Our conversation takes you through the early years of Ron's painting business in California,
highlighting the hurdles he had to overcome in a tough market. You'll hear about how Ron keeps
his focus fluid between commercial projects to residential repaints and the decision to step away
from being a painter himself to manage the growth of his company. Also, we explore the
changes and evolution of his business model, from starting with just himself and an operations
assistant to a fully functional crew.
The episode wraps up with an honest discussion about business growth, where Ron shares his
weaknesses and how he relies on his team to stay organized. He emphasizes the importance of
revenue and how he plans to grow his business by hiring more staff. We also touch on his
experience with business coaching and how it has positively impacted his business. Overall, this
episode provides a realistic and insightful view of entrepreneurship in the world of painting
contracting.
Thanks for listening, and thank you Ron for joining us!
About Ron:
Ron Rice, the owner of Ron Rice Painting & Consulting (RRPC), is a painting veteran with over
30 years of experience. In 1987, he started painting part-time while juggling college courses. He
discovered that he had a knack for the craft of painting and enjoyed helping others reach their
vision for their home and office projects. After a stint as a foreman for Woods Painting in
Nashville, Tennessee, he ventured out on his own and started Changes Painting.
After his success in Nashville, Ron traded the cold winters of the Southeast for the endless sun
of San Diego, and in late 2000, he founded Ron Rice Painting & Consulting. Since then, Ron
and his team have completed thousands of jobs. From new construction to remodels to
everything in between, Ron and his team would love to be your choice of professional painters
in San Diego County. Contact us today to learn how we can deliver the best value in residential
or commercial painting.
Family & the Community: Outside of the office, Ron dedicates time to family–his two amazing
daughters, Machalla and Sadie; a beautiful granddaughter, Mila; his talented wife, Tori; and his
rescued fur-kids–two dogs (Tigre and Blanco) and two cats (OC Freddie and Bowie). An active
Rotarian, Ron sits on the board of his Rotary Club, La Mesa Sunrise Rotary, and can often be
spotted around town doing service work. Sometimes you can find him onstage–either singing
and playing guitar with his rock band, A Month of Sundays, or doing improv comedy at local
clubs.


Find More Episodes on PCA Overdrive: https://www.pcaoverdrive.org/beyond-1m-podcast



PCA Overdrive is free for members.

Not a member? Download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play and enjoy a 7 day free trial!



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Unlock the secrets of successful sales processes for contractors with our guest, Mike Katounas of Home Works Painting. Expect to be enlightened on the nuances of pre- and post-appointment communication, the role of setting clear expectations, and how to handle customer relationships. Mike introduces us to his go-to tool, YouCanBookMe, which helps him maintain a steady line of contact with his clients and prepares them for the arrival of an estimator.

In a post-appointment scenario, Mike lets us in on his follow-up strategy which robustly incorporates sending estimates, follow-up texts and emails, and making phone calls. He successfully uses Monday.com for automating his follow-ups, but he also emphasizes the irreplaceable value of personal contact in sales. Moreover, if you've wondered about what to do when you don't hear back from customers, Mike provides some insightful answers. He also brings to light key performance indicators he relies on to track his business performance.

Mike doesn't just focus on the customers, he also shares valuable insights into his methods for tracking leads, managing schedules, and optimizing resources to meet job demands. Learn how he keeps a two-person crew unscheduled throughout the year to accommodate unforeseen events and urgent requests. Explore his techniques for monitoring estimates, closing ratios, and the KPIs that help him run his business efficiently and effectively. By the end of this episode, you’ll have gained a comprehensive understanding of the sales process in the paint contracting business through the lens of an expert who’s been there and done that.


Find More Episodes on PCA Overdrive: https://www.pcaoverdrive.org/beyond-1m-podcast



PCA Overdrive is free for members.

Not a member? Download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play and enjoy a 7 day free trial!



Become a member: https://www.pcapainted.org/membership-resources/