CoatingsPro Interview Series: Recent Episodes
CoatingsPro Magazine
These are official podcasts of CoatingsPro Magazine, with an emphasis on helping industrial and commercial coatings contractors learn best practices and jobsite tips to improve their bottom line.
In a sponsored episode, NLB Corp.’s Denny Glandon (chief financial officer) and Jim Van Dam (vice president of customer experience) join AMPP Media to share the unique advantages of NLB’s FLX System. The FLX combines surface preparation capabilities with on-board water and vacuum recovery, providing contractors with unlimited growth and profit savings while using a single driver and operator.
Engineered with the coating contractor in mind, the FLX was designed to expand services, increase efficiency, and maximize equipment investment.
Tim Fisher and Brendan Demler, co-presidents of Canadian Industries Limited (CIL), join the CoatingsPro Interview Series to dissect many of the recent changes within their business and the broader industry. Discussion topics include product launches, store openings, and research and innovation trends in Canada, as well as other items on the horizon for the Canadian paints and coatings market.
In this interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Pam Nicoletti — president of the Master Painters Institute (MPI), an AMPP subsidiary — shares updates on MPI’s expansion into industrial testing and its recognition (MPI Champion Awards) of paint manufacturers and specialists. Future priorities for the organization include the development of additional industrial standards; promoting QP 9 accreditation for commercial contractors; and opportunities to expand globally.
For additional information, check out MPI’s recent feature on the nationally syndicated This Old House Radio Hour.
Matthew Rowland, CEO of BlastOne International, spoke with AMPP Media in an exclusive interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in Houston. Topics include the company’s consistent focus on corrosion management and innovation, including a new Performance 3 awards program to recognize improvements in project efficiency.
Looking ahead, Rowland is already working on ambitious plans to accompany AMPP’s 2027 flagship show, which takes place next April in BlastOne’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
Kevin Page, vice president of commercial for Amrize Building Envelope, discusses the group’s focus on construction chemicals — including adhesives, sealants, coatings, and spray foam insulation. As a spinoff from Holcim in 2025, Amrize emphasizes innovation, product support, and digital tools to better enhance contractor efficiency.
Key market segments for the company are cold storage, data centers, and commercial repair, driven by performance needs and durability, while challenges include labor shortages and complex project specifications. Amrize addresses these through digital tools, training, and systems designed for efficiency. The company aims to balance short-term and long-term costs, offering a broad portfolio of solutions to meet diverse customer needs.
Travis Crotwell, oil and gas segment director at PPG Protective & Marine Coatings, shares his outlook on tank linings and extended inspection intervals.
In this exclusive interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Crotwell explores how newer lining technologies are helping operators reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency. Discussion topics include the latest innovations in tank linings; why inspection intervals are so important for tank owners and operators; and key requirements under API 652.
Brandon Acker, president of Titan Abrasive Systems, discusses the importance of efficient abrasive blasting in the coatings industry. Topics include hidden costs in the process; the need for proper surface preparation to avoid coating failures; the importance of using the correct media and maintaining equipment; and the significance of operator training, standardized processes, and performance metrics to improve productivity and safety.
Ryan Hunn, business development manager for bridge preservation at PPG Protective & Marine Coatings, addressed the latest developments in bridge deck waterproofing as part of our interview at the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo.
In his role, Hunn works closely with transportation agencies, rail owners, and certified applicators across North America, all with a mission of supporting bridge projects that help keep critical infrastructure in service longer.
Known as the “non-skid guy,” Johnny M. Sanchez is the president and owner of Prime Time Coatings, Inc. (PTC). In this exclusive interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Sanchez reflects on his distinguished career and the latest in industry trends, and he also shares insight and perspective for the next generation of the workforce.
In today’s construction environments — where schedules are tighter, labor is limited, and budgets face constant pressure — efficiency is everything. That’s why many fabricators, engineers, and asset owners are exploring two-coat systems for structural steel, rather than the traditional three coats.
In this sponsored episode, Sherwin-Williams’ Greg Hansen and Brian Hlinak explain how modern two-coat systems can improve shop throughput while still preserving long-term corrosion protection and appearance. These coating systems, which are backed by industry-validated testing, include the Zinc Clad 4100 primer and Sher-Loxane 800 polysiloxane finish coat from Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine.
Michael Black is vice president of service and maintenance at Florida-based Sutter Roofing.
In this recent interview from the sidelines of the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo — where Sutter won first place in the “Commercial Roof” category of CoatingsPro Magazine’s 2026 Contractor Awards — Black shares some the company’s keys to success and its outlook for the future.
Discussion topics include Sutter’s unique and award-winning project at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Fla., as well as Black’s perspective on maintaining and developing the workforce that is needed to complete these projects.
Editor’s note: Additional insights from Black will be featured in the “Industry PROFile” section of CoatingsPro’s May 2026 print issue, so stay tuned for that!
D. Terry Greenfield, principal consultant at CONSULEX, is the new Technical Editor of CoatingsPro Magazine! He’s also a past chairman of AMPP and past president of NACE International, as well as AMPP’s accredited representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
In this on-site interview, Lisa Sciortino — Managing Editor of CoatingsPro — catches up with Greenfield on the sidelines of the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo. Topics include his new role with the magazine; highlights from the conference; industry trends and insights; and more.
Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Media, interviewed a wide range of industry leaders as part of CoatingsPro’s exclusive coverage of January and February 2026 trade shows. That on-site coverage, which is available on our website and social media pages, included the 2026 World of Concrete (WOC); International Roofing Expo (IRE); and AMPP’s inaugural Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum.
From WOC’s outdoor Exhibit Hall in Las Vegas, this mini-episode features booth interviews with leadership figures from Husqvarna Construction Products and Polyglass USA. Each interview can also be viewed in video form (complete with additional site footage) at the links below.
Husqvarna video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1400288348508585
Polyglass video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3186983931467675
To recap three industry events from early 2026, our Ben DuBose sits down with Lisa Sciortino (Managing Editor, CoatingsPro Magazine) and Jennifer Merck (Vice President of Defense and Maritime, AMPP).
Discussion topics include event highlights and key takeaways from the World of Concrete show; the International Roofing Expo; and AMPP’s inaugural Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum. Both interviews can also be watched in video form at the links below.
Lisa Sciortino video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1411476647277066
Jennifer Merck video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1444106733950436
Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Media, interviewed a wide range of industry leaders as part of CoatingsPro’s exclusive coverage of January and February 2026 trade shows. That on-site coverage, which is available on our website and social media pages, included the 2026 World of Concrete (WOC); International Roofing Expo (IRE); and AMPP’s inaugural Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum.
From WOC’s Exhibit Hall in Las Vegas, this mini-episode features booth interviews with leadership figures from Gaco, Equipment Development Co., Inc. (EDCO), and Polycoat Products. Each interview can also be viewed in video form at the links below.
Gaco video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1308691344658946
EDCO video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1826201654725397
Polycoat video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2084629952298277
Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Media and CoatingsPro Magazine, interviewed several industry leaders at January and February 2026 trade shows. The on-site coverage, available at CoatingsPro’s social media pages, includes the International Roofing Expo (IRE); World of Concrete (WOC); and AMPP’s inaugural Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum.
From IRE’s Exhibit Hall floor in Las Vegas, this mini-episode features short interviews with leadership figures from BITEC and Everroof. Each interview can also be viewed in video form at the links below.
BITEC video: http://bit.ly/40daMrb
Everroof video: https://bit.ly/4rfwvux
In an event held February 3-4, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Va., AMPP will host its inaugural Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum.
To reflect and share insight on the latest industry trends, this panel discussion features AMPP’s Jennifer Merck and Ben DuBose alongside several prominent event sponsors. Speakers include Jim Hartley of PPG; Robert Dahlstrom of Apellix; Joe McGreal of Ervin Industries; and Russell Roden of Atlantic Design Inc. (ADI).
In a roundtable format, this episode also previews the event while showcasing its potential benefits for members and key stakeholders throughout the maritime coatings industry.
This roundtable conversation with leaders from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) explores the vital role of certifications in industrial painting, as well as areas in which a trained and certified workforce can boost the coatings industry.
Topics include modern project requirements, certifications, and the industry’s future; QP contractor requirements; how contractor accreditation can help ensure quality and protect investments; and the IUPAT’s important role in raising the bar for industry standards.
From February 3-4, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is hosting its inaugural Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum. With a goal of serving members and the industry, CoatingsPro is a member magazine of AMPP.
To share the latest event information along with insight on maritime trends and workforce development, this roundtable podcast features Jennifer Merck of AMPP; Anthony Manglona of Precise Systems; and Cassandra Frisby of Newport News Shipbuilding. Tune in!
David V. Revay, an AMPP-certified professional and founder of Revay Coating Consultants, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, recently introduced “The Paint Father” as an innovative YouTube and TikTok video channel.
After 13 years of consulting and inspections work, as well as serving as an expert witness for many coatings-related legal cases, the 36-year-old now hopes to inspire and equip the next generation of inspectors. In this interview, Revay speaks with CoatingsPro Magazine regarding his unique career journey; industry trends; and his goals for the future.
Revay contends that a five-day CIP Level 1 (AMPP’s Coating Inspector Program) certification course in January 2012 changed the trajectory of his life and led to him finding a deep passion for this line of work. Through these platforms, he hopes to make a similarly quick impact on today’s young minds.
This episode introduces readers to Lisa Sciortino, the new Managing Editor of CoatingsPro Magazine. Topics include her career background and what makes her a good fit for the role; opportunities for industry leaders to become more involved with the magazine; and how CoatingsPro aims to help contractors and other industry professionals do their jobs better, both now and into the future.
Dennis Karnstein and Brian Carson are top executives at Pittsburgh Paints Co., a leading North American producer of interior and exterior paints, stains, caulks, repair products, adhesives, and sealants.
In this conversation with CoatingsPro Magazine, Karnstein and Carson address marketplace trends in late 2025 and entering 2026; making coatings more user-friendly for applicators; the group’s unique service model and its new opportunities as a privately owned company; and more.
A new set calculator on the Enverge.App is designed to provide contractors with a quick, mobile tool displaying instant estimates for how many spray foam sets a project will need, as well as built-in calculators for circles, triangles, and corrugated metal.
Ryan Decker, spray foam brand manager for Enverge, chats with CoatingsPro Magazine regarding the importance of digital integration for contractors and applicators; feedback from early adopters of these technologies; marketplace trends in the industry; and more.
Pamela Novak, vice president of finance and HR at JetRock, joins this sponsored episode of the CoatingsPro Interview Series. Discussion topics include what makes JetRock stand out among flooring options in the commercial business sector; the company’s unique value proposition; installation challenges, opportunities, and training resources; and much more.
In this sponsored episode, experts from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) explore how new and emerging technologies are transforming the industrial coating marketplace.
Featuring insights from Don McClain, Andrew Croll, and Ken Seal, topics include the impact of new technologies and tools; optimal strategies for training, workforce development, and quality control; future trends to watch for; and the role of organizations such as IUPAT and AMPP in supporting the industry and advocating for its workforce.
Davies Hood, President and Owner of Induron Protective Coatings, shares his insight on marketplace trends; innovations within the industry; and feedback from clients and end users. Those innovations include Induron’s new Perma-Clean 100 SL, which was designed to offer the benefits of thick-film barrier protection without requiring complex plural-component spray equipment.
In “Exhibitor Spotlight” interviews at the flagship AMPP 2025 show in Nashville, we spoke with several industry experts regarding new products and services to address modern challenges for protective coatings professionals. This mini-episode features experts from from Best-Tec and Sauereisen.
In “Exhibitor Spotlight” interviews from the flagship AMPP 2025 show in Nashville, we spoke with experts from across the industry regarding new products and services that could help address many modern needs and challenges. This mini-episode features experts from Belzona and Corrosion Innovations.
AMPP Advocacy Day 2025 is on the horizon, and this year’s event is focused on protecting America’s maritime future through corrosion mitigation and coatings solutions. As the United States modernizes its maritime industrial base and expands naval and commercial shipbuilding capacity, AMPP is leading conversations with policymakers to ensure materials protection remains a national priority.
In this roundtable discussion, member leaders Kristin Leonard (Sherwin-Williams) and D. Terry Greenfield (CONSULEX) join AMPP’s Kern Williams and Ben DuBose to explore the most important legislative storylines in 2025 and beyond.
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) represents 140,000 workers across the United States and Canada. In this summer 2025 interview with CoatingsPro Magazine, IUPAT’s Andrew Croll and Ken Seal share insights and the latest trends pertaining to safety, training, workforce development, industry influence and advocacy, and more.
Brian Carson, CEO of Pittsburgh Paints Co. since February 2025, shares insights regarding his new role and the future of the industry. Topics include opportunities for the company under private ownership; how Carson’s flooring experience helps him understand the paints and coatings market; common challenges and pain points for contractor customers; and more.
Atlantic Design, Inc. (ADI) is a family owned and operated business in Baltimore, Maryland. The company brings more than 30 years of experience in the blasting and coatings industry while aiming to provide innovative and efficient solutions for the needs of its customers.
Russell Roden, president of ADI, joins this sponsored episode with perspective gained over his three-plus decades in the business. Topics include key technologies that ADI has contributed to the market; modern industry trends, such as using a pneumatic transfer system in grit recycling; recent upgrades and innovations within blast controls; and expectations for the future.
Kirk Lipes, Global Transportation Segment Director at paints and coatings manufacturer Sherwin-Williams, shares his insight on unique needs and opportunities within the market. Topics include challenges and historical limitations; newer technologies and processes to improve performance; feedback from customers and applicators; collaboration opportunities; and more.
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) represents 140,000 workers in the finishing trades across the United States and Canada. In this episode, IUPAT’s Andrew Croll and Ken Seal share insights on the organization’s mission to support and train professionals in the coatings industry; its strategies pertaining to recruiting and retaining workers; emerging technologies and jobsite trends in the industry; and much more.
Gary Gray, a longtime coatings contractor and an executive with Tenor ESOP Partners and ESOP Consulting Group, LLC, says he is seeing considerable momentum toward broad-based employee ownership as a growth tool.
With the strategy (learn more) also representing a tax advantaged exit alternative, Gray explains why he believes the momentum is especially strong in the construction sector.
While at the 2025 World of Concrete show in Las Vegas, CoatingsPro Magazine caught up with leaders from several industry companies for brief interviews on the Exhibit Hall floor. Companies profiled in this series, in alphabetical order, include BrandSafway; Crown Polymers; Graco; Key Resin Company; Polymer Nation; PPG; and Quikspray Inc.
Greg Mulholland, founder and CEO of Citrine Informatics, shares his perspective on how artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly affecting the coatings industry and others linked to materials protection and performance. Discussion topics include development processes influenced by AI; feedback from industrial users; strategies for using AI to adapt to industry trends and new regulations; what the future evolution of AI may look like; and available resources to learn more.
Russell Raad, president of “one-stop shop” Abrasives Inc., joins a sponsored episode of the CoatingsPro Interview Series with insight on his company’s unique specialties and market position.
Discussion topics include marketplace trends, changes, and regulatory impacts; unique challenges to the surface preparation of industrial coatings jobs; strategies to incorporate feedback from contractors and end users; an outlook for the future; and available resources from Abrasives Inc. to assist in these processes.
Kaveh Meghdadpour, Director of National Accounts and Business Development and the East Region Manager at Crown Polymers, joins this sponsored episode.
Discussion topics include industry trends and pain points within floor coatings; successful case studies using Crown solutions; the importance of manufacturers and contractors working together; and strategies to address potential industry concerns in the years ahead, such as workforce development.
Kyle McDonald, Project Manager at Western Specialty Contractors in Delray Beach, Florida, joins the CoatingsPro Interview Series with insight on his job and beyond. Discussion topics include standout projects from his time at Western; unique coating factors to consider with concrete substrates and his regional market; industry trends related to technologies, materials, equipment, and workforce development; and much more.
U.S. Navy Veteran Matt Flory is a global business director at Sherwin-Williams, where he leads the industrial group’s military coatings segment.
With a team comprised largely of Veterans, Flory shares perspective on what they bring to the coatings industry and the role they can play in overcoming workforce development challenges.
For the military market, Flory also outlines recent technological innovations such as chemical agent resistant coatings (CARC); anti-microbial solutions; enhanced corrosion primers; and more.
Ken Wells, co-owner of Elite Insulation & PolyPro and president of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) Board of Directors, joins the CoatingsPro Interview Series. Discussion topics include goals for his current SPFA term; challenges and opportunities within the evolving marketplace of the SPF industry; and resources from the SPFA that can be of assistance.
Jeff Jirak, managing director of AkzoNobel’s global powder coatings business, explains how new coating technologies are helping to mitigate corrosion in the built environment.
The show also explores the manufacturer’s recent development partnership with CoatingAI, which aims to assist contractors and installers with application processes while reducing their carbon footprint.
Related links: U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partners, Interpon, AkzoNobel on LinkedIn
Winn Darden, North American business manager forLUMIFLON fluoropolymer resins, shares his perspective on key decision-making processes pertaining to paints and coatings. This sponsored show explores how experts can develop strategic planning approaches that best adapt to current structural and future market demands.
Discussion topics include the details of LUMIFLON and how it works in tandem with coatings; industry trends and feedback from the market segments it plays in; the role of new and emerging technologies; and educational resources available to assist in these challenges.
The Master Painters Institute (MPI), a subsidiary of AMPP, has announced the launch of its MPI Decision Tree tools. This digital platform is designed to transform the way industry professionals specify coatings for new construction and restoration projects.
Pam Nicoletti, president of MPI, explains how this innovative platform encompasses all project variables while greatly reducing manual efforts.
While at the 2024 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in New Orleans, our AMPP Publications team interviewed a series of experts regarding new products, services, and technologies related to the coatings industry. Subjects in this series of sponsored Exhibitor Spotlight interviews include Rust-Oleum, BrandSafway, Induron, PPG, Abrasives Inc., and Axxiom.
In a recently published white paper, experts at Induron examined the expected service life of coatings for potable water linings while combining that knowledge with an interpretation of the total applied costs of these systems.
On this sponsored podcast, Induron’s William “Bill” Seawell, technical service manager, and Andy Odorzynski, national sales manager, elaborate on expectations for water tank primers (both zinc and epoxy); how corrosion processes work; and the most important properties a water tank primer should have.
Founded in 1947 and based in Birmingham, Ala., Induron produces high-performance coatings to serve a wide range of industrial applications. These applications include industries such as wastewater, electrical transmission and distribution, and potable water storage and treatment.
Sam Scaturro, President of Alpine Painting & Sandblasting Contractors, shares his insight on industry trends and career highlights after nearly two decades of success.
Topics include the process of buying his family business and its transformation over the years; emerging trends in the marketplace; optimal strategies for workforce development; and highlights from his time as an association member leader, including a stint as Chair of the AMPP Board of Directors in 2022.
In a panel discussion, member leaders Dawn Eden and Sandy Williamson join Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Publications, to explore the association’s latest efforts and intel related to materials sustainability.
Topics include what’s new within AMPP’s Sustainability Task Force; key takeaways and insights from the recently completed 2024 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo; and what they see on the horizon as AMPP ramps up its global outreach around this fast-paced growth topic.
Ryan Bingham, business development leader at third-party inspection services provider OMC International, LLC, shares his insight regarding the value that qualified coating inspectors can have within the industry.
Discussion topics on this episode include trends and common pain points from clients; how technologies and demands continue to evolve; the unique career arc of Bingham and the company; and areas where AMPP can help companies such as OMC achieve their goals while serving the association’s broader mission.
For more information, contact: OMC International, LLC, (281) 398-4281, www.omcintllc.com
Gregory Muha, Director of Conferences, Exhibits, and Sponsorships, responds to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the 2024 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo.
Held from March 3-7 in New Orleans, discussion topics include what attendees can expect at the show; highlights of the 2024 schedule; feedback-based changes from previous years, including a greater emphasis on coatings content; and how the latest version of the conference serves the needs of membership and the broader industry.
Chris O’Brien, founder and president of Polymer Nation, and Michael Douglass, technical director, join a sponsored episode of the CoatingsPro Interview Series with insight on the evolution of coatings technologies. Topics include areas of growth and concern in the industry; common challenges that need to be overcome; which technologies could make the biggest jump in the years ahead; and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their business and the industry’s future.
For more information, contact: Polymer Nation, (847) 774-5038, www.polymernation.com
As part of a new task force, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is bringing together stakeholders from a variety of roles to better understand the relationship that corrosion engineering systems have within the infrastructure insurance industry.
In this conversation, members involved with that task force—GPI’s Tony Serdenes, Nick Kuntz of Alliant Insurance Services, and David A. Scotti of Scotti Law Group—share their perspectives on challenges and best practices that could benefit those involved in designing, specifying, supplying, and performing those services, specifically as they relate to insurance and risk management.
The roundtable discussion also explores various paths that AMPP can take to address those challenges, as well as ways in which our industry can work together to develop best practices for risk management and insurance needs.
Stephanie Chizik, Editor-in-Chief of CoatingsPro Magazine, shares key takeaways and observations from the recently completed 2024 World of Concrete (WOC) show in Las Vegas. Topics include common feedback themes and areas of interest for exhibitors and attendees; year-over-year market changes; memorable WOC highlights; and an early look at marquee trade shows on tap for upcoming weeks.
This roundtable panel features Alan Thomas, CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP); Dr. Rick Polanin, past president of the American Welding Society (AWS); and Ricky Morgan, past president of The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT).
Topics include the current state of workforce development, as well as common challenges encountered, innovative solutions, and initiatives where these associations can work together. Other discussion points are recent technological advancements within those industries; lessons learned from each panelist’s career journey; and the role of diversity and inclusion in building the workforce of the future.
On April 30 and May 1 in Houston, AMPP is welcoming members and guests throughout the industry to the first Coatings for Non-Coating Inspectors conference. Jorge T. Reyna, conference chair and a certified inspector (JRSA Inspections) and instructor, explains the many benefits for attendees and how it all came to be.
Topics discussed include key challenges that non-coating inspectors often face; why a better understanding of coatings can enhance the overall effectiveness of non-coating inspectors; areas in which their roles are changing; and strategies to bridge the gap between traditional inspection practices and the specialized knowledge required to understand coatings.
Dave Evans, director of business development at AMPP, explains what the newly released Industrial Coating Application (ICA) program could mean for members and the industry at large. Topics include how and why the new program was developed; updated features and opportunities to address current marketplace needs; and how it could help shape AMPP’s future education and training offerings.
In this sponsored episode, Bullard CEO Wells Bullard looks ahead to the future of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the protective coatings industry and beyond.
The discussion spotlights her vision for the company and the importance of its family lineage and history; feedback from clients regarding marketplace needs; and industry trends and new technologies to watch for within the PPE space.
Other topics include a year-end review of Bullard’s 2023 and a preview of what’s to come in 2024, along with new developments and products within the company that will lead the way into the new year.
Organized by the AMPP Malaysia Chapter, the inaugural Malaysia Painters Competition 2023 was held in Teluk Kalung, Terengganu, Malaysia, on August 19.
With free registration, the event featured networking; opportunities to learn painting skills from peers; and sourcing for products, services, and the latest in cutting-edge technologies.
The event’s primary objective was to showcase the skills of Malaysian surface preparation and industrial painting craftworkers, and it ultimately brought out a crowd of nearly 100 people to witness some of Malaysia's finest industrial painters.
The competition took place with support from official Paint Sponsor, Hempel, as well as esteemed partners including PETRONAS; the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC), The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM); and the AMPP Malaysia Chapter (AMC).
Aaron Williams, Managing Director of Blast Abrasives Supply as well as an AMPP Certified Coatings Inspector and a member of the AMPP Global Center Board of Directors, played a key role in putting the event together. In this podcast, Williams shares key highlights and lessons learned from the event; insight on how it aims to address broader industry trends and marketplace needs; and plans for the future.
In a panel discussion, AMPP members Cal Chapman (Chapman Engineering) and Sandy Williamson (Williamson Integrity Services) share perspective on what sustainability means to them and why it is so important to the coatings industry and beyond. Topics include ways in which sustainability is already being practiced in corrosion control; its impact on business; trends and new technologies to watch for; and expectations for the future.
The conversation also explores initiatives and opportunities to get involved at an association level, such as AMPP’s Sustainability Task Force; a technical community of interest (TCI) on materials sustainability; and a Sustainability Symposium and Expert Panel session at the AMPP 2024 Annual Conference + Expo next March.
Job Coenen, AkzoNobel’s sustainability program manager and a strategic global corporate advisory board member of the World Green Building Council, explains how sustainable solutions for the built environment can combat the challenges of producing more green buildings. Discussion topics include the role of circularity in product development; science-based targets and goals; and how new technologies can help the cause.
Stephanie Chizik, Editor-in-Chief of CoatingsPro Magazine, joins Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Publications, to discuss CoatingsPro’s annual Contractor Awards. With the 2024 nomination window open now and extending through Oct. 31, 2023, the conversation addresses many frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the program, along with reasons to get involved and potential perks for winners.
Based near St. Louis, Mo., Eric Nenninger is a founding partner of 62Archer Inspection and Consulting and a member of CoatingsPro Magazine’s 2023 Editorial Advisory Group. In all, Nenninger has served the industrial coatings field for close to 20 years.
Having worked for application companies, paint manufacturers, and inspection firms, Nenninger has a broad knowledge of the industry. He is a NACE Level 3 coating inspector and a member of the Association of Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), and he was chairman of his local NACE chapter for many years.
As part of this “member profile” interview, Nenninger shares lessons learned after nearly two decades in the industry. Discussion topics include market trends over that time; ways in which Nenninger’s many certifications have boosted his transition into inspections; advice for the next generation of coatings professionals; and how associations such as AMPP, NACE International, and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings have helped his career.
The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recently proposed a new rule for the construction industry that explicitly requires properly fitted personal protective equipment (PPE). While OSHA currently requires construction employers to provide and maintain PPE, this would be the first time it instructs employers to provide PPE that actually fits each employee.
Joe Brandel, business development manager at helmet-based safety company Mips, joins our podcast to discuss the proposed OSHA ruling and the importance of safe PPE usage. During the episode, Brandel shares insight on why many traditional hard hats may be failing in common workplace accidents, and he outlines precautions and new technologies that can protect workers against traumatic brain injuries.
Alexandre Correa, CEO of Gerdau Graphene, shares his perspective on the past, present, and future of nanomaterials and graphene in the coatings market. Topics include possible improvements in technical performance; overcoming challenges such as scale; potential changes for applicators; and future priorities for the company.
DeFelsko Corp., a leading U.S. manufacturer of coating thickness gages and inspection instruments, is a multi-generational, family-owned company that has supplied simple, durable, and accurate instruments to the global coatings industry since 1965.
Since 2019, Michael Beamish has served as vice president and general manager of the equipment provider. He has degrees in mechanical engineering and law with experience in the design, production, and marketing of these instruments in a variety of international industries, including industrial painting, quality inspection, and manufacturing.
In July 2023, Beamish began serving on the Board of Directors for the AMPP Global Center. He is also a member of the Editorial Advisory Group (EAG) at CoatingsPro Magazine, a member magazine of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).
As part of this “member profile” interview, Beamish shares some important lessons learned after spending nearly a decade in leadership positions within the industry. Discussion topics include market trends over that time; why innovation and sustainability are among the industry’s biggest challenges; advice for the next generation of coatings professionals; and how associations like AMPP, NACE International, and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings have helped both his individual career and DeFelsko as a company.
Katie Chrobak, associate director of digital adoption for PPG’s architectural coatings business, explains our industry’s challenge of building appropriate digital solutions, tools, and platforms while simultaneously helping painters and professionals adopt those technologies. With a new PPG Paints app, the paints and coatings manufacturer is hoping to address those evolving user preferences.
As of April 2023, Alan Thomas is now CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), replacing Bob Chalker.
In this chat with Ben DuBose, AMPP’s News Editor, Thomas discusses his past career experience in coatings and the process leading to his appointment. Other topics include insight on his initial priorities as CEO; key takeaways from the recent AMPP Annual Conference + Expo; background on his leadership style and personality; and much more.
Ryan Amato, owner of Amato Painting and Lehigh Valley Epoxy Floors in Easton, Pa., chats with CoatingsPro Magazine after his company’s third-place win in the 2023 CoatingsProContractor Awards. Topics include lessons learned from that job and keys to success, along with insight on industry trends , feedback from the field, and workforce development strategies.
Amato also shares his company’s innovative approach to marketing and social media, which dovetails with their emphasis on diligent and detailed communication with clients, vendors, and beyond.
For more information, contact: Amato Painting, (484) 821-7112, www.ryanamatopainting.com
Charles (Charlie) Brown, deputy director of coatings at Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., joins CoatingsPro Magazine’s “member profile” series with reflections on nearly 40 years in the industry. Topics include the evolution of coatings and market trends over that time; Brown’s advice for the next generation; and how associations such as AMPP, NACE International, and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings have bolstered his career.
John Salvadore, director of portfolio management at paints and coatings manufacturer PPG, joins the CoatingsPro Interview Series to discuss trends from the marketplace.
Topics discussed on this episode include the increasingly multi-functional nature of coatings and their technical properties; how manufacturers are developing new products to comply with sustainability standards; ways that suppliers and applicators can work together; and feedback from users in the field.
For more information, contact: PPG, (800) 441-9695, www.ppgpaints.com
Sonny Arwood, president and CEO of Ohio-based Fluid Applied Roofing, chats with CoatingsPro Magazine regarding key trends and market insights involving the roof coatings industry. With experience working as a contractor, manufacturer, and in growing his own business, Arwood shares a number of lessons learned from his distinguished career.
Jeremy Sukola, water and wastewater market manager at coatings, linings, and fireproofing manufacturer Carboline, joins our podcast to discuss key industry trends, feedback from the marketplace, and much more. Discussion topics include lessons learned over Sukola’s distinguished career; education initiatives, technical development, and other resources available from Carboline to address market needs; advice for the next generation of coatings professionals; and how Sukola’s work as a NACE/AMPP education instructor has proven beneficial on many levels.
Brunno Batista, a worldwide brand ambassador and social media influencer, shares how the roofing industry has evolved over his decades in the business.
Topics include challenges and opportunities in the market; where the industry is going in the future; highlights from Batista’s career; why diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are critical; and how contractors and vendors can use social media to their advantage.
Brandon Acker, president of Titan Abrasive Systems, discusses key criteria for contractors and other users to consider as they evaluate blast media, blasting equipment, and other elements of the blasting process for surface preparation.
Topics include the purpose of abrasive blasting and its real-life application; why abrasive blasting is crucial the coatings application process, and how it can improve quality; how blasting equipment is used in the field; and much more.
Based in Edmonton, Canada, Dr. Harry Tsaprailis is the protective coatings subject matter expert (SME) at energy infrastructure company Enbridge. In this member profile with CoatingsPro Magazine, “Harry T” shares his perspective on important industry priorities entering 2023, along with the role of AMPP in addressing those challenges and enhancing his career growth.
Based near Seattle, Wash., Clark Branum has become one of the most respected voices in the decorative concrete finishing industry as a result of four decades of exemplary work. He currently runs his own contract company, Advanced Concrete Coatings, while also serving as technical director for SUNDEK Products and as a decorative concrete specialist for the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), where he functions as an industry liaison.
As part of an interview for CoatingsPro Magazine’s Concrete Supplement, which comes out in December 2022, Branum spoke with us about a number of lessons learned from his career and trends in the marketplace.
In this exclusive interview for CoatingsPro’s upcoming 2022 Concrete Supplement, Jay Allred — architect and engineering business specialist at Rust-Oleum — shares his perspective on recent industry trends and developments related to the coating of concrete substrates.
Malcolm McNeil, owner and president of McNeil Coatings Consultants, Inc., recently joined our “member profile” podcast series for an exclusive interview. McNeil has been an industry mainstay since his original jobs at Sherwin-Williams and Glidden Paint Company in the 1950s and 1960s, and he broadened his scope as the years progressed by retiring to start his own consulting business and becoming a lead instructor for NACE International’s flagship Coating Inspector Program (CIP). Today, he also serves as Technical Editor for CoatingsPro Magazine. To no surprise, McNeil picked up on quite a few tips and lessons learned over the years that could prove useful to others in the industry. For more information, contact: McNeil Coatings Consultants, (317) 885-1557, www.mcneilcoatingsconsulting.com
Kim Ray, Director of Pre-Professional and Young Professional Programs at AMPP, explains how the association’s EMERG program aims to bring more people into the materials protection industry.
Topics include the EMERG mission and its available programs and resources; ways in which AMPP members can be of assistance; how EMERG relates to current industry dynamics, such as the projected craftworker shortage; and upcoming events and opportunities.
Jim Kunkle, Manager of Engineering Specifications for North America at AkzoNobel’s International Protective Coatings, joins our “member profile” series.
Topics include how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of our industry; what changes may be temporary, and which appear to be more permanent; key technology trends to watch for over the next decade; and how industry companies and associations like AMPP can work together to meet the various challenges.
For more information, contact: James (Jim) Kunkle, james.kunkle@AkzoNobel.com, LinkedIn
Phil Scisciani, coating specialist and owner of Specialty Coatings & Consulting, Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pa., shares his advice, lessons learned, and feedback from the field after four decades in the industrial coatings market. Topics include industry trends and emerging technologies; memorable projects; workforce development challenges; and how associations like AMPP and its members can help.
With nearly a decade of specialized experience, Nicholas Bennett has gotten to know the Denver-area roofing market quite well. As time progressed, Bennett saw opportunities to expand, and he is now reaping the benefits as owner of Advanced Consulting (dba AC Inc Roofing).
In this podcast, Bennett shares several of his lessons learned and keys to success as a roof coatings contractor. He also discusses one of his team’s recent high-profile jobs at the Barclay Towers, which you can read more about in the September 2022 issue of CoatingsPro Magazine.
For more information, contact: Advanced Consulting, (303) 550-4530, www.getabetterroofer.com
Coatings industry leader and consultant Alison B. Kaelin (ABKaelin, LLC) joins us to discuss proposed changes to OSHA’s Lead Standards for General Industry and Construction.
Topics include the expected timeline and its implications for U.S. coatings professionals; what companies should be doing now to prepare; the role of engineering controls and new technologies (PPE, equipment, and materials) in the transition; and what industry organizations like AMPP and its members can do to help.
Marian Welsh, Media Sales Specialist with AMPP Publications, joins our podcast to discuss her new role as a sales representative for CoatingsPro Magazine. Topics include Marian’s history in the protective coatings industry and opportunities with the new role; how CoatingsPro and potential advertisers can work together; industry trends and changes in media and publishing; and much more.
Sam Navarro, vice president of business development and marketing at industrial solutions provider IPC Industries, joins our ongoing “member profile” series at CoatingsPro Magazine.
Topics include industry trends and feedback; strategies for the future; what associations like AMPP, NACE, and SSPC have meant to Navarro’s career; and how he’s personally working with students in his local community to try and address a growing craftworker shortage in skilled trades.
For more information, contact: IPC, (409) 935-8800, www.ipcindustrieslp.com
Rebecca Emanuelsen, Editor at CoatingsPro Magazine, joins Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Chizik and AMPP News Editor Ben DuBose for a roundtable discussion regarding her new role. Topics include the job scope and why Rebecca was the best fit; initial impressions; contact points for the broader industry; and what’s on the horizon for a fully staffed CoatingsPro moving forward.
Danny Pelaez, coatings inspector at construction engineering company Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI), had an early introduction to the world of coatings and corrosion by visiting numerous jobsites as a child. The reason is that his father, Ramon Pelaez, is GPI’s New England coatings and corrosion manager!
Today, they work together at GPI. In this Father’s Day themed podcast, Danny and “Ray” reflect on their unique combination of family and business while sharing some lessons learned from their careers. Both men also explain how industry associations like AMPP have helped their careers thanks to education and networking opportunities.
Warren Brand, respected coatings industry consultant and longtime contributor to CoatingsPro Magazine, joins our podcast with information on his latest consulting company, the Alternative Response Method (ARM). Using specific tools and practices common to any endeavor in need of strategic thinking, ARM is designed to teach organizations and leaders about how to more intentionally approach their decisions, all while offering a proven framework for thinking and behaving differently when faced with options. The ARM team is currently partnering with U.S. Air Force Pararescueman Senior Master Sgt. Derek Anderson, who played an important role in the miraculous 2018 rescue of 12 young athletes and their soccer coach at a flooded cave system in Thailand. Numerous films and documentaries have chronicled the historic events. According to Anderson, the framework and methodology of ARM accurately captured and articulated how his team made many of those pressure-packed decisions. As part of the partnership, Anderson will be working with ARM in developing workshops, webinars, and ongoing implementation consulting for individuals and organizations on how to make optimal decisions. More ARM details are available in these presentation slides. For more information, contact: Warren Brand, (312) 535-4848, www.armmethod.com
Our latest “member profile” podcast features an extended conversation with Yvonne Haley, president and founder of Commerce, Calif.-based Haley Industrial Coatings & Linings, Inc.
More than 40 years ago, Haley graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) with degrees in business and dance. She initially worked as a professional dancer, but, within a few short years, Haley went from dancing on floors to creating them! Soon after, she pulled off an even more impressive feat by starting her own business, which, at the time, was quite a rarity for a woman in the world of coatings contracting.
Today, Haley Industrial’s website says it is a “proud, woman-owned small business with ‘large business’ capabilities.” The company specializes in areas such as resinous flooring and wall systems, waterproofing, green concrete, and vapor transmission flooring, with end markets ranging from pharmaceutical clients to chemical plants to battery acid installations. It’s no surprise that the “Battery Queen” nickname has stuck with Haley over the years.
In our podcast interview, Haley shared perspective on her time with the company and in the coatings industry, along with insight on how it has changed over the past four decades. She also offered her views on the recent merger of SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings and NACE International and opportunities for the future with the newly merged organization known as the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).
CoatingsPro’s longtime readers might also recognize Haley from previous profiles in the May 2005 and July 2011 issues.
Tom Higginbotham, manager at PPG Industrial Coatings and chair of the AMPP Education Committee, explains the latest Coating Inspector Program (CIP) updates from the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).
Topics include new features of the updated courses; feedback from members and others in the industry; how AMPP is addressing concerns related to the legacy NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings programs; and how people can learn more information about the CIP updates and/or get more involved.
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Intech Contracting, LLC performs inspection support and rehabilitation work for highway bridges, as well as structural steel fabrication and erection work, for commercial and industrial clients. For over a decade, a key player in their growth has been Brad Wilder, bridge painting division manager.
In this episode, Wilder shares advice and perspective on his road to success while outlining the role of organizations like AMPP in helping him achieve it.
Kevin Kipp, co-owner of Hardig Industrial Services, joins our podcast to reflect on his award-winning career and share some lessons learned for others in the industry. Topics include the evolution of the coatings field and how having a holistic understanding can help contractors; the role of industry associations, trade publications, and social media in Hardig’s success; advice for the next generation of coatings professionals; and much more.
Lesley Martinez, manager of conferences at the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), shares her takeaways from the first AMPP Annual Conference + Expo.
Topics discussed on this episode include feedback, data, and lessons learned from the 2022 in-person event in San Antonio, Texas; information on the newly released virtual component; and key dates and highlights for the 2023 AMPP show in Denver, Colorado.
In celebration of National Robotics Week, Robert Dahlstrom — founder and CEO of Apellix — joins us to discuss new trends in the aerial robotics market.
Topics on the podcast include recent developments in the industry and at Apellix; feedback from users in the field; workforce implications; and what the future looks like for using robotics across various phases of protective coatings projects.
This “member profile” episode features Bill Corbett, chief operations officer at coatings and corrosion engineering and inspection firm KTA-Tator, Inc., and Pete Ault, incoming president.
As part of a new podcast with CoatingsPro Magazine, Corbett and Ault share insights on their time with the company and industry trends; perspectives on the merger of SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings and NACE International; and hopes for the future with the newly merged organization known as the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).
Based in National City, Calif., just outside San Diego, Prime Time Coatings is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) painting contractor whose owner and president, Johnny M. Sanchez, has helped provide coatings for the maritime sector since he was 19 years old. In 2017, he was the inaugural Contractor/Crew MVP winner of CoatingsPro’s Contractor Awards.
With nearly 30 years of valuable industry experience, Sanchez was recently awarded an assignment that he views as a “lifelong achievement” in the protective coatings industry: Working on an aircraft carrier flight deck for the U.S. Navy.
“It’s a big deal in the industry,” Sanchez said. “Not many companies have the background or capabilities to win such a contract. My career has come full circle, to be able to work on the Navy’s most important asset. This would not have been possible without NACE (International) and SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings) courses throughout my career.”
To elaborate further on his success, as well as the role of industry associations in helping him achieve that, we welcome Sanchez to the CoatingsPro Interview Series.
Jay Whitaker, technical services specialist, and Paul Trautmann, project development manager, are two experienced team members at Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine who offer plenty of protective coatings industry connections — and association ones, to boot.
In this “member profile” interview, Whitaker and Trautmann share insights on their time with the company and industry trends; perspectives on the merger of SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings and NACE International; and hopes for the future with the newly merged organization known as the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).
Mike Chambers, owner of Chambers Painting in Sellersburg, Indiana, went viral in December after a chance encounter with Mike Rowe, host of Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs. In a Facebook post, Rowe relayed many of Chambers’ hiring challenges, as well as his creative ideas to address a growing shortage of craftworkers for skilled trades.
In a new conversation with CoatingsPro Magazine, Chambers shares how that memorable experience has brought his company a new wave of workers. As part of the interview, Chambers also explores recent industry trends and explains ways that both individual contractors and policymakers can potentially alleviate the worker shortage in the months and years ahead.
District Council 57 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT DC 57) is an organization of more than 2,500 members in Western Pennsylvania. Formed in 1997 as a council made of several local unions, its goal is to represent tradespeople in the region while helping them achieve careers with good wages, benefits, safety, and dignity in the workplace.
Andrew Croll, director of organizing at IUPAT DC 57, has found his affiliations with SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings and now AMPP quite helpful to both his career and the objectives of the union. In this podcast, Croll elaborates on the relationship and what the associations have meant to him and IUPAT over the years, and he also offers some thoughts on what the future may look like.
With the landmark U.S. infrastructure bill recently being signed into law, we discuss its implications for corrosion and coatings professionals with Adam L. Christopher, manager of government relations at the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), and Dan Adley, recently retired CEO of engineering consultancy KTA-Tator, Inc.
Topics include a legislative outline of the bill and insight into some of its major topics; what the infrastructure legislation means for the corrosion and coatings industries as a whole; what AMPP members can do to prepare themselves; and where people should go to find out more information about the bill and any opportunities.
Bob Chalker, CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), recently joined our special 20th anniversary podcast series at CoatingsPro Magazine.
Topics include the magazine’s evolution over the years and its outlook moving forward; changes and trends in the coatings industry over his time with NACE International and AMPP; priorities for the newly merged association and how it can benefit coatings contractors; and much more. Tune in!
Davies Hood, president and owner at Induron Protective Coatings, has worked in a leading executive role for the past decade. In this exclusive interview with CoatingsPro Magazine, Hood shares some of his insight on current industry trends and keys to Induron’s success; his perspective on the merger of SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings and NACE International; and some hopes for the future with the newly merged organization known as the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).
David O’Bryan Jr., technical services manager at Rust-Oleum, joins our “member profile” podcast series to share his experiences and key takeaways from decades in the protective coatings industry.
Topics include feedback from coatings contractors and recent technological trends; analysis of the skilled labor shortage and advice to industry newcomers; how industry associations have helped O’Bryan’s career and that of Rust-Oleum; and what he’d like to see from the newly formed Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).
Ron Puszynski, president and co-founder of concrete protection and restoration company Concare, Inc., joins our podcast to discuss his career in the coatings industry and potential trends moving forward.
Topics include how the industry has evolved since the launch of Concare in the 1970s; new trends and technologies to watch for in the years ahead; analysis of workforce challenges and opportunities; and how CoatingsPro Magazine (now 20 years old!) has helped enable Concare’s success through the years.
Lou Frank is currently the business development principle at Coatings for Industry, Inc. (CFI), but he's also known in the industry as the founder of CoatingsPro Magazine. With the magazine celebrating its 20-year anniversary in November 2021, Frank joins us to reflect on the remarkable journey of the past two decades, as well as where things could be headed over the next 20 years.
For more information on CoatingsPro's 20th anniversary, check out the November 2021 print issue.
Matt DiBara, owner of DiBara Masonry and founder of The Undercover Contractor, offers advice for how contractors can grow their business through effective marketing and communication strategies.
Topics include tips and tricks on how a contract company can stand out from its competitors; the role of websites and new digital tools; strategies to build trust with clients and general contractors; common mistakes and pitfalls; and much more.
Curt Hickcox, vice president of business development at New York-based Public Utilities Maintenance, Inc., joins our "member profile" podcast series to discuss his career in the corrosion industry.
Topics include corrosion mitigation strategies of the past, present, and future for electric transmission and distribution clients; the importance of contractor certifications and a commitment to safety; and how associations like SSPC, NACE, and AMPP can play key roles in career development and company growth.
Niles Hickman, global product marketing manager at Graco, joins our “member profile” series to share some of his company’s keys to success. Topics include feedback from contractors on needs and challenges in the field; how new coating technologies are changing the marketplace in 2021; potential equipment solutions from Graco; and the role of industry associations such as SSPC, NACE, and AMPP in moving careers forward.
Warren Brand heads Chicago Corrosion Group, a leading vendor-neutral consultancy. In this podcast, he shares many of his personal keys to success, insights on the coatings industry, and perspective on the combination of NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings into the newly formed Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).
In a successful career spanning more than four decades, Brand has owned an industrial tank lining and coating firm and has written dozens of blogs and technical articles in a variety of publications. Brand, who is a certified NACE Level 3 and The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) protective coating specialist (PCS), has earned an MBA, as well. He has managed thousands of coating installation projects and developed specs for thousands of paint and coating applications.
For more information, contact Warren on LinkedIn or visit www.chicagocorrosiongroup.com.
Stephanie Chizik, Editor-in-Chief of CoatingsPro Magazine, joins us from Las Vegas to share her experiences at the 2021 International Roofing Expo (IRE).
Topics include how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the outlook for roof coatings and companies in the field; challenges and opportunities with workforce development; how the industry is evolving with new roofing technologies; and all sorts of other important takeaways from this year’s conference and exhibits.
In the debut episode of AMPPLIFY, Jim Kunkle and Dave Evans explore the new AMPP QP Accreditation Programs, featuring QP-1, QP-2, QP-3, QP-5, QP-6, QP-8, and QS-1. As part of the discussion, Kunkle and Evans analyze the potential benefits and implications for coatings contractors and asset owners.
Joe Walker, vice president and general manager of Elcometer Inc., joins our “member profile” series to share some of his company’s keys to success. Topics include Elcometer's journey as an equipment supplier to the coatings industry; strategies on how to train clients to best use their products; career highlights and expansion strategies; and much more.
Walker, who is an immediate past chair of AMPP, also shares his thoughts on the merger of NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings — led by what he sees as benefits and priorities for the combined association and industry moving forward.
Cindy O'Malley, Chief Operations Officer and AMPP Global Center Executive Director, joins our podcast to discuss corrosion concerns in residential buildings and the possible implications of corrosion in the Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside, Florida, USA.
Black Bear president and co-founder Justin Tousignant joins us to analyze a wide range of industry hot topics and trends. Discussion points include priorities for his company and the coatings industry; the importance of industry associations; the need for more internal training programs among contractors; career highlights and goals; and strategies to recruit, develop, and retain workforce talent.
Roy Schauffele, executive advisor to the ABAA Board and president and founder of Division 7 Solutions, Inc., has been in the air barrier industry for decades. His experiences and education have helped to improve the liquid-applied industry over the years, and he calls for people in the industry to work harder to up their game. To speak with Schauffele for more information about what was discussed in this episode, contact him at (210) 859-3749.
Stephanie Chizik, Editor-in-Chief of CoatingsPro Magazine, and Bree McCullough, Multimedia Specialist, join the podcast from Las Vegas to recap the 2021 World of Concrete trade show.
Topics include the return to in-person industry gatherings after COVID-19; standout exhibits and demonstrations; market trends and feedback; and much more.
Kamal Taher, Director of Global Operations at AMPP, joins our podcast to explain how his department is helping members and customers around the world adjust to the combination of NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings.
Topics include common questions and feedback from members in different world regions; priorities in blending NIICAP and SSPC QP contractor accreditation programs; strategies to overcome concerns and objections; subject areas and markets for growth within corrosion control; and much more.
Tony Serdenes, National Coatings Director at Gannett Fleming, has been in the bridge coatings industry since the ‘80s. As a provider of consulting services to Gannett’s inspectors and clients in the bridge and water/wastewater industries, he brings words of wisdom that can help with communication from all project stakeholders—from inspectors to contractors, of which he used to be one.
For more information, contact: Tony Serdenes, (410) 371-7056, aserdenes@gfnet.com
Gary Harvey is general manager of Wedge Roofing, a California-based company that has earned recognition at the CoatingsPro Contractor Awards for five straight years. In this episode, he discusses many of the keys to success for Wedge over his 25 years with the company, headlined by their most recent award-winning project (Mariners Landing).
Other topics include environmental trends and becoming a Green Roofing Contractor; unique coating considerations in the Bay Area near San Francisco; the importance of safety and training procedures for crews and personnel; advice for industry newcomers; and much more.
Henry Staggs, roofing consultant with Preferred Roof Consultants of Arizona and Founder of the School of Roofing, wants to help the roofing community through safer practices, skilled labor, and more. He shares his ideas and how he’s working to make it happen through the School of Roofing — something his grandfather would be proud of!
For more information, contact: Henry Staggs, theschoolofroofing@gmail.com
Lesley Martinez, Manager of Conferences at AMPP, joins our podcast to recap the recently completed CORROSION 2021 Virtual Conference & Expo. Martinez shares highlights from the show and lessons learned from the virtual experience, along with a preview of the upcoming transition to in-person events. She also offers an early look at the Coatings+ 2021 show and the first AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in March 2022.
Having a contracting company that continuously works on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging can make an internal impact for your company, as well as externally for your clients. Dr. Tiffany Reed, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) consultant for InclusionP365, shares examples of what this type of workplace can look like and how to get started on that hard work. For more information, contact: Dr. Reed, https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtiffanyreed/
Reference
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Anthony Maracic, Vice President of Northeast Operations at Champion Painting Specialty Services Corp. (CPSSC), explains lessons learned from his company's recent project recoating the Tribeca Bridge in New York City (as featured in this CoatingsPro Magazine case study). Maracic also shares highlights from his 40 years in the protective coatings industry, as well as tips and tricks for the next generation of coatings contractors.
Stella Amador joined German Duarte’s Florida Quality Roofing nearly 10 years ago. Over the past decade, the lifelong friends have created a partnership that has found success in south Florida by building relationships, giving back to their community, and doing what they say they’re going to do. Amador’s tips, tricks, and take on the roofing industry are worth a listen! You can also check out our most recent profile of their work in CoatingsPro Magazine.
For more information, contact: Stella Amador, stella@floridaqualityroofing.com; Roofing With a Purpose for the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, www.bgcbc.org/fqr19
Danos, Graco, and Tesla NanoCoatings recently worked together to develop a functional non-slip deck coating for offshore clients. Their work, which was profiled in Materials Performance (MP) magazine, explains how a coatings applicator was able to overcome many traditional challenges through the use of an innovative protective coatings pump design with a new single-coat carbon nanotube non-slip deck coat slurry. In this episode, Danos' Scott Soto, Graco's John Lihwa, and Tesla's Joe Davis explore lessons learned from their collaboration, as well as future opportunities when using the system.
Kimberley Robles, president and owner of Robles Concrete Design, joins the podcast to discuss about her experiences in coming up through the trades as a journeyman. Based on those experiences, she has some great insight on how the industry might be able to attract — and keep — quality people to help decrease the labor shortage. She also shares some challenges and opportunities she’s seen within the industry over the years.
In the episode, Kimberley mentions a Citi Foundation ad that she was featured in last year. Check that out here. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn, or via the company’s website.
Ross Boyd, founder and CEO of TruQC, joins our podcast to discuss the growing role of digitalization in the coatings industry. Topics include why it matters and how to start; tips to ensure a successful initiative; common questions and feedback from industry users; and much more.
For more information, check out his recent CoatingsPro article titled "Digitalization for the Coatings Industry."
Kyle Hough, executive vice president for Champion Painting Specialty Services Corp. (CPSSC), explains how the company is achieving success in the industrial coating sector. There’s no secret sauce, but CPSSC is making sure to focus on its most valuable access: its people.
For more information, contact Champion on LinkedIn.
Robert "Bob" Dahlstrom, CEO of aerial robotic systems provider Apellix, joins our podcast to explain the increasing role of drones in corrosion and coating inspections — with a particular emphasis on aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). Topics include the past, present, and future of drone technologies, as well as the recent launch of Apellix NDT as a new field services company.
Brandon Eckenrode, director of development of Collision Repair Education Foundation, joins CoatingsPro to discuss the foundation’s goals, as well as overlaps within the coatings community. The organization works to support school programs across the United States, in this instance bringing coatings to help improve appearances and safety of the repair shops.
For more information, visit www.collisioneducationfoundation.org.
Matthew Koerner, who recently sold his epoxy flooring contracting business (Manhattan Concrete Systems), joins our podcast to discuss conditions in the industry. Koerner is starting his own selling and distribution business for coatings and equipment, and he shares lessons learned from his extensive time in the field.
Charles Brown, Deputy Director of Coatings for Greenman-Pederson Inc. (GPI), joins the podcast to talk about his experience in the coatings world, including training, the State Highway Administration, and beyond. He shares a positive outlook on what the future of the coatings industry might look like after COVID-19.
For more information, contact: Charles Brown, cbrown@gpinet.com
Trent Cotney, CEO of Cotney Construction Law, discusses potential regulatory changes for coatings contractors in 2021. Topics include the impact of a new U.S. administration and what it means for OSHA and other agencies; changes to the COVID-19 landscape and its effect on contractors; and what market segments within the coatings industry could be poised for growth.
For more information, visit cotneycl.com.
Jim Kunkle, Manager of Business Development for accreditation and certification for newly formed Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), has 13 years of experience in the coatings world! He has developed a social media following and shares some lessons learned there, as well as other virtual opportunities for asset owners, contractors, and beyond. For more information, reach out to Jim Kunkle on LinkedIn.