TheBeardedFinisher Podcast

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Mark Lipton, a seasoned voice in the paint industry with a family legacy that began in the Bronx and spans multiple generations of paint retailers. Mark shares his firsthand insights on the evolution of paint manufacturing, the disruption caused by Kelly Moore’s acquisition, and the growing influence of private equity in the coatings sector.

The convers...

Hey everyone, quick update. The Bearded Finisher Podcast has been an absolute blast to create — I’ve loved the conversations, the guests, and connecting with all of you.

But here’s the real talk: this show isn’t without cost. And with us moving to Colorado and me juggling other business projects, I feel the best way to keep the podcast alive and strong is to switch to a biweekly release schedule.

That way I can keep the quality hig...

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Denny Jahnz to explore his journey from business ownership to corporate life with SurfPrep. Denny shares candid insights on managing burnout, setting healthy boundaries, and finding balance between passion and work.

The conversation dives deep into manufacturing innovation, sanding tools, and product development, while also examining the realities of co...

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Josh Ocasio, a digital marketing strategist who has managed over $16 million in paid ads and generated more than $70 million in revenue for his clients. Together, they dive deep into how local, service-based businesses can build authority online, leverage social proof, and use video content to stand out in competitive markets.

Josh share...

Episode Summary In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Matt from MF Paint to explore his remarkable journey from endurance athlete to painter and entrepreneur. Growing up in a family of contractors, Matt’s early life was shaped by construction and craftsmanship, but health challenges forced him to pivot and ultimately led him to discover his passion for painting.

Matt opens up about the str...

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Ryan Huisman to explore his remarkable journey from youth pastor to powerhouse in the paint and coatings industry. Ryan reflects on his early days working at Sherwin Williams, building a $6 million store, navigating corporate politics, and eventually transitioning to Miller Paint. From challenges in wood coatings logistics to the growing popularity of w...

In this special live-on-location episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Skylar and Nippen from SurfPrep and Jakub from Sivam Coatings to explore the latest innovations in finishing and coatings straight from the AWFS show floor in Las Vegas. The conversation covers how automation is transforming sanding processes, alleviating common pain points, and boosting productivity for small shops. The guests ...

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum takes us inside the AWFS show for a jam-packed episode with key players in the finishing and coatings industry. From Superfici America’s Mini system to ICRO’s visionary products and Paintline’s evolution, this episode explores the latest tools, trends, and strategies shaping the future of the trade. The discussion highlights a shift toward user-friendly automation, th...

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Chris, co-founder of Nudoors, to explore how they’re revolutionizing the cabinet refinishing industry. From certified installer programs to cutting-edge AR tools, the Nudoors system is giving small businesses the ability to scale without the burdens of traditional franchising. Zach and Chris break down the journey of starting a cabinet refinishing compa...

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Kimberly Gilleland, founder of Red Tulip Designs, to talk about the real-world wins, challenges, and strategies behind growing a successful service-based business. From juggling car repairs and parenting to pitching a business idea and walking away with first place, Kimberly shares her no-fluff journey through entrepreneurship.

This conversation dives i...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum continues the conversation with Mike Ziegler, diving deeper into the world of abrasives, manufacturing, and the personal side of business. They explore innovations like 3D-printed sandpaper, unique finishing tools, and the crucial role that packaging plays in product performance.

But it’s not just about tools and coatings—Zach and Mike also reflect o...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum welcomes Mike Ziegler, veteran refinisher and Klingspore rep, for Part 1 of a two-part deep dive into all things sanding, finishing, and furniture craftsmanship. From humble beginnings in his father’s garage to becoming a trusted voice in the coatings and abrasives world, Mike brings decades of wisdom to the mic.

They break down the do’s and don’ts o...

Episode Summary: In part two of this incredible conversation, Zach sits back down with Dino Kouros, founder of Kuros Tools, to explore what it really takes to bring innovation to the finishing and woodworking trades. From product development and prototyping to trust in the supply chain and navigating tough partnerships, Dino shares what he's learned through trial, error, and pure passion. They also dig into the importance of choos...

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Dino Kouros, a second-generation cabinet maker, craftsman, and the mind behind Kouros Tools, to explore the intersection of tradition, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With stories ranging from working under his father’s guidance to battling road rage with podcasts, Dino opens up about his transition from commercial to residential work—and from builder...

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum welcomes back Aaron Moore, a seasoned expert in furniture refinishing and restoration, for a deep-dive conversation full of valuable takeaways for both beginners and pros. From stripping techniques and adhesive choices to pricing strategies and delivery challenges, Aaron shares practical knowledge from the trenches of the trade.

This conversation covers the delicate b...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Brian, the founder of Pretty Boy Products, for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation on entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and personal growth. From the early challenges of launching a brand to finding deeper meaning through sobriety and community, Brian opens up about his journey through the painting industry—and beyond.

This episode ...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Anthony Foresto, an artist-turned-painter and visionary in modern finishing. From airbrush mastery to microcement application, Anthony brings a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on where the painting industry is headed. Together, they unpack everything from equipment evolution to the environmental impact of paints—and why the indu...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Chris Garibay, Director of Sales and Operations at Santint, to talk about color—not just in paint, but in life. From his early days teaching with Teach for America, to serving in the National Guard, and eventually entering the paint industry via Sherwin-Williams, Chris brings a deep, thoughtful perspective to every step of his career jo...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Larry Lanouette, a master certified painter, consultant, and entrepreneur with decades of experience transforming painting businesses from the inside out. From cutting grass to fine finish work with Fine Paints of Europe, Larry shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career—including how military service, luxury finishes, and interna...