Send us a text In this episode of The Profitable Painter, host Daniel Honan sits down with Zach Guthrie, a painting business owner from Buffalo, New York, who has grown his company from a solo venture into a thriving operation with two full-time crews and seasonal expansion. Zach shares the real-world challenges he faced in the early days, juggling roles, setting up his LLC, handling taxes, and managing manpower, and how he overcame them by investing in team culture and leadership. Learn how creating camaraderie among workers, recognizing achievements, and structuring roles like project managers and foremen have transformed his company’s efficiency and profitability. Zach also dives into hiring strategies, compensation plans for sales and production staff, and the importance of aligning incentives across the business. Whether you’re just starting your painting business or looking to scale efficiently, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to grow a committed team, retain top talent, and ultimately boost your bottom line.…

Send us a text In this episode, Molly Zabielski and her business partner Jacob share their inspiring journey from working with Student Painters to launching Clean and Coat Painting in August 2023. Discover how they leveraged social media to serve 200+ residential customers in just eight months, achieving a remarkable 39% closing rate on Facebook leads, far above the industry average. They reveal their winning strategies, from creating engaging team-focused content to mastering Facebook ads and optimizing their Google Business profile. Plus, learn how they keep customer acquisition costs low while scaling their team to meet soaring demand. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights on digital growth and entrepreneurship! #SmallBusinessSuccess #SocialMediaMarketing #Entrepreneurship #PaintingBusiness…

Send us a text In this insightful episode of the Profitable Painter Podcast , host Daniel Honan sits down with Chad Huber, owner of Casa Keepers and founder of the groundbreaking Painting Angels, for a deep dive into building a business rooted in culture, communication, and social impact. Chad shares his unconventional journey into the contracting world, sparked by frustration with poor contractor experiences. His mission? To redefine professionalism in the trades by prioritizing low-stress, high-communication service, values now embedded in his $3M+ Texas-based renovation business. But his vision doesn’t stop there. With Painting Angels , Chad is tackling two crises head-on: the skilled labor shortage and economic barriers for single mothers. This all-female painting company isn’t just about flawless finishes, it’s about creating career pathways and transforming lives. Key Takeaways from Chad Huber: 🔹 Culture Over Skill: Why hiring for values (like communication and cleanliness) beats technical expertise, and how to spot the right fit. 🔹 The Working Genius Model: How Chad uses this framework to align team strengths with roles, and why a "wonder" thinker shouldn’t be a carpenter. 🔹 Solving Pain Points: From no-shows to radio silence, how Chad’s own contractor horror stories shaped his company’s core promises. 🔹 Painting with Purpose: The inspiring story behind Painting Angels, a venture designed to empower women and elevate the trade’s reputation. 🔹 Scaling with Heart: Why deep systems (not shiny objects) fuel growth, and how to stay focused on what truly matters. Whether you’re a trades professional tired of the "chaos norm" or an entrepreneur looking to build a business with legacy, this episode is packed with actionable lessons on leadership, hiring, and the power of solving real-world problems.…

Send us a text In this powerful episode of the Profitable Painter Podcast , host Daniel Honan sits down with Gene Harris, owner of multiple Painter 1 locations and founder of Hoosier Admin, for an inspiring conversation about building a business with intention and impact. Jean shares how his background in the Navy and property management helped shape his mindset as a business owner. But what truly sparked his entrepreneurial drive was planning for his family’s future, including long-term care for his special needs son. That mission led him to launch and scale not just one, but multiple businesses, all while stepping out of daily operations and focusing on building wealth through smart systems, strong teams, and a service-first culture. Takeaways from this episode with Gene Harris: Purpose-Driven Wealth: How long-term family goals fueled Jean’s business journey, and why asset ownership beats a 401(k). Delegation Done Right: Why most painting contractors wait too long to give up the phones, and how Hoosier Admin fills the gap. Systemized Success: The importance of documenting roles, building reliable teams, and getting out of the "you = the business" trap. Culture of Hospitality: From project managers to painters, why customer happiness is the North Star (and how to hire for it). First Impressions Matter: Why offshoring your phones can backfire, and how a professional, U.S.-based admin team changes the game. Whether you're just starting your painting business or aiming to scale out of day-to-day chaos, this episode offers a blueprint to grow with clarity, purpose, and peace of mind. 🎧 Listen now, then start building a business that supports your life, not consumes it.…

Send us a text Paint, Profits & People: The Leadership Edge In this episode of the Profitable Painter Podcast , host Daniel Honan sits down with Andrew Dwyer, publisher of American Painting Contractor (APC) and a trusted voice in the industry for over 30 years. Together, they dive deep into what really sets successful painting contractors apart from the rest, and it's not just talent or tools. With his decades of experience and bird’s-eye view of the industry, Andrew shares powerful insights on how curiosity, coachability, and mindset play a bigger role in business success than most people realize. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to focus on next, this episode is for you. Takeaways from this conversation with Andrew Dwyer: The Growth Divide: Why the painters who constantly seek to improve are the ones who last, and grow. Coachability Wins: How being open to feedback (and willing to admit what you don’t know) leads to better results, stronger teams, and smarter decisions. Change Without Chaos: Practical tips for implementing improvements in your business without overwhelming your crew, or yourself. Mindset Shifts: Discover the power of mindfulness, daily awareness, and simple networking to build confidence and stay grounded as a leader. Accountability Matters: Why having someone to keep you on track—whether it’s a coach or a fellow contractor, can be the difference between talking about change and actually making it happen. Packed with real-world examples, humor, and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for painting business owners ready to lead with clarity and purpose. 🎧 Tune in now, and start building a business that works for you, not the other way around.…

Send us a text Mike Beaulieu shares his journey from starting a painting business during the 2008 recession to selling his $2 million company, crediting his success to email marketing strategies that maintained 40-50% open rates and consistently reactivated past customers. • Started painting business in 2008 during recession, sold it after growing to over $2 million in annual revenue • Realized clients forget painting contractors among numerous service providers they hire • Shifted from discount-oriented emails to valuable content about design trends and color forecasts • Achieved consistent 40-50% email open rates with click rates between 1-5% • Spent only 1-1.5% of revenue on marketing through effective customer reactivation • Clean email lists and compelling subject lines essential for ensuring deliverability • Business sold successfully because of solid systems and recurring revenue from past clients • Comprehensive customer experience important from first contact through post-project engagement • Used combination of employees and subcontractors with clear roles and management structure Special offer for listeners: Mike is offering a discount on his email newsletter service plus his free guide "8 Things You Must Know Before Hiring a Painting Contractor" for anyone who mentions this podcast when contacting him at PaintersMarketingPro.com.…

Send us a text Daniel, a CPA who works exclusively with painting businesses, and Richard Dunton, an enrolled agent, discuss the financial considerations for commercial painting as a way to smooth out seasonal dips in business. They explore the differences between direct B2B commercial relationships versus working under a general contractor, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of each approach. • Two types of commercial painting: direct B2B relationships and working under general contractors • Cash flow challenges in commercial painting compared to residential work • The importance of managing accounts receivable and following up on payments • Understanding AIA invoicing formats and progress payment schedules • Special payroll requirements for government projects including prevailing wage certified payroll • Using accrual basis accounting to properly match revenue with expenses • The importance of reviewing both profit/loss statements and statements of cash flows • Setting up financing and lines of credit before you actually need them • Building relationships with banks when your financials look strongest If you have any questions about this episode or ideas for future episodes, join the Facebook group "Grow Your Painting Business" - request access and we'll get you in to join the conversation.…

Send us a text Proper separation between business and personal finances is critical for protecting your painting business, minimizing tax liabilities, and ensuring legal protection through your LLC or corporation. • Five key reasons to avoid co-mingling finances: legal protection, reduced audit risk, maximizing deductions, maintaining loan eligibility, and proper owner compensation • Mixing personal and business finances breaks down your "corporate veil," potentially exposing personal assets to business lawsuits • The IRS views co-mingled finances as red flags that increase audit probability and scrutiny of all deductions • Paying for business expenses with personal funds can result in missed tax deductions unless properly documented • Banks and lenders are more likely to approve business loans when they see clean, separated financial records • Owner's compensation should be formalized - either as owner's draws for LLCs or as reasonable salary plus distributions for S-Corps • S-Corporation owners must pay themselves a defensible "reasonable salary" that balances tax efficiency with IRS requirements • Establishing good financial habits from the start is much easier than fixing problems after an audit begins Join our Facebook group "Grow your Painting Business" with your questions about financial separation or accountable plans, and either Daniel or Richard would be happy to help you further.…

Send us a text In this episode, we speak about the challenges and opportunities in the industry. We explore strategies for scaling a painting business, improving profitability, and avoiding common pitfalls that many entrepreneurs face. This conversation covers essential topics such as pricing services effectively, streamlining operations, and leveraging marketing to attract high-value clients. Richard Dunton shares insights on how to manage cash flow, build a strong team, and create a business model that sustains long-term success. This episode is ideal for painting business owners, contractors, and entrepreneurs looking for practical advice on growing their business efficiently. Subscribe for more conversations with industry experts!…

Send us a text This episode focuses on the critical role of hiring back office support to enhance productivity in painting businesses. We discuss how a virtual assistant can help alleviate overwhelm and improve service delivery. • Importance of hiring back office support • Common bottlenecks faced by painting business owners • Differences between hiring freelancers and BPOs • Steps to find the right virtual assistant • Cost considerations for hiring • Emphasizing the value of delegation for business growth If you’re looking for staffing solutions, reach out to info@telehelping.com for personalized assistance.…

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Send us a text Uncover the keys to navigating IRS tax issues for painting business owners with expert insights from Richard Dunton, a seasoned Enrolled Agent. Learn how understanding and tackling your tax obligations can alleviate the stress of dealing with IRS scrutiny. In our conversation, Richard explains what it means to be an Enrolled Agent and the role they play in representing and advocating for taxpayers. We explore the mental burdens of overdue filings and tax debts, and how taking a proactive stance can safeguard your business from potential pitfalls. Facing unfiled tax returns or mounting penalties? Don’t face the IRS alone. This episode highlights the essential steps to compliance, from obtaining IRS transcripts to seeking guidance from trusted tax professionals. Richard and I delve into the potential consequences of ignoring tax responsibilities, such as the IRS filing a Substitute for Return on your behalf. By enlisting a tax professional, you can create a plan that addresses your tax debt effectively. Join us in this enlightening discussion aimed at empowering you to focus on growing your business, free from the shadow of IRS concerns.…

Send us a text Cody Hall shares invaluable strategies for painting business owners struggling with administrative bottlenecks, explaining how hiring a virtual assistant can dramatically improve operations and revenue potential for businesses in the $350K-$1M range. • Virtual administrative support helps painting business owners stop wearing all the hats • Missing just 10 phone calls monthly could cost a painting business $25,000 in lost revenue • Phone answering services often cost the same as dedicated virtual staff but provide less value • Virtual assistants typically cost $1,500-$2,000/month through reputable BPOs • Hiring freelancers directly through platforms like Fiverr is cheaper but comes with significant risks • Business Process Organizations (BPOs) provide critical protection, vetting, and HR support • Mexican virtual staff typically have excellent English skills and value long-term employment stability • Common hiring mistake: not clearly defining what you're trying to achieve with administrative help • Focus on your strengths as a business leader rather than trying to do everything yourself If you're interested in exploring virtual staffing options, contact info@telehelping.com and mention this podcast for special consideration.…

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to smarter tax planning with insights from Daniel, founder of Bookkeeping for Painters, and Richard, our advising director. Understanding tax strategies might just be your ticket to financial growth. Discover how tax deferral isn't just about postponing payments—it's a pathway to reinvestment and future financial success. From income deferral and expense acceleration to maximizing retirement plans and using 1031 exchanges in real estate, we break down how these strategies harness the time value of money to boost your financial potential. But that's not all! Explore innovative tax reduction tactics, such as maximizing deductions, choosing between itemizing and standard deductions, and even creative methods like income splitting and the gift and lease back technique. Learn how to leverage tax-efficient investing through HSAs and Roth IRAs without delaying your tax responsibilities. We also illuminate the power of tax credits, like the child tax credit, in reducing your tax burden. Our conversation highlights the importance of strategic planning and consulting with knowledgeable tax planners to craft personalized tax plans. Engage with us and share your tax journey on our Facebook page, "Grow Your Painting Business.…

Send us a text Can video technology transform an entire industry? Join us as we explore this intriguing possibility with James Hatfield, the visionary Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch. With his unique blend of entrepreneurial experience in both painting and tech, James shares his innovative journey from handling paintbrushes to tech solutions. Uncover how video technology is not only streamlining operations but also redefining customer interactions by enabling virtual estimates that save time and boost satisfaction. James reveals the competitive edge businesses can gain by embracing immediacy and convenience, meeting the modern consumer's expectations. In our conversation, we also delve into the future-forward potential of QR codes and video calls to revamp traditional business practices. James provides practical strategies like recurring contracts and membership programs that harness tech to enhance efficiency and foster customer loyalty. Through compelling success stories, we highlight the revenue growth and enhanced client relations that these innovations bring. Whether you're in the painting industry or simply a tech enthusiast, this episode promises insights into maximizing business potential through strategic technological integration. Get a LiveSwitch Demo here: https://book-a-demo.referral-factory.com/uDNrxESf…