Summary

In this episode of the Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Chad Khalaf from Surf Prep Sanding. They discuss Chad's journey in the painting business, his transition to working at Surf Prep, and the importance of relationships and having fun in the industry. They also touch on the core values of Surf Prep and the innovative products they offer. The conversation highlights the significance of process efficiency and the impact it can have on a business's bottom line. In this conversation, Chad Khalaf discusses some of the new products and developments at Surf Prep. He mentions the release of a new red paper disc that is more aggressive and tear-resistant than the yellow paper disc. He also talks about the universal hole pattern that fits every five-inch orbital sander on the market, making it easier for painters and finishers who have multiple sanders. Chad also mentions the new names for their abrasives, such as Riptide, Blizzard, and White Lightning. He discusses the importance of investing in your business and not being afraid of change. Chad's passion is adventure, and he shares his love for extreme activities like Ironman races. He encourages listeners to work harder, not quit, and educate themselves and their customers about the benefits of using high-quality products.

Keywords

Bearded Finisher Podcast, Chad Khalaf, Surf Prep Sanding, painting business, journey, relationships, having fun, core values, process efficiency, innovative products, Surf Prep, new products, red paper disc, aggressive sanding, tear-resistant, universal hole pattern, abrasive names, investing in your business, not quitting, education, adventure

Takeaways

Building relationships and having fun are key aspects of the painting industry.

Efficiency in processes can save time and money, leading to increased profits.

Surf Prep Sanding offers innovative products that help improve surface preparation.

Core values are important in guiding a company's identity and decision-making.

Learning from others and being open to different perspectives can lead to personal and professional growth. Surf Prep has released a new red paper disc that is more aggressive and tear-resistant than the yellow paper disc.

They have developed a universal hole pattern that fits every five-inch orbital sander on the market, making it easier for painters and finishers who have multiple sanders.

Surf Prep has given names to their abrasives, such as Riptide, Blizzard, and White Lightning.

Chad emphasizes the importance of investing in your business and not being afraid of change.

His passion is adventure, and he encourages listeners to work harder, not quit, and educate themselves and their customers about the benefits of using high-quality products.

Titles

Innovative Products for Surface Preparation

The Role of Core Values in Company Identity Embracing Change and Working Harder

Chad Khalaf's Passion for Adventure

Sound Bites

"It's okay to be different, just don't be weird."

"Work hard, play harder."

"Building relationships and having fun are key."

"Our new hole pattern that Skylar just created is a universal hole pattern that fits for the five-inch disk. It fits every single sander on the market. So no matter what tool you have, this one disc will fit every five-inch orbital sander hole pattern."

"Our new red paper will be called Riptide. Our film is now going to be called Blizzard. Our new white lightning is a ceramic blend disc."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

08:15

Transition to Surf Prep

26:09

Company Culture and Core Values

32:58

The Fun and Stories in the Painting Industry

40:57

The Importance of Investing in Your Business

51:20

Embracing Change and Working Harder

Summary

In this conversation, Zach Shrum and Denny Jahnz discuss various topics related to coatings and woodworking. They talk about Denny's background as a mayor and EMT, and his journey into the coatings industry. They also discuss the advantages of water-based coatings, including their compatibility, environmental benefits, and the ability to achieve different effects and finishes. They highlight the importance of spraying water-based stains and using fast-curing systems to increase productivity. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the versatility and benefits of water-based coatings. They also talk about the cost savings and consistency that can be achieved by mixing your own paint and stains. They emphasize the need for painters to be adaptable and willing to learn and share knowledge within the industry. They also discuss the importance of controlling the temperature of the product during application and the impact it can have on consistency and repeatability. Denny suggests that coatings manufacturers should provide clearer information about the best applications for their products, rather than relying on confusing product numbers. Zach shares his plans for the future, which include consulting, training, and traveling in his motorhome.

Keywords

coatings, woodworking, water-based, compatibility, environmental benefits, spraying, fast-curing systems, versatility, color matching, CNA, paint mixing, stain matching, cost savings, consistency, adaptability, knowledge sharing, temperature control, product regulation, paint pumps, cleaning paint hoppers, hobbies, hunting, outdoor activities, coatings manufacturers, product numbers, applications, consulting, training, traveling

Takeaways

• Water-based coatings offer compatibility and versatility, allowing for the creation of various effects and finishes.
• Spraying water-based stains can increase productivity and achieve a more consistent look.
• Water-based coatings have environmental benefits and are safer for both workers and clients.
• Fast-curing systems can significantly reduce drying time and improve efficiency.
• The use of water-based coatings is becoming more popular in the woodworking industry. Understanding color matching and using a color system like CNA can help achieve consistent and accurate results.
• Mixing your own paint and stains can lead to cost savings and greater control over color formulations.
• Being adaptable and willing to learn and share knowledge is important in the painting industry.
• Controlling the temperature of the product during application can improve consistency and repeatability. Managing multiple paint pumps can be challenging and counterproductive.
• Cleaning paint hoppers can be difficult and time-consuming.
• Denny enjoys hunting and spending time outdoors.
• Coatings manufacturers should provide clearer information about the best applications for their products.

Titles

• The Role of Fast-Curing Systems in Woodworking
• The Environmental Benefits of Water-Based Coatings The Benefits of Mixing Your Own Paint and Stains
• The Importance of Color Matching and Using a Color System Zach's Plans for the Future
• Hobbies Outside of the Paint World

Sound Bites

• "It just gives you a lot of flexibility and freedom."
• "If you can give the customers a healthy option that is going to be less harmful on their health down the road, I'm going to do it."
• "Colors for me were like, I have no freaking idea what colors and how to do it."
• "I'm kind of working on a thing that I've got that that we'll be able to do that where you can pretty much just maybe run like one pump and switch stuff and it'll be kind of fun."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Small Talk

10:01

The Advantages of Water-Based Coatings

28:04

The Role of Fast-Curing Systems in Woodworking

36:15

The Value of Adaptability and Knowledge Sharing in the Painting Industry

56:56

Challenges of Managing Multiple Paint Pumps

01:11:53

The Importance of Clear Information from Coatings Manufacturers

Summary

Joe Julian, owner of Julian and Sons Fine Woodworking, shares his journey in the cabinet woodworking field and the challenges and successes of running a family business. He discusses the process of creating custom gun rooms and trophy rooms for clients all over the world, highlighting the importance of understanding the client's needs and creating a space that reflects their personal style. Joe also talks about the signature Danish oil finish that his company uses and the versatility and timeless appeal of hardwoods. He emphasizes the value of building relationships with designers and contractors to establish trust and long-term partnerships.

Keywords

woodworking, custom furniture, gun rooms, trophy rooms, Danish oil finish, hardwoods, family business, relationships, business growth, decision-making, partnership, sustainability, legacy, mentorship, training, trades industry

Takeaways

Building a successful family business requires hard work, dedication, and the ability to adapt to changing market demands.

Creating custom gun rooms and trophy rooms involves understanding the client's needs and preferences and designing a space that reflects their personal style.

The Danish oil finish is a versatile and timeless option for hardwood furniture, providing a beautiful patina and the ability to spot repair and maintain the finish over time.

Developing relationships with designers and contractors can lead to long-term partnerships and a steady stream of projects.

Using traditional craftsmanship techniques combined with modern processes and finishes allows for the creation of unique and high-quality furniture pieces.

The death of Joe Julian's father was a pivotal moment in the business, leading to a decision to continue and grow the company.

Bringing in a partner with complementary skills and a clear direction helped strengthen the company and prepare for future growth.

Transitioning from an owner-operator mentality to an owner mentality can be challenging but necessary for sustainability and legacy.

Mentorship and training are crucial in the trades industry to pass on knowledge and maintain quality standards.

Titles

Creating Custom Gun Rooms and Trophy Rooms

The Journey of a Family Woodworking Business

The Pivotal Moment: Continuing and Growing the Business

Transitioning to an Owner Mentality: Challenges and Growth

Sound Bites

"We're woodworkers, not businessmen."

"Family businesses are really hard and the dynamics are challenging."

"This is where they find their happy place. This is where they get the solace."

"The death of my father was really the pivotal moment... when I had to make a serious decision of continuing the business, what direction I was going to go in with it."

"We went from three owners to one and we were able to get a clear direction... versus three strong-headed individuals who are very closely related."

"He's the integrator to me being the innovator... every good company's based on two people with distinct skill sets."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

07:38

Working with Family and Transitioning to the Next Generation

13:12

Creating Spaces for Clients' Personal Retreats

23:50

Building Relationships with Designers and Contractors

31:29

The Importance of Trust and Long-Term Partnerships

37:29

Transitioning to an Owner Mentality: Challenges and Growth

47:52

Mentorship and Training: Ensuring Quality Standards in the Trades Industry

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/julian_and_sons/

https://julianandsons.com/