In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Eric van Overbake, the owner of Prime Painting, a painting company in Charlotte, North Carolina. Eric shares his journey to success, starting with his college gig as a painter and eventually branching off to start his own business. He talks about the instant gratification he experiences with painting and how he fell in love with the work. Eric also discusses the biggest mistake he made in his business, which was hiring people without first seeing their work firsthand. He emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity and the need to synchronize the work across all jobs. Eric also opens up about his recent investments in marketing, including TikTok and a new website, and discusses his goals for the future, which involve generating more income while working less by hiring trustworthy employees. He shares his advice for new painters, such as trusting your gut with homeowners and building a social network around your location. Eric concludes by expressing his excitement for future collaborations and the steady growth of his business.

This episode of Titan Talks features Steve Lockwood, the owner of Lockwood Finishes, a successful painting company located in Springfield, Illinois. The show discusses his start in the industry, how he came to realize that he was a professional, and how making 100 phone calls a day helped boost his business and client base in the early days. Steve shares insights on the importance of job costing, his pride in carrying the name Lockwood, and how having a website has transformed his business and brought him in front of people that didn’t know about his services.

In this episode of Titan Talks hosted by Jonathan Stern, Nick Slavik discussed his journey in the painting industry, from working in his family’s business as a child to founding his own company, Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co., in 2007 after being told there was no place for him in the family business. Despite the rocky start and initial challenges, Slavik’s company has thrived, earning numerous national awards and growing significantly over the years. He highlighted the transformations in marketing strategies from traditional methods like newspaper ads to digital platforms like social media and Google listings, emphasizing the necessity of adapting to technological advances. Slavik also spoke about his involvement with the Painting Contractors Association, which has played a crucial role in professionalizing the industry and providing essential support and networking opportunities for painters.