Podcasts

Podcasts

These podcasts are part of the new CoatingsPro Interview Series, launched in July 2020. In this series, CoatingsPro Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Chizik and News Editor Ben DuBose chat with industry experts and thought leaders to provide tips on how industrial and commercial coatings contractors can improve their bottom line. Check back for regular updates!

Editor's note: Earlier podcasts from CoatingsPro's COVID-19 Interview Series, which ran from March 2020 through June 2020, are available here.

How Infrastructure Insurance Affects Contractors

Tony Serdenes, Nick Kuntz, and David A. Scotti.

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.

Coatings Knowledge for Non-Coating Inspectors: Why It Matters

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.

For more information, visit AMPP’s Coatings for Non-Coating Inspectors website.

The Future of Workforce Development in Skilled Trades

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).

Discussion 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.

Wells Bullard on PPE Trends in 2023 and Beyond

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.

For more information, contact: Bullard, (859) 234-6616, www.bullard.com

Dave Evans on AMPP’s Industrial Coating Application Launch

Dave Evans, director of business development at the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (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.

For more information, contact: AMPP, (800) 797-6223, www.ampp.org/education.

Sustainable Solutions for the Built Environment

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 address the challenges of producing more green buildings.

Discussion topics on the newly released podcast include the role of circularity in product development; science-based targets and goals; and how new technologies can help.

For more information, contact: AkzoNobel, www.akzonobel.com.

2024 Contractor Awards: FAQs and Why to Nominate

Stephanie Chizik, Editor-in-Chief of CoatingsPro Magazine, joins Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Publications, to discuss CoatingsPro’s 2024 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 annual program, along with reasons to get involved and potential perks for winners.   

For more information, contact: CoatingsPro’s Contractor Awards Program, www.coatingspromag.com/contractor-awards, CPcontractorawards@coatingspromag.com.

62Archer’s Eric Nenninger Finds Value in Coatings Education

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.

For more information, contact: Eric Nenninger, LinkedIn, www.62archer.com

What OSHA’s New PPE Rule Means for Contractors

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.

For more information, contact: Mips, www.mipsprotection.com.

Using Graphene and Nanomaterials in the Coatings Market

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.

For more information, contact: Gerdau Graphene, www.gerdaugraphene.com

DeFelsko’s Michael Beamish Is Focused on Innovation, Sustainability

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.

For more information, contact: DeFelsko, (800) 448-3835, www.defelsko.com.

PPG’s Katie Chrobak Drives Digital Adoption in Coatings

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 hopes to address those evolving user preferences.

For more information, contact: PPG, (800) 441-9695, pro.ppgpaints.com.

Alan Thomas Takes Reins as AMPP’s New CEO

As of April 2023, Alan Thomas is officially CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), replacing Bob Chalker. 

In this exclusive chat with Ben DuBose, AMPP’s News Editor, Thomas discusses his past career experience and the process leading to his appointment. Other topics include insight on Thomas’ initial priorities as CEO; key takeaways from the recent AMPP Annual Conference + Expo; background on his leadership style and personality; and much more.

For more information, contact: AMPP, www.ampp.org.

Contractor Profile: Ryan Amato of Amato Painting

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 CoatingsPro Contractor 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 details on 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.

Member Profile: GPI’s Charles Brown

Charles (Charlie) Brown, deputy director of coatings at Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI), 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.

For more information, contact: GPI, www.gpinet.com.