How Predictive Intelligence Could Transform the Industry

Alan Robinson, commercial vice president for North America at Dow Polyurethanes, details his company's new journey into the world of predictive intelligence and shares insight on what it could mean for end users within protective coatings and corrosion control. Other topics discussed on the podcast include industry trends; potential implications for customers; and lessons learned from Dow's growing emphasis on digitalization. (Complete Transcript)

For more information, visit www.dow.com/polyurethanes.

Free Roof for Christmas? How One Contractor Is Giving Back

Richard Tooley, owner of Kansas City-based Elite Roof Systems, explains how his roofing company is setting up a new program to award a free commercial roof to a regional nonprofit later this year. In the episode, Tooley explains the motivations and steps involved in setting up this type of program, which could potentially be adopted by other contractors, as well. (Complete Transcript)

For more information, contact: Elite Roof Systems, (913) 258-5607, www.eliteroofsystems.com

Addressing the Skills Gap in the Construction Industry

Jennifer Wilkerson, Senior Director of Innovation & Advancement at the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), shares some insights on how to help shrink the skills gap in the construction industry. An industry-wide issue compounded by the coronavirus have created a situation where training, outreach, and more may help your contracting company succeed. (Complete Transcript)

For more information, contact: NCCER, www.nccer.org

Application Tips for Coatings Jobsites in 2020

Justin Tousignant, president and co-founder at Black Bear Coatings & Concrete, joins our podcast to discuss how business has changed for coatings contractors in 2020. 

Tousignant also shares lessons learned and tips from the field after his team's recent application project at a new medical marijuana facility in Massachusetts, which was profiled in the July 2020 issue of CoatingsPro Magazine. (Complete Transcript)

For more information, contact: Black Bear Coatings & Concrete, www.blackbearconcrete.com

Marketing Tips for Coatings Contractors

Jon Franko, thinker and founder at Gorilla76, works in the marketing realm with mid-sized industrial manufacturers. In this episode, he gives us an overview of the different types of marketing available for B2B and B2C companies and shares tips on options that might be useful for contractors today. His company has also started working toward a more diverse and inclusive team, and he shares a bit of his experience here. (Complete Transcript)

For more information on their company and resources, as well as their own podcast, visit: www.gorilla76.com

Why Seamless Flooring Is Expanding in 2020

Heather O'Brien, President of Easycove, joins the CoatingsPro Interview Series to discuss the growing market in 2020 for seamless flooring and the importance of coving for clients and contractors. With hygiene a primary consideration during COVID-19, the Easycove executive explains how cove base can be a part of the solution.

O'Brien also explores market trends and challenges in 2020, as well as some potential strategies to adapt to the changing marketplace. (Complete Transcript)

For more information, contact: Easycove, www.easycove.com

Shining a Light on Mental Health in Construction

Stuart Binstock, president and CEO of the Construction Financial Management Association, discusses the association’s Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the number one cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Additionally, construction has the highest number of suicides compared to other groups.

Now more than ever, mental health is a concern for construction. CIASP’s goal is to create a zero-suicide industry, and, in this episode, Stuart discusses with CoatingsPro how suicide can affect our industry and what resources are available to help those in need — from coworkers and peers themselves to family members dealing with a loved one who has committed suicide.
(Complete Transcript)

For more information, contact: CIASP, www.preventconstructionsuicide.com

Making Coatings Tools More User Intuitive

Ryan Miller, director of the coatings tools division at Seymour Midwest, explains how and why tool providers are working to make their products more user intuitive for coatings applicators. In the interview, Miller also offers perspective on how select segments of the coatings industry have fared during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as what could be ahead for coatings contractors in the remainder of 2020 and beyond.
(Complete Transcript)

For more information, contact; Seymour Midwest, www.seymourmidwest.com 

How to Engage Your Employees

Lisa Ryan, Certified Speaking Professional and Chief Appreciation Strategist at Grategy, is changing the conversation around company culture and employee engagement in the construction industry. In our podcast, she shares tips and tricks about using technology, recognizing your employees, and more, which you can start putting to action today. For more information, contact Lisa Ryan at lisaryanspeaks.com.

(Complete Transcript)

How to Hire the Right Employees

Mel Kleiman, founder and president of Humetrics, offers his unique and experienced perspective on how to hire and retain good employees. Founded in 1976, Humetrics strives to help employers reassess and reinvent the way they recruit, select, and retain frontline hourly employees and the people who manage them.

How important is experience? How often should you be interviewing? What should you look for in future employees? All of this — and more! — are discussed in this episode.
(Complete Transcript)

More resources from Mel are available on CoatingsPro’s website:  

Questions You Need to Ask Every Valued Employee

Job Opening: “Experience Needed.” Really?