Podcast #5 ZK Painting - a podcast by Caleb Roth

Caleb interviews Zach Kenney from ZK Painting in Rhode Island http://zkpainting.com/

Zach has been in the painting and coating industry in some capacity since he was 14. His father started a painting business when Zach was young, Zach painted through college, and he is now focusing on his painting company. His company focuses on coating high end surfaces the right way the first time using Fine Paints of Europe. He uses a maintenance reminder system for his clients so they receive the best quality application after application with successful end results.

In the beginning, Zach knew that he wanted to own a business and not just be self employed. He makes sure his employees strive for quality. He built his portfolio while building his reputation and makes sure that every job is done right.

Caleb asks Zach if he has plans of getting into the manufacturing side of staining and painting. His answer is not at this point. Zach is pleased with the products he uses- Fine Paints of Europe, C2 Guard, and Armstrong Clark. Links to these products can be found at the end of these show notes. He has relationships with the manufacturers and company owners. He is confident in the quality and longevity of each product, and this is what works well for him.

Zach elaborates about C2. He says that using this water based wood preservative leaves an invisible shield on the wood. The most impressive thing is that it can be recovered with water or oil based products, which is unheard of in the staining and coating industry.

Zach says that in his market, he charges 2-3 times more than other companies that offer similar services, but his crews do 2-3 times the work, making sure that no corners are cut and that every job is performed with 100% satisfaction rates.

Caleb and Zach move on to staining and painting processes.

Cedar shake roofs, hard wood decks

Shake shield by Armstrong Clark 100% non drying oils

Zach says that if his clients maintain the upkeep with the products his company uses, that their roofs will last indefinitely because the stains act as the sacrificial lamb and the wood stays in good condition.

In his deck staining processes, he mainly uses stain pads, rollers and the occasional brush.

Caleb asked Zach if he prefers using bleach or bicarbonate for cleaning jobs, and Zach answered bicarbonate.

Caleb and Zach discuss finding and training employees. Zach says most of his leads come from Indeed.com. He suggests hiring for character because someone can learn skills. He says he trains in the shop so that no trial and error occurs on a job site. He makes sure that his employees know that he appreciates them and that he pays well so that his quality of employees meets his clients expectations.

Zach tells people interested in this line of work to research, to ask questions, and to network with other professionals. He also says to never stop learning.

Caleb and Zach speak about social media and the roles it plays in business. He says that Instagram is a staple for his company. He documents his jobs with Instagram. It puts his company in clients' and potential clients’ faces so that they feel like they’re part of the job process. Its a great sales tool, and he uses it to put a face with a name. He uses social media to connect with customers and other professionals and embraces the community of the painting industry.

Zach and a friend/business partner own Off the Ground Incorporated. This company helps other businesses utilize the power of their Instagram accounts. Zach uses Instagram as a powerful marketing tool in his profession. He documents his projects so that his clients and potential clients can really see the transparency of his business. He likes to show day to day progress so clients feel like they are part of the projects.

Zach’s advice for making Instagram a successful tool is this -

Make your main post with a caption. Then, add the hashtags in the first comment. Use all 30 hashtags that you’re allowed. Have your own personal hashtag. Do some broad and some specific tags. Every post should be geo-tagged, meaning “check in” to where you are working or where you want to be working. He also says use the “Story” function. Remember to turn the camera around - allow your followers to see the man/woman behind the business.

Caleb and Zack both agree that utilizing the honesty and transparency of social media as a marketing tool is powerful.

Otgdigital

Off the ground consulting

Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast and visit us on social media.

http://zkpainting.com/

http://www.finepaintsofeurope.com/

https://c2paint.com/

https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains

https://www.facebook.com/StainandSealExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/zkpainting/

otgdigital

https://stainandsealexperts.com/

https://stain-seal-experts-store.myshopify.com/

Further episodes of The Stain

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Website of Caleb Roth