House Painter Forum

Professional Painters => Professional Painters and associated Trades Forum => Topic started by: the PAINTSMITH on February 10, 2006, 07:41:46 AM

Title: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on February 10, 2006, 07:41:46 AM
I think it's past due to start an introductory thread...So here's one. You're all welcome to share your name, rank and serial number, and brag about your achievements in the painting field...or barn...or kitchen, bath, laundry, mudroom, family room, livingroom, stairwell, shop, bedroom1, 2 and 3, dining room, garage, etc., etc., ad infinitum... :)

I'll start;

Hi, I'm Eric and I'm an incurable detailaholic. I've been in the painting trade since 1989 and have no problem telling folks that I'm good at it, likely a by-product of enjoying it so much. I've been through the 3-year journeyman program, worked in such challenging climates as Cheyenne Wyoming, Phoenix Arizona and now, for the last few years, in midwest Minnesnowta, back where I grew up. Besides painting I spent a LOT of time training in the commercial caulking field...

...Like I said, I'm good, but that doesn't mean that I know either everything or what it's called...
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Part-timer on February 12, 2006, 08:12:12 AM
Well, now that I'm snowed in here in southern PA, I'll introduce myself....

My name is Tim and as you can tell from my user name, I've just committed to painting on a part-time basis. I've actually been teaching special needs kids for eight years, but I've always painted as a summer job all thru high school, college, and now as a teacher. I just got tired of working for other guys who were only ever worried with how fast you can paint. My biggest dilemma now is how hard to advertise? I don't have enough time to do too many jobs, but in order to operate off of a "word of mouth" basis, I have to at least get a few jobs under my belt in order for those people to spread the word. Anyway, I've already learned a lot from the pro's on this sight. I check in often to pick up as many tips as I can.

Roll On,
TIM
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: brushworks on February 12, 2006, 08:47:27 PM
good evening, brush masters.

I'm disappointed that it took me this long to find your forum.

I'm a custom residential repainter. My specialty areas are cabinet painting and window staining.

I'm a user of the Corona Brush and a recent convert to Muralo Ultra Ceramic paints.

Looking forward to participating in the interesting discussions and hopefully learning. One is never too old or experienced to learn from others.

Michael
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Tally Painter on February 20, 2006, 11:58:44 PM
 :D
Hey, everyone.  How I got into the paint business is a strange story.  On old friend wanted to come over to "talk to me about a "business opportunity".  This guy was a born salesman, and I waw dying to hear what BS he was going to try and lay on me this time. Frrankly I thought it was Amway or something.   Turns out that his family had been in the paint/stain business for several years.  My friend was a true craftsmsn.  I had not known about this part of his life.  

He knew that I had a lot of credibility/contacts, and he wanted to work closer to home.   In turn for "teaching me the trade" I was to get leads near Sioux Falls/Brandon area.  

Because of the mans age and health he had more patience to teach me how to do things right, rather take over.  ( I'm sorry to say I catch myself doing that with new people).  

Anyway, true to my word we got some work in our home area, and were finishing a commercail job out of town,  things were going great.

Before the commercail job was complete, he died.  I lost my freind and paint mentor, never have been able to replace him but I have tried.

There has been a lot of activitiy over the past several years. I'll bore you all with the rest of the details some other time.  
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: rickied on March 04, 2006, 03:52:19 PM
Hi everyone. My name is Rickie Dianne or Rickied. I have managed the office for years in the insurance biz and for the last year for a paint contractor. After we were sold to another paint contractor the two females in the group decided to start our own paint contracting biz. Working for and owning it are two different animals so I went to the web to do my homework. Thank God I found this site. You are honest. You are serious but light hearted. You give good answers but aren't rude about it. I ordered two of the three books that were recommended. I easily obtained  the book by Tobe and the Cost Estimator. Trying to find the book by Dennis Gleason is out. Unless one of you guys would part with it for a while so I can read it. I did find it in England for over $150.00. I can't go there. I go do my first bid today. This is going to be so much fun :D. I'll be back soon for answers to tons of questions and I know you have the answers. I'll go to the question page when I have a moment and see if I can find the answer to a question about the Gleason book and is their a professional painters association we need to belong to.Have a great day.
Rickied 8)
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: rivdog on March 17, 2006, 10:00:26 PM
Hi, my name is rivdog, im a painting contractor in MA.  The last few years Ive been on one project..  New const, luxury single family condos.  Basically an overpriced single home that u dont have to take care of.  The assn does it for u.  Ive been lucky enough to hook up w/ a builder that has done 90, $350,000 to $850,000 homes in the last 5 yrs.  sept 11 has scared a lot of new yorkers and whatnot into buying 2nd homes where i live.  The Berkshires,in Western Mass.  The 2nd home market is expanding rapidly.  And price doesnt seem to be an option.  But my developer is savvy, so im not making a killing.   Just a nice check.  I consider myself a production painter.  We spray all that we can.  We have a SW 395 that we spray dwall with and a Graco 4900 w remote 2 gal pot for trim and doors.  I also consider myself a student of fine finishing, and am always looking for tricks of the trade to make my finishes nicer.  Ive found this site to be very informative and its mods to be very knowledgeable.  Keep up the good work.  It is guys like u that give painters a god rep.
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: nabira on March 26, 2006, 08:02:39 AM
Hello Masters,
My name is Ray and I’ve been in business for about 10 years now. First I started painting as a part time/summer job while I was at school. However, for the past four years I have been painting as a full timer. I used to do lots of repaint, and lately I do lots of new construction luxury houses (4M and up). I don’t claim to be the best painter out there; however, I’m open to new ideas and not shy to say I don’t know. After all I studied computer science and telecommunication for 6 years only to find out that I like painting better. I did work in the corporate world for two years, and that experience made me realize that I like painting more than all other options that I had at the time. Things have worked out well for me in the past two years and I managed to keep busy all year round. I just hope the construction of new houses doesn’t slow down any time soon.


Cheers,
Ray the painter
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Fred on April 09, 2006, 10:27:08 AM
Hi,
 Just found you all and it's a breath of fresh air compared to another board that shall remain nameless >:(
Anyway I've been painting for awhile now and have been running my own buisness for 3 years. each year is better and better.We do new constrution almost exclusively. It's a pleasure to read your posts and hope I can bring something to this board, thanks for having me .
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on April 09, 2006, 10:47:35 AM
Great to have you Fred! Feel welcome to add your individuality and knowledge to ours...
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Marlin Rando on April 22, 2006, 04:43:34 PM
Hey guys and gals,
My names randy and I've bin in the paint biz for 3 years.  I started my own company 2 years ago.  We work alongside a few interior desingers and a few real estate agents.  I'm still growing my company and are just starting to find the right guys to run the sites when I'm not around.  I'm 27 years old and this is my first carreer path.  I couldn't be more pleased with the work and the rewards that owning your own company provides.  My main concern right now is to keep the crew working full time.  I need to find more way to land jobs, now that I have the crew to work them.  This forum is great for me, I love to talk paint.  Thanks, Oh and I'm also a proffesional percussionist, check out our bands we site nuffsed.com.  If any of you are ever in seattle WA check out a show.  
Rando
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: tom38118 on May 16, 2006, 11:35:29 PM
Greetings' y'all, rom Memphis, TN. My name is Tom and I'm just making my entry(re-entry?) into the painting business. I did it part time in the early 80's while stationed in Las Vegas in the Air Force. I just finished the interior part  of my first job since getting back into it. It's a whole house job for a guy whose elderly sister recently passed away leaving the house to him. For the last several years she lived with about a dozen cats(no litter boxes) and this place was a mess. They sprayed the walls to as high as whatever furniture they happened to be on and cat mess was smeared in several places down low. A lot of washing and primer and it came out great. I was meticulous.(y;all woulda been proud.) Now to the outside. It's gonna take a lot of scraping and caulking but all the boards seem to be in great shape.  Already have my next job lined up. Exterior and ceilings of a half million dollar home belonging to the head pharmacist for a hospital. Am hoping this one can really lead to some great word of mouth. (fingers crossed) This is a great forum and I am learning a lot. Hopefully, I'll be a ble to contribute some as well. Thanks for being here.
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: dawn_l_99 on May 24, 2006, 06:41:08 AM
Hi Everyone,
I was so glad to find this site.  It is full of interesting and helpful info and its nice to find someplace where you can talk to other professionals in this field.  I have started my own business and if it ever stops raining here, I could get back to work.  
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Chofman1 on May 29, 2006, 03:43:19 PM
My name is Chad, from Louisiana.  Started painting with my mother who has her own business when I was 13. Im 24 now so its safe to say i've been painting for 11 years.  

We worked together until about 4 years ago when i decided to branch off on my own. We still team up often on bigger jobs. We do stictly residential re-paint jobs except on a few occasions: Faux finished a nail salon, went behind a new constuction job that the owner tried to do himself.

Being so young in the business, you can imagine how often i get turned down for jobs.  But, I love my job, and am sticking to my guns.  

My business philosophy: I'm well worth my price, trustworthy, honest, meticulous, do one job at a time until the customer is completely satisfied, throw in a little lagniape (that means something extra here in Louisiana), give back if I have over charged.

Advertising: Only by word of mouth, wouldnt have it any other way.

In Conclusion: I've used this site for advice in the past and its nice to be able to come here for opinions and advice.  Looking forward to learning more and giving advice where I can.
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: hayseed on May 29, 2006, 07:10:32 PM
Hi, I am Dallas, from Rosenberg, Texas (outside of Houston).  I own an interior remodeling company called Dalco Construction Services.  We mainly work in the Southwest suburbs of Houston, primarily Sugar Land.

I keep three full time employees, and rotate another two or three in when I need them.  I have a strict policy that all of my workers are legal to work in the U.S.  In Texas, only about 5% of the construction companies work this way.

We do full service interior remodeling.  Subcontractors are used only for things like granite countertops.  Our strongest fields are tile, custom cabinetry/finish carpentry, and paint.  We do a lot of bathrooms, and make high quality custom showers.

Prior to starting my company, I was in the oil and gas business where I managed sales and marketing for a small manufacturer of electronic equipment.

I got into the remodeling business by remodeling my own home, and then taking that little bit of knowledge into other people's homes.  95% of my knowledge was acquired through reading or trial and error.

This is a great forum.  I just wish that it got more traffic.

Thanks,

Dallas
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Asbestos on May 29, 2006, 07:13:06 PM
I have been painting part time about 2 years now. still get 20% of the paint on me, but I am real fussy about the job looking good. I don't care what I look like at the end of the day, they are not paying me to stay pretty. I paint as a sidline to general repair/construction work (I don't like the word 'handyman' as that is often a euphmism for 'too stupid to stay employed in one trade'  I am doing several small jobs now.
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: WRCLAed on June 16, 2006, 12:46:31 PM
I joined this forum to see how much the professional painters understand about painting wood, and Western Red Cedar in particular.  I am the eastern area manager of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (www.WRCLA.org).  I have 40 + years in the Forest Products Industry at all levels.  The past three years I have been a technical specialist paid by the mills of the association to answer questions and solve problems related to their products.  My expertise in realtion to coatings comes from years of partcipation in a committee at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, (FPL), (www.FPL.FS.FED.US) made up of others from my industry, and chemists who formulate coatings for many major paint manufacturers/coatings company's, and the scientists from the FPL who do science in these area's, to benefit the American taxpayer.  I highly recommend that, as professional's, you become familiar with such natural ally's as the FPL who exist to provide accurate, scientifically verifiable advice, on how wood behaves, and what you need to know about it. My trade association is an international non-profit agency based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  I essentially am here to help insure satisfaction with Western Red Cedar products made and sold by our member mills, and distributors through proper finishing, installation and choice of Western Red Cedar.  Over a hundred years of product experience illustrates that If you use them correctly they perform extremely well.
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Sandycane on June 20, 2006, 11:53:58 PM
Hello All!
I just found this wonderful forum tonight and am glad I did!

I was taught by my ex-husband about 25 years ago how to paint and hang wallpaper- I was his 'helper'. The only good thing I can say about him is he was the Best (at painting and wallpaper, that is ::) )- could hang 30 rolls in a day. So, I feel that I had a good start.
After I got rid of him ;D , I spent the next 15-20 years learning on my own and making a decent living at it.
6 years ago while painting for an elderly lady in my neighborhood, who had had a stroke, she asked me if I would stay with her. Major career change, I thought but, I agreed. Two years with her, two years with her neighbor and then I fell into a cushy office manager job for which I had No experience but, learned very quickly how to do my job well.
Now, my office job has become a dead-end job because my boss is getting ready to retire. :-[  And, I have been wracking my brains about what to do next. This week, out of the blue, I was offered two painting jobs- so I feel that my path is clear to get back into painting and hopefully, wallpaper.
I've been down this road before- drumming up business- so, that isn't as freightening as it was when I first started.
As an added bonus, I figure I'll easily get rid of the extra poundage I've accumulated from these 'cushy' jobs! ;D

I am glad to have found this forum and I look forward to meeting you all.
As I said, I am self-taught so, I know I have a lot to learn.
Sandy :)
Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Independent on July 06, 2006, 06:02:11 AM
Hi everyone. Well I used to paint when I was a younger lad with my father who was a building contractor. I decided to go to school, get a degree and work for the corporate world since then...  :-[  Being 34 years old I have been wanting to start my own business but always thought it may be to late to start a professional trade like this. However after talking with one of my co-workers, who had done part time painting before, and like me being burnt out of corporate, we have decided that we are going to give it a shot. We are just starting out and we are looking at it realisticlly and hopefully by next year we can be a full time paint business.

Thanks for this forum...
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jared on July 20, 2006, 10:26:50 PM
Hello fellow paint slingers!  ;)

I am a 3rd generation interior painter (taught by my dad, who was taught by his grandfather).  Mostly brush-and-roller, although sometimes I do a rare "blow-and-go" spray job.  The majority of the jobs I am getting lately are repaints and renovations/additions.  SO MUCH commercial work here, it isn't even funny...  thus, I tend to do more commercial jobs than residential.

I am 34 yrs old, and have been painting on-and-off since I was 8.  I prefer to take the jobs the other local painters won't touch (cause they are too complicated or the customer is too picky).

Relocated to San Diego, CA just over a year ago.  Grew up in the armpit of the US (New Jersey), and have lived all over the country (and various parts of the world) over the years.

San Diego is an EXCELLENT place to be a good painter - partly because the majority of painters around here are terrible, partly because downtown SD is booming with commercial and residential construction, and partly because the real estate market here is so incredibly inflated (resulting in way above average pay rates).  And that isn't even mentioning the weather!

Anyway, I am very glad I stumbled across this forum, and I expect to be lurking from here on.

I look forward to exchanging tips and info with the knowledgeable and friendly membership here.

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Paint Mode on July 24, 2006, 08:32:06 AM
  Hello, from Minnesota.

  I'm Steve and I've been painting for just under 5 years. I started in California working for someone, and I've sinced moved to Mn to go it alone. I'm in my second year of business. It's been tough for me to figure out which area's are where my skills are best marketed, but I'm confident and optimistic.
  I never thought the popularity of web forums would extend to a painters forum. How cool is that?
  Anyway, glad I found this site and if anyone wants to check out my site that I built for the company, feel free. www.PaintMode.com  (not a sales pitch)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: DavidHenshaw on August 16, 2006, 07:49:21 PM
This looks like a great forum. I'm really glad I found it.

I've been mowing grass for a few years and when my son in law lost his auto manufacturig job in Tenn  I invited him to come to WVa and mow grass with me. He did and in this our first grass season together we've done pretty well.
The problem is that grass doesn't grow for five months out of the year so I've been looking for another income producer that would be year round.

We had a grass customer ask us to paint his house. We did. Then he wanted us to paint his mother in law's house which we did. Now we are getting ready to paint the mother in laws brother's house. So I'm thinking maybe painting is something we should look into.

I've done tons of painting for myself having been a homeowner and a landlord with about five properties a few years ago. The rental property is gone now. Too many headaches. In spite of all the painting I know there are soooo... many things I have to learn. Pricing, selecting the correct paint, correct application, etc, etc.  Having said that, I'm confident that painting is the way to go.

Dave

 
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: MacPaint on August 20, 2006, 02:07:41 PM
Hey Gang!
I've been here a few months, so i guess I should say hello.
My name is Keith and I hail from MA originally, with the last 10 yrs spent on the island of Martha's Vineyard. I move to Virginia in '03 because it was too expensive to live on the Vineyard, (only painting for 5.5 months out of each season).  :P

I started painting way back in 1971 as a HS junior. My buddy's father was a commercial contractor and we worked long hours for him. I learned a lot from him, attended college for 3 years, but went back to painting with him. Then I struck out on my own in 1986.

I currently run a crew of 6 (one being a carpenter) and we do some pretty nice homes and new construction/renovations.

In the colder months, I store away my brushes and write for PerformanceYears.com, which is a classic Pontiac website. I own a '72 GTO and recently was published. My book, "Milt Schornack and The Royal Bobcat GTOs" was published by McFarland, Inc. in Jan. of 2006.

I also founded "eBay Scam Killers" in 2004. The organization is now almost 600 strong, from all over the world. We search, report, bait and destroy Romanian eBay scams 24/7, 365 per year. We have played a part in over 60 arrests of Romanian eBay scammers in the past 2 years alone.

At 50, I only have a good 4-5 hours per day of workable knee mobility. Anything longer than that causes me to limp for a few days. Climbing ladders, standing on 14-pitch roofs and crawling around on hardwood floors tends to beat-up the knees after a few decades!

I hope to share much of what I've learned (the hard way) to younger painters who are just starting out.
If you have a question, I'd be happy to help out.

Great forum!
 :D
Call me.... "Mac"


Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Flawless Finish on August 20, 2006, 02:33:41 PM
Hello painterforum members. My name is Brett. I love forums, so I'm glad I found this one. There is so much information out there and it nice to be able to ask other pros for help.

I got started in painting when I was 14, now 19. I had helped my dad around the house a little, but the summer before high school my grandma ask me to paint her house. After that some people saw her house and they needed painting so I did there houses/projects. It's just spread from there. I started off doing $12/hour and having the customer buying the supplies. I did that for a couple of years and then started bidding jobs as well as making much more money. I recently formed a business out of it called "Flawless Finish". Along with painting, I do mobile auto detailing on days between painting jobs and on the weekends. I've always enjoyed working for myself and am currently going to school for business.

I look forward to learning and helping out as much as possible around here.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on September 04, 2006, 10:03:57 PM
Hi I'm Lynjo

I have been a professional painter for 20 + years. My husband & I have been working side by side 24/7 haven't killed each other yet.

Got my degree & worked in an office for a while, that wasn't for me.
I come from a family of building contractors grandfather, father & brothers guess it's just in my blood.

There is nothing more satisfying then to step back at the end of the day & admire a job well done. Yes, I am a perfectionist. My Dad always said if the job is worth doing... do it well. I agree with him 100%.

Lynjo


Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: blackwolf on October 10, 2006, 10:48:51 PM
hello all, I'm so glad I found this forum, I was introduced to painting when I was 16, did it for 5 years but I left the trade for personal reasons, I'm making my reentry into the trade as my own boss doing residential interior & exterior, so glad to be my own boss look forward to learning and sharing stories about our experiences.

 :)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ofd54 on October 18, 2006, 06:34:25 PM
Hi I'm Ray and I am a part time painter and a full time fire fighter.  I have been in the buisiness for about 10 years.  Started painting for a local construction company then branched out on my own.  Was just looking around to find a few new ideas on things and found this forum.  I will be checking in from time to time and I am sure I will soon have some questions.

Ray
Ofd54
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Vin on October 23, 2006, 10:06:44 AM
Hello everyone



Getting ready for contractors license November 2nd, just spent most of this weekend at the school doing the crash course, definetly not ready for the test YET but i still have a little time.

The quiz's we took pretty much told me my weak spots, some math some business , and some law so going to be craming as much as possible .

I don't know alot i've been a property management apartment painter for 8 years now, have done 30-40 or so houses on the side, I do drywall repair, shoot texture and acoustic, Lots and lots of patching for the company I work for all piece work so it's been good, but i'd like more$$$.

I also work for a University here on the side  mostly weekends taking care of there student apartments and other property they have but they've asked me to do other stuff for them that equire me to be licnesed and that is the reason for getting the license.


So thanks ahead of time guys for the welcome hope to learn alot and give back what I can.

Vin
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: offthewall on October 23, 2006, 06:56:30 PM
    Whats up, my name is Matt Cassidy and I've been painting under my own business Off The Wall Inc. for a little over a year now.  Why it took me so long to figure out how great it is to work for yourself I'll never know.  I worked a store manager position for a 50,000 sq. ft surf/skate/outdoor store for almost 9 years and dealt with every kind of pissed off customer imaginable as well as being in charge of over 80 snot nosed kids 50+ hours a week.  I will NEVER return to a gig like that ever again.  It finally took the store to close down for me to get off my butt and do something different.  
    I was in a pinch for a job and my mom who works for a builder hooked me up with their painting crew which turned out to be pretty cool.  I have to admit I thought I was getting involved in something that just wasn't my speed but it was the best thing that could have happened.  I learned a ton from the guys I worked with and realized that I could do it on my own and make a good living.  I love working by myself and if anything good or bad is to come from one of my jobs there's only one person it could be.  Don't think I'd have it any other way.  One year later and business is good!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Gilly on November 06, 2006, 05:39:38 PM
Hello. I just joined up because I can always learn something new...and I need another forum to read  ::)

I started painting in 1993 and went out on my own in 1995. I've lived in Ohio all my life but moving to PA next year.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Tallman on November 10, 2006, 04:51:26 PM
My name is Josh and I own 50% of Tallman Painting LLC in Tacoma WA. 

We do lots of residential repaints during the summer but are focusing on getting more builders and moving into commercial work. Not including ourselves we employ three painters.

Both my partner and I have been painting for about 10 years and have been working together for almost three years.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Kmac on November 14, 2006, 04:47:06 PM
Hey folks,

My name is Keith. I painted part time for about 8 years as a second job. Heading out full time after the holidays like I have been wanting to do for a couple of years now. I have been checking out this site for a while now and think that it is great. Fantastic advice and no need to feel unsure to ask a question.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Kevin on November 22, 2006, 08:12:57 PM
Hi Guys

Just wanted to say Hey,  I’ve been out here for a while now reading the posts, learned a lot, thank you all, names Kevin though sometimes I go by Will.                                                                           Will I. Grababruski.  ::)

I was forced into this business due to being so damned tired of getting laid off from factory work, changes in the auto industry in this area, NE Ohio, is affecting a lot of  industry and people.

Part time for the last 5 years I was the friendly Helping Hand Handyman, : ). One hot summer day after being layoff again; quit a few beautiful summer weeks, I got off the hammock, after a squirrel dropped a nut on my head, I made a phone call and had an ad in the next days paper, got 9 calls the very next day, heck that was easy, : ) been busy ever since (for the most part). It got to be that I needed help to survive so I figured I'd help others and in turn they'd help me, remarkable, who would of thought it.  :o Well this past June I had to go full time, now I’m “General Home Maintenance & Painting”, your Helping Hand Handyman, Specializing in those jobs you just can’t get to, a Senior Citizens best friend…

I’ve never liked the term “handyman”, too many people think “cheap labor”, but it does explain what I do, General Home Maintenance & Painting helps show them this is a real business and not just some heyhoo in a station wagon.


 My painting skills are getting a lot better, all repaints, from what I hear about contractors, I‘ll stick to repaints. I really enjoy painting, it’s something I feel I’m good at. This winter has me real concerned. I haven’t done any  advertising in a couple of years, which is working, but there needs to be a lot more big jobs. I’ve got some yard signs coming and lettering for the van, guessing I lost a lot of business this past summer not having them.

It feels great being out on my own, haven’t lost the house yet, so we’re giv’n-it our best
: )

“Sometime you have to look hard to see what’s really important in your life, and when you do see it, Stay Focused!”           

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Will ; )
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Kevin on November 22, 2006, 08:22:58 PM
Oh, for you ladies out there  @->-----, here's a rose.

I would like to add a female partner in the business   :). I think a womans touch would help out in a lot of situations.

Anybody out there in NE Ohio?  :o
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mjmpainting on December 01, 2006, 04:24:42 PM
Hi folks,

Just found the site. Looks great. Don't paint for a living per se right now, but have been paiting for over 10years as a (part time) pro... ie, mostly side work and comp stuff for friends and family. Learned over a decade ago from a small outfit run out of the nextdoor neighbor's home... Secord Construction. As a friendly gesture, he gave the neighbor kid a summer job to help out with college tuition and stuck him with the paint crew... the "penis painters" as he called us! Anyway, got tired of my job as a research chemist so I started doing an MBA part time, so right now I'm a chemist/student/painter. I still like to earn a few bucks on the side here and there though... got a gig this weekend in southern ontatrio, actually.

Joined this site to help out the do-it-yourselfers but it looks like the board has plenty of experienced guys. Look forward to sharing thoughts and ideas.

MJM


www.freewebs.com/mjmpainting
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on December 02, 2006, 10:13:03 AM
Hi all- 
  Good to find a site to exchange tips! 
I have been a residental redo paint contractor since '81, went through union appreniceship but jumped ship and went on my own. Had a partner for most of that time untill about 4 years ago due to illness, now am solo.
 I have done almost all interior residential kinds of work- enameling, staining, plaster repair, faux finishing, texturing, paper hanging and removal. i specialize in older plaster homes. Worked with decorators & gen'l contractors.  Have lots of my own clients too.
Like a few here, I am from Minnesota.  Must breed painters here! lol!

Crusing the board here, adding where i can!  See ya!  8)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: kenny on December 02, 2006, 11:24:08 PM
Hi all.
Just a note about myself I went to work in a factory 24 years ago as a kid out of high school. Did everything they wanted worked storeroom,shipping,production, about 15 years ago I decided I did not want to drive a pos truck and live in debt the rest of my life so I went to college and got my BBS in Business.  Long story short the management has changed directions from a family type business that took care of its employees to one that exploits them.  Not to be harsh but I was a good worker always going the extra mile well 6 months ago I got laid off and now am looking for another career.
I have painted housed in the past and do not want any kind of desk job for the rest of my life.
I think I am going to turn to painting houses since at the end of the day you can actually see the fruits of you labor instead of an empty in box that will be filled in the morning.
anyway I will be needing lots of help from you kind folks with problems I encounter and hope I can help anyway I can too.
Later
Kenny
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: RocknRoller on January 05, 2007, 07:46:00 AM
 Hey to all.
  Names Cary, over the past 30 years I've painted at least 40 houses and apartments for family, friends, and elderly folk unable to do it themselves. Have never been paid ( unless you count pizza and beer ).
  This year we've been remodeling our house, a lot of paint projects, drywall repair, textured ceilings, floor refinishing etc.
  Numerous people have commented positively on my work. I'm a perfectionist which sometimes drives my lovely wife crazy. Was even offerred a job by a contractor when he saw my work.
  Have tried a few business ventures in the past and am now researching the painting field. Planning to make the leap when my house sells.
  Been lurking here for a few weeks and am impressed by the people here. I've learned a lot, hope to learn more, and maybe eventually be able to contribute.
  Thanks for this awesome board.

  Cary
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: MiTm on January 10, 2007, 09:20:00 PM
Hello Folks:

My name is Mark. I started painting while in college(B.A., M.A., M.L.S.).
I was a reference Librarian for 10 years. I loved it. Researching obscure facts & figures; detail is my bag. I worked in public, private and university libraries. I even volunteered in India for 6 months in an academic library.
I started my business 6 years ago after having spent 2-2 1/2 years working construction(masonry). I love to paint(again, the detail fascinates me). I take great pains to research the compatibility of coatings, their application, and relative longevity. Painting is both a science and an ART. In my off time I scour the web and/or reference materials for articles on painting.
I paint residential only. Mostly exterior staining( 55-60% of work).
I work by the hour. I do not advertise. I usually have a 6-10 job backlog, all word of mouth. I have never lost a job, though I have turned down a few. I won't do jobs where the owner says " don't worry about how it looks just paint it; or just paint a section of the house, we'll do the rest next year(I am not kidding  :o) I try to uphold my standards no matter what I'm painting. It's too easy to fall into bad habits... Painterforum is fantastic.

Addendum:I don't spray(used to though). It's all brush/roller. If I come across something that would be better sprayed I refer the client to someone else. Hobbies: CHAINSAWS, 19th century literature, the gym, and eastern philosophy. Eccentric!! ;)

mark  :)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Vin on January 24, 2007, 07:54:25 PM
Welcome everyone and thanks for your interesting storys.

Best of luck to everyone in the painting business.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ProPTG on January 27, 2007, 07:04:25 PM
Hi everyone it's nice to know there is a place like this I've been coming here and reading for the last 6 months as a guest and decided to become a part of this forum last night. I'm based out Ontario Canada, been in the business for 12 yrs, done large jobs from repaints, new custom, commercial and industrial, Currently working on a night club, just finished spraying a deck ceiling for Purolator. Can't say I know everything, but have enough knowledge to lend a hand. I love to learn of others and I suppose that is why I joined. I still get my hands wet after 12yrs, Subbed for the first 5yrs, then decided to run my own.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BAForese on February 11, 2007, 05:28:53 PM
Hi!  My name is Bernadette and I'm from southeastern PA.  I'm a decorative painter/faux finisher and I depend on good, experienced, professional painters to prep and base paint the surfaces for me.  This is a great site as it's provided me with excellent information and great points of view. 
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Tommy Boy on February 23, 2007, 10:26:14 AM
I work for XIM.  We are a small Primer/Bonder manufacturer that has been in business since 1935. I'm a marketing guy with some technical knowledge of paint and primers (If I don't know something, I work with a couple of top flight coatings chemists who do). My main interest in this forum is to find out what problems painters are having and to offer any technical advice or alternatives to common painting solutions.  We develop unique products to solve some of these problems. If you are looking for a latex primer that you can topcoat with oil/alkyd paint, a tub and sink coating that won't peel or chip, a non-yellowing  paint additive that will extend open time and flow out brush strokes, a extremely high build penetrating latex primer that levels out, we have those products and more.  Our biggest problem is that our best customers don't seem to want to share their tricks and secrets with other painters. Our products have been flying under the radar for years.  We only sell to professional paint stores so you can't find them in the Big Boxes. We are in ICI, SW, some BM, Duron, Dunn-Edwards, Vista, and other professional paint stores.  My next step is to buy an ad which will happen if I can get it into this years budget.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on February 23, 2007, 01:34:55 PM
Good to have you on board TB!  FYI- I'm giving your latex extender my first try due to Jared's recommendation.

Be talking with ya! 
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jmac on April 01, 2007, 04:03:46 PM
Hi, My name is John. 

I am in the home maintenance business in Indiana, a one person operation. 

My painting experience started scraping curbs for the local service station, then six year of US Navy and some informal training since. 

I enjoy  painting and am looking for ways to improve. 

Thanks for sharing your experience.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Stever on April 20, 2007, 12:06:57 AM
Hello Fellow Painters!  ;)

My name is Steve, people call me Stever. I've been a painter for about 12 years, off and on. I'm a one man show that does only (pretty much, only) interior repaints for high end homes. This works great for me because I can charge a good price and not have to bust my ass like i would in production painting of new construction (I hate spraying). My brushwork is excellent and I can take my time to ensure it's all perfect.

I first started painting as a summer job with a college pro outfit. Found out I was pretty good and after that summer I was taking a year off from school and sort of fell into painting interiors working for myself. Did a friend of the families house and word spread form there.

Continued painting as a summer job after I went back to school. After graduating (Bachelor of Science in Forestry) I moved to British Columbia to work in the wilderness and mountains. Quickly found that most jobs were located in small northern towns. I didn't like that so much and got tired of getting laid off in the winter and the career jobs were too bureaucratic. After a couple years of that I moved to a more civilized medium/small city and jumped back into painting for the freedom of working for myself again, and the money is better (when the work is constant).

I still do a little forestry work here and there. During forest fire season I sometimes manage and run fire crews, for a friend who owns a wildfire contracting company, when fires are very active and he needs more people.

I also have been dabbling into the internet for a couple years. Web design, marketing, finding ways to make money. And as part of that I build websites for contractors and trades-people in the evenings, or between painting jobs. But, thats all I'll say about that as I'm not here to spam that across these forums.

Stever
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: jackpauhl on April 21, 2007, 07:18:21 AM
Hello everyone.  I’ve been painting over 20 years in the new home market working on homes of all price ranges and sizes. I’m old school at heart taking advantage of today’s technology. I’m involved with many things to do with the painting industry -- including writing product reviews, publishing videos, writing wikiHow-To's, providing time saving tips on my blog, and other topics regarding the paint industry.  Products I swear by today may be replaced tomorrow with something new and better.

Product testing is a regular day-to-day thing for me. Testing is performed for my own experience so I can have an educated discussion with customers when confronted on various terms, topics, brand names, products, TV shows, videos etc.
I regularly hop around message boards to get a better understanding what current issues others face while working on their paint projects and seek out new solutions to common problems. Ultimately the goal in my line of work is being able to do things in the least amount of time without compromising quality.

This forum has nice consistent activity with many knowledgeable people, I have no idea how it went under the radar for so long. I look forward to many meaningful discussions with the members of this site.

It's good to be here.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ABulick on April 24, 2007, 10:32:18 AM
I'm a fourth generation carpenter which means I do and have done just about all trades. My grandfather built houses but primarily liked to paint. My Dad project managed and remodeled but just wanted to finish concrete. Myself I remodel but just want to build custom one-off cabinets.

With experience comes a little wisdom like electricity bites plumbing smells and a lot of colors look alike hence my using and respecting the other trades, especially painters.

Most of my custom cabinetry looks just fine until my painter gets ahold of them then she makes me look like a God.

I've been reading many of your post and learned I still don't know nothing, but like us all I'm ever learning. Thanks for your insights and if I can help with any of your questions I will.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: paul222 on April 27, 2007, 02:02:02 AM
Hello there
My first time here so I say a big Hello to everyone.I loved the Topic: Admit it! or What Have You Done with Bad Customers?

Regards
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Bauer on May 05, 2007, 09:58:38 PM
Hello! My name is Bill I'm a co-owner in a new painting company in Ohio. I've been painting since 1990. About 80% of our work is new construction.

I would say I'm pretty knowledgeable in the trade but I'm still learning new things all the time. So I'm glad I find this site. It looks like a great place to get and give some tips.  :D


Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: rcpainter on May 11, 2007, 11:49:11 PM
My name is Rob,
I've been painting professionally for ten years. Done a pretty wide variety of stuff from drywall to roof repairs, but mostly referral based painting business. We specialize in new construction, but like any money-conscious fellers we'll paint your pet goat if the price is right. ;D I HATE using inferior products! I think the homeowner is the victim when you don't use good products. Shout out to tommyboy; XIM rocks! 8)
We try to offer the customer the best product for their need, without giving on quality or gouging on price. A pretty medium approach I think.
So far I've gotten awesome response on this forum, and great insight. Really great site.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: UUjohn on June 07, 2007, 02:49:52 PM
i've considered myself a pro for 20 years now, doing interiors only, occupied 99% of the time... started off w/ a GC's paint crew back in the boom daze of the 80's and was taught by an old school lead breaker... he passed away recently and was buried w/ a 1 inch Purdy since eternity will allow him to milk a few jobs here and there  :)

as the years have flown by the old school ethic of conscientiousness, "just good enough isnt good", and "leave no evidence that you've been there except for the paint job" have served me well, and been able to be applied to all the new products, tools and techniques.. thank you, Wade, for being my teacher and making me a part of this proud trade...

its fun... i'd do other things full time and this long, but they just dont seem to offer the wide variety of people and places this trade of mine does..

oh...  i live in southern new hampshire.. my son works at the paint store i do biz at, and my part time job, or 'profession', is professional voice talent for broadcast commercials, website presentations, podcasts and business narrations.. its an ego thing, y'see ... 

Be Well

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ash_work on June 20, 2007, 06:20:12 AM
Hi, I am new here but I do have some observations to share about painters and the money they make.
when contractor’s bid low they skew the value of the work within the market unfairly for other decorative painters, which is unfair to the industry as a whole. Remember what they say: “if you get all your bids, you probably are not charging enough". So let's make it a fair game..
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: UUjohn on June 25, 2007, 04:03:17 PM
hello ash_work, and welcome...

that would make for great individual thread here... give it a go...

Be Well
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: readboutjc on June 26, 2007, 06:50:46 AM
I am new to this website and new to painting.  I used to do odd jobs on the side years ago to
supplement my income.  recently, i began again.  not really cut out for the corporate world.
although i work a full time job, i am off half a month because the way the schedule is set up.
so, i figure i will get this little business up and running, and with a little luck, quit my job.

i have a wife and 3 children.  my oldest just graduated from college and my two youngest
will start college in august.  i like painting because it is relaxing as long as i stay focused on
the end product and not the money.

with my odd jobs, i find that most of my calls levitate towards painting.  currently, i have a job
that is the first time i went in behind a contractor.  the customer is a good one, so i want to be
careful with the price.  quality is more important to me than cash.  nonetheless, the contractor
did a shotty job on the wall board.  the joints are not even, and it looks like he only put on one
coat of joint compound.  i put a couple extra coats of joint compound on, but the mesh still bleeds
through in some areas.  any suggestions?

rob
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: lackamoola on July 02, 2007, 05:25:12 AM
I've been painting since 1970. In 1978 I went to work for the Baton Rouge Fire Dept. and painted part-time while being a fireman (24-32 hours a week) Finally retired....Took a year off and started a new painting business last summer. When not running a business I worked by the hour. Must of my work is at LSU
on sorority houses(20,000-35,000 square feet each) and repaints on old houses. Don't do new construction. Will not play the low bid game. Try to keep a 4-5 man crew hired all the time. Really enjoy the business and working at building my business. New to the forum but find it a great tool to exchange ideas and learn from others.
 
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Brushmate on July 02, 2007, 12:45:54 PM
Hi there guys

been reading this forum for a while now, and never posted anything. I am from the UK. and we do not have a forum like this over here, Dulux used to have one but closed it down after a while, don't think they were too happy about people discussing other brands or products other than Dulux. I think its great that you guys can all chat and share info and ideas within our industry. I have been decorating for 20 years now after studying at collage and 4 years on the job training,their is myself and 1 full time employee and we manage to stay busy all year round, it can be very difficult here with the exteriors we seem to get more and more rain each year.

Keep up the good work guys
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Stever on July 07, 2007, 03:18:43 AM
Hi there guys

Woo Hoo, we have a Brit from across the pond on the Forum! Nice to see you here Brushmate.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Brushmate on July 08, 2007, 07:14:09 AM
Nice to be here stever as i say we have nothing like this over here in the uk
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: wgcpainting on July 12, 2007, 10:09:14 PM
Howdy everyone! I'm Bill and have a small biz here in Arkansas. Been painting off and on for about 15 years, but took time to go back in the army for awhile. Been back at it for 3 years and full time now for 2 years.

Glad I found this forum, You guy and gal have great advise ( I've been here in the shadows for 3 months or so) hope I can give something back soon.

Stay safe, and remember that we make the world look better one building at a time

Bill
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: paint57 on July 26, 2007, 09:45:52 PM
Hi my name is Rich and I work for my family's paint store in upstate NY. I pretty much learned how to mix paint before I could tie my own shoes! lol.

We operate 3 stores and are dominant in our market. We have over 3000 commercial accounts which account for roughly half of our sales, the rest is DIY.
Our main lines are Ben Morre, Pittsburgh, PPG HPC, Sikkens, Zinnser, UGL, Cabot, Wooster, Purdy, Corona, and 3M. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.

You guys have a great forum here and I see alot of good information being shared.

I am interested in how our products are being used as well as the products of our competitor's. I will gladly help with any advice and /or product reccomendations as long as I am welcome here.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Drywall diva on July 30, 2007, 08:11:43 PM
Don't throw me off your board...I'm a drywaller looking to soak up info like  a sponge and be a better drywaller and not make painters nuts. Actually I have been a project manager here since 87 and I think you can teach old drywallers and dogs new tricks
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: phxmark123 on August 12, 2007, 05:05:15 PM
Hello,
I joined this forum to help me with some bid advise and to help where I can.

A little about me: My name is Mark. I've painted professionally for 17 years, working for the man most the time. Trained professionally through a 3 year apprenticeship program and then became a Journeyman. Painted just about everything except cars ect. from inside nuclear reactors to multimillion dollar homes to tract houses. I quit the painting trade in 2000 because I thought I was getting a little old to haul those extension ladders around a two story house to paint fascias  in the summertime. Now I am working a manufacturing job in the midwest. I used to rely on the overtime to buy my toys but that has stopped this year so I am going back to doing some painting as means of extra income. Who knows, I might just work this into a business where I just let my men do the work. I could use some help on the bidding and business end. I have read some of the forums and they have been very helpful. I am looking forward to helping out here as much as possible. Thanks and a big "Hello" to all the painters.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: WALL-PRO PAINTER on September 19, 2007, 10:09:26 PM
After having read all of your 'details' I am amazed and find your stories very interesting!  Your posts are a valuable source of experience, when can we all PARTY!! ;D

I am a former high school band director and percussionist!  Growing up in Chicago from a family of painters, both brothers (one now deceased) were painters, my father was a janitor and did apartment renovation, etc. painting is 'in my blood'! 

Having always painted, throughout high school, college and in the summers while teaching, I always enjoyed pleasing people by doing wall repairs and consulting with colors.  I decided to leave the teaching profession because I loved painting more than teaching!  I felt morally obligated to leave the profession because I did not care about the students anymore. 

In my last job I had been teaching in the city of St Louis and it was absolutely challenging!  In 2004 my brother had asked me about working with the large 'production' painting company of which he was a Superintendent back in the 'burbs' of Chicago.  I was looking for a way to make more money being the sole provider for my wife and two children.   When I discovered I could make more income by becoming a union painter I said, "honey, we're moving back to Chicago"!  This was at the height of the housing boom.  Our company probably painted about 3000 homes per year.  There was always work!

Well...then came the housing depression.  The company had massive lay-offs and I am now the proud Sole Proprietor of Wall-Pro Painting Services.  Once I was laid off I contacted everybody I knew and let them know about my situation and I have been able to keep scheduling new work eight weeks ahead. 

I look forward to learning from all of you online!

Rodney,
The Wall-Pro
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on September 20, 2007, 01:48:19 PM
Welcome aboard Rodney!   BTW- I am a lifelong hobby drummer/percussionist, so have you noticed almost all musicians have also been /are painters? Lol! Flexible day gig...

 ;D

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: WALL-PRO PAINTER on September 22, 2007, 11:34:05 PM
Thank you for the welcome, BrushJockey.  Love the name BTW. 

Yea, there are many painter/musicians out there! 
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on September 29, 2007, 08:26:56 AM
Thank you for the welcome, BrushJockey.  Love the name BTW. 

Yea, there are many painter/musicians out there! 

Heh heh, I resemble that remark...Played in road bands from the late 70s through the 80s...Still own the guitars...

Welcome Rodney
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: WALL-PRO PAINTER on September 29, 2007, 09:35:26 PM
Looks like we could start a pick up band..
Thank you for the welcome Paintsmith!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: JTsPainting on October 12, 2007, 10:44:31 AM
Hi Im looking forward to listening and replying to all the Posts here .I am 45yrs old and have been painting and decorating for aproximatly 27yrs .I know only one true truth about paint and that is everytime i attempt to do something there is someone that has a new idea or new technic that they want to try .I'll tell You even today I'm all about trying something that seems like a good idea at the time .for whatever reason .And Yes I have been bitten in the ars a few times when i listen to certain manufactures that toute self priming paints ouch!My only nemisis at this point .

My name is James Timothy
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: KenAFP on October 24, 2007, 08:58:55 AM
My name is Ken Anderson.  I'm from Timonium, MD.  I've been visiting and actively participating in these painter boards for the last ten years (or so), and occasionally, I run into a good one.  YOU GOT ONE HERE!

I'm the former owner of Anderson's Famous Painting Co., a residential repaint company, which was started in 1992.  I grew up in Bedford, NY, and learned to paint by earning my painting merit badge in the Boy Scouts and continued to do several community painting projects and put myself through college by painting houses  (things came full circle when I had the opportunity to be part of the committee to rewrite the BSA Painting Merit Badge book a few years ago).  I went onto the the corporate world where I worked for health insurance companies.  I had a partner who walked off with all the money and I fell into disillusionment in that world.  I was encouraged to start a painting business by a very good friend of mine who use to play for the Baltimore Colts.  That was in 1992.

Last year (11/06), I consolidated my business with Sheldon & Sons of Owings Mills, MD.  I consider myself semi-retired since I do estimates for S&S as needed.  I'm involved with the PDCA and am national vice president.  This industry is my passion, and I do what ever I can to promote the professionalism and community recognition of our industry as a solid, well-established, viable and honest means to provide for a family.  I do a fair bit of traveling for PDCA (more than if I wasn't involved!).  I enjoy meeting others in this trade and helping to educate others through seminars and discussions.  I'm also the vice president of the Residential Forum within the PDCA.  Several of the top residential contractors meet, face to face, in a roundtable format, twice a year and discuss issues on how to make our businesses and lives better.  If you're part of the PDCA (can't think of a reason you wouldn't/shouldn't be, if you care about your business and industry), then look to get into the residential forum.  We have close to 400 members at this time.  I've developed a reputation for moderating round table and panel discussions at meetings and conventions.

I wish all of you the best in the success of this board.  I look forward to visiting often.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: SixInARow on November 27, 2007, 12:40:47 AM
My name is Adam.  I am 26 years old, living on the south side of Indianapolis.  I got into the painting trade when the Assistant Construction Superintendent job for a local home builder did not work out.  One of my subcontractors when I was employed with the builder offered me a job when I told him the news.  It was slow going at first, I didn't have a whole lot.  It just so happened one of his top guys, Todd, lived near me and kind of showed me the ropes.  That was back in early 2002.  I stayed with the company for slightly over a year, and was in one of 3 crews he had, one for exterior and interior spraying and priming, the other two were caulk/putty/cut/roll/touch-up crews of which I was part of.  Long story our boss opened a catfish house, and paid more attention to it than painting, causing scheduling conflicts and the other two crews were not quality workers anyway.  Myself and Todd were his "top two" guys before the end as we were told by the Area Supervisors.
Soon after my uncle got laid off when they shut down the United Airlines Maintenance Center at the airport.  Within a week he sent me an e-mail with a flyer he had made advertising handy-work.  Within a year we had learned a lot of things we didn't know before and gotten much better.  Soon we got more and more calls for painting.  My uncle hates to paint, so we decided to branch off.  He would bid the paint jobs and pay me an increased hourly rate and keep what was left.  Problem was he was horrible at bidding.  I finally cut him off when he charged a guy 400 bucks for an exterior job with a lot of lap siding that took me a week to do.  He thought it would take me two days!  I eventually took over all parts of painting.  I bid the jobs, I did them entirely myself and we agreed I would give him 10%.  This was around mid-03.
The last two years have gotten much busier.  By 2005 I worked more on my own than I did with my uncle.  Last year and this year I worked with him from January until mid to late Feb while I was slow.  After that, I was on my own aside from some occasional days I helped him.  I have had several repeat customers, lots of tips, and I can only count 1 unsatisfied customer (which my uncle warned me not to work for, lol!), and 1 unsatisfied at first and happy at the end since I first went on my own in 03.
I have expanded my versatility.  I bought a sprayer a couple years ago and have used it on a lot of exterior jobs, ceiling and trim jobs, as well as doors.  I began offering drywall touch ups, then wall repairs, then ceiling and texture repairs.  Now I offer hanging and finishing, on a limited basis though.  I also offer siding replacement, mainly lap or barn siding no vinyl, also on a limited basis.  I just finished re-siding a friend's house with Hardi-Plank lap siding and it turned out terrific.  As soon as the weather gives me a couple of nice days I will get it painted.  I also plan to offer ceramic floor tile sometime soon.
As of now for the most part I have all the tools I need for the job.  What ladders I don't have I borrow from my uncle.  When I need a man-lift I have a family member that is one of the exec's at MacAllister Caterpillar.  I'm set up nicely, but I feel I still have a lot of things to learn.  I still have not advertised, other than my uncle's advertising and word of mouth that is how I operate.  I am glad I found this forum.  I hope to learn a lot that I don't already know, and get advice on the best direction to go.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: paintcrafter on November 28, 2007, 11:46:31 PM
Hi, My name is Scott

My great uncle was a painter in 1949, he sold the biz to my Grandfather in 1960 (his Brother)

My Dad bought the biz from his Dad in 1980...

I got the hell out of town before I became a painter and enlisted into art school. To make ends meet I went to work for a paint store. I started a rock band. I needed a job where I could work when I needed to and not show up when I couldn't get up...so I apprenticed with a painter that worked for some reputable designers doing some really weird and crazy stuff with paint and finishes.

He retired and gave me his contacts, truck, tools, ladders.

Fast forward 6 years later...I quit being a painter again and went to work for a friend as a salesperson/ estimator for his 5 mil a year painting company.

That sucked big time but I learned a lot about what I didn't want to do forever and made mad cash doing it.

Whala...here I am again. Solving problems and saving the lives for the persnickety, malcontent and disorganized through the wonderful world of paint.

I'm not so modest...I'm freakin awesome at what I do.




Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: PowerPainterUK on December 04, 2007, 11:19:28 AM
Hey all,
      my name's Phil and I have been painting now for about 9 years. Started using airless about 2 years ago and haven't looked back since! :) I'm 41 and english. Here in the UK airless painting is very rare apart from major commercial projects. Not may people know anything about it here. I joined the forum to get some tips and learn more about spraying methods etc. At the moment I do alot of masking but I'm producing great finishes and very quickly. The customers love the spray finish and over here it's being "sold" as superior and so airless painters can charge a premium especially in big city areas like London. I live in Cheltenham, GLOS but I still make alot more money than "traditional painters" using airless. (or is it that I dont need to work so many hours now? ;) ) Trouble is, here in the uk we get stung big time for decent painters tapes and masking products and pretty much anything to do with spraying. I think the suppliers are all thinking "well, you make alot of money now so thats the price!" I try and buy alot of my stuff from U.S. outlets now, or even E-Bay.
anyway hello to you all from accross the pond ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on December 04, 2007, 09:16:15 PM
Hey Phil, welcome aboard !(Or abroad? who knows!)

I think we had another brit hanging around for a bit. I find my exposure to products from the UK come from reading faux books. Some things are really quite different. It's interesting how little spraying is done there. Here there are lots of painters that only use a brush to wipe out the spray bucket!

Hang out and tell us a few stories!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: PowerPainterUK on December 05, 2007, 11:54:19 AM
Hey Phil, welcome aboard !(Or abroad? who knows!)

I think we had another brit hanging around for a bit. I find my exposure to products from the UK come from reading faux books. Some things are really quite different. It's interesting how little spraying is done there. Here there are lots of painters that only use a brush to wipe out the spray bucket!

Hang out and tell us a few stories!
Sure will mate!  ;D I am an information hoover! (or is it vacuum in the states?;) ) I have a few things to tell and lots n lots to ask. I've already done a search for "airless" and read every thread that came up :o
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: LJ on December 23, 2007, 12:58:11 AM
Hey I am LJ and I should introduce myself,  :)

I started painting about ten years ago as a do-it-yourselfer with a rented airless.  I learned to spray out a house by cleaning drips off my mom's place.  Since then I have been painting on the side here and there, but more especially in the last three years.  Quite accidently I started picking up referals and doing a lot of painting for realitors.  Before long I found that I enjoyed my part-time job of painting far more that my full-time job.  Now, I have become self-employeed as a painter and haven't looked back; I love painting/contracting.  At this time my primary goal is education and that is why I am so glad that I have found this forum.  I look forward to learning from all of you and sharing what I have picked up.  Uh, just one last thought; I read that there are a lot of musicians who become painters... I'm a bassist and the two painters who worked for me this last summer were both pretty good guitarist.  At lunch we would pass around a guitar....

See ya around,  ;)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: readboutjc on January 05, 2008, 09:52:12 PM
hadn't read this thread in awhile, but was surprised to read that there are so many musicians also.
i play guitar, bass, and piano.  i find the most enjoyable part of painting is putting on my cd's and
getting lost in what i'm doing.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: LJ on January 06, 2008, 03:08:49 AM
I'd have to agree with you on that, readboutjc.  Another favorite part for me is when the job is finished and I get to step back and admire my work.  In the past I worked in a profession where I rarely was able to see the fruit of my labor.  Painting is a very nice change.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Bushman on January 07, 2008, 12:36:50 AM
People ask me sometimes if I like painting. Alot of the times I respond, "when it's done". Not that I don't enjoy what I do for a living, but I have to admit, I love it most when it's done and I can stand back for a few wonderful seconds and admire the beauty of a job complete.

BTW, My name is Bush..my last anyway. I live in Virginia Beach, Va. I started painting to put myself through college. Graduated in '91 with a degree in electronics, but kept on painting. I'm a sole proprietor who on semi rare occassions picks up some casual labor(son, brother, some kid who needs guidance and work). It gets pretty hectic at times, but then again, sometimes work is slim. It's the ole feast or famine thing. Seems some times i'm getting ahead, then work slows and I have to live off what I wished I could have saved. Although I do remodels, I don't do new construction. Man, that'll work one man to death. Too much pressure too. I hate production painting. People say i'm a perfectionist...some as if it's a fault. I do mostly repaints and my customers love me and know that I always give them more than they had anticipated. I've also been accused(if that's the right word) of being too nice. I just don't like conflict. Isn't it enough that we have to work for a living. Must we also play a game of grab a$$ and participate in some kind of pissing contest? I do believe that my efforts to be easy to get along with hurts me with some people who take advantage. Some see being a nice person/business man as a weakness to be exploited. However, most appreciate it. Apologies if i'm coming off as some kind of whiner.

BTW again, i'm also a musician..my main gig is guitarist, but I also dabble in keys, bass, mandolin, fiddle...whatever I can get my hands on.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on January 07, 2008, 09:21:25 AM
Some of us seem to be perpetuating a stereotype in one way or another...Not the drinking thing, though all of us will have those stories, but the musician-gone housepainter. I've known scores of musicians who either supplimented their musical dream with an occasional paint job or resorted to painting once the music thing failed to pan out...

I'm kind of the latter. Though I could easily have continued my career in music as a road bassist, two things occured to make a painter out of me; I met the lady I'd spend the rest of my life with, and the manager of the band I was in at the time was discovered putting the band "up his nose". The lady was in Cheyenne Wyoming, a place I swore I would NEVER live, but after a last gig in Tucson AZ, opening for Lita Ford (yeah, we drop names here  ;D), I flew the next day to Wyoming to start a new experience...

I didn't have any experience or education in anything but music at the time, so, believing the that the easiest trade to learn and the fastest route to a good paycheck, as far too many fools do, was the painting trade, I started badgering a local painting contractor...Every morning at 5:30 am, for a week...They finally (to get rid of me, I think) put me on as a laborer, assigning me the crap jobs with the crap foremen. My first job consisted of hanging from steel trusses in a dairy warehouse, wirebrushing rust on the corrugated steel ceiling...I saw a half dozen other new guys come and go on that job, but I had something to prove, me and my knee-length rock-n-roll hair...So I stuck it out. I got made fun of, insulted, given those crap jobs constantly for maybe two months before they gave up and put me on their journeyman program. The path was laid.

Musicians are drawn to the paint trades, probably for similar reasons that I was, similar reasons that laid-off execs from IBM and Xerox are; They believe that "anybody can paint". I've seen a lot of turnover in the painting labor force, but the musicians among us, IMO, stick with it better than most, and a lot of us make good careers out of it. There are bands out there that are entertainers at night, paint companies by day.

It removes the stigma of the "lazy musician" too... ;) 8)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: LJ on January 12, 2008, 01:33:57 PM
Eric,

If you came at bass playing with the same determination as you approached painting, it is no wonder why you were good.  ;D

My wife and I have often reflected on the fact that many (or most) good painters seem to have some kind of artistic streak.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Bauer on January 12, 2008, 09:09:43 PM
Paint smith what was you bands name? sorry if I missed it somewhere.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on January 16, 2008, 07:30:54 PM
I was actually in a long string of bands, the last of which was called Sircus. We played a national "A" club circuit (minimum 300 seating), and opened for a bunch of well known bands in those days...Hair band, yeah, but we played some intricate stuff too, like Yes, Rush, Zebra, April Wine...

(http://a148.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/4/l_bf5988caeee48c84103a1cee2a4baef3.jpg)

(http://a451.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/7/l_e5f357b787d8ce11579f2cd3c14e097a.jpg)

I was a pretty good bass player AND a showman...Not bragging, just stating that I was good at what I did, as I am as a painter. Problem is, when I look back at myself, I wish that the style wasn't quite so...gay...

(http://a927.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/31/l_a40a0b21c1b64710962d49cfb87a68b6.jpg)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on January 16, 2008, 10:50:06 PM
Hahaha!   

Except I just cut my butt length hair when i turned 50 a few years ago ( slow learner!  lol) , so we are what we is and hasn't it been a ride! 
 ;D

( gotta get some better smilies around here...)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: rex on January 22, 2008, 08:48:45 PM
My name Is Dale Rex..............I'm from Allentown, Pennsylvania.  Im 48 years old and have been working in the family painting business since I'm 15.  Full time since 1981. Right now our business consists of me and my father(who is 73).  At one time back in the 1970's when  my grandfather owned the business, we employed up to 8 men and had a longstanding reputation in our community. We do mainly residential re-paints with the occaisional new construction job thrown in. I have branched off in the past 10 years or so, into carpentry and wood repair. As you all know ........... wood tends to rot very easily in todays construction, so this opened up alot of repair carpentry for our business. We are very busy now and hope the trend continues in the future despite the sagging economy.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Marion on February 05, 2008, 09:30:31 AM
Morning,

My name is Marion Watts.  I'm a painting contractor in SW Virginia.  My wife, Cathy, works with me.  We do both residential & commercial.  We take a great deal of pride in our work and always strive to do our best.  We keep an open and learning mind, each and every job, each and every day.  We are here to learn.

Best,
Marion
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 05, 2008, 04:24:18 PM
Welcome Marion
We hope your wife will join also. We need a little more female input from pro female painters.    :)

Lynjo
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Marion on February 06, 2008, 08:04:36 AM
Thanks Lynjo.  And I'll see what I can do about Cathy joining.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 06, 2008, 12:46:15 PM
I hope she will. We need a little more female input. We have several great female members, but they don't post as often as the male members or maybe we are just out numbered.  ::)

Lynjo
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: painter13 on February 22, 2008, 09:47:00 PM
Hi All!!!!!   My name is Bernie  and have been painting for 30 years....started with my dad  when i was young  and  horse hair brushes

and oil paint were the norm........today im a stupidvisor for  one of the largest painting contractors  in Ontario Canada

Glad that i  found this sight  and hope to hear new ideas  or  help  some  with what i know....
Have a good  Day!!!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Marion on February 23, 2008, 05:15:39 PM
Hey 13 and welcome aboard!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jason@API on February 29, 2008, 06:44:15 PM
Jason here.

Been in business for about 7 years.  Love it!  :D

Thanks to LJ, I was able to find this place.    ;)/;

J
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 29, 2008, 07:29:03 PM
Welcome Jason. The more the merrier

Lynjo
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: UUjohn on February 29, 2008, 08:03:31 PM
NEWBIE CLEANS THE BRUSHES !!!!!  ;)
welcome, Jason

Be Well
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jason@API on February 29, 2008, 09:24:23 PM
NEWBIE CLEANS THE BRUSHES !!!!!  ;)
welcome, Jason

Be Well

What???  The lead guy doesn't clean the brushes?  lol....

I prefer: the last shall be first and the first shall be last, perspective.  ;)   It keeps humility in check against pride.   ;D
If the lead guy jumps in to clean brushes, what does the newb want to do?  He wants to follow in the steps of the lead guy... or at least you would hope so... ;) Anyways... that could be a whole other topic.....

Thanks for the welcomes!   :P

J
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: UUjohn on March 01, 2008, 08:06:37 PM
welcome, Rick

nice biz set up you've got there...
anyway...............
i'll just sit back and watch the self fulfilling prophecy unfold ;)

Be Well
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on March 03, 2008, 06:30:18 AM

nice hat hombre


What? This old thing? I only wear it when I don't care how cool I look... ;)

Quote
posted a few times on another paint site but didn't dig the lack of moderation when flamed so i thought i would stop by here. 

Welcome Rick, here's to a long, laid-back relationship...We're not snipe-free here, but the great bulk of it is friendly ribbing and jest. We try to not let the trolls in for long, but they do pop in now and then.

We run a respectable joint... 8)  

Title: Re:The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: MacPainter on March 03, 2008, 01:51:50 PM
My name is Chad, from Louisiana.  Started painting with my mother who has her own business when I was 13. Im 24 now so its safe to say i've been painting for 11 years. 

We worked together until about 4 years ago when i decided to branch off on my own. We still team up often on bigger jobs. We do stictly residential re-paint jobs except on a few occasions: Faux finished a nail salon, went behind a new constuction job that the owner tried to do himself.

Being so young in the business, you can imagine how often i get turned down for jobs.  But, I love my job, and am sticking to my guns. 

My business philosophy: I'm well worth my price, trustworthy, honest, meticulous, do one job at a time until the customer is completely satisfied, throw in a little lagniape (that means something extra here in Louisiana), give back if I have over charged.

Advertising: Only by word of mouth, wouldnt have it any other way.

In Conclusion: I've used this site for advice in the past and its nice to be able to come here for opinions and advice.  Looking forward to learning more and giving advice where I can.

Hey I'm Mike, 21, and have been painting with my father since i was about 13. I feel you man, I can't get taken seriously out here in the PA/DE area. I have tried pursuing some of my own work, but very unsuccessful. Age is a real put off to people. Most of what I have done is repaints and largely interior, but don't doubt my exterior stain! I would like to think in anal on perfection, and it can slow me down sometimes. Just yesterday a customer wanted me to cut in to some children's hand prints that were on the wall as a chronological record...it was a pain, but it sure stroked my ego!

I still work with my father for now, but we are getting closer and closer to a partnership.  Theres just many things he cant do anymore at his age. Fine cut-ins, prolonged rolling, and lifting are slowly moving away from his repitour. Have I got stories to tell about customers good, bad, and what SOME of us in the company may or may not have done to them, depending on who is reading this.

Favorite products: Ok, I'll admit im mostly a SW junkie for their paints. I also like MAB (local company) Wall Shield for those cheap customers, glides pretty well and nice coverage. My go-to brush is actually usually a 3" straight instead of angled. They can be pretty interchangeable, but the Purdy ones that are extra-wide over like Wooster hold so much more material. If its alot of corners of course i gotta break out the Wooster 2 1/2" then. For trim I can be even more quirky, I prefer the Pro-Val 1 1/2" for its stiffer bristles. They are what help allow me to get that extra fine detail where it does not matter to anyone but me (anyone else every feel that way?).

Well I'm getting to think that this post is long-winded so I think ill stop now. Nice meeting you all and glad i stumbled on this forum.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on March 03, 2008, 02:18:41 PM
Guys, I've known some immensely successful young paint contractors...There's a secret to it; It's all in how you present yourselves to the customer. Confidence verging on arrogance, but tempered with a good measure of affability. Use manners, but don't patronize. The first two minutes will usually dictate whether you get the job...And how the customer will treat you...
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Rick Anderson on March 05, 2008, 11:56:19 AM
Guys, I've known some immensely successful young paint contractors...There's a secret to it; It's all in how you present yourselves to the customer. Confidence verging on arrogance, but tempered with a good measure of affability. Use manners, but don't patronize. The first two minutes will usually dictate whether you get the job...And how the customer will treat you...

Paintsmith

Great advice and very true.  The immensely successful have (more and more) another thing going for them....they're wizards with a Blackberry.  Nothing like chatting with Mrs Jones during the go-around then thanking her for the opportunity to quote and just as you're walking out the door let her know that the estimate is presently sitting in her email.   

Regards
Rick
www.vancouversbestpainters.com
www.vancouverindustrialpainting.com
www.604painters.com
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: jmda on March 17, 2008, 12:07:35 PM
New to the site.  We have been slow, but that is changing tomorrow (several jobs lined up - thank you God)

So you may not hear from me much until next winter (and hopefully not too much then :) )

Have painted for years (first time professionally 1987), but mostly personally or as a side to banging nails in college.  Started a painting company a year ago with a friend and recently parted ways (friendly though) and partnered up with someone that has run his own painting business 15 years.

We have a website that is getting ready to be changed (I will try to post when it does) - http://housepaintinglouisville.com

Will try to contribute in a positive way :) and look forward to learning from those with more or different experiences.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Rick Anderson on March 18, 2008, 02:50:03 AM
We have been slow, but that is changing tomorrow (several jobs lined up - thank you God)So you may not hear from me much until next winter (and hopefully not too much then :) )

Jmda

Glad to see things picking up. 

Instead of your negative pre-suppositionalism that one doesn't post unless one is not busy why dont you make time to post pics of your undertakings on this site so we know whats going on.  Takes less than 5 minutes a day and you would be teaching us something.

Regards
Rick
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Downunder Dave on March 18, 2008, 01:34:07 PM
Greetings from New Zealand.

I have been painting for approximately 8 years. Had up to 3 guys working for me in the past, but now on my own and enjoying it. Stumbled upon this forum website and although some of the discussions are specific to US, have found many to be generic to the painting trade.

We do import some of the premium US paints such as Zinsser and XIM products and of course spray gear. The forum has already been a great help regarding these.

Dave
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mjay on March 23, 2008, 11:43:20 PM
Howdie
Mike Jessop here in the USA for 13years total. Originally from Britain, old school painters burning down the house.
Looking forward to sharing information with fellow tradesmen.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Frankie on May 21, 2008, 02:37:17 PM
I just moved to KC, MO (Grandview) from Chicago area... I have been painting for well over 15 years.  Old School style. I love to do Custom work but can do the white wash stuff as well..
look forward to chatting with fellow painters.
anyone in the KC area need some help? please let me know. I am dying here!
I am 37 years old.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Full House Painting Inc. on May 23, 2008, 02:48:48 AM
Hello from Bozeman, Montana!!!!
Very interesting forum..glad I found it!
1 year anniversary as a business this month. What a horrible slow winter but things are picking up.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ozipainter on May 31, 2008, 08:37:02 AM
Hi all, been looking over the forums for a few weeks now, I'm from Australia and have been painting for 35 years, i archived my City and guilds papers after a 3 year apprenticeship in the UK, have pretty much been self employed ever since, i moved to Australia nearly 20 years ago, and i work on new residential homes , the variation in work and areas is so much different to working in the uk, i move around the city of Adelaide on a regular basis, unlike the uk where at one stage i worked on the same  site for 5 years, i have questions regarding the import of a Graco HVLP into aus, but i'll post that in the appropriate forum, nice to meet you guys,

     
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on May 31, 2008, 09:17:52 AM
Welcome aboard Ozi-  It's always interesting to hear the stories from the trade around the world.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on June 06, 2008, 12:49:39 PM
Hello everyone! My name's Jake. What an awesome forum this is! I hope to be an active contributer here!

I live in Vegas, but I want to move back the the "bone cracking" cold of Minneapolis. Don't ask me why... Even I don't know! ;)

Cheers all!

Jake.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Frankie on June 28, 2008, 02:18:37 PM
Hello everyone! My name's Jake. What an awesome forum this is! I hope to be an active contributer here!

I live in Vegas, but I want to move back the the "bone cracking" cold of Minneapolis. Don't ask me why... Even I don't know! ;)

Cheers all!

Jake.
I have heard before about 10 years ago that the painters suck in Vegas (not you) and if you were down there fron a major city like my home town Chicago you can get plenty of work....is that true? I almost moved down there in 98 I even went to casino school at night and got a degree in Blackjack and craps incase my mission failed...
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on June 28, 2008, 04:32:23 PM
Hey Frank,

I've only lived here in Vegas for 2 years. I would guess that 10 years ago that yeah.... You could show up here and rock.

Not so much like that now. Still TONS of work... Especialy if you can get a union gig without having to sign up at the hall and wait for 6-9 months.

BUT,

LV is feeling the HURT of the economy and the building slowdown.

I've noticed a slowdown for this summer.

Also yeah...It's true... Every painter here EXCEPT for me and my friends suck!!!!!

Why don't I have a corner on the market yet???  ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: MattG on July 05, 2008, 09:18:03 PM
Hey fellow painters!
My name is Matt. I live in Las Vegas. I have been a painter for 21 years and a paint company owner for about 18 years.

I started painting when my best friends, next door neighbor hired my friend and I for the summer, when we were about 16. (Los Angeles CA. 1985)  We spent about 2.5 years painting for him, and then started doing jobs for friends and family. I have been a full time painter, ever since.

I moved to Vegas 11.5 years ago...

It took a while for me to make some contacts and start making a living... but Now, I stay busy most of the year... and love what I do!

Matt
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Frankie on July 06, 2008, 02:21:49 PM
Welcome MattG, maybe you or Jake could hire me because it just issn't happening here in SO KC. ???
moving down here has been the biggest mistake I have made in a while.
 my dream is to move west. either LV or California. (and work with Jared)if I could only just get some damn work in this crappy area I could get my funds back up and be out of here by the end of the summer.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: MattG on July 08, 2008, 06:47:18 PM
Welcome MattG, maybe you or Jake could hire me because it just issn't happening here in SO KC. ???
moving down here has been the biggest mistake I have made in a while.
 my dream is to move west. either LV or California. (and work with Jared)if I could only just get some damn work in this crappy area I could get my funds back up and be out of here by the end of the summer.


Hey Frankie!
If I could assure you of full time work... I would say, lets do it. However... There is a ton of compitition here, and work is kinda "feast or famine".

Alot of the time.... I have lots of work. But there are still times were I start to get worried because the phone has not been ringing. I have more than a few buddies in Vegas in the painting biz... and all of us seem to have that issue.
It will be super busy... and then nothing for a while. All in all, I do pretty well... but I would be lying if I said that there is never a time I get worried about my money.

Matt
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: malauba on July 24, 2008, 07:59:12 AM
Hi, my name is Lauren.  I have been painting for 5 years.  I love what I do.  My problem here recently was losing my butt on a bid for a job.  >:(  After I payed workers, took out expenses, paid gas and taxes, I think bring home was under 300.  I wanted to literally puke!  Looking for help on better organizing my business and being successful with my bids.  I read alot last night.  I think this forum is going to be really helpful. MY prayer last night,  HELP me help myself!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: MattG on July 24, 2008, 07:33:31 PM
Hi Lauren. Welcome aboard...

I doubt there is one of us who cant relate to your loss. I have been doing this a very long time, and still screw up a bid occasionally, and lose my ass.
It always hurts... but I chalk it up to experience, and try to be more accurate on the next one.

The worst one ever was in 1996.
I was painting a strip club (seriously) in N. Holywood CA. (my home town) and after all was said and done... I ended up making about $600.00 for 3 weeks of work. Literally... I had 120+ hours into the job.
My guys got paid, and the materials got paid for... but the good ol' owner (me) made $600.00!
I seriously considered getting out of the painting business at the end of that job. But...

I took some time off and examined where I went wrong on that job... The next gig, I did just fine.

I suppose Im not the smartest business man in the world... but I make a decent living. I just need to be more detailed in my estimating.

Anyway... good luck... and dont get discouraged. We all screw up sometimes!

Matt
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Frankie on July 24, 2008, 10:05:33 PM
Painting is one of the hardest jobs to bid it's never cut and dry (no pun intended) you will always run into time consuming situations. if you are just starting out on your own I would take on small jobs, nobody else really wants to do them most of the time. this way you can learn how to bid by doing one two and three day jobs. material cost is low, and if you screw up you won't be stuck there losing money for weeks at a time. as you move on you will get better.
hang in there :D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ProWallGuy on August 04, 2008, 10:06:53 AM
Crap! I just realized I never posted here and introduced myself. Does anybody care, or can I remain anonymous for a bit longer?  ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: chrisn on August 04, 2008, 03:28:02 PM
Crap! I just realized I never posted here and introduced myself. Does anybody care, or can I remain anonymous for a bit longer? 

Don't think I ever did either,must be a paper hanger thing.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Full House Painting Inc. on August 05, 2008, 11:32:04 PM
hey hey my my, rock and roll will never die
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: chrisn on August 06, 2008, 04:32:02 AM
The thing about my music is, there really is no point. ( quote from NY)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: jomojr on August 19, 2008, 10:24:33 PM
Well, im obviously new to these forums. My name is Joe, and Ive been spending the better part of the last 15 years on the other side of the paint store counter. I currently work for one of the larger paint manufacturers. I have been both in the stores and spent several years out in the field. So let me say this first To the professional painting contractors on this board, you have my utmost respect. If it werent for yall, I wouldnt have groceries in my frig. Most of my close friends are the painters that I work with each and every day.

Ok enough of the mushy stuff. Im looking forward to being on the forums. Heck alot of what I know about paint I learned from Painters. I still go out about once a month and throw on the whites. Sure I get my chops busted cause im so slow, but you have to use the products to know the products.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on August 20, 2008, 05:01:40 PM
good for you for doing a little field testing! Welcome to the forum, and of course we want to know who's' product you are working with!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: UUjohn on August 20, 2008, 05:26:03 PM
welcome to the forum, jomojr  ....


btw, newbie cleans the brushes !!!!!

 ;)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: jomojr on August 20, 2008, 06:15:21 PM
Np I got a spinner and a brush comb.  ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: yusuf on September 10, 2008, 01:45:20 PM
My name is Yusuf Hudson.

I got an NVQ2 10 years ago and i a little contracting work, but at 18 my focus ... lets just say it went up in  smoke for a few years! Same old sad story... ended up in sales. Doing the odd job for family, hanging a difficult drop pattern for free or staining a door in the summer, recently however Irealise that sales was not fun at all,an wasnt for me... or maybe I was just crap at it. Either way im about to havea baby anhave not  kept a sales job for more than 1 year in the last 10... some justy a few months.

I f@%*^ hate sales people anyway.

So  I have spent 500 quid on brushes and all the essential tools and enrole on an advance construction award in decorating. 

I have gleaned alot  of valuable info from this forum and hope to become a contributer soon. It is great to see driven people that arnt riven for the sales of insurance polcies! No seriously I plan to re learn the art and go for the top end clients.  Advertising is rolling. Sounds like there is a lot of painting jobs in the US... over here everyone goes to B&Q an spends 40 qui on a rolling pumpig machine and a 2 quid brush.

Any tips on  the start of the business from marketing perspective will be appreciated.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: yusuf on September 10, 2008, 01:46:27 PM
btw my keyboard is not oing so well so excuse the mistakes...
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on September 10, 2008, 03:32:54 PM
Welcome to the forum Yusef!  We've had a few Limey's cruise though here, it's always fun to get a worldwide perspective on the trade.

I suspect some differences in marketing on each side of the pond, as well as different areas of this country.
 Tell us a bit about your area, what kind of housing stock, what finishes are popular etc.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: yusuf on September 11, 2008, 03:45:56 PM
Hi BJ,

Well for starters you dont  find pro decorating forums over here yet.

We have a massive influx of Polish people over here and the gangmasters have really stuffed up the market, employing cheap and cutting prices.  They seem to be well happy to work for peanuts. No  animosity. Also our housing market is a bit like yours.  Our whole economy sits on it so when it goes bad, it goes really bad. recession over here for last 6 months. new builds have just stopped.  carton of milk costs 2-3 times that of the same stuff last year so the ol boat is creaking a wee bit. I guess this means i have to.. more than ever.. target the high end with lots of disposable cash who ont really feel the economic crisis as  much as they feel their missus moaning  about the wallpaper!

People love magnolia  over here. And dont have a clue about what a well painted wall looks like. DIY mania.

Would you have any loophole fixes for slightly uneven plastering? been to job toay an  thinkink to just pape it and paint over the top..( I can hear the screams..)

 

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on September 15, 2008, 06:37:03 AM


We have a massive influx of Polish people over here and the gangmasters have really stuffed up the market, employing cheap and cutting prices. 



Interesting that you bring this up. Every once in a while a part of our country will get a glut of good-willed-but-don't-really-know-any-better-organization-sponsored refugees from one part of the world or another, usually just dumped into a community's lap, and the first industry to hurt are professional painters, because of course, anyone can paint...It doesn't last terribly long before the wheat and chaf are separated, but then the fee scale has to readjust...Another reason I do very little work on that level...
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: PainterJan on September 19, 2008, 08:53:39 PM
Hi Ya'll from the South! Central Florida, that is. I just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully find a few freindly folks around here interested in painting and painting related stuff.

I'm a native of this state, very much raised in the southern tradition. I am a good painter, a dedicated professional, and a pretty good artist. If you'll allow me I'll post some pix of my work soon.

I worked as a graphic artist for many years, sitting behind a computer forever it seemed. I also worked as a "house" painter when I was younger with my dad and, in the 90's, really more with my brother, who had his own home improvement biz where I learned a lot about the trade.

I am now working on my own as a painter and occasionally as an artist, I do faux finishes and murals, etc. I am making steps into becoming a "real" company, at least that is my goal. Times are tough, but I have been fortunate to land some decent work this year and I intend to keep on going if I can. I am one of those that actually cares about their work, as I'm sure most of the people that come here do as well.

I love this trade, and I hope to get to know you all here! Thanks for the forum.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: jekcah22 on September 28, 2008, 08:32:10 AM
Hello! My name is Michael Peters. I was NSW Apprentice of the Year and is past President
and Vice President of the Master Painters Association, and current chair of the
Education and Training Committee.

I am the owner of Courtney & Wise, Sydney's most experienced painters and decorators
specializing in high-quality residential painting.

My company has been operating since 1954. I'm proud to be in this industry for over 50 years now.
We offer interior and exterior painting services and we guarantee positive results!

You can check out our website, www.courtneyandwise.com.au.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: thebrushand on November 02, 2008, 02:48:32 PM
Hi just found the website. I was in California, just relocated to UK for a while, back to my roots! I am from the old London City and Guilds school of painting and decorating, and in the past 20 years I have been there, seen it, done it and got paint on the t-shirt. Always looking to learn, although I think I will stick to oil paints for as long as they keep making them.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: UUjohn on November 06, 2008, 06:54:31 PM
welcome to thebrushand from across the pond, and jekah22 from beyond the black stump !!

Forum newbies clean the brushes, y'know  ;)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Tammy on November 07, 2008, 11:24:27 PM
Hi Everyone...My name is Tammy.

I've been exposed to the painting business since 1987, when I talked my exhubby into going out on his own after working for his uncle for five years.  I asked him where he wanted to work, and he told me the neighborhoods...and I figured out how to get the names and addresses in those neighborhoods, and I wrote to each and everyone of them.  Low and behold, the work started coming in, and it never stopped.  I always marketed well before I thought I needed to, and I figured out pretty early, that that was the key to staying in business, (besides doing good work, etc., etc.). 

After the ending of my marriage, I realized that I needed to learn how to earn my own living, because YES, there is such a thing as a woman not taking a SINGLE penny from her soon to be ex husband (call me stubborn, call me proud, but don't call me a taker!), so I thought Faux was the way to go for me.  I've always been an artist, and I did do all of the faux work for our company, so I thought that was a no brainer.....boy was I WRONG!!! 

Well, after 10 years of dealing with designers, which are a total pain in the @ss, and dealing with the rich @sswholes....hehehe....this is so fun....lol....that look at me like I'm just a slime bag, and put me through way too much bull stuff....:)  I finally figured out that I'm a painter at heart because I love the fact that everything is pretty much cut and dried (don't get me wrong, I'm NOT saying it's easy) and it is so much more straight forward.  I do know that I have soooo much to learn, because painting is way more technical, than doing faux finishes...at least that's the way I see it anyways.  There is so much to know and learn and I really hope that you can help me figure out how to do a top notch job. 

Hopefully, I make sense....afterall, it is Friday night, and I've been sipping a few glasses of wine.....yikes!!!!

Well, besides painting, I love to shoot skeet competively, hunt...birds and big game, ride motorcycles, scuba dive, hang out with my kids...which so happen to be my good buddies, travel and see what the world has to offer, go to the Huskers football games....GO BIG RED!!!!!  and any thing else that just so happens to tickle my fancy.

Hopefully I'll be able to help you someday....I'm really good at the marketing thing.  :P

Love Ya!!

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on November 11, 2008, 10:59:18 AM
Hey welcome to the board Tammy!!!

Cheers!!!  :)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: aaron61 on November 12, 2008, 05:39:25 PM
Hello All,
I am a self professed paint nerd, if I am cut I bleed Latex.
Seriously, Painting for 30 years, contractor in Tampa Bay area for 6, primarily residential repaints 8)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Tammy on November 15, 2008, 10:13:06 PM
Hi Jake,
And thank you very much.......and cheers to you too!!!  I'm very happy to be here!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: PainterJan on November 15, 2008, 10:22:18 PM
Welcome to the forum Tammy, from another artist/painter gal. I know what you mean about the rich snobbers, I try to stay clear. I too love putting paint down, and I don't mind cleaning the brushes either ..... ;)

Hope to see you around!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on November 16, 2008, 04:32:23 PM
Wecome Tammy, we need a few more females around here.  0:>)

Lynjo
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on November 16, 2008, 05:59:40 PM
Tammy and Jan. I would like to introduce you to Lynjo. When a little straightening out of attitude is needed, she is our go to gal.  ;D
  Welcome aboard !
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: chrisn on November 17, 2008, 06:20:32 AM
Wecome Tammy, we need a few more females around here.

Hey, we don't need no feminist remarks like that around here. ;) :D ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Tammy on November 17, 2008, 06:39:04 PM
Well thank you very much for the warm welcome PainterJan, LynJo, Brushjockey, and Chrisn!  Hopefully I didn't leave anyone out.  If I did, I didn't mean to.  Everyone seems to be very down to earth here.  I'm glad I found this place. 

Oh....I'll try not to throw around the feminist remarks anymore...hehehe   :P ;D

Hope everyone's having a great day/evening!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: chrisn on November 17, 2008, 06:48:47 PM
Oh....I'll try not to throw around the feminist remarks anymore...hehehe

That was actually meant for Lynjo, but i was just kidding anyway.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Tammy on November 17, 2008, 06:59:44 PM
No harm, no foul....I thought you were kidding.  Thanks.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: DecorativeWalls on November 21, 2008, 07:49:09 AM
Welcome to this great forum all of the new people.  :)   Glad to have you here . 
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: kristhepainter on December 17, 2008, 12:16:09 AM
Hey everyone,
                   My name is Kris and im a young guy whos been painting professionally now for a little over 5 years.Im based out of New England...New Hampshire to be exact and i hope to oneday have a successful business of my own.I do my own gigs here and there but with the economy the way it is jobs are scarse!Anyways...i plan on taking part in this forum and im looking forward learning new things.

                          Respectfully,
                                           Kris
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: readboutjc on December 18, 2008, 07:10:40 PM
welcome kris, it's good site.

i am also from new england.  central mass to be exact, just north of worcester.  now living in
north carolina and am no way going back north.  enjoy the weather my friend.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on December 18, 2008, 09:28:49 PM
Welcome  kris!

As you can see, there is a ton of stuff here and some super cool people!

Cheers brutha!!!  :)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: dallas painting on February 21, 2009, 08:36:03 PM
Blue Ox Painting is a Dallas painting contractor that specializes in residential interior and exterior work.

We do a good deal of cabinet refinishing, deck staining, and faux finishing as well.

Lately a growth area for use is popcorn ceiling removal.  There are many houses in DFW with those old acoustic ceilings, and believe it or not some builders are still installing the stuff.

Always wanting to meet other contractors in the Dallas area!

To your continued success.

Blue Ox Painting

http://blueoxpainting.com (http://blueoxpainting.com)

http://dallaspaintingblog.com (http://dallaspaintingblog.com)

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: decoman on March 21, 2009, 11:12:38 AM
Thought I would say Hello.. made a few posts.. I have lurked on this forum for  awhile... I am a regular over at Contractor talk and Paint talk since it started. Mod a few beer forums and spend way to much time reading and posting.. I do see some familiar names over here..

For those who don't know me I have been in biz since 1992.. I have been a one man show and up to five guys. Highs and Lows over the years. I have done nothing but painted in my life. Started off with an older Lithuanian guy and then went into the union and then on my own... Come from a family of GC's and mostly trim carpenters..

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on March 21, 2009, 11:23:06 AM
Hi Deco- Must be a exchange student thing, I just started over at PaintTalk!

Welcome to the quiet side..
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: wje on March 26, 2009, 10:47:08 PM
Hello all, how cool that i can have a place to vent about all my frustrations and people will actually understand where i am coming from. First of all my name is Wes and I run a small operation in a small town in Ontario, Canada. Right now it is myself and my brother working, I used to have another man before winter but let him go when things slowed down. I am probably one of the younger ones here at 24 but come from a long line of painters. My Grandad was a master painter in England and came to Canada late fifties, he owned a commercial painting business in Toronto training my dad and uncle. I grew up helping my dad from the age of 14 on and started at 18 after high school full time. I have worked in the most amazing palaces to some of the grungiest places, in big and small cities. I try and stick to residential stuff and was fortunate enough to hook up with a disaster restoration company and they tend to throw a lot of nice size jobs my way which is nice, I don't even price it anymore they just tell me to do it and bill them.
I am still fine tuning the way i run things but focus on customer relations, I have had a ton of referalls in the past year and that is a good sign. I am looking to expand, but not at a pace that isn't comfortable. Being young makes it tough to get the respect of some of the older fellas who hate to admit a younger guy can run an operation without being arrogant or egotistical, so i usually try and shrug off those kind of people.

To the point now, I feel spoiled to have found the corona brushes as here they are hard to find, when i do find them they are always angled and we can't have that now can we? :P I try and use ICI paints when i can my rep there set me up nicely with my price points so i cannot complain.

Anyways guys I look forward to some painting discussions, if you feel like checking out some of my work, my site has some pics (not too many I can never remember a camera) and it is www.wesevanspainting.com 

Cheers
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: George Z on April 29, 2009, 12:56:57 PM
Painting Contractor from Toronto.
Ecopainting Inc.
We do about half commercial half residential repaints.

I am planning to drop by here as time permits, to share some experiences
and pick up some collective wisdom
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ProWallGuy on May 03, 2009, 10:07:45 AM
Painting Contractor from Toronto.
Ecopainting Inc.
We do about half commercial half residential repaints.

I am planning to drop by here as time permits, to share some experiences
and pick up some collective wisdom
Good to see you here George!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: decoman on May 16, 2009, 08:49:04 AM
Painting Contractor from Toronto.
Ecopainting Inc.
We do about half commercial half residential repaints.

I am planning to drop by here as time permits, to share some experiences
and pick up some collective wisdom

Nice to see you as well George

MAK Deco
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: hammerheart14 on May 21, 2009, 04:33:48 PM
Hi, I'm Jared. I work at Big Bear Paint Center in Big Bear, CA. Been selling paint retail for 12 years now. I have been painting in the field off and on for 16 years. I come from a painting background. My father, grandpa, and Aunt are all painters. My cousin also is a paint retailer. I am extremely good at what I do, but what I do best is matching paint. I am probally one of teh best paint matchers in southern california. So, that's about it.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: jmda on May 30, 2009, 05:29:51 PM
Been here before, but did not log on for many months.

Our website is still in process (our new logo is not on it yet) but check it out if you have time.

http://www.housepaintinglouisville.com

I had joined a larger painting company almost a year ago as Production Manager, but got laid off as things remained slow into March and April.

Immediately started Albrecht Painting again and my wife joined me in sales - we are doing great so far.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: imdman on July 14, 2009, 05:38:48 PM
Hi all, my name is Mohammed , and im from Melbourne Australia, im very happy to find this forum were we get to share what we know and what we need to know .

Ok ive been in the game for a lil over 10yrs mainly repaints with some cosmetic changes and a few new housing jobs,  but now im looking to go into the structual side of things were you can cash in at the end of the day.

I'll fill in more about myself as i go along.

Cheers
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: PainterJan on July 14, 2009, 08:16:10 PM
Hi all, my name is Mohammed , and im from Melbourne Australia, im very happy to find this forum were we get to share what we know and what we need to know .

Ok ive been in the game for a lil over 10yrs mainly repaints with some cosmetic changes and a few new housing jobs,  but now im looking to go into the structual side of things were you can cash in at the end of the day.

I'll fill in more about myself as i go along.

Cheers


Welcome Mohammed, I am from Melbourne, Florida USA! You'll find us a pretty friendly group here, there are so many pros here that anything you need to know about painting, prep, or wallpapering can be answered quickly, and please share your thoughts here as well! Look forward to learning more about you!

-"Auntie Jan"
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: nater on August 20, 2009, 11:12:06 PM
Hey guys.  New here, know some of you (from the webbings) and am happy to find another paint forum to join, and hopefully meet a bunch of new guys to talk shop and hobbies with.  Anywho.. howdy!

Nathan
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on August 21, 2009, 03:37:40 PM
Welcome Nathan. glad you joined us.

lynjo
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: dtravis on September 02, 2009, 12:34:45 AM
Hello everyone.

My name is Dave im 25 years old and I am just starting my own company call Daves Painting Services. Ive been painting for over 6 year now and thought its time to start my own thing. I was hoping for some advice from a few of you from your experiences. Also maybe some direction where i can get hold of some forms/ templates such as invoices, receipts and other documents i will need for customers. 

I live in York Region in Ontario just outside of Toronto. I am also looking to find out where to go to register my new business and what is involved.

Thanks everyone for the help.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Mr Edd on September 06, 2009, 04:59:41 PM
Hi Guys, I am new here too.

My name is Eddie but as you can see by my handle I go by the name of Mr Edd after the talking horse.

I am now a retired painter having done it for nearly 50 years.  I did an indentured apprenticeship in the UK and after a while started my own business employing up to 4 guys.  I then decided I needed a break so I went to Australia with my wife and son and again after a while I started my own business and worked it for nearly 30 years employing up to 8 people including office staff plus a few subcontractors.  I came back to England in 1996 and went into computers, eventually I became a Network Manager looking after 200 workstations with 800 users.  That job became redundant and I couldn't get any more work in computers because of my age so I went back into painting but this time I worked for a large company running jobs.  I retired just on 12 months ago and now I just do a few odd painting and computer jobs for a bit of beer money.  Hic!  I put my son and daughter through their apprentaships.  My daughter is now running her own small painting business and my son works for a local councel running their social housing repairs. He has 57 people working for him.

Nice to meet you all, and look forward to chewing the cud with you.

Oh BTW.  I have travelled a fair bit in the US on holidays there, loved it.

Edd
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on September 06, 2009, 05:11:11 PM
Hey Eddie- good to have a guy who's been around on board!  Makes us 30 year guys look like kids.

 ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Mr Edd on September 06, 2009, 05:14:37 PM
Hey Eddie- good to have a guy who's been around on board!  Makes us 30 year guys look like kids.

 ;D


Hi to you too.  We can all still learn a few things.  The day I stop learning is the day I stop breathing.

cough cough!

Edd
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on September 06, 2009, 05:17:09 PM
Eddie- any particular part of the industry you spend most of your time in? Just want to know what we can hit you for info on!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Mr Edd on September 06, 2009, 05:24:58 PM
Eddie- any particular part of the industry you spend most of your time in? Just want to know what we can hit you for info on!

Most of my work was domestic.  The latter part of my sojourn in Oz I did a lot of work for house builders mostly new work but some old renovation work as well.  A small amount of business work such as hotels and pubs but my bread and butter was domestic.

Edd
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on September 06, 2009, 09:03:56 PM
Welcome Mr Edd I'm sure we can learn a lot from you. And we do like to horse around sometimes. :D

Lynjo
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: PoetZero24 on October 04, 2009, 03:46:32 PM
Hellooo!  My name is Leona, 25, from a small town in west texas.  I moved home with my parents after living in New Bedford, MA for a few years.  "Moved home" would imply that it was a wanted move, but for lack of income and divorce reasons home was the best place to go.  When I got back to Texas I was miserable and thought it would be a horrible experience, but really it's been rather nice.  My parents wanted me to get a non painting job, but I decided to go to work with my dad (painting).  I have fallen in love with painting and am now being groomed to take over my dad's business when he retires.  I've learned a lot and am always looking for new tips and techniques.  Keep moving forward!  I am also a musician.  I play multiple instruments, compose, and write songs.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on October 06, 2009, 07:40:27 AM

  I have fallen in love with painting and am now being groomed to take over my dad's business when he retires.  I've learned a lot and am always looking for new tips and techniques.  Keep moving forward! 


Hi Leona. Welcome to the small-but-mighty painter's site. I envy your new love interest. I'm actively (and unsuccesfully) seeking an alternate route to retirement... :-\

Quote

I am also a musician.  I play multiple instruments, compose, and write songs.


Once again, welcome. You'll find that a good many of us are musicians, some of us having been or are now working musicians and songwriters.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: PainterJan on October 06, 2009, 09:15:43 PM
Hi Leona, and welcome to where the really cool painters hang out!   ;D

You will find a wealth of information here, as well as friendly folks that have a great sense of humor.....a bit warped at times, but humor nonetheless. :)

I know all about moving due to financial reasons, but it's working out. In fact, since I joined this forum a while back, my business has steadily gotten busier. Coincidence? Maybe....... maybe not! Hang around with us anyway.

Welcome again!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Hangman on February 04, 2010, 09:34:40 PM
Allow myself to introduce...........myself. Hangman refers to what I do best for a living. If you were ever near me on a golf course you would understand what the 418 is all about. Around 1982 I was backrolling blockfiller in 90 degree weather working on a new hotel when the paperhangers asked if anyone wanted to voluteer to help them get caught up. It wasn't that much easier than what I was doing to be honest but I soon found out I could get paid by the yard rather than by the hour so I stuck with it until I got pretty good at it. Along the way I kept painting too but some people are born to hang. I spent most of the 90's hanging residential goods in the Atlanta area but then everyone decided they would rather take it down than put it up so I had to rediscover my painting skills. About 10 years ago I moved back to my hometown in eastern TN and in this market it helps to be able to hang paper and paint. You're only as good as your last job so I try to get them right the first time.Time is money but repeat business is Gold. I do most of the work myself with a couple of guys to help. I've never been on a message board before and I don't speak the language very well, but I like to see what the pro's are up to and who knows, sometimes I might be able to add something that makes sense.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: chrisn on February 05, 2010, 04:22:36 AM
If you were ever near me on a golf course you would understand what the 418 is all about.

I play occasionally but do not get 418 ???
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 05, 2010, 11:47:41 AM
Welcome to the board Hangman. We look forward to your input.  :)

lynjo
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: rmichael on February 05, 2010, 12:08:23 PM
Welcome Hangman.. No special language needed here... we welcome your knowledge and input..  ;)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ProWallGuy on February 05, 2010, 12:33:57 PM
Always welcome another paperhanger.  :)
We are a dying breed.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Hangman on February 05, 2010, 09:14:06 PM
If you were ever near me on a golf course you would understand what the 418 is all about.

I play occasionally but do not get 418 ???

FORE!!!!!!!!!!!...........18holes
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: chrisn on February 06, 2010, 06:09:35 AM
aah   ok ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: VJ1 on February 09, 2010, 09:15:33 PM
Hi Everyone,
My name is Vandi, and I am a Technical Representative for the largest Benjamin Moore agent south of Virginia. I encountered this site yesterday and thought my input may assist others from a tech standpoint.
I represent mainly Benjamin Moore & Co., Coronado Paints and Insl-x. I am also affiliated with Akzo Nobel, Zinsser, XIM, Chemcraft, Richards, Tuf-Top, Dyco, etc. etc. etc.
I am a member of the Construction Specification Institute, and write specs for new construction and major repaints for Condominium Associations, Commercial Buildings and Government Agencies. I then assign qualified painting contractors to bid the jobs and inspect all the work in progress to ensure Benjamin Moore's quality control.
I work with Architects, Designers and Applicators for continued education into new products and application techniques in the industry.
I also assist with tech for our smaller contractors too in any way I can.
Thats a brief synopsis of what I do, and I appreciate you all letting me be a part of this forum.
You will notice in my posts that I may not always recommend a system I represent. I will however recommend a system which I believe is right for your application.
Regards,
Vandi.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on February 09, 2010, 10:59:26 PM
Welcome aboard Vandi. I look forward to pickin your brain on some of the technical stuff, as that I do all sorts of "modifications" to paint, and can only know the consequences by experience.
 And I notice right away that you weren't a one trick pony by what you were recommending.
 That goes along way here.
 It's been slow on the forum lately , but should pick up with the weather a bit. 
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 09, 2010, 11:20:22 PM
Welcome Vandi. I guess you already see we don't always agree on this forum, but we try to stay friendly.  :)

Lynjo
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: VJ1 on February 10, 2010, 03:04:34 PM
Thanks for the welcome everyone. I'm very used to the pulling and tuging. I'm usually a moderator amidst Painting Contractors, GC'c, Architects, Designers and Property Managers. Many times all of the above involved in the same project, at the same time.
Vandi.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: pintin on February 12, 2010, 01:03:21 AM
Hi all my name is Scott & I operate Scott's Handyman Services part time. I do interior and exterior painting and learn new things all the time. I 'm also a member over at contractortalk. I look forward to reading the posts here.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on February 12, 2010, 07:33:17 AM
Welcome Vandi and Scott!  :D

Try to stick around here guys. There are some great people here and a HUGE WEALTH OF INFORMATION from people who really know their sh**

Plus they're pretty cool to boot, so anyway, again, welcome to the board.

Cheers!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: chrisn on February 13, 2010, 05:34:44 AM
Welcome Vandi and Scott!  :D

Try to stick around here guys. There are some great people here and a HUGE WEALTH OF INFORMATION from people who really know their sh**

Plus they're pretty cool to boot, so anyway, again, welcome to the board.

Cheers!

 First tip, learn where the "quote" button is and ALWAYS use it, or else.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: bronz on February 25, 2010, 02:18:22 PM
Hi guys and gals, I'm a full time professional painter and decorator from Kent, England. I've been working for myself now for about four and a half years and do pretty much every kind of work from small domestic to large commercial and construction site work. I came across this forum recently while asking around for good advice regarding spraying technique, I got myself an airless machine in september last year but finding other users is pretty rare this side of the pond so I was told the best people to ask were you happy fellows!

Looking forward to picking your brains,

Richard
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on February 25, 2010, 05:56:26 PM
A Brittard!!  Welcome aboard. Kinda slow here these days, be patient.

As my name suggests, I tend not to pull the trigger too often.
 
 Hang out- good folks here.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 25, 2010, 05:57:41 PM
Welcome Richard. Hope we can help you out any way we can. I don't spray so I can't help you out there.

Lynjo
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jared on March 02, 2010, 02:55:18 AM
Welcome new members!

Vandi - I too look forward to picking your brain from time to time.

Richard - I lived in Chatham many years ago (one town down the Medway from Rochester).  Whereabouts are you within Kent?
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Hangman on March 03, 2010, 08:45:08 PM
The paperhanger formerly known as 'Hangman418' shall now be known only as 'Hangman'. I will attempt a link to a page I recently created on FB to display some of my work.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Johnson-City-TN/Tri-City-Wallcovering/10150117655980311
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on March 03, 2010, 10:07:54 PM
Hay Hangman- just had 2 decs ask me for sum hangin, so things are looking up! Welcome aboard!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: JimCarter on March 11, 2010, 02:35:51 AM
Hello Everyone!  :D

I am Matt from Pure Painters Inc. based out of Vancouver, Canada.
I have been in this trade for a while now and I am here to share my knowledge and also to know something more from the fellow members.
So Keep Writing and Keep Sharing!!

Will see you guys around.
Cheers!!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: rmichael on March 11, 2010, 07:12:40 PM
Welcome aboard Jim! Look forward to your input.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Maxson Painting on April 02, 2010, 09:13:39 AM
Good morning,
New to the site so I thought I would check in.  Painting in Ventura for 25 years now.  Homes, businesses and customs mostly.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: brandonx49 on April 15, 2010, 04:19:53 PM
Good afternoon,

Recently I got the idea of doing repaint jobs for property managers. I figured this would be a good way of inducting myself into the world of a contract painting while doing a good job but not having the exptectations of being perfect one would expect in new home construction.

I've been a web designer now since 2001 and it does not provide me with the same satisfaction it used to. The bonus is that I can market myself with a kick-ass website which is something few local painters have done and I can get myself on the first page of Google for my city pretty easily with my knowlege.

I'm glad I found this website - I've got a lot to learn!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on April 15, 2010, 05:10:05 PM
Yes , yes you do. Painting is nothing like web design.  If you really want to pursue painting , find someone who is good at it and work for them. It used to be called apprenticeship.
  Pants and a brush do not make a painter.
 JMO,  YMMV.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on April 19, 2010, 05:55:20 AM
Recently I got the idea of doing repaint jobs for property managers. I figured this would be a good way of inducting myself into the world of a contract painting while doing a good job but not having the exptectations of being perfect one would expect in new home construction.

I've been a web designer now since 2001 and it does not provide me with the same satisfaction it used to. The bonus is that I can market myself with a kick-ass website which is something few local painters have done and I can get myself on the first page of Google for my city pretty easily with my knowlege.

I'm glad I found this website - I've got a lot to learn!

You're having what's called a delusion and you're setting yourself up for failure.

Not only are you wrong on every count regarding the aspects of professional painting, you're also entirely off the mark as far as the use of websites go within this industry.

NOT ONCE in my entire carreer did a website have any influence at all in whether or not I impressed a client, or let alone, got a job out of it... Not at all. Not once.

Remember this is 2010, not 1999.

You're quickly going to find out the error of your ways when right from the beginning you completely screw up some bids and screw yourself royal in the process.

Then even if you do manage to BS your way into a paying gig where you're maybe making some ka-ching, I predict that not only will you fall behind in your schedual, I also predict you'll f*#k something up real fast like.... Probably within the first few days.

Then on top of all of that (using wrong methods, wrong products, wrong gear, etc...) You'll probably also make some huge messes that, without knowing how to fix or clean up, will get you in the wrong end of the deep, in no time at all, with all those loverly apartment managers that you're currently having the oh so massive red hot romance in your mind with.

You'll have a fun time trying to play catch-up and smooth things over as word about your reputation and awesome skills travels faster than a speeding bullet all around town. Even Clark Kent isn't that fast.... Are you?

Oh well, at least you'll have that "kick-a$$ website"!

That's just for starters... But hey, I'm only a pro who's been around the block. What do I know?

I mean, anyone can paint... Right?
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: chrisn on April 19, 2010, 06:04:59 PM
I mean, anyone can paint... Right? :o ::)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Rick on April 23, 2010, 11:43:15 PM
My name is Rick from Minnesota and 20-10 is my sixteenth year in the painting industry.  I started with multi-housing exteriors (apartment buildings and townhouse complexes) for the first five "years" (summers really, through high school and college).  I've been working primarily residential painting for eleven years now and I much prefer working directly with homeowners.  There are several remodelers that will allow a painter to make a profit so I work with those several.  Self-employed for ten years in April and I will never go back.  I started my business with several painters, went to four-six crews and 12-18 painters for several years and I'm back down to myself and several painters again.  I love being back in the field on a daily basis again.  The new latex products and spraying equipment that have come out in the last ten or fifteen years are definitely my "cup of tea".  Oil base for me is only for decks and special priming situations.   Lots of guys and a gal on here that can handle a brush and roller-I'll learn a thing or two.  Looking forward to spray questions as I've sprayed more than a project or two and I've trained more than a painter or two.     
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on April 24, 2010, 07:49:43 AM
Hi Rick-  Welcome aboard.   
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: JHill on May 13, 2010, 12:38:30 PM
Hello all;
My name is Jerry, I live in Michigan, and I got sucked into spreading paint in '85, and 25 years later, I probably enjoy it even more. I look forward, to sharing experience, and knowledge, and  hope to learn a thing or two, from all of you also.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on May 14, 2010, 05:32:55 PM
Welcome to the board Jerry!

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on July 10, 2010, 04:16:59 PM
Hello Folks,
I am from the UK. Been in the Painting & Decorating for 27 years. Haven't learnt anything at all as I am still only on page 5 of the manual.

I love this trade (still), and I don't think I would want to do anything else, though I have tried when I got bored but always returned soon after.

I frequent and actively post on a few other forums, 2 in the UK and one other that I know PWG  from and chrisn too. I have the utmost respect for both of those decorators mentioned.

Looks a nice calm forum.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: chrisn on July 10, 2010, 05:26:28 PM
Welcome aboard. It is MUCH,MUCH calmer waters here than the "other" place. ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on July 13, 2010, 11:53:49 AM
Welcome aboard. It is MUCH,MUCH calmer waters here than the "other" place. ;D
Hello Mr N. Thank you for the welcome. It is nothing like the other place is it  :)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on July 13, 2010, 03:31:21 PM
I'm pretty sure the knowledge base here could stand up to the "Pepsi Challenge" anyday... anytime!!!  :D

Welcome to the forum mistcoat!

Cheers!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on July 13, 2010, 05:12:44 PM
Hey Mist-  this is even slower than the Pit stop!  But we can change that!>.. ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on July 15, 2010, 04:01:08 PM
Thank you all for the welcomes thus far. I am here to learn even more. You guys over there across the pond are IMO, are ahead of us Limeys in business sense and quite a large amount of product and tools.

Hey Mist-  this is even slower than the Pit stop!  But we can change that!>.. ;D
It all seems slow in forum land ATM doesn't it? Even my first ever UK forum I frequent is slow. Us Brits don't tend to speak much about work. We try and gee everyone up to talk, but it don't always work, does it.  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/artists/just_cuz/JC-tumbleweed.gif)
We cannot push rope... lol

Hope it picks up on the forums here & there. BTW, I'm not here to ''steal punters''  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/remake/nono.gif)

Hope you folks are flat out with work. It is picking up here in the UK so it seems. Most deccies I know are booked out till Sept/Oct. Some friends are booked till January 2011. That is mad!!!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on July 15, 2010, 05:03:08 PM
If the bids I do in the next couple of days come to pass- I'm good into October. Been years since I've seen this much action.
  Downside is it is hard to respond to my regulars that suddenly pop in with a job. That is the hard part about being a lone gunner, me thinks.  Don't want to disappoint the hand that feeds.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on July 17, 2010, 02:48:49 PM
Hear what you're saying Brush. It's hard as a sole trader, I am one also now and I like it TBH.
The trouble is when you cannot do a job due to being booked out, you never get asked again and I hate losing work to others really  :(
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: paul hopkins on August 17, 2010, 11:34:33 PM
Just joined the forum and thought I'd say hi. I am a third generation painter and have been licensed in Oregon since 1987. There have been a lot of changes in the industry over the years and I am looking forward to reading through the forum and digesting some of the opinions here.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on August 19, 2010, 06:20:40 AM
Welcome to the forum Paul!

We're small but mighty with a great knowledge base here!

Lots'a good stuff.

Cheers!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on August 19, 2010, 04:01:31 PM
Hello, hello. Welcome!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: jmlento on August 20, 2010, 02:54:52 PM
Hello all,
     I have been a painter for few years, and now manage a small painting company for a friend of mine for the last few months. I am glad a friend of mine turned me on to this site, I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to learn from all of you.
                                                                                                                                                                                     Peace,
                                                                                                                                                                                                Jason           
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: regalcoach on August 24, 2010, 05:17:06 PM
Hello Everyone!

  My name is Ken and I am a painter of 25+ years and a business owner here in knoxville. You will have to bear with me as I am finding my way around online.

Hope to be of benefit to the forum here and talk with you all soon


Regal Painting - Ken
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on August 24, 2010, 07:08:58 PM
Welcome Jason and welcome Ken!

Good stuff here guys!

Hope to see you active!

Cheers!!!
Title: introduction
Post by: nirmal on September 01, 2010, 05:54:37 AM
Hi, Everyone this is Ms. Nirmal. I joined this forum to hear your tips on house improvements. I recently bought a old house. It needs some repair and paint work.  :)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: DCW on September 05, 2010, 11:19:21 AM
Hello Guys,

My name is Tristan. We are a professional paintspray company from Holland. We started in april 2008. The first few months we're pretty good. After that it went in a freefall. Had 2 really difficult years. But we are still standing and not giving up. This is what we like to do!

I registered here because the dutch forums are crap. And i want to share my projects with you guys! It is all a bit new for me, but getting the hang of it.

 
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on September 06, 2010, 07:51:02 AM
Welcome Tristan-  Not sure why but this place has come to all but a standstill. Maybe you could spark us up with some ideas from what you've been working on- fire away!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Jake on September 07, 2010, 08:30:04 PM
Not sure why but this place has come to all but a standstill.

Well, I know that I've been working 50-60 hour weeks as the high season (Summer) draws to a close.

Perhaps that's where everyone else has been as well.

Hope you're busy as hell as well brutha!!!

Cheers!


Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: DCW on September 08, 2010, 04:59:46 AM
Hi Brushjockey,

I,ve opened two topic in tales short & Tall. Not many reply's yet. In a few days i will show you some pics of projects we did.

I'm going a way for a couple of days, i'll be back after the weekend.

greetz Tristan
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on October 03, 2010, 04:10:02 PM
Hellooo to all new members of late  ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Workaholic on October 16, 2010, 01:27:13 PM
Hellooo to all new members of late  ;D
Right back at you Mist.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on October 29, 2010, 05:35:35 PM
Hello Sean, fancy seeing you here  :)

We are here, there and everywhere. Just cannot get enough of the Forum Life, eh!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: tapont71 on November 11, 2010, 06:28:39 PM
Hello everyone....

New to forum.  Can't believe never found this forum.  Anyways, I got into painting back in '01 with my brother who was an excellent painter but lousy businessman.  He taught me everything he knew about how to paint and I instantly picked it up and fell in love with the painting industry.  So I decided to start my own business in '04 and haven't regretted it once.  The economy did hit me hard but have been trying to get a handle on developing an online presence seeings before all I did was word of mouth work.  But I'm looking forward to connecting with all you seasoned painters and learn from you guys.

Tony
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: EPi on November 13, 2010, 09:13:51 PM
Hello, I'm from sunny California. Been painting bout 20 years now. Started my own business a few years ago. Glad I found this site. Looks like a nice forum.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: cecerestephen on November 20, 2010, 08:00:51 AM
Hey there ... I'm from not so sunny Jacksonville. Not so sunn y but me and my little company try to make it shinier. :D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on November 27, 2010, 03:36:36 PM
Just saying a BIG welcome to all those I have missed again since I last said Welcome. Stupid Boy that I am  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/remake/bye.gif)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Colour Republic on November 27, 2010, 09:16:21 PM
Just saying a BIG welcome to all those I have missed again since I last said Welcome. Stupid Boy that I am  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/remake/bye.gif)

Hello Mistcoat! Fancy seeing you here! You must think i'm stalking you now!


Anyway... Hello Guys (and gals maybe??), I've seen some familar names already when I had a quick look around your lovely place here. But for those that don't know me I run an interior refurbishment business in Brighton & Hove - England. We undertake all sorts of work but I origanally started the company some 14 years ago just offering painting and decorating so it's still a core area of the business and of course my first love.

We offer do all the normal stuff you'd expect - painting, paperhanging, murals...

Anyway i'm off to take a proper look around ;D

Hope you don't think is spam, if you want to remove than that's cool but I thought I'd show you a video of some of the stuff we do while I have a read of some of the posts here ;)

Mural Artist Brighton and Hove (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4pxRDSHHww&hd=1)

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on November 29, 2010, 02:09:08 PM
Hello Mistcoat! Fancy seeing you here! You must think i'm stalking you now!
Hello CR, you managed to climb PF beanstalk then  ;D

There is a big Giant here who smells Englishmen's blood  :o
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: wearinit on December 16, 2010, 04:53:32 PM
Hi I'm Kelli and I'm a muralist, and interior painter.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on December 16, 2010, 05:18:52 PM
Yo Kelli  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/remake/bye.gif)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: wearinit on December 16, 2010, 09:16:05 PM
Yo Mist.  ;D
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on December 17, 2010, 02:04:44 PM
Don't it make you feel better giving a "Yo" out on a forum  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/standart/yu.gif) 
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: wearinit on December 18, 2010, 10:12:52 AM
I do enjoy the ...yo...
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on December 18, 2010, 11:04:22 AM
'Ey yo, don't make me say "get a room"... ;)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: redjpang on December 30, 2010, 04:04:03 PM
Hello,
I cannot believe the amount of information that you share on this forum.  It is amazing!!!  I believe God always supplies you with answers to your prayers and you guys and gals sure do have a lot of answers.  I have gone back in your history of threads and studied many of them.  especially the one pertaining to new business start ups.  I do have more questions that I have not found the answers to, but this is not the thread for the questions.  I'm supposed to tell you about myself, but here I am just rambling on, so here it goes.

I started painting for my father's business at 8 years old.  I don't think I was much help other then being a gopher then and somebody for him to talk to while working by himself. (Where were those child labors laws back then.)  ;D  Anyways, at sometime I found myself with a brush and roller in my hand.  Later I found to appreciate doing a good job versus slopping paint on the wall.  I'll always remember Dad saying"put some paint on that roller"  he could tell by the sound I was pushing down real hard to squeeze paint out.  I've painted for friends and family over the years and now find myself wanting to do it more.  So it is now time to turn (as you say) professional.  Here I am with some 40 years experience and after reading your forum threads, I feel as if I am just beginning.  So here I am. 

Thankyou for everything you have taught me so far and for future lesson.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: iowapainter on February 25, 2011, 06:38:03 PM
Hello. My name is Todd and I am an interior finish paint crew leader with a company that also does custom finished millwork. I am familiar with various spray applications of both oil and waterborne paint and finish products. I also do my fair share of brush and roller jobs. We run 6 crews and I also have a pretty decent side business. I prefer Corona or Wooster brushes and Graco spray equipment. I work/live in Iowa and deal with having to make paint stick even with 60-70 degree temperature swings in the winters. I have quite a bit of varied experience with everything from new construction to insurance work. This is a really good forum and I have found a lot of great information. I am glad to have joined.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: twistdawrist on March 10, 2011, 02:37:22 PM
Hi  I'm pete and I started biz in '88.  Was tired of being mentally assaulted by arrogant powermaniac goons  so now I just  work independantly and get it  from complete strangers, ah the life.   You know it  doesn't matter who tells you what you have to judge for yourself, they are all in it for themselves, especially the paint dealers, sleep with one  eye open!! Lately been suffering from sprained  muscles in the arm wrist and thumb,ankle and knee, those carpel joints hence the  name. Friggin  eyes too, damn  can't paint till eighty after all. I'm in south Ontario
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on March 10, 2011, 03:50:09 PM
Hi  I'm pete and I started biz in '88.  Was tired of being mentally assaulted by arrogant powermaniac goons  so now I just  work independantly and get it  from complete strangers, ah the life.   You know it  doesn't matter who tells you what you have to judge for yourself, they are all in it for themselves, especially the paint dealers, sleep with one  eye open!! Lately been suffering from sprained  muscles in the arm wrist and thumb,ankle and knee, those carpel joints hence the  name. Friggin  eyes too, damn  can't paint till eighty after all. I'm in south Ontario

Ah Pete, WELCOME! Finally, a paint slinger with a cheery outlook! We look excitedly forward to any upbeat and enthusiastic input you may have to contribute!

Now, take a number and go sit over there....



 ;)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrushJockey on March 10, 2011, 04:32:39 PM
Forgetaboutit as far as the pizzin and moanin dept. Eric's got the lead and you have alot of peddling to do!

 BTW, Welcome and stay for more than a week, wouldja?
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: socorroscott on May 10, 2011, 12:00:18 PM
Hi all.  My name is Scott, and I am just finishing my first year of being a licensed painting contractor with about 12 years as a full time pro painter.  I knew at 19 that i was going to be painting for a career.  I also climb a lot of rocks.  I teach and guide climbing, as well as write climbing books.  This works quite well for me.  I climb more in the winter, and paint more in the summer.  though I do both year round.  I paint a lot of victorian exteriors.  I love the detail. 
Things i have found out in my first year of running my business:
- its much easier working long hours when is all for yourself
- Jack of all trades, Master of none- accounting and taxes are overwhelming. looking for an accountant.
- word of mouth is awesome, but not enough for just starting out.  gonna start advertising
- if you do good work in a small town, folks seem to really try to keep you around.

Things i am still trying to figure out after my first year
- How do i figure out what my competitors are charging?  i will not be the cheapest, but i still need to be competitive.
- How do i get on the bidding lists for traveling paint jobs? hotels, apartments, custom jobs away from my town when work is slow
- should i join the PDCA?
well i am excited about this forum, you guys dish out a lot of good info.  Thanks for all the help
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Barry on June 27, 2011, 11:25:17 PM
Hello all,

My name is Barry and I'm from Iowa, where I first started painting while in my 20's, and then moved to South Dakota, where I am still doing it part-time alongside my job as a software/website developer.

Stats:  Graco & Titan; SW & ICI/Glidden (primaries) + BM; Spray, Brush & Roll; Res. ext. primarily + res. int. + decks/fences + occasional smaller comm/retail/apt complex jobs.

I first got started in the painting business 11 years ago working for my best friend, who had started his business "under the wing" of his father, who was a succcessful painting contractor for 40+  years (R.I.P. Bob).  If I had the opportunity to do a real apprenticeship, I just might have, but those things don't ever seem to be advertised, available or well known in places that I have lived, so I've done my absolute best to learn as much as possible from those two guys, and I still feel like a noob every so often (make that every day!).  I really love painting, the satisfaction from a job well done, "that new smell", the way a piece of furniture looks magnificent 2 hours after you put down the HVLP (who cares if it was paint-grade!), etc.  Painting/staining/varnishing is relaxing to me, which is part of the reason I do it still.  I derive huge enjoyment out of the look of a finished job.

I think this forum is excellent and I have enjoyed immensely the information I have gleaned from the threads.  There are some incredibly knowledgeable and experienced people on this forum -- for their participation here I am immensely thankful as I have learned and continue to learn so much.  I feel privileged to be able to even read posts here, let alone post anything myself.  This is like Painters' College -- for real.  I have taken a break from painting for the last two years (very young kids) and am back at it again -- but struggling with understanding and implementing the new EPA/RRP stuff, which didn't exist to my knowledge when I started "the sabbatical".

Parting Thoughts:  Painting (well) is so much more of an art+science combo than most homeowners realize.  We have to be part chemist, monkey (on the ladders), artist, hard-nosed business-person, diplomat, bombproof b/s detector, and part "glutton for punishment".  Only those who really enjoy the painting process and the "give and take" of business seem to overcome the many obstacles, look their jobs straight in the eye, conquer, and have positive outcomes in this business.  "Throw your heart over the bar and the body will follow."
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: RedPalmed on July 14, 2011, 02:13:53 PM
Hey all! I'm a contractor in Central Indiana. I mostly do indoor jobs since the outdoor painting season is so short here in the Midwest. I've been in business for about five years, and my business has been picking up a lot lately! This summer I have 10 guys on my crew. In previous years I've only had 2-3.

Does anyone know of any project estimating software that is customized for painters?
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: hermungus on July 31, 2011, 07:03:30 AM
hey most venerable paint masters.  my thanks for your unselfish sharing of wisdom.
     at 53, I may be a bit old and rickety to begin a painting business, but technically, I was in a similar trade as a journeyman for many years.  I was an old school sign writer until I finally accepted (sometime mid eighties) that the computer technology could not be denied and hung up my brushes.
     the good news is that my back up trade and passion became my vocation and I became the best detail carpenter I could... many tricks learned from a similar forum over on 'fine homebuilding's breaktime'.
     I used to  love trimming a house and telling the homeowner..."if the painter doesn't say "wow" then I'll come back and give you fifty bucks".    I always got the unsolicited 'wow' and never had to pay out.
I became best friends with a painter jim, who came up to me on a job once shaking his head to tell me he didn't use a whole tube of caulk in the entire house-- i said "is that uncommon?"  well anyway, I learned some of the strokes and protocols from jim and many other painters i worked with over the next few years, and always enjoyed showing off for my painters... (you know how every jackass thinks he can paint?...I wasn't that arrogant  especially when they'd humble me with a tricky little cut in like the perfectly coped little piece of base top less than an inch wide between wall and door jamb.)
     well, the economy tanked, but I can't blame that for my downturn... I had a breakdown and lost interest in everything... almost life.
     here, several years later I have again embraced a passion and am attempting to make it a viable additon to my existing career and hope the two trades will compliment each other perfectly... sad part is though, i don't get to hear the painter say 'wow'.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: madochio on August 31, 2011, 07:40:39 AM
my name is Mike A and i have been in nearly all areas of painting for 20 years  (painting, selling and rep) right now i am working sales in a local paint store (i will not state where due to spam issues and i have no intention of selling while on this forum,)  in MN.
i started working as a PT painter in college for about 5 years, after which i started working at SW.  7 years later and running 5 stores it was time to settle down and moved back home to the twin cities. Which is were i am now (10 years) I am using this forum to be better informed on the 'every changing world in which we live in". Also it is nice to hear about new products and old as well.  talking with people across the states everyone has a way of doing things all which can or cannot work but it is interesting to read about them. As well as passing info on to DIY and con't as well.
i have sold/used  BM,SW,Devoe, Sikkens, Hirshfields, Pratt and Lambert, ML Campbel, Valspar pro line, along with about 30 others that i recall. and i will be happy to help in anywya that i can
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on August 31, 2011, 07:01:19 PM
Things i am still trying to figure out after my first year
- How do i figure out what my competitors are charging?  i will not be the cheapest, but i still need to be competitive.

Hello and welcome to all that have joined since my last visit here  ;D

socorroscott, you gotta know what you need to charge, not your competition. We all have different overheads and figures that are going to be different to what the competition has.
Whatever it is going to cost to keep your business "alive" is what you are going to need to charge my friend!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ashlarpainters on October 04, 2011, 10:08:01 AM
Hello to all, Ashlar Commercial Painter here from Nottingham, England.

Work tends to tackle business premises, be it restaurants, hotels, schools & colleges, industrial units and warehouses.

Look forward to joining the community here on painterforum.com
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: mistcoat on October 06, 2011, 06:02:36 PM
Hello to all, Ashlar Commercial Painter here from Nottingham, England.

Work tends to tackle business premises, be it restaurants, hotels, schools & colleges, industrial units and warehouses.

Look forward to joining the community here on painterforum.com

Blimey, every forum I pop into lately has a Brit member I have seen.
Welcome from a Kent fella!

Beware of this guy from Loxley,  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/rpg/elf.gif)
he knew the Sheriff of his County  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/artists/laie/Laie_29.gif)  and King Richard  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/rpg/king2.gif)  Not to mention a Fat Friar  (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/artists/cherna/Cherna-inquisitor.gif)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Paul Tinsley on October 29, 2011, 05:16:07 PM


Hello everybody, yet another Brit here lol. Unlike Ashlar i tend to do more residential works.

Mistcoat I couldn't agree more!



Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: rochelepainting.com.au on November 14, 2011, 03:29:16 PM
Hi Everyone.

Our painting business is called Rochele Painting (www.rochelepainting.com.au (http://www.rochelepainting.com.au)) We are a family business since 1975.  We paint houses and commercial properties in QLD Australia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRj0ElRGQ_E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRj0ElRGQ_E)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: KBP on April 25, 2012, 12:26:39 PM
Hi everyone. My name is Kevin Palmer and I'm new to this forum. I am a residential painting contractor in Simsbury, CT. We are a small company and work primarily with repeat business and from referrals.  We do interior and exterior painting as well as pressure washing and roof cleaning. I look forward to contributing to and learning from the collective.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ProWallGuy on April 25, 2012, 08:47:40 PM
Welcome Kevin.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: murcorick on May 01, 2012, 01:55:04 PM
Hi all,

My name is Rick and I am a fairly new Marketing Manager for Murco Wall Products, Inc. focused on paint and primer marketing and sales.  I am trying to find get ideas about what we can do to improve our products and get them out into the market despite our humble small business position in the Paint Manufacturing Industry.  I am not trying to sell to you just get ideas and find out more about the industry and different markets.  Thanks!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Thesnapshield on May 16, 2012, 06:19:29 PM
Here it goes! I have been painting for over 28 years and now due to motorcycle accident and arthritis I can't climb anymore.  I do however have lots of experience and know a few good practices. I am also an inventor. Good work!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: ThePaintedElbo on July 13, 2012, 10:06:02 PM
Hi folks, I'm an owner-operator Painting contractor in Marin county CA, just got my EPA Certificate and found your thread about it here. A lot of talent and great advise here... With all the new rules I can use all the help I can find ???
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Aannaa on July 26, 2012, 12:51:44 AM
Hi I am Anna from USA, I have been designing for more than five years and keep on finding the concepts and trends that make others comfortable especially when it is come to logo designing and website designing. .
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: dg1267 on November 09, 2012, 06:24:15 AM
Hey all.  My name is Don and I've just started doing painting as a career.  I've been in the remodel business for over 20 years but just started advertising painting because the remodel is getting too tough on my body.  I hated painting before, now I find myself enjoying it.  Go figure!  Anyway, I'm from the MidWest and I'm enjoying looking through your posts on here.  Thanks!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: HarriDec on December 26, 2012, 05:09:00 AM
Hi I'm Lewis, I'm 26.

I have been painting and decorating for ten years, the last three of which have been running my own business. We work mainly with principal contractors and business owners on developments in London. There is a link to our website in my signature with bundles of info about our company and the type of work we do.

Found this forum by chance and hopefully I can contribute.

All the best

Lewis
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: analog414 on February 12, 2013, 04:16:06 PM
Hello everyone, I am Rick from the NW suburbs of Chicago and been painting since 1982. I like to consider myself a reconditioning specialist. I am also 100% residential re-work with three full time helpers working all together one job at a time. I could go on and on with pictures and all but I will save that for another time.

Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Lar on October 04, 2013, 08:33:39 AM
Hello all. Im Lar got into the business about 25 years ago.....the last 5 years I spent doing other things. Now Im starting up my business again wow things have changed.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: PlusHomeDesigns on November 19, 2013, 10:16:59 AM
Hello All,

I'm Brandon, General Contractor and Owner of a Design and Planning (http://www.plushomedesigns.com/) company in Kansas City, MO. Although I've done my share of painting, I am certainly no master of the art and need to keep with the trends.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Painting Inc on January 02, 2014, 06:29:33 PM
Been in the field for way too long. I hope to share my experience ...and also gain some.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: tarpontim on June 07, 2014, 07:21:37 PM
Hi,
I'm from NJ! It looks like there is a lot of good info here.
I hope to be able to contribute in the future.

Tim
http://nj-painting-contractor.com/house-painting/denville/ (http://nj-painting-contractor.com/house-painting/denville/)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: DefinedPainting on October 19, 2014, 08:54:47 PM
Hello folks,

I am a fairly new business owner, I have been a general tradesman ( Jack of all ) and have turned towards mastering one specific trade. PAINTING  ;D , painter for close to 13 years I would consider myself a great painter but I am sure I could still learn many new things especially when it comes to spraying.  I believe that is where the money is in painting, Not sure if I am correct but either way I would like to learn more.



Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: BrightTrack on April 20, 2015, 01:38:12 PM
Hello from Bright Track Painting,

We're in Nashville, TN and have really enjoyed this forum. 

Appreciate everyone who provides helpful tips.  Saves a lot of time and headaches because so much is already figured out.

May you all flourish and prosper!

Thanks!

Tracy
http://www.brighttrackpainting.com (http://www.brighttrackpainting.com)
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: airclay on May 17, 2015, 10:17:33 PM
Hi there, thought I'd start w an introduction. My brother (layryan88) and I are Pure Painting here in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. www.PurePaintingDFW.com We're both second generation painters and have abt 10yrs each full time working exp but sometimes I still need some advice.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: layryan88 on May 18, 2015, 11:41:02 AM
My dad owned a painting company for 20 years before passing it on to me. I have worked with my dad since i was 14 he thought me a lot thru those years hopefully ill be able pass some wisdom on to struggling home owners attempting to do their own painting. I also hope to learn all i can pick up some advice along the way. more info about me at www.PurePaintingDFW.com
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Discount Lift Rentals on May 04, 2016, 11:41:18 AM
Hopefully this thread is still active. But Hi all. After a long time of stalking these threads, I've decided to join more forums in general. I'm in the lift industry, and I joined to learn more about the painting trade (and so I can seem like an expert when talking to painters over the phone) 

Feel free to ask for any advice regarding lift equipment. See everyone around!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: facembani223 on July 01, 2016, 03:55:57 AM
I'm from LA! It looks like there a lot of stugg going here!
I hope to be able to contribute in the future.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: bocaratonpainters.com on August 28, 2016, 03:04:39 PM
I have been painting for many years. Always looking to gain new skills and improve. Have been surfing various painting forums and have yet to find one I like. This is lucky number 5!
Maybe I will just give up on the forums and focus more on my lovely kids and wife!
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: Painter_paul1 on December 19, 2016, 08:42:22 PM
Nice meeting you all, I've been painting for over 30 years and currently offer residential painting services in Broward County. If you know anyone hear in Broward county who needs a professional painting contractor please contact me through a message or visit my website www.paulblackpainting.com and email me through there.
Title: Re: The "Hi And A Bit About Myself" Thread
Post by: martydublin on July 23, 2017, 03:44:49 AM
Hi everyone, I have been searching for a painter forum for ages, so glad I found this one, well, here we go, My name is Marty, I am a Painter and Decorator in Dublin, Ireland, Before all this new tech stuff came in, I was advertising in the newspaper and just getting small job, It is amazing what the power of a website and social media can do for your business, I'm all new to this kind of stuff so I would appreciate any tips from all you Painters out there or tech guys that could help my website http://irelandpainters.com