DIY to Done Right: Patrick Sartor on Crafting his Skill Set in Cabinet Finishing

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum interviews Patrick Sartor, an integration project manager by day and a passionate cabinet finisher by night. Patrick shares his journey into the finishing industry, highlighting the value of preparation, providing a top-tier customer experience, and tackling the unique challenges of water-based coatings. They discuss the shift from solvent-based to water-based products and the advancements in quality and durability these coatings now offer. This conversation emphasizes attention to detail, cost tracking, and the importance of ongoing improvement. Patrick also shares his insights as a DIY enthusiast, offering advice for those interested in pursuing a career in finishing. Zach and Patrick discuss the need for proper training and accreditation in the painting industry and the importance of setting clear expectations and holding contractors accountable for consistent, high-quality results.   Key Takeaways: Proper preparation is essential for professional cabinet finishing results. A superior customer experience is crucial for success in the finishing industry. Knowing your costs is essential to running a profitable business. Working with water-based coatings requires problem-solving and continuous learning. Industry standards, training, and accreditation would benefit both painters and clients. Clear expectations and accountability are key to achieving quality results. Water-based coatings have seen improvements in durability and performance. The finishing industry offers financial opportunities, but success requires a business-minded approach focused on customer satisfaction.   Titles: Mastering the Basics: Preparation in Cabinet Finishing Balancing DIY Passion and Professional Finishing The Shift to Water-Based Coatings: Challenges and Benefits   Sound Bites: “Finishing is considered an unskilled trade, but it’s anything but that.” “Customer experience and quality outweigh the cost of coatings.” “Repeatability is key to consistent results and profitability.” “Painting is all about solving problems—they’re going to happen.” “You’ve got to get off the gun and focus on running the business.” “Put the time in to learn the product and stick with it.”   Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Patrick Sartor   11:18 — The Role of Preparation in Cabinet Finishing   18:19 — Delivering Exceptional Customer Experiences   22:52 — Cost Tracking and Business Success   24:06 — Overcoming Challenges with Water-Based Coatings   28:12 — The Shift to Water-Based Coatings: Pros and Cons   30:42 — Training and Accreditation Needs in Painting   31:59 — From DIY to Pro in the Finishing World   35:10 — Transitioning from Solvent-Based to Water-Based Coatings   38:34 — Setting Expectations and Contractor Accountability