From Passion to Profession | The Art of Venetian Plaster

In Episode 96 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Ron Francis, a craftsman specializing in Venetian plaster and custom finishes. Ron shares how he built his career, the techniques he uses, and how he works with developers and designers to create lasting designs. They also talk about what it takes to live out your dream—turning your passion into a profession and staying true to what you love. You’ll hear about the materials he imports from Italy, his focus on quality, and his thoughts on working in both traditional and modern spaces. If you’re interested in design or craftsmanship, you’ll get a lot out of this conversation. 0:00:00 - Chasing happiness and personal fulfillment 0:05:04 - Recovery and career transformation 0:10:13 - Learning plaster techniques and faux finishes 0:15:45 - Traditional vs. synthetic plaster differences 0:20:23 - Partnerships with Tampa developers 0:25:44 - Scaling business and training apprentices 0:30:34 - Large-scale plaster projects overview 0:36:12 - Craftsmanship and building community