From Youth Pastor to Paint Sales: Ryan Huisman’s Journey

In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Ryan Huisman to explore his remarkable journey from youth pastor to powerhouse in the paint and coatings industry. Ryan reflects on his early days working at Sherwin Williams, building a $6 million store, navigating corporate politics, and eventually transitioning to Miller Paint. From challenges in wood coatings logistics to the growing popularity of water-based products, this episode dives deep into the ever-evolving landscape of paint sales, customer relationships, and staying adaptable in a consolidating market. Ryan’s story is filled with real-world wisdom for anyone in the coatings industry. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Ryan Huisman 02:40 – Ryan's Journey in the Paint Industry 13:31 – Transitioning Through Various Roles 22:47 – Becoming a Store Manager at Sherwin Williams 29:11 – The Rise of a Paint Store 32:29 – Navigating Corporate Challenges 36:05 – Transitioning to Miller Paint 44:11 – From Store Manager to Sales Rep 49:56 – The Impact of Corporate Changes 56:03 – The Paint Industry Landscape 58:35 – Challenges of Transporting Wood Coatings 01:00:11 – Sales Strategies in the Wood Coatings Market 01:04:10 – Impact of Acquisitions on Wood Coatings 01:07:33 – The Shift to Water-Based Products 01:10:02 – Exploring Solvent-Based Innovations 01:14:31 – Common Misconceptions in the Painting Industry 01:19:12 – The Importance of Continuous Learning 01:21:00 – Advice to My Younger Self Connect with Ryan Huisman 📱 Instagram:Instgram/huismanryan