Brush Wizards Podcast

Gene Fulton is back on the Brush Wizards Podcast 🔥This episode is packed with honest conversations around pricing, confidence, earning more money, client communication and building a decorating business properly.We talk about:🎯 Charging properly and valuing your work🎯 Building confidence during site visits🎯 Interior designers and higher end projects🎯 Mindset shifts that helped Gene double his income🎯 Wallpapering, paint products and lessons learned along the wayLoads of practical advice and plenty of truth bombs throughout this one.Powered by Brewers Decorator Centres.Join the Brush Wizards Network:brushwizards.co.uk/join

In this episode, John talks through his journey from school into the corporate world and then into painting and decorating.We cover building a business, understanding value, and why knowing your worth matters in the trade.The conversation also touches on resilience, working with others in the industry, and how community and collaboration play a big role in long term success.

In this episode, Joff Talbot talks about his journey from youth work into painting and decorating, and how mindset and personal growth have played a big role along the way.We cover learning the trade, building confidence, and dealing with challenges both on and off the job.The conversation also explores well-being, belief, and how small changes in thinking can make a difference over time.A different kind of episode, but one that will hit home for a lot of people in the trade.

Gary chats with Gareth Thompson about Spray Dogz, a new hanging system designed for kitchen sprayers.Gareth explains how the idea came about, why he wanted an alternative to drilling into door edges, and how he is building the brand alongside his decorating business.They also talk about spraying, kitchen resprays, working alone in the trade, and how decorators can futureproof themselves as the industry changes.A great episode for decorators, sprayers and anyone trying to build something of their own.Find Spray Dogs at:https://spraydogz.co.uk

In this episode of the Brush Wizards Podcast, powered by Brewers Decorator Centres, I sit down with Scott Whitehead and Jaden to talk about getting started young in the trades and building a career in decorating.Jaden shares his journey from starting out at just 13 years old to becoming a key part of the business, while Scott talks about the realities of working with family and passing on knowledge through hands on experience.We also get into:• Opportunities for young people in the trades • The reality of working in a family business • Why work ethic still matters more than anything • Social media and how younger decorators are using it to grow • Dealing with criticism and building confidence This is a great listen for anyone in the trade, especially younger decorators looking to get started or take things further.Full of honest conversations and real world experience.#brushwizards #paintinganddecorating #decoratorsuk

In this episode of The Brush Wizards Podcast, powered by Brewers Decorator Centres, Gary chats with Tim Blake about his journey from postman to full time self employed decorator.Tim shares how he fell into decorating, why he enjoys working alone, and how he built a business that suits his lifestyle. From regular customers and wallpapering to spraying, product choices and pricing, this is a real conversation about life on the tools.They also get into the trade culture side of decorating, including helping other decorators, networking locally, the value of WhatsApp groups, and why more trades should support each other instead of acting like competitors.There is plenty in this episode for decorators, including thoughts on wallpaper making a comeback, using tape for sharper finishes, spraying garage doors, charging properly, and learning from others in the trade.If you are a painter and decorator trying to build a better business and enjoy the job more, this episode is well worth a listen.🎙 Full episode now livePowered by Brewers Decorator Centres👉 Join the Brush Wizards NetworkConnect with other decorators, find events, and be part of the trade communitybrushwizards.co.uk/join

In this episode of The Brush Wizards Podcast, powered by Brewers Decorator Centres, we sit down with experienced decorator Gary Marsh to talk about the reality of working in the trade today.Gary shares his journey from getting started to building a solid domestic decorating business, including why he now avoids working with builders and focuses on the type of work that suits his lifestyle.We get into the real day to day of being a decorator — managing clients, pricing jobs, maintaining standards, and navigating the challenges that come with self employment.The conversation also covers product choices, changing trends in the industry, the return of wallpaper, and how social media and influencers are shaping what decorators use on site.We also dive into the importance of networking, building trust, and being part of a community in what can often be a very isolated trade.If you are a painter and decorator looking to improve your business, stay sharp with products, and feel more connected to the trade, this episode is for you.🎙️ Full episode now live👉 Want to connect with other decorators, find local events, and be part of the trade community?Join the Brush Wizards Networkbrushwizards.co.uk/join

In this episode of the Brush Wizards Podcast, Gary Proctor sits down with decorator Jordan Coupe for a powerful and honest conversation about life, business and personal growth in the painting and decorating trade.Jordan shares his journey through addiction, how getting sober changed his life and the impact it has had on both his mindset and his business. He also talks openly about living with ADHD and how learning to manage it has helped him become more focused and driven.Along the way, Gary and Jordan discuss the realities of working in the decorating trade, including setting client expectations, pricing jobs properly and the importance of decorators supporting each other rather than competing.They also explore how networking, collaboration and maintaining a positive mindset can open doors to new opportunities in the industry.This episode is an honest conversation about resilience, personal growth and building a better future both personally and professionally.If you enjoy the episode, make sure to follow the podcast and connect with decorators across the UK through The Brush Wizards Network.Join here:https://brushwizards.co.uk/join

In this episode of the Brush Wizards Podcast, Gary is joined by Lisa for an honest conversation about self development, mindset and becoming the best version of yourself.Lisa shares practical exercises that have helped her shift perspective, build resilience and move closer to the life she wants. From creating a clear vision of your future self to overcoming negative thinking and self sabotage, this episode is packed with simple ideas you can start using straight away.They discuss the power of reflection, how small daily habits shape your future, and why focusing on the little things in life can create massive long term change.If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated or unsure about your direction, this conversation will help you step back, refocus and start moving forward again.🎧 Listen now and start building the future version of you.If you enjoy the episode, make sure to follow the podcast and connect with decorators across the UK through the Brush Wizards Network.Join here:https://brushwizards.co.uk/join

In this episode of The Brush Wizards Podcast, Gary Proctor speaks with Ian Wells, Managing Director of Polyvine Ltd, as the company celebrates 40 years in business.Founded in 1986 in Cheddar, Somerset, Polyvine has grown from a specialist varnish manufacturer into a globally distributed brand — while remaining independently owned and family run.For four decades, every Polyvine product has been researched, developed and manufactured in the UK, with innovation driven by an on-site laboratory and dedicated R&D team.We discuss:• Why Polyvine committed to water based coatings long before the industry shifted• The performance advantages of their specialist varnishes• Manufacturing in Britain and investing in sustainability• The 2025 rebrand positioning Polyvine as Trade Varnish Experts• What being a true family business means in modern manufacturing• Supporting professional decorators with high performance, long lasting finishesAs Polyvine enters its fifth decade, the focus remains clear — innovation, quality and supporting the trade.If you’re a UK painter and decorator interested in water based coatings, wood care systems and specialist varnishes, this episode provides real insight into one of Britain’s longest standing independent manufacturers.The Brush Wizards Network connects UK decorators through community, events and partnerships.Join here:https://brushwizards.co.uk/join

In this episode of The Brush Wizards Podcast, UK decorator Ian Crampsie shares his honest story about burnout in the painting and decorating trade.We talk openly about the pressure painters and decorators face, running jobs, managing clients, and trying to maintain work life balance in a physically and mentally demanding industry.Ian discusses:• How he got started in painting and decorating• Burnout in the UK trade industry• ADHD and how it affects focus, productivity and stress on site• Learning spraying techniques and how it changed his business• The importance of community for painters and decoratorsIf you’re a painter and decorator, decorator business owner, or tradesperson trying to grow your career without burning out, this episode will resonate.The Brush Wizards Podcast shares real conversations from inside the UK painting and decorating industry — covering business growth, mindset, tools, spraying, community and trade life.Follow the show for more episodes supporting painters and decorators across the UK.The Brush Wizards Network is connecting UK decorators through community, events and partnerships.If you’re a painter or decorator in the UK and want to be part of something bigger, join here:brushwizards.co.uk/join

In this episode of The Brush Wizards Podcast, Gary Proctor sits down with decorative artist Lesley Anne Kinney to explore her remarkable journey into the world of decorative painting.After spending 18 years working as a croupier, Lesley made the bold decision to retrain and pursue a creative career. What followed was the building of a highly respected decorative finishes business, specialising in wood graining, Venetian plastering, and bespoke decorative effects for high end residential and commercial projects.Lesley shares her experiences training both in the UK and the United States, working with interior designers, adapting to changing trends, and navigating the realities of running a creative business. She also reflects on the influence of television on the trade, the importance of networking, and why continuous learning has been key to her longevity and success.This episode offers valuable insight for painters and decorators looking to expand their skills, explore decorative finishes, and build a more diverse and rewarding career in the trade.Whether you're just starting out or looking to evolve your business, Lesley’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with the right mindset and dedication.

In this episode of the Brush Wizards Podcast, Gary Proctor speaks with decorator Martin Reynolds about his journey from car rental management into professional painting and decorating.After reassessing his life during COVID, Martin made the decision to pursue decorating full time, discovering both the mental health benefits and career opportunities the trade offers. He shares his experience working on high end projects such as Solberg Hall, learning spraying techniques, investing in equipment, and building relationships with interior designers.Martin also explains how decorators can improve their skills, increase their value, and take advantage of opportunities within the trade.This episode is ideal for painters and decorators looking to grow their business, develop new skills, and build a successful career.Powered by Brewers Decorator Centres.Join the Brush Wizards Network:https://brushwizards.co.uk/join

In this episode of the Brush Wizards Podcast, Gary Proctor sits down with Ben Mottershead, Operations Director at Bradite, one of the UK’s most respected family run paint manufacturers.Founded in 1938, Bradite has built its reputation on performance, durability, and consistency. Ben shares the real story behind how the company has evolved over generations, why they deliberately moved from a complex product range to a simpler one, and how Bradite One Can was created to solve real world problems decorators face on site.This is an honest, behind the scenes conversation covering paint formulation, quality control, colour trends, spraying, and where the industry is heading next. Ben also talks openly about family business dynamics, the pressure of maintaining standards, and why skilled decorators are more valuable than ever.If you’re a painter, decorator, sprayer, merchant, or just interested in how great products are actually built, this episode is packed with insight.In this episode we cover:Bradite’s journey from 1938 to todayWhy simplicity beats over complicated product rangesThe thinking behind Bradite One CanWhat really goes into making consistent, high performance paintHow colour choice and spraying are changing the tradeWater based innovation and the future of paintWhy good decorators should be paid properlySupporting apprentices and the next generation of the trade🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations with the people shaping the decorating industry.

The Brush Wizards Podcast is powered by Brewers Decorator CentresIn this episode of the Brush Wizards Podcast, Gary sits down with decorator Neil Hopper for an honest conversation about life in the trade.Neil shares how he got into decorating, the pressure of being self employed, a serious health scare, and the mental breakdown that forced him to rethink everything.They talk about money stress, difficult clients, setting boundaries, loving the job again, and why mental health in the trade needs to be talked about more openly.This is not influencer talk or highlight reels.This is the real side of being a painter and decorator.If you are in the trade, running a business, or feeling burnt out, this episode will hit home.🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGAcbH-0JkxsDkey2S-AsQw🧙 Join the Brush Wizards Networkhttps://brushwizards.co.uk/join00:00 Introduction and Neil’s story01:09 How Neil got into decorating04:44 Becoming self employed08:08 Health scare and burnout10:55 Real life in the trade16:36 Setting boundaries with clients21:11 Business challenges26:12 Mental health and self care33:45 Lessons learned37:20 Specialising in kitchens and hall stairs40:21 Customer trust and aftercare44:17 Talking openly about mental health51:12 Confidence and social media57:30 Why sharing stories matters

Powered by Brewers Decorator Centres.In this episode Gary Proctor sits down with Minul Shah from Axus Decor to explore the story behind one of the most respected names in painting tools.Minul shares how Axus Decor grew from his grandfather’s hardware store in Nairobi into a modern brand known for innovation in abrasives, tapes, brushes and paint accessories. The conversation covers how real decorator feedback shapes new products, the challenges of distribution, and why quality testing matters before anything reaches the market.They also talk about the changing culture of the trade, the rise of community and networking, and Axus Decor plans to expand further into the UK and US markets while staying true to its family business values.A great listen for painters, merchants and anyone interested in how tools actually get designed and brought to life.

Powered by Brewers Decorator Centres.In this episode, Gary and Lisa break down a simple, practical way to reflect on 2025 and set clear goals for 2026 without overwhelm or New Year burnout.They cover how to review your past year, decide what to keep and what to drop, and use the Wheel of Life to get clarity across health, work, money, relationships and personal growth.🎯 Download the Wheel of Life exercise here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WRR0E6refPeBKmrFFa-1Q1vrKQBvdtMO/view?usp=sharingJoin the Brush Wizards Network:https://brushwizards.co.uk/join

🎄 Dive into the festive spirit with Lisa and Gary as they share tips on having an intentional and stress-free Christmas. From decluttering to mindful gift-giving, they explore how to make the holiday season more meaningful. Tune in for practical advice and heartwarming stories that will inspire you to embrace the true essence of the holidays. #IntentionalChristmas #HolidayWellness #FamilyTime

In this episode, Gene Fulton joins Gary Proctor to break down the real business of decorating — from branding and earnings to wallpapering, spraying and winning the right type of clients.Gene shares why decorators must stop giving away discounts on materials, how to qualify clients properly and why building a solid portfolio leads to consistent, high-value work. They dive into the power of networking with interior designers, staying ahead of industry trends and investing in quality products to stand out in a crowded market.Whether you're new to the trade or looking to elevate your decorating business, this conversation is packed with insights, practical advice and real-world experience you can apply straight away.

In the very first episode of the Brush Wizards Podcast, Gary sits down with VIP member Jessica Hazard for an honest chat about decorating, tools, mindset, confidence and life on the tools. We talk about the real stuff decorators deal with every day — wins, challenges, funny moments and the importance of community.This is a relaxed, real conversation that sets the tone for what this podcast is all about… decorators connecting, learning and supporting each other.If you're a painter or decorator who wants to feel part of something bigger, this one’s for you.