This episode of Titan Talks features Steve Lockwood, the owner of Lockwood Finishes, a successful painting company located in Springfield, Illinois. The show discusses his start in the industry, how he came to realize that he was a professional, and how making 100 phone calls a day helped boost his business and client base in the early days. Steve shares insights on the importance of job costing, his pride in carrying the name Lockwood, and how having a website has transformed his business and brought him in front of people that didn’t know about his services.

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern converses with Kali Sudbrook of Beachside Interiors Design and Remodeling, detailing her unconventional journey from a career in kinesiology to becoming the owner of a remodeling company specializing in fitness and wellness spaces in Newport Beach. Sudbrook recounts the initial uncertainty and lack of a backup plan that led to her business’s foundation, emphasizing the importance of passion, creativity, and problem-solving in her transition. The discussion also highlights the significance of networking, taking “messy action” over perfection, and learning from early business mistakes, particularly in estimating costs. Sudbrook’s current business successes are attributed to referrals and a conscious decision to focus on select service areas due to logistical challenges. Finally, she explores the role of technologies and strategic partnerships in managing and growing her business, alongside her ambitions for national expansion.

In this episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Eric van Overbake, the owner of Prime Painting, a painting company in Charlotte, North Carolina. Eric shares his journey to success, starting with his college gig as a painter and eventually branching off to start his own business. He talks about the instant gratification he experiences with painting and how he fell in love with the work. Eric also discusses the biggest mistake he made in his business, which was hiring people without first seeing their work firsthand. He emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity and the need to synchronize the work across all jobs. Eric also opens up about his recent investments in marketing, including TikTok and a new website, and discusses his goals for the future, which involve generating more income while working less by hiring trustworthy employees. He shares his advice for new painters, such as trusting your gut with homeowners and building a social network around your location. Eric concludes by expressing his excitement for future collaborations and the steady growth of his business.