Shows
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep 11 | Ask Scott Anything: Coaching, Time Management, Hiring & Building a TeamIn this listener Q&A episode, Scott Lollar shares his origin story—how an entrepreneurial streak as a kid (yard work, snow shoveling, even cleaning an elderly couple’s home) eventually led to painting, then scaling companies, and finally launching Consulting4Contractors (C4C).From there, Scott and Mark tackle big questions contractors face: how to choose a coach in a noisy market, how to stop living in the “firefighter” mode as an owner, how to think about hiring key people when cash feels tight, and what it takes to stop being the center of the business...
2026-02-1040 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep. 10 | The Scheduling Mistakes That Quietly Cost Contractors $150K+In this episode, Mark Black and Scott Lollar break down why scheduling is one of the biggest hidden profit leaks in a contracting business. They unpack how going over budget doesn’t just cost you on the job — it steals capacity from the next job (the “double whammy”), why “my board is full” is meaningless if it isn’t tied to revenue targets and headcount, and how crew sizing, overtime, job rounding, and even supply runs can quietly wreck production. If you want more predictable revenue, smoother operations, and fewer end-of-job surprises, this one is a must-listen...
2026-02-0340 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep. 9 | Risk Management Without Killing Momentum📝 Episode SummaryRisk management isn’t about playing scared — it’s about playing smart.In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, we dig into the reality that as your painting business grows, so does your exposure to risk. From everyday jobsite mistakes to insurance blind spots, safety shortcuts, and financial vulnerabilities, this conversation reframes risk as something to be managed, not avoided.Through real-world examples — including costly adhesion failures, overlooked safety protocols, and underinsured scenarios — we explore how contractors can protect their companies without slowing momentum or stalling growth.
2026-01-2722 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep. 8 | Executing The Gameplan - Why Great Contractors Run Better Meetings (And Bad Ones Avoid Them)Many business owners come up through the trades as high performers and lone wolves. Meetings can feel “too corporate,” expensive, inconvenient, or uncomfortable — especially when owners don’t know what to say or fear saying the wrong thing.The result? Meetings get avoided entirely… and communication suffers.The One Meeting Every Company NeedsScott explains why monthly all-company meetings are essential regardless of size:Casting vision and directionReinforcing stability and future workloadCreating trust and transparencyHelping employees understand why they should stayPeople don’t just work for paychecks — they work for purpo...
2026-01-2036 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep. 7 | Executing The Gameplan - Stay in Your Lane: How Contractors Lose Money by Doing ‘A Little Bit of Everything'In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark and Scott dive into one of the biggest profit-killers for contractors: diversifying too much, too quickly, for the wrong reasons.From wanting to please customers…to scarcity mindset…to having “a guy” who used to do tile 13 years ago… This conversation exposes the real risks behind saying “yes” to work that falls outside your core lane.Mark opens up about his own struggles with chasing new services, overextending his team, and getting stuck personally finishing commitments that were never profitable. Sco...
2026-01-1331 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep. 6 | Behind The Bid - Where to Spend Your Marketing Dollars: Buyers, Brand, and Better ROIWhere to Spend Your Marketing Dollars: Buyers, Brand, and Better ROIWhen you’ve got a limited marketing budget and a dozen people shouting “We’re the answer!”, where do you actually put your dollars?In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, host Mark Black sits down with Scott Lollar from Consulting4Contractors to unpack how painting contractors can make smarter, data-driven decisions about marketing spend—without getting hypnotized by shiny objects or agency hype.Scott walks through how to reverse-engineer your marketing budget from your revenue targets, average job size...
2026-01-0645 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep. 5 | People Before Paint - Building Loyalty That Lasts: How to Create a Magnetic Culture That Retains Great EmployeesIn this powerful episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark Black and Scott Lollar sit down with special guest Rick Holtz of H.J. Holtz & Son to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing contractors today — employee retention. With over 55 field employees and decades-long tenures on his team, Rick shares the intentional systems and leadership mindset that have helped him build a loyal, high-performing workforce.This conversation dives deep into how vision, onboarding, personal connection, leadership training, accountability systems, and emotional intelligence all work together to create an employee experience that keeps people engaged and committed long-term....
2025-12-3035 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep. 4 | Cents & Sense - KPIs That Matter: Using Data to Run a Smarter Contracting BusinessIn this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark and Scott dive deep into one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — subjects in contracting: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). While many business owners rely heavily on instinct and gut feelings, this conversation unpacks why real growth, sustainability, and profitability come from data-driven decisions.Scott explains how KPIs allow business owners to remove emotion from decision-making, giving clarity on everything from job profitability and labor efficiency to headcount planning and break-even analysis. The discussion walks through how properly configured financial systems — especially QuickBooks — become the backbone of clean, actionab...
2025-12-2336 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep. 3 | Cents & Sense - You Didn’t ‘Make’ $500K: Knowing Your Real Numbers as a Painting ContractorEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Scott and Mark tackle one of the biggest misconceptions plaguing small painting businesses: confusing revenue with profit. Just because your business “did” $500,000 doesn’t mean you, the owner, made $500,000. The guys break down what revenue actually means, how to calculate real take-home pay, and why ignoring your financials is one of the fastest ways to get stuck—or go out of business.They unpack the four key financial metrics every contractor should track, why gross profit under 40% is a red flag, how labor burden gets overlook...
2025-12-1630 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Ep. 2 | Behind The Bid - Selling Experiences, Not Just Paint: A Customer-Centric ApproachEpisode SummaryMost painting contractors are estimating, not selling—and it’s costing them jobs, margins, and quality clients. In this episode, Mark Black and Scott Lollar unpack one of the biggest pillars in a successful painting business: building a professional, customer-centric sales process that wins the middle third of your opportunities and elevates your customer experience.You’ll hear the difference between being an estimator versus a true salesperson, how to uncover client pain points, why prospects don’t care about features and benefits, and how to qualify leads before you ever show up. Scott an...
2025-12-0936 min
Success Beyond The BrushSBTB Episode 1 | Lifeline Of The Jobsite - From Access To Success: Elevating Painting Contractor-Client Interactions (featuring Mark Black & Scott Lollar)Episode OverviewIn this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, hosts Mark Black and Scott Lollar break down one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—drivers of profitability in a painting company: client access and communication.From online scheduling to pre-qualification filters, to expectation-setting and reducing friction at every stage of the sales process, this episode teaches you how to make your business easier to hire and easier to trust—without sacrificing standards or wasting time on unqualified leads.Whether you're running solo or managing multiple estimators across different territories, this conver...
2025-11-2526 min
The Commercial Painting PodcastScaling Up with Commercial Painting with Scott Lollar of Consulting4ContractorsFEATURED GUEST
Scott Lollar
ABOUT
In this episode of the Commercial Painting Podcast, Scott Lollar from Consulting4Contractors discusses his journey from residential to commercial painting, sharing his extensive industry experience, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities, teamwork, clear contracts, safety measures, and understanding commercial clients.
Scott also shares about CPIA Emerging Leaders, a new association program to educate and inspire the next generation of business leaders in our industry.
Tune in to learn how to transition smoothly into commercial painting and expand your business.
CONNECT WITH O...
2024-06-2539 min
Success Beyond The BrushThe Vibrant Vision of Kunst Painting: A Conversation with John BusickEpisode 19 is all about the enduring legacy of a family business that has withstood the test of time as John Busick, the fifth-generation owner of Kunst Painting, opens up about steering a historic painting company into the future. From learning how to clean deuces in the back yard for 25 cents a bucket, to a narrative rich in lessons about navigating the future of his family's business, John's journey epitomizes the transformative power of embracing one's heritage. Our insightful chat uncovers the complexities of managing a workforce in high-cost living areas, the craft of structured career development, and the delicate...
2024-02-2643 min
PaintED PodcastKeeping Busy When You're Slow, Marketing, And Our Thoughts On Backlogs: Scott Lollar's PodcastIn this episode, Scott and Mike dig into a couple more questions
they receive from their own coaching clients, and other
contractors.
In this episode, you'll hear their thoughts on:
• How to plan for when your schedule starts to thin out
• What a good "backlog" looks like from their vantage points (it's
not what you might think)
• Leveraging customer flexibility to your advantage
• Making good use of a CRM tool for attracting cold leads
• Job minimums and how they can help your company in the
long run
Also In This Episode:
• Open invitation for a free discovery call with Scott Lollar...
2024-01-3029 min
Success Beyond The BrushPlanning Your Goals for a New Year // Insights with Mike Katounas and Rick HoltzThis episode of the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast sees industry veterans (and C4C coaches) Mike Katounas (Home Works Painting) and Rick Holtz (H.J. Holtz & Son, Inc.) return to unpack the essential steps for laying the groundwork for a prosperous new year. We tackle the art of reflection on past performances, setting ambitious yet attainable team goals, and the significance of ironing out standardized processes to enhance service delivery. With our combined years of experience, we also delve into the nitty-gritty of setting financial targets, executing a strategic plan, and the pivotal role of marketing in your company's growth trajectory.
2024-01-2219 min
Success Beyond The BrushMastering Onboarding, Training, and Team Communication // A Q&A Bonus Episode With C4CJoin us on the Beyond a Million Dollar Podcast as we engage in a compelling conversation with industry experts Mike Katounas and Rick Holtz about the transformative power of training and development in the paint contracting world. As we navigate the challenges posed by a shrinking workforce, Rick introduces us to the on-the-job training strategy at H.J. Holtz & Son, Inc., where a veteran employee mentors others with the support of an operations manager. We dissect the importance of bespoke systems and consistency in business growth, and Mike weighs in on the complexities of managing subcontractors at Home Works...
2024-01-0842 min
Success Beyond The BrushFrom Rockstar Aspirations to Painting Success // The Entrepreneurial Journey of Ron RiceListen in as we explore the intriguing journey of Ron Rice, owner of Ron Rice Painting. Discover how Ron transitioned from being an aspiring rockstar/DJ and part-time painter in college to becoming a successful painting contractor in San Diego. He opens up about the challenges he faced and the lessons learned while building his business. Ron's humility and constant hunger for growth make his story a compelling and inspirational one, providing valuable insights for anyone considering becoming a paint contractor, or any entrepreneur.Our conversation takes you through the early years of Ron's painting business in...
2023-12-2847 min
Success Beyond The BrushFrom Garage Floors to Spray Guns // Chris Soule's Entrepreneurial Journey in Cabinet PaintingListen in as I chat with Chris Soule, the ambitious entrepreneur behind Clean Cut Painting, about his remarkable transition from an auto body shop apprentice to a successful business owner in East Hampton, Connecticut. Chris's candid storytelling takes us through his initial struggles and the formative experiences that led him to venture into entrepreneurship, including the challenges of a flyer campaign that didn't pan out and how a harsh winter incidentally kickstarted his career through an insurance restoration job. Our discussion shines a light on the key decisions and moments that have shaped his journey, from leaving a difficult...
2023-12-2355 min
Success Beyond The BrushNavigating the Sales Landscape // Carl Utter's Journey to Training the Best in Paint Contractor SalesJoin us for an insightful conversation with Carl Utter, founder of Contractor Growth Strategy. Carl's story is both fascinating and inspiring; from a thriving musician to a starving salesman, and eventually becoming a successful sales trainer with a specialty in the painting industry. He shares his invaluable lessons from his early days of selling insurance door-to-door and his unique approach to reframing objections. Carl also provides valuable advice for commercial painters looking to develop new accounts.We don't just stop at Carl's journey. Together, we explore the philosophy of sales and emphasize the importance of sales training...
2023-12-0741 min
Success Beyond The BrushMastering the Sales Process & KPIs: Tips from Mike Katounas, C4C Coach and Owner of Home Works PaintingUnlock the secrets of successful sales processes for contractors with our guest, Mike Katounas of Home Works Painting. Expect to be enlightened on the nuances of pre- and post-appointment communication, the role of setting clear expectations, and how to handle customer relationships. Mike introduces us to his go-to tool, YouCanBookMe, which helps him maintain a steady line of contact with his clients and prepares them for the arrival of an estimator.In a post-appointment scenario, Mike lets us in on his follow-up strategy which robustly incorporates sending estimates, follow-up texts and emails, and making phone calls. He...
2023-11-0146 min
Success Beyond The BrushDifferentiating Your Company, Team Communication, and Hiring // Listener Q&A with Mike Katounas and Rick HoltzOur first bonus episode!Join us as we explore what truly sets a painting company apart from the rest with C4C coaches Mike Katounas, Rick Holtz, and yours truly, Scott Lollar. We share the unique features that set Home Works Painting and H.J. Holtz and Son, Inc. apart - whether it's rigorous background checks on staff, a six-year warranty, or color consultation services for those struggling with color selection. Mike and Rick discuss how they weave these points into our marketing and sales process, ultimately securing us more jobs.We move on to...
2023-10-1743 min
Success Beyond The BrushTransforming the World of Paint Contracting: An Insightful Journey with Tom Droste, the Visionary Behind Estimate RocketWe're excited to have Tom Droste, co-founder of Estimate Rocket along with his wife Kathy, who took an unexpected leap from accounting into the world of software development. Prepare to be captivated by his fascinating journey, from his early interest in the burgeoning computer industry to developing his first estimating program for a humble plumber. Hear about the genesis of personal computers for use in estimating, the thrill of the early tech world, and how Tom honed his skills to create a software that caters to the unique needs of different trades.Estimate Rocket was born from...
2023-09-2751 min
Success Beyond The BrushCreating a Million-Dollar Business with Kevin Wooten of Carolina Painting & Pressure WashingImagine building a successful painting business from scratch, starting at your father's company and turning it into a million dollar machine. That's exactly what Kevin Wooten, owner of Carolina Painting and Pressure Cleaning, has accomplished. In our conversation, Kevin gives us a peek behind the curtain, revealing the unique business model that has set his company apart. He explains his innovative employee structure - a five-person team with a unique pay system that balances fair compensation and profitability.What does it take to keep a small business afloat? What strategies work best when the goal is growth...
2023-08-301h 11
Success Beyond The BrushUnlocking Human Behavior for Better Hiring and Stronger Relationships with Art Snarzyk---Click here to purchase an platinum assessment and enter code "ASSESSMENT50" to receive 50% off 1 assessment per company---Ever wondered how understanding people’s behavior can change the dynamics of your business? Today we are privileged to have Art Snarzyk, a certified behavioral analyst, and founder of InnerView Advisors, who explains the nuances of behavioral analysis and its impact on the hiring process. Art has an incredible journey from corporate management and running a painting company, to developing a passion for understanding people's behaviors and helping others with the "people" side of their organizational transformations....
2023-07-2647 min
Success Beyond The BrushFrom Painter to Multi-Million Dollar Business Owner: John Neubert's Journey to Success in the Painting IndustryCan you imagine building a multi-million dollar painting business without the help of YouTube, social media, or influencers? John Neubert, owner of Neubert Painting in Brook Park, Ohio, did just that and he's here to share his incredible journey. From starting out as a painter to earning his MBA and transitioning into a business owner and sales manager, John has valuable insights to offer contractors looking to grow their businesses and succeed in the world of painting.In this episode, we explore John's unique approach to summer direct mail marketing campaigns and his strategy for scaling up...
2023-06-2154 min
Success Beyond The BrushTransforming a Struggling Business into a Profitable Venture // Phil VanderLaan of PMV Custom FinishesDiscover the secrets to transforming your business and skyrocketing your profits in our fascinating conversation with Phil VanderLaan, owner of PMV Custom Finishes in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We discuss Phil's inspiring journey, from his time at college in Grand Rapids to founding and growing his own successful painting company. You'll learn about navigating the "Dutch mafia" in Southwest Michigan, the importance of asking for advice early, and the hard work that went into building a multi-million dollar business.Join host Scott Lollar, host of the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast and owner/coach at Consulting4Contractors as Phil opens up about...
2023-05-2933 min
Success Beyond The BrushEmbracing The Holtz Way: A Multi-Million Dollar Story // Rick Holtz of H.J. Holtz & Son, Inc.Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rick Holtz, the third-generation owner of H.J. Holtz & Son, and newest coach with the Consulting4Contractors team. We uncover the secrets of transforming a family business from a $300,000 company to a multi-million-dollar organization employing over 60 people. You won't want to miss this insightful journey as Rick shares his experiences of taking the reins of his family's business and scaling it in just 12 years through embracing challenges and opportunities.Throughout our discussion, we dive into what it takes to be a successful owner and leader, including the essential aspects of d...
2023-05-1546 min
Success Beyond The BrushKeeping Busy When You're Slow, Marketing, And Our Thoughts on Backlogs // Q&A with Mike KatounasIn this episode, Scott and Mike dig into a couple more questions they receive from their own coaching clients, and other contractors.In this episode, you'll hear their thoughts on: How to plan for when your schedule starts to thin outWhat a good "backlog" looks like from their vantage points (it's not what you might think)Leveraging customer flexibility to your advantageMaking good use of a CRM tool for attracting cold leadsJob minimums and how they can help your company in the long runAlso In This Episode: Open invitation for a free discovery ca...
2023-05-0225 min
Success Beyond The BrushHiring Subs and Project Managers // Q&A with Mike Katounas of Home Works PaintingIf you've ever wondered whether hiring our subcontractors is the right thing to do, or whether having a project manager within your business makes sense or not, then our first Q&A episode with Scott & Mike is a must-listen! Scott & Mike will cover: Best practices when it comes to hiring out subs Where they find the best subs for their companies How to handle customer questions about subcontractors Whether a project manager is a necessary hire or not Paying subs in as convenient a way as possible. Also In This Episode: Open invitation for a disco...
2023-03-1419 min
Success Beyond The BrushInvest In Your Team and Quit Trying To Be Superman // Mark Black of Men In White PaintingConsulting 4 Contractors is so glad to welcome Mark Black, owner of Men In White Painting, to the podcast. Mark started Men In White, located in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, after a few "false starts" in the painting industry. We admire Mark, not only for his vision of what's possible, but his determination, humility, and not trying to do everything on his own.Here's a great quote from show host Scott Lollar that sums up who this episode is for:"Mark is classic entrepreneur and entrepreneurs chase shiny objects every day...if that's you Mark's a k...
2023-01-2144 min
Success Beyond The BrushIt's Not About Me // Nick Lauro of Lauro PaintingIn this episode, we sit down with Nick Lauro, owner of Lauro Painting in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Nick isn’t afraid to confront his own shortcomings and come out a better owner for it.Are you frustrated with the lack of growth and success in your painting business? If Nick’s story has anything to offer it’s this: Maybe it’s not your leads. Maybe it’s not your employees. Maybe it’s not your location. Maybe it’s you.Listen In For:Nick’s transformation from a me-focused busin...
2022-11-0239 min
Success Beyond The BrushWelcome to the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast // Mike Katounas of Home Works PaintingIn our very first episode, Scott sits down with Mike Katounas, fellow Consulting4Contractors coach, to find out about how Mike got his start, scaled his business to the multi-million dollar company it is today, and shed some insight on how they specialize helping business like yours scale to $1,000,000 annual revenue and beyond.Main TopicsMike's start in the painting industry with his dad's company (1:45)Mike's first few years on his own (7:50)Scott and Mike's thoughts on Mike scaling his painting business to the next level (17:50) Mike's business philosophy and approach to company culture (26:35)
2022-10-0537 min