Painters Academy

Hosted by Brandon Lewis

Business Management

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Episodes

231

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Painters Academy with Brandon Lewis equips painting contractors with the little-known marketing, sales, management & operations strategies needed to achieve next-level success in personal income & quality of life. Learn more at www.PaintersAcademy.com

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60 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 2324 min

How Videos Help Painting Contractors Dominate Online Search | Free Strategy

Stop losing jobs to competitors who show up before you online. In this video, Brandon Lewis of the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors breaks down exactly how video content gives painting businesses an unfair advantage in online search — and why most contractors are leaving a massive opportunity on the table.Here's what you'll learn:✅ Why YouTube is the second-largest search engine — and how to use it to get found by homeowners actively looking for painters✅ How video content builds trust before a prospect ever calls you✅ The simple video strategy that works even if you're not "tech savvy"✅ How to turn one video into multiple leads across Google, YouTube, and social media✅ Why painting contractors who post video dominate local search results over those who don't.If you're a painting contractor who wants more leads, better clients, and higher-margin jobs — this strategy is one of the most underused tools available to you right now.🎓 Learn more at: PaintersAcademy.com📞 Ready to grow your painting business? Visit us at the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors.Brandon Lewis is the founder of the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors — the leading business training resource for painting company owners who want to run more profitable, better-organized businesses.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction0:30 - Why video dominates online search1:30 - The opportunity most painters are missing2:30 - How to get started with video3:30 - Turning video into consistent leads#PaintingContractor #PaintingBusiness #PaintingMarketing #VideoMarketing #LocalSEO #OnlineSearch #ContractorMarketing #PaintingCompany #BrandonLewis #PaintersAcademy #SmallBusinessMarketing #ContractorTips #PainterLife #LeadGeneration #GoogleSearch #YouTubeSEO #HomeImprovement #ProfessionalPainter #BusinessGrowth #TradesMarketing

May 19, 2026Episode 23125 min

The Lead Generation Engine: Core System #1 for Painting Businesses

Are you tired of the "feast or famine" cycle in your painting business? In this episode of the Pro Painters Playbook, the APPC team breaks down System #1: Lead Generation.Generating high-quality leads shouldn't be a guessing game. It requires a repeatable, scalable system that keeps your estimators busy and your schedule full year-round. We dive into the specific strategies that differentiate "hobbyists" from professional painting contractors who command high margins.In this video, you’ll learn:The Lead Gen Blueprint: Why lead generation is the first of the Seven Core Systems.Quality vs. Quantity: How to attract the "right" customers who value quality over the lowest price.Marketing Channels that Scale: The difference between reactive and proactive lead generation.Closing the Loop: How this system feeds directly into your sales and estimating processes.Ready to grow? Download our "5 Keys for Growing Your Painting Business" here: https://www.paintersacademy.com/Join the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors and start building a business that works for you. www.paintersacademy.com#PaintingBusiness #LeadGeneration #PaintingContractor #ProPaintersPlaybook #BusinessSystems #MarketingForPainters #PaintersAcademy

May 17, 2026Episode 23024 min

Liz Whitaker of T. Whitaker Painting on Building a Painting Business That Lasts

In this episode of the From Ladder to Legacy podcast, host Tara Riley sits down with Liz Whitaker of T. Whitaker Painting to talk about what it really takes to build a painting business from the ground up — and turn it into something that lasts.Liz shares her journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the mindset that has helped T. Whitaker Painting grow into a trusted name in the industry.Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your painting business to the next level, this episode is packed with encouragement, practical advice, and real motivation.🎙️ From Ladder to Legacy is brought to you by The Academy of Professional Painting Contractors — a podcast dedicated to helping painting contractors build businesses and lives they're proud of.📌 Subscribe so you never miss an episode! For more information go to www.paintersacademy.com. Go to painters academy.com/freebizcall for a 100% FREE Business Diagnostic.#FromLadderToLegacy #PaintingContractors #PaintingBusiness #PodcastForPainters #TWhitakerPainting #LizWhitaker #PaintingPodcast #ProfessionalPainters #SmallBusinessGrowth #ContractorLife #BusinessMotivation #PaintingIndustry #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #PainterLife #paintersacademy

May 1, 2026Episode 22926 min

Scaling Systems & Strategy: A Deep Dive with Pete Coughlin

In this episode of from Ladder to Legacy, Tara Riley COO, and Tom Tucker Sr Advisor, of the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors sit down with Pete Coughlin of Coughlin Painting to discuss the strategies and systems that drive real growth in the painting industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your existing painting business to the next level, Pete shares actionable insights on sales, operations, and leadership that you can apply today.Don't miss out on these professional secrets to building a more profitable and sustainable painting company.Key Topics Covered:Strategies for scaling a painting business.Building systems for long-term success.Pete Coughlin’s journey and professional advice for contractors.Join the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors to access more training and resources designed to help you grow your business!"#PaintingContractor #BusinessGrowth #PeteCoughlin #PaintingBusiness #ContractorSuccess #TheAcademyForProfessionalPaintingContractors

April 18, 2026Episode 2284 min

Just a little of THIS make a LOT of MONEY

Are you working harder but not seeing your bank account grow? In this video, we reveal the "small hinges that swing big doors" in a professional painting business. Discover how adding just a little bit of the right strategy—whether it's a specific upsell, a systemized follow-up, or a high-margin service—can lead to a massive increase in your profit margins.Stop chasing more volume and start chasing more value. Brandon Lewis founder of the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors breaks down the exact steps to implement this simple change so you can start making a lot more money with the jobs you already have.In this video, you’ll learn:The hidden high-margin opportunity most painters miss.Why "more" isn't always the answer to profitability.How to implement this strategy in your sales process today.Want more information, need help: www.paintersacademy.com/freebizcall for a 100% free painting business diagnostic#PaintingBusiness #ProfitGrowth #ContractorTips #BusinessStrategy #ProfessionalPainter #ScaleYourBusiness #PaintersAcademy

April 17, 2026Episode 22727 min

From Nonprofit Roots to Multimillion-Dollar Success: The Eric Heipel Story

How do you transition from the world of nonprofits to building a painting powerhouse with multimillion-dollar sales? In this episode, Tara Riley, and Tom Tucker from the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors sit down with Eric Heipel to discuss his incredible journey and the "climb" toward building a lasting legacy in the painting industry.Eric shares the mindset shifts, systems, and leadership principles required to scale a business from the ground up while maintaining a focus on long-term impact. Whether you are just starting your painting company or looking to break through to the next level of revenue, Eric’s insights on sales, team building, and legacy are essential.In this video, you’ll learn:The core differences between running a nonprofit and a high-growth painting business.Key strategies for scaling sales into the millions.How to transition from being an owner-operator to a legacy-driven leader.Advice for contractors looking to build a business that lasts for generations.Ready to scale your painting business? Visit our website for more resources and coaching: www.paintersacademy.comCheck out these related videos:The Painter’s Guide to Strategic Leadership: Systems for Real GrowthThe Next "Coat" Reimagining a family business with Drake Blackledge#PaintingContractor #BusinessScaling #EricHeipel #SuccessStory #PaintingBusiness #ContractorGrowth #LegacyBuilding #Entrepreneurship #SalesStrategy #AcademyForProfessionalPaintingContractors

April 10, 2026Episode 22625 min

The Painter’s Guide to Strategic Leadership: Systems for Real Growth

Welcome to Episode #1 of our new series The Pro Painter Playbook...powered by APPC, "Systems, Strategies, and Real World Lessons." In this kickoff episode, Tara Riley, Chief Operating Officer for the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors and Tom Tucker Senior Advisor Business Growth & Performance dive deep into the core of any successful painting business: Strategic Leadership.Many painting contractors get stuck in the "day-to-day" grind, but to truly scale and build a profitable company, you need to shift from a worker mindset to a leader mindset. We break down the systems and strategies you need to lead your team, manage your operations, and plan for sustainable growth.In this video, you’ll learn:The difference between management and strategic leadership.How to implement systems that allow your business to run without you.Real-world lessons from the field on overcoming leadership hurdles.Resources for Painting Contractors: 🛠️ Join the Academy: www.paintersacademy.comDon't forget to subscribe for more episodes in this series as we share the systems that turn painting contractors into strategic business owners.#PaintingContractor #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth #PaintingProfits #Entrepreneurship #SystemsAndStrategies #ContractorLife #paintersacademy

April 4, 2026Episode 22521 min

The Next "Coat" Reimagining a family business with Drake Blackledge

In this episode of the Ladder to Legacy series, we sit down with Drake Blackledge to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a premier painting company.Drake shares his insights on:Moving from "Chuck in a truck" to a professional operation.How to attract and retain the best painters in a competitive market.The marketing strategies that actually work for high-end residential projects.Building a culture that runs the business even when you aren't there.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your existing painting business, Drake’s practical advice and "boots on the ground" experience in operating a multigenerational family business will give you the roadmap you need.Download our Free Growth Resources: Join the Academy for Professional Painting Contractors: https://www.paintersacademy.com#PaintingContractor #DrakeBlackledge #PaintingBusiness #ContractorGrowth #ResidentialPainting #LadderToLegacy #TheAcademyForProfessionalPaintingContractors

March 15, 2026Episode 22433 min

The Secret to Recession-Proofing Your Business: Lessons from a 40-Year Vet

In this episode of from Ladder to Legacy Tara and Tom host an interview Walt Dykes, owner of D&D Decorating in Brunswick, Georgia, as he reflects on his 40-year career in the painting industry and discusses the next chapter for his company: transferring leadership to his sons. Walt talks about his early Career and Entrepreneurship - Walt started his own business at age 25 after getting laid off from a job as an iron worker. He secured his first major project for $42,000 by cold-calling a superintendent at a local construction site. Having grown up in poverty with four brothers, Walt developed an intense work ethic early on, taking on carpentry side jobs even while working long hours as an iron worker. He talks about Scaling and Diversifying the Business - After growing to 33 employees in the first year, Walt expanded by purchasing a paint store, but later closed it to focus solely on contracting. To manage the volatility of the industry, Walt significantly scaled his business by moving into specialty coatings (liquid siding) and later walk-in bathtubs. During the recession, he employed over 120 painters in his local area before the market dried up, forcing him to adapt.Walt also shares his Legacy and Succession Planning - Walt is now focusing on the succession plan for his two sons, Devin and Dylan. Devin has been training by running a smaller satellite painting business, demonstrating strong leadership by remodeling their new building himself. Walt is actively mentoring them on business systems, financial numbers, and leadership, aiming to tighten up operations for the next generation.Key Advice - Don't worry about overcharging: It's better to fail from charging too much than to go broke from charging too little. Seek education early: Don't try to navigate the industry alone; take advantage of coaches and professional resources.

February 24, 2026Episode 22333 min

from Ladder to Legacy Episode #8 featuring Walt Dykes of D&D Decorating

In this episode Tara and Tom sit down with Walt Dykes and discuss how he has scaled his business from startup to laying the foundation for the next generation of leadership.