The Wood Care Podcast- Where Experts Talk Wood

Hosted by Caleb Roth, Staining University and Fence Install School, Stain & Seal Supply

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101

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Where Experts Talk Wood is a professional wood care podcast featuring unfiltered conversations with industry leaders, contractors, manufacturers, educators, and innovators shaping the future of exterior wood. From staining and sealing systems to coatings science, business strategy, compliance, sales, and craftsmanship — this is where the real conversations happen. If you’re serious about wood care — whether you’re building a business, refining your craft, or leading in the coatings space — this podcast exists to elevate your thinking, your standards, and your results.

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April 20, 202657 min

28 Years in Deck Staining & Inventing the Stain Paddle | Richard Hochanedel | Wood Care Podcast

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast, Caleb sits down with Richard Hochanedel, owner of Deck Revive and inventor of the Stain Paddle. Rich brings over 28 years of experience in the wood care industry, starting in 1998 as a side hustle before eventually transitioning into a full-time business. Today, Deck Revive serves customers across Kansas, with a strong reputation built on repeat clients and referrals. In this episode we discuss: • Growing a staining business through referrals and repeat customers • Building partnerships with other contractors to generate leads • Navigating a challenging 2025 season with weather and economic shifts • Transitioning to more efficient products and processes • The story behind inventing the Stain Paddle to improve application quality Rich also shares his approach to customer education, why he prefers oil-based stains for long-term performance, and how proper process and communication lead to better results. With decades of experience, Rich offers practical advice for contractors looking to build a long-term, sustainable business — including investing in quality equipment, staying committed through early challenges, and solving problems in the field. 🎙️ Brought to you by Stain & Seal Supply Follow us on social: / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply #WoodCarePodcast #FenceStaining #DeckStaining #WoodFinishing #PreFinishing #ContractorInterview #StainingBusiness #FenceIndustry #DeckRestoration #TradeEntrepreneur #StainAndSealSupply #StainingUniversity #ContractorGrowth DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations. Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

April 16, 202641 min

Army Veteran Turned Franchise Owner | Jeff Konopack of Deck Medic | The Wood Care Podcast

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast, Caleb sits down with Jeff Konopack of Deck Medic to talk about building a scalable deck care business. Jeff began his career in exterior painting before transitioning into specialized deck restoration, where he quickly realized the importance of creating systems, processes, and data-driven decision-making to grow the business. Over time, those systems helped transform the operation into a franchise model, allowing proven methods and processes to be shared with other operators. In this episode, we discuss: • Transitioning from general exterior painting to deck restoration • Creating repeatable business systems and quoting processes • Employee retention strategies in a seasonal industry • Commission-based team leadership and accountability • Building long-term customer relationships through maintenance services Jeff also shares why communication is the most important skill for contractors—whether it’s managing customer expectations or building trust with employees. For Jeff, the goal isn’t just landing a single job, but building long-term clients who return for maintenance every few years. He also encourages contractors to focus on building brand equity through five-star reviews, continuous education, and networking within the industry. 🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com Follow us on social: / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply #WoodCarePodcast #FenceStaining #DeckStaining #WoodFinishing #PreFinishing #ContractorInterview #StainingBusiness #FenceIndustry #DeckRestoration #TradeEntrepreneur #StainAndSealSupply #StainingUniversity #ContractorGrowth DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations. Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

April 14, 202657 min

From Side Hustle to $500K+ Staining Business | Ian Whitcomb | The Wood Care Podcast

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast, Caleb sits down with Ian Whitcomb, owner of Patriot Stain & Seal based in Oklahoma City. Ian entered the fence staining industry in 2015 as a side hustle, purchasing a used stain trailer and working evenings and weekends while serving as a 22-year military veteran and airline pilot. With some local advertising in his first year, he generated over $100,000 in revenue while still working another career. Today, the business has grown into a highly efficient operation generating between $450,000 and $675,000 annually. In this episode we discuss: • Building a staining business while working a full-time career • Operational systems that allow small crews to work efficiently • Labor strategies that retain skilled workers • Remote quoting using digital tools like Google Earth • Transitioning from traditional marketing to a 100% digital strategy • Using AI to streamline administrative and marketing tasks Ian also shares insights on business systems, CRM integration, job costing, and why contractors must know their numbers to stay profitable in a competitive market. This episode is packed with practical insight for contractors looking to build a scalable wood care business while improving operations and efficiency. 🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com Follow us on social: / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply #WoodCarePodcast #FenceStaining #DeckStaining #WoodFinishing #PreFinishing #ContractorInterview #StainingBusiness #FenceIndustry #DeckRestoration #TradeEntrepreneur #StainAndSealSupply #StainingUniversity #ContractorGrowth DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations. Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

April 14, 20261 hr 36 min

10+ Years in the Staining Industry | Justen Meneses & Caleb Roth | The Wood Care Podcast

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast, Caleb sits down with Justen Coelho Meneses, a contractor with more than a decade of experience in the wood staining industry. Justen shares the evolution of his company — originally launched as Making All Things New before rebranding to Omaha Deck and Fence Staining for 2026. In this episode we discuss: Rebranding a staining company for long-term growth The challenges contractors faced during the 2025 season Adjusting marketing strategies when leads suddenly slow down Managing crews and maintaining accountability in the field Strategic decisions heading into 2026 This episode is packed with insight for contractors looking to grow their business while navigating an increasingly competitive market. 🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com Follow us on social: / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply #WoodCarePodcast #FenceStaining #DeckStaining #WoodFinishing #PreFinishing #ContractorInterview #StainingBusiness #FenceIndustry #DeckRestoration #TradeEntrepreneur #StainAndSealSupply #StainingUniversity #ContractorGrowth DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations. Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

February 28, 202656 min

From the Ground Up with Will Wright from Integrity Exterior Cleaningg

Contractor Interview: Will Wright – Integrity Exterior Cleaning On this episode of The Wood Care Podcast — Where Experts Talk Wood — we sit down with Will Wright of Integrity Exterior Cleaning. Will shares his journey in the exterior cleaning and wood care space, including how he built momentum in a competitive market and developed systems that support consistent growth. We dive into what it takes to build trust with customers, balance production with leadership, and create a business that operates beyond just daily labor. This conversation covers: • Building a reputation in exterior cleaning and wood care • Creating systems that support steady growth • The transition from operator to business leader • Maintaining quality standards while scaling • Lessons learned from real-world projects and customer relationships This episode is about discipline, long-term thinking, and doing the work that most people avoid. If you’re serious about building a sustainable service business in the wood care or exterior cleaning space, this conversation will challenge and sharpen you. Watch the Full Video Version See the full conversation on YouTube on the Stain & Seal Supply channel and on The Wood Care Podcast Facebook page. Join the Conversation Join our Facebook group, Stain & Seal University, to connect with other wood care professionals, share insights, and continue learning. Become a Pro Partner The Pro Partner Program is built for serious wood care professionals who want better margins, priority access, and direct expert support. It’s a working partnership designed to help you grow smarter and more profitably. See if you qualify here:https://stainandsealsupply.com/pages/become-a-pro-partner Download the App Download the Stain & Seal Experts iOS app for access to our stain calculator, virtual fan deck, product ordering, tools, social channels, and podcast access — all in one place. Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

February 26, 202659 min

MAKING YOUR PATH IN THE TRADES | Chris Olsen, Madison Stain & Seal | The Wood Care Podcast

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast(previously known as the Stain & Seal Experts' Podcast), we sit down with Chris Olsen of Madison Stain & Seal. Chris shares how he started his staining business about five years ago after realizing a traditional education path wasn’t for him. At just 27 years old, Chris took an unconventional route into business — beginning with videography, photography, and storytelling, including wedding videography, which he often did for free early on to build his portfolio and experience. This episode is about transitioning career paths, learning in the first year, and building momentum in your local market. 🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com Join us for Staining University March 4-5, 2026: StainingUniversity.com The Pro Partner Program is built for serious wood care professionals who want better margins, priority access, and direct expert support. It’s not a club — it’s a working partnership designed to help you grow smarter and more profitably. Think you’re a fit? See if you qualify here: https://stainandsealsupply.com/pages/become-a-pro-partner Follow us on social: / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply #WoodCarePodcast #FenceStaining #DeckStaining #WoodFinishing #PreFinishing #ContractorInterview #StainingBusiness #FenceIndustry #DeckRestoration #TradeEntrepreneur #StainAndSealSupply #StainingUniversity #ContractorGrowth DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations. Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

February 25, 202639 min

Contractor Interview | Darren Pollon of 1st Place Finishing

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast(previously known as the Stain & Seal Experts' Podcast), we sit down with Darren Pollen of 1st Place Finishing! Darren shares his journey in the wood finishing industry, from spotting the opportunity in staining fences and decks to building a business that keeps jobs rolling. We talk about building your brand, earning trust, and finding the balance between working in the field and running the business behind the scenes. This episode is about growth, consistency, and doing the work it takes to move forward. 🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com Join us for Staining University March 4-5, 2026: StainingUniversity.com Follow us on social: / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply / stainandsealsupply #WoodCarePodcast #FenceStaining #DeckStaining #WoodFinishing #PreFinishing #ContractorInterview #CanadianContractor #StainingBusiness #FenceIndustry #DeckRestoration #TradeEntrepreneur #StainAndSealSupply #StainingUniversity #ContractorGrowth DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations. Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

January 6, 202613 min

Kick Off 2026 Strong: Stain & Seal University + The Contractor Interview Series

We’re kicking off the end of the year with two big announcements for wood care contractors.Stain & Seal University is back — March 4–5. This year is the biggest one we’ve ever done. We’ve outgrown our past venues, and we’re taking it to the next level with a true expo-style event: vendors, exhibitors, demos, and hands-on training classes covering fence install, fence staining, deck staining, wood restoration, and a strong focus on pre-staining. If you want to get your team trained up and start the 2026 season with momentum, this is the event.Contractor Interview Series is here. This winter, I’m sitting down with 100 contractors to talk through the real lessons from the 2025 season—wins, losses, what changed, what worked, and what didn’t—so we can compile the data and share it with the industry. No scripts, no fluff—just real conversations with people in the field.Learn more about Stain & Seal University (attendee, exhibitor, and sponsor info): staininguniversity.comSign up for the Contractor Interview Series: stainandsealsupply.com/contractor-interviews Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

December 12, 202512 min

Staining University + Contractor Interview Series Announcement

In this episode, Caleb Roth shares what's coming next for the wood care community — including the return of Staining University, happening March 4–5 in Lebanon, TN, and the launch of our biggest content project ever: the Contractor Interview Series.This winter, we’re interviewing 100 wood care contractors from across the country — fence guys, deck pros, log home specialists, and pre-stain shop owners — to capture the real stories and lessons from the 2025 season. No scripts, no sales pitches. Just honest conversations that help every contractor in our industry get better.We’ll cover what the series is about, why you should join, and how to sign up.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:An overview of Staining University and what to expect this yearWhy we’re launching a nationwide Contractor Interview SeriesHow these interviews will help elevate the entire wood care industryHow to get featured on the Stain & Seal Experts Podcast, YouTube, and social channelsDetails on what to expect during your interviewHow to prepare and where to reserve your spotIf you're a fence, deck, wood restoration, or log & timber professional, this is your chance to share your story — and help move the entire industry forward.Want to be interviewed?Sign up here: https://stainandsealsupply.com/pages/contractor-interviewsIf you'd like, I can also write:✅ A short intro script you read at the start of the episode✅ A longer YouTube description✅ A social media promo post for announcing this episodeJust let me know. Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

September 23, 202528 min

Stain & Seal Experts Podcast - Founders 10 Franchise Launch

Stain & Seal Experts Podcast - Founders 10 Franchise LaunchEpisode OverviewCaleb Roth announces the launch of the Stain & Seal Experts Franchise Partner Program, opening 10 founding territories for December 1st onboarding. This episode breaks down the complete franchise opportunity, benefits, and what makes this the perfect time to join The Family.Key Topics CoveredCaleb's Origin StoryStarted staining business in 2012 looking for control of his futureEvolution from fencing → deck staining → log homes → all outdoor woodBuilt educational content, podcast, and Staining University eventsFranchise Program LaunchIntroducing Stain & Seal Experts Franchise Partner Program10 territories opening for December 1st onboardingOff-season preparation for 2026 launchThe Founders 10 BenefitsKeep your current brand, add Stain & Seal ExpertsOn-site launch with Caleb and teamFirst 90 days of advertising campaigns built for youAdditional 50,000 households added to territoryFree $4,000 EXPERT Paint & Stain MachineTarget AudienceExisting staining/wood care businesses wanting to scaleEntrepreneurs looking for new mission and control of their futureAnyone who wants to grow without shutting down mid-seasonComplete Package DetailsDual-brand through 2025, clean rebrand January 2026Keep phone number, reviews, and website (redirects to new site)On-site launch week with Caleb and team90-day priority support + dedicated coachComplete advertising setup with copy, creative, and trackingSystem Proof & TrainingIndoor staining capability removes seasonalityHundreds of 5-star reviews proving system worksComplete ad templates and marketing materialsOnline learning management system117-page operations manual covering:Industry background and culture installationMission, vision, core valuesLeadership principlesUniform and safety guidelinesComplete service and equipment guidesKey TakeawaysNo Brand Disruption: Keep your current brand through peak season 2025, add Stain & Seal Experts branding, then clean rebrand during off-season.Complete Support System: On-site launch, 90-day priority support, dedicated coaching, and corporate-built advertising campaigns.Proven Model: Hundreds of 5-star reviews and established systems that work.Seasonality Solution: Indoor staining capability with EXPERT machine removes weather limitations.Limited Opportunity: Only 10 founding territories available with enhanced benefits.Action ItemsBook franchise consultation call (link in description)Review 117-page operations manual previewConsider territory options for your marketEvaluate dual-branding strategy for your existing businessResources MentionedStain & Seal Experts Franchise Consultation117-Page Operations ManualOnline Learning Management SystemEXPERT Paint & Stain Machine ($4,000 value)Staining University EventsContact InformationBook your franchise consult call with Caleb Rothhttps://clienthub.getjobber.com/client_hubs/aec6a09e-f829-4beb-8646-1186e1a956f4/public/work_request/new?source=social_mediaSpots Remaining: 10This episode is for existing wood care professionals and entrepreneurs looking to take control of their future in the growing outdoor wood care industry. Episode SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by:Stain & Seal SupplyProfessional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.StainandSealSupply.comEXPERT Professional Wood CareAdvanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.EXPERTWoodCare.comGopher WoodFactory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.GopherWood.usIf this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.