In the Mix: Tips to Choose the Right Coating Solution

Winn Darden, North American business manager for LUMIFLON fluoropolymer resins, shares his perspective on key decision-making processes pertaining to paints and coatings. This sponsored show explores how experts can develop strategic planning approaches that best adapt to current structural and future market demands.

Discussion topics include the details of LUMIFLON and how it works in tandem with coatings; industry trends and feedback from the market segments it plays in; the role of new and emerging technologies; and educational resources available to assist in these challenges.

How New Technologies Are Assisting AkzoNobel’s War on Corrosion

Jeff Jirak, managing director of AkzoNobel’s global powder coatings business, explains how new coating technologies are helping to mitigate corrosion in the built environment. The show also explores the manufacturer’s recent development partnership with CoatingAI, which aims to assist contractors and installers with application processes while reducing their carbon footprint.

For more information, visit: U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partners, Interpon, AkzoNobel on LinkedIn

Master Painters Institute Unveils Decision Tree Tools

The Master Painters Institute (MPI) recently introduced its newest solutions to streamline the process of specifying coatings. As part of this effort, MPI Decision Tree Tools offers a digital interactive guide prompting users to select the most suitable system and products for their commercial and architectural projects, whether for new construction or restorative/repair works.

Pam Nicoletti, president of MPI, explains how these tools encompass all project variables while significantly reducing manual efforts.

For more information, contact: MPI, (888) 674-8937, www.mpi.net/DTree

Sam Scaturro on Industry Trends and His Leadership Journey

Sam Scaturro, President of New Jersey-based Alpine Painting & Sandblasting Contractors, shares his insight on industry trends and career highlights after nearly two decades of success. 

Discussion topics include the process of buying his family business and its transformation over the years; emerging trends in the marketplace; optimal strategies for workforce development; and highlights from his time as an association member leader, including a stint as Chair of the AMPP Board of Directors in 2022.

For more information, contact: Alpine Painting, (866) 596-0349, www.alpinepainting.com

Revisiting Assumptions About Primers in Immersion Service

In a recently published white paper, experts at Induron examined the expected service life of coatings for potable water linings while combining that knowledge with an interpretation of the total applied costs of these systems.

On this sponsored podcast, Induron’s William “Bill” Seawell, technical service manager, and Andy Odorzynski, national sales manager, elaborate on expectations for water tank primers (both zinc and epoxy); how corrosion processes work; and the most important properties a water tank primer should have.

Founded in 1947 and based in Birmingham, Ala., Induron produces high-performance coatings to serve a wide range of industrial applications. These applications include industries such as wastewater, electrical transmission and distribution, and potable water storage and treatment.

For more information, contact: Induron Protective Coatings, (205) 324-9584, www.induron.com

Stronger Together: Amplify Your Voice at AMPP’s Advocacy Day

In a roundtable featuring representatives from AMPP’s member leaders and staff, Kimberly-Joy Harris, Elaine Bowman, and Tim Gonzalez share their perspectives on the importance of participating in AMPP’s annual Advocacy Day (May 15-16, 2024).

Discussion topics include tips to effectively advocate for the materials protection industry; how advocating at the government level can impact our field; specific pieces of U.S. legislation that AMPP is focused on this year; and recent additions to the advocacy campaign, such as the Corrosion and Coatings Political Action Committee (PAC) and the new International Advocacy Program.

 For more information, visit the AMPP Advocacy Day web page.

Establishing the Value of Third-Party Coating Inspectors

Ryan Bingham, business development leader at third-party inspection services provider OMC International, LLC, shares his insight regarding the value that qualified coating inspectors can have within the industry. 

Discussion topics on this episode include trends and common pain points from clients; how technologies and demands continue to evolve; the unique career arc of Bingham and the company; and areas where AMPP can help companies such as OMC achieve their goals while serving the association’s broader mission.

For more information, contact: OMC International, LLC, (281) 398-4281, www.omcintllc.com

The Past, Present, and Future of Coatings Technology

Chris O’Brien, founder and president of Polymer Nation, and Michael Douglass, technical director, join a sponsored episode of the CoatingsPro Interview Series with insight on the evolution of coatings technologies. Topics include areas of growth and concern in the industry; common challenges that need to be overcome; which technologies could make the biggest jump in the years ahead; and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their business and the industry’s future.

For more information, contact: Polymer Nation, (847) 774-5038, www.polymernation.com

Key Takeaways from 2024 World of Concrete

Stephanie Chizik, Editor-in-Chief of CoatingsPro Magazine, joins our podcast with key takeaways and observations from the recently completed 2024 World of Concrete (WOC) show in Las Vegas. Topics include common feedback themes and areas of interest for exhibitors and attendees; year-over-year market changes; memorable WOC highlights; and an early look at marquee trade shows on tap for upcoming weeks.

For more information, contact: WOC, www.worldofconcrete.com

How AMPP’s 2024 Flagship Event Meets Industry Needs

Gregory Muha, Director of Conferences, Exhibits, and Sponsorships with the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), joins our interview series with answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the 2024 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo. 

Held from March 3-7 in New Orleans, La., discussion topics include what members can expect at the upcoming show; highlights of the 2024 schedule; feedback-based changes from previous years; and how the latest version of the conference serves the needs of AMPP members and the broader industry.

For more information, contact: AMPP, (800) 797-6223, ace.ampp.org

Sustainability and the Future of AMPP

In a panel discussion, AMPP members Cal Chapman (Chapman Engineering) and Sandy Williamson (Williamson Integrity Services) join AMPP Publications Editor Kerry Cole to explain what sustainability means to them and why it is critically important to our industry. Topics include how sustainability is already being practiced and its impact on business; trends and new technologies to watch for; and expectations for the future.

The conversation also explores initiatives and opportunities to get involved at an association level, such as AMPP’s Sustainability Task Force; a technical community of interest (TCI) on materials sustainability; and a Sustainability Symposium and Expert Panel session at the AMPP 2024 Annual Conference + Expo in March.

How Infrastructure Insurance Affects Contractors

As part of a new task force, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is bringing together stakeholders from a variety of roles to better understand the relationship that corrosion engineering systems have within the infrastructure insurance industry. 

In this conversation, members involved with that task force—GPI’s Tony Serdenes, Nick Kuntz of Alliant Insurance Services, and David A. Scotti of Scotti Law Group—share their perspectives on challenges and best practices that could benefit those involved in designing, specifying, supplying, and performing those services, specifically as they relate to insurance and risk management. 

The roundtable discussion also explores various paths that AMPP can take to address those challenges, as well as ways in which our industry can work together to develop best practices for risk management and insurance needs.

Coatings Knowledge for Non-Coating Inspectors: Why It Matters

On April 30 and May 1 in Houston, AMPP is welcoming members and guests throughout the industry to the first Coatings for Non-Coating Inspectors conference. Jorge T. Reyna, conference chair and a certified inspector (JRSA Inspections) and instructor, explains the many benefits for attendees and how it all came to be.

Topics discussed include key challenges that non-coating inspectors often face; why a better understanding of coatings can enhance the overall effectiveness of non-coating inspectors; areas in which their roles are changing; and strategies to bridge the gap between traditional inspection practices and the specialized knowledge required to understand coatings.

For more information, visit AMPP’s Coatings for Non-Coating Inspectors website.

The Future of Workforce Development in Skilled Trades

This roundtable panel features Alan Thomas, CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP); Dr. Rick Polanin, past president of the American Welding Society (AWS); and Ricky Morgan, past president of The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT).

Discussion topics include the current state of workforce development, as well as common challenges encountered, innovative solutions, and initiatives where these associations can work together. Other discussion points are recent technological advancements within those industries; lessons learned from each panelist’s career journey; and the role of diversity and inclusion in building the workforce of the future.

Wells Bullard on PPE Trends in 2023 and Beyond

In this sponsored episode, Bullard CEO Wells Bullard looks ahead to the future of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the protective coatings industry and beyond. The discussion spotlights her vision for the company and the importance of its family lineage and history; feedback from clients regarding marketplace needs; and industry trends and new technologies to watch for within the PPE space.

Other topics include a year-end review of Bullard’s 2023 and a preview of what’s to come in 2024, along with new developments and products within the company that will lead the way into the new year.

For more information, contact: Bullard, (859) 234-6616, www.bullard.com