Issuu

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING CONTRACTOR

The Color Issue COLORMIX® 2027

THE 2027 COLOR OF THE YEAR

Universal Khaki SW 6150

Plus

All about sheen and undertones AI for paint pros and more!

Taiga SW 9654

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BiD lIkE a bOsS Housecall Pro is the app painters run their whole business on. Get pricing insights and the full Sherwin-Williams catalog built right into your estimates, so you know what to charge every time.

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CONTENTS

COVER STORY

The Color Issue The 2027 Colormix® Forecast, the 2027 Color of the Year, plus expert advice on sheen and undertones

DEPARTMENTS

T H E P R I M E R

A round-up of the latest industry news

18 PRODUCTS &

A P P L I C AT I O N

Our Ask YourProPartner™ columnist on the latest brush breakthrough

YOUR BUSINESS

Should AI play a role in your painting business? Here’s what you need to know

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MORE OUTPUT

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NO ADD ONS, NO UPGRADES NEEDED

LONGER WARRANTY

4-YEAR COVERAGE VS. 3-YEAR STANDARD

DARE TO COMPARE See how the Impact XTM 440 stacks up. Compare features, performance, models, and more.

AVA I L A B L E AT

THE PRIMER

CREW SIZE

PROS HELPING PROS

How many employees do painting contracting companies have?

For many who make their living with a paint brush, the actual work of putting color and coatings on a wall comes naturally. It’s the day-to-day business operations that often pose a bigger challenge. So how do you get better at this aspect of running your painting business?

51 OR MORE

Today, there are more options than ever. Nonprofit trade organizations like the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) and the Commercial Painting Industry Association (CPIA) offer a wide variety of educational resources and in-person events where you can connect with other painting company owners. When it comes to the latest business trends, nothing could be more timely than Artificial Intelligence. Accordingly, the PCA is planning a special full-day AI Workshop to kick off its 2027 PCA Expo. Get more details on this event on page 6.

21-50

70%

5 OR LESS

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

The CPIA also took an immersive, deep dive into AI on the opening day of its 2026 CPIA Leadership Conference in September. Executive Director Mike Stanley shares what the CPIA is hearing from its members on this trending tech topic on page 21.

18% 6%

Bottom line, it’s all about pros helping pros.

6-10

11-20

— Mike Starling, Editor, PPC/Pintor Pro

SOURCE: InPaint survey

SECRETS TO SUCCESS For Brett Shaw, growing up on a farm meant developing a strong work ethic at an early age. He brought these values into the painting trade as the founding owner of ShawLuxe Premier Renovations, one of the top home renovation companies in central Illinois.

“For over 15 years, I built Shawluxe from the ground up, and learned the secrets to growing a successful business,” he says. “Learning about hiring the best team members, top-tier marketing, and knowing which paint and products to use on a project took me years.”

For someone just starting in the industry today, he recommends the free Sherwin-Willimas Learning Pathway® Growing a Business educational courses. “Sherwin-Williams Growing a Business course covers every aspect of starting and running a painting business, and is led by some of the best in the industry,” says Shaw. “Growing a Business gives you all the tools you need to start your painting company from scratch. Whether you’re just getting in the game, or you’ve been in the game 20 years, SherwinWilliams Learning Pathway has something to offer every painter that’s looking to elevate their business.” Learn more about Sherwin-Willimas Learning Pathway® Growing a Business on page 25.

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PEER TO PEER FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 2 6 VOLUME 36, NUMBER 2

EDITOR Mike Starling EDITORIAL ADVISORS Jessica Gawthrop, Francia Ordoñez, Gabby Torres S U P P L I E R R E L AT I O N S Steve Brazie, Craig Cartwright, Paige Staggs, Elizabeth Wrona, Mike Young ART DIRECTOR Jackie Miller A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R Kip Kusick

C O N TA C T U S Web/email swppc.com Mail PPC, P.O. Box 367, Brookfield WI 53008-0367

Printed on recycled and recyclable paper. Printed in the United States. Canadian mail information only: Agreement Number 40732015. Change of address or undeliverable copies should be sent to: PO Box 456, Niagara Winters, Ontario L2E 6V2 Canada.

6 |

PCA Expo designed to help pros network and take their companies to the next level The mission of the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) is simple: They want to help painting contractors achieve efficient and profitable businesses. One of the ways the nonprofit does this is through in-person events such as its annual PCA Expo. The next one is set for Feb. 15-19, 2027, in New Orleans. “It’s the largest gathering of painters in the country,” says Jessica Bader, PCA Director of Events and Special Projects. It’s also become more of a global event, she says, with contractors from Europe, Australia, Africa and South America joining attendees from the U.S. and Canada. “One thing that we consistently see at the PCA is that people want to gather,” Bader says. “They want to learn from their peers.” Maggie Kuyper, co-owner of Harpeth Painting and chair of the PCA Board of Directors, agrees. “If you’ve never been to Expo, here’s what you actually get: world-class business education from people who run painting companies, a sold-out trade show floor where you can put your hands on new products and talk directly with manufacturers, and – the part first-timers never see coming – the relationships,” she says. “You will end up at a table with a contractor who has already solved the exact problem that’s been keeping you up at night, and they will just ... tell you how they did it. That’s the culture. Nobody at PCA Expo treats you like competition.” New for 2027 is AI Bootcamp, a workshop to help painters learn about the potential uses for this emerging technology. (More on AI on page 21.) There will be additional networking opportunities at hospitality events from sponsors like Sherwin-Williams. Get the latest updates att pcapainted.org/expo.

PRO EVENTS CALENDAR OCT. 25-28

PCA en Español 2026 | San Diego, California

OCT. 25-28

PCA Women in Paint 2026 | San Diego, California

NOV. 10-13

PCA Commercial Conference 2026 Asheville, North Carolina

FEB. 15-19

PCA Expo 2027 | New Orleans, Louisiana

ONGOING

Acá Entre Pros | select Sherwin-Williams stores (see your rep for more info)

For details on these events and more, visit swppc.com/calendar

P P C P R O F E S S I O N A L PA I N T I N G C O N T R ACTO R

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COVER STORY / COLOR

Midnight SW 6264, Matte (walls) and Semi-Gloss (trim)

revive

In an age of automation, craftsmanship and heirloom sensibility feel both nostalgic and necessary, restoring

Designed to work in countless combinations

depth and human imprint to the spaces we inhabit.

Professional painters rely on Sherwin-Williams to help them simplify the color selection process for their customers. The annual Colormix® Trend Forecast streamlines that step by providing handpicked hues to guide the decision-making process. “Being asked questions about colors can make some painters uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to,” says Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams. “Having the Colormix Trend Forecast in your back pocket can give you confidence that you know what you’re talking about when it comes to trending color.”

What is Colormix? Colormix® is an annual color forecast curated by Sherwin-Williams and its Trendsight Team made SM

up of the foremost thought leaders and design professionals in the color field. With over 200 years of collective experience across industries, continents and specialties, these experts combine research, analytics and diligent trend tracking to monitor and report on the monumental changes that will define the future of color across the globe. “Our 2027 Colormix® Trend Forecast, Rewild, is a versatile collection of the trending hues predicted to shape the design landscape of the future, selected 8 |

P P C P R O F E S S I O N A L PA I N T I N G C O N T R ACTO R

White Snow SW 9541, Semi-Gloss (fireplace)

Quietude SW 6212, Flat (ceiling)

to work together in countless combinations,” Kantz says. “Use it to give your customers the freedom and confidence to experiment as you help them create standout spaces.”

A different approach this year What’s new for the 2027 forecast? Instead of

White Duck SW 7010, Matte (walls) and Semi-Gloss (trim)

determining set palettes, the Sherwin-Williams color team focused on three design stories, each one defined by moments in time: the past, the present and the future. The themes are: Revive, Reignite and Reconnect. “Color is deeply personal,” Kantz says. “Many people want to know what’s trending, but oftentimes are intimidated or unsure on how to incorporate trending colors into their

reignite

home. For this year’s forecast, it felt like the

Today’s interiors are

explore the variety of options and combinations

rejecting restraint, instead finding room for style that feels emotionally charged and distinctly personal.

right moment not just to highlight trending colors, but to give customers the freedom to of color across any style or project. It’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure.” From a color perspective, there was alignment with more color saturation, as well as more nature-based color direction.

Cordovan SW 6027, Satin (closet doors)

“Think mossy greens, deep browns and charcoals along with complex reds,” Kantz says. The shift is partly a response to years of minimalism and neutrality. “People are craving spaces that feel more personal, uplifting and full of energy. It also ties into the pull away from digital sameness,” she says. “When everything online looks polished and identical, people are looking for something different in their physical spaces. What people are ultimately looking for are environments that help them feel their best, whether that means leaning into vintage vibes, adding unexpected pops of color or creating something entirely their own.” FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 2 6

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Continuity Colors of Rewild Within the 2027 forecast, 10 colors have been chosen to represent the hues that are carrying through the trend landscape most strongly from year to year (see colors on page 14). These versatile colors can be paired with the colors of the forecast to ground and refine any palette or project. “I think the colors that transcend trends are the ones that have a kind of chameleon quality to them,” Kantz says. “Some carry an innate warmth and depth while others enhance calm and balance, and there’s a complexity that allows them to shift depending on how and where they are used. For me, the most enduring colors are the ones that connect back to nature – those deep mossy greens, lichen tones and mineral shade or rusted, stone-like hues. I think we’re naturally drawn to those colors – they bring a sense of comfort and familiarity, but also enough richness to feel elevated.”

reconnect Local traditions, ancient wisdom and deeper ties between humanity and the natural world help to create the spaces of the future.

Minwax® Dark Walnut MW 2716 (shelves)

Bottom line, the paint colors that surround us are an important part of our daily experience, now and in the future. “I think color is going to continue to bring deeper meaning into our spaces,” Kantz says. “It won’t be added just for the sake of it – it will have purpose. It’s about how color makes us feel: how it can energize us, calm us, comfort us. It becomes part of our story, shaping memories, connecting us to moments and helping us create new ones. Color is going to continue to be intentional, more emotional and ultimately, more human.” Discover the 2027 Colormix® Trend Forecast and get free chip samples for our 10 Continuity Colors. 10 |

Renwick Golden Oak

SW 2824, Matte (walls) and Semi-Gloss (trim)

P P C P R O F E S S I O N A L PA I N T I N G C O N T R ACTO R

Quietude SW 6212, Satin (walls)

Cascades SW 7623, Satin (shutters) Taiga

Warm Winter

Dutch Tile Blue

Jalapeño

Grenadine

Forged Steel

Perfect Greige

Humorous Green

Deep Sea Dive

White Duck

Mountain Fig

Eminent Bronze

Mauve Finery

Hulett Ore

Cascades

Stolen Kiss

Lotus Petal

Bitter Chocolate

Little Blue Box

Steely Gray

Clove

SW 9605

Rookwood Medium Brown SW 2807

Secret Garden

Celery

Jadite

Agapanthus

Caviar

Red Barn

Icicle

Perfect Periwinkle

Reynard

Forward Fuchsia

Drift of Mist SW 9166

Roycroft Bronze Green SW 2846

Trinket

Honorable Blue SW 6811

Renwick Golden Oak SW 2824

Universal Khaki

Midnight

Real Red

Quietude

Yellow Bird

High Sierra

Mature Grape

Cordovan

SW 9654

SW 9565

SW 9690

SW 7586

SW 9066

SW 6348

SW 6212

SW 9506

SW 6073

SW 6412

SW 9697

SW 6990

SW 6842

SW 9022

SW 0031

SW 6918

SW 6282

SW 6013

SW 6181

SW 7591

SW 6150

SW 9588

SW 6629

SW 7618

SW 9574

SW 9044

SW 6421

SW 6238

SW 6264

SW 6286

SW 6592

SW 7010

SW 7623

SW 7664

SW 6459

SW 9065

SW 6685

SW 6868

SW 6027

See the 2027 Colormix® Continuity Colors on page 14 Beachcomber SW 9617

White Snow SW 9541

Salty Dog SW 9177

12 |

P P C P R O F E S S I O N A L PA I N T I N G C O N T R ACTO R

CELERY

Refresh and restore with this peaceful shade of green Supported by trend data and driven by design expertise, the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year is carefully

“Celery is one of those colors people immediately connect with,” says Ashley Banbury, Color

selected by the Sherwin-Williams Trendsight Teams

Marketing Manager of the Trendsight Team.

from its annual Colormix Trend Forecast, a curation of

“This calming shade works seamlessly across any

hues that predict tomorrow’s trends.

style to deliver a finished look that’s fresh and

The Color of the Year represents the cultural and

approachable.”

emotional shifts that are moving the world, as identified

She adds: “Celery’s organic character makes it a

and analyzed by the foremost thought leaders in color

color that feels real, grounding design in comfort

and design.

and connection.”

The 2027 Color of the Year, Celery SW 6421, is a soft, muted green with subtle yellow undertones –

Coordinating Palette

somewhere between a pastel and a natural herb tone.

In addition to the Color of the Year, there are nine

It was selected by the Trendsight Team to bring a

that allow Celery to shine as the central hue, while

snap of freshness to otherwise still and settled spaces – like stepping into a sunlit clearing where the mind calms, stories unfold, and a quiet sense of belonging naturally follows.

Putting it to work on your projects For the paint pro, that means you can introduce your customers to a color expertly chosen for its refreshing and restorative nature – a balanced shade of green that

coordinating colors and a stain color coordinate offering complementary tones that enhance its soft, natural character. Celery acts as the unifying element, bringing depth and vibrancy to the entire color scheme for a cohesive and inviting look. Discover our 2027 Color of the Year and get your free chip samples

brings a sense of calm to any space.

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COLOR OF THE YEAR Cocoon

SW 6173, Matte (walls)

COORDINATING PALETTE

In addition to the Color of the Year, there are nine coordinating colors and a stain color coordinate that allow Celery to shine as the central hue, while offering complementary tones that enhance its soft, natural character.

Celery SW 6421

Potentially Purple SW 6821

Artichoke SW 6179

Cocoon SW 6173

Cosmos

Georgian Bay

Kirsch Red

Plum Brown

SW 6528

SW 6509

SW 6313

SW 6272

White Flour SW 7102

Woven Wicker SW 9104

Pickled Oak MW 260 Coordinating Minwax® stain, available at Sherwin-Williams stores.

COLORMIX ® FORECAST

CONTINUITY COLORS

The 2027 Colormix® Trend Forecast includes 10 Continuity Colors. These enduring hues can be paired with the colors of the forecast to ground and refine any palette or project.

14 |

Cordovan SW 6027

Red Barn SW 7591

High Sierra SW 9588

White Duck SW 7010

Forged Steel SW 9565

Clove SW 9605

Roycroft Bronze Green SW 2846

Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031

Icicle SW 6238

Celery SW 6421

GET COLOR SAMPLES Try one of these three easy ways to get paint color samples for your customers:

Pick up 2˝ x 3˝ color chips at your local Sherwin-Williams store or order them for free online. They’re perfect for the customer who has a lot of color ideas for their space. You can get up to 10 color chips shipped to you free of charge.

Steely Gray

SW 7664, Matte (walls)

2 Peel & Stick 8˝ x 8˝ adhesive color samples

can be ordered in many colors. These messfree adhesive sheets come with free shipping.

3 Color to Go® paint samples are great for giving your customer an idea of how lighting and other elements will affect the color and feel of their room. Each sample comes in a quartsized container that holds enough paint for creating test swatches so final colors can be chosen with confidence. Order a sample of tinted paint to pick up in store. More info at samples.sherwin-williams.com

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7Sheen

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

Every Sherwin-Williams product has a gloss or sheen value. Some have both.

What’s the difference? Sheen is measured at an 85 degree angle, while gloss is measured at a 60 degree angle. The higher the number, the shinier the surface.

more durable and easier to clean – good for high-traffic rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms as well as trim, cabinets and doors. Most contractors traditionally

6 wouldn’t recommend a

3 Make sure to consider room traffic when selecting a paint sheen.

5 Higher-sheen paints are

A lower-sheen matte or flat finish is a good bet for bedrooms, living rooms and other lower-traffic areas. Because of its ability to hide imperfections, it’s also a great choice for textured walls and ceilings.

low-sheen finish for a room that needs frequent cleaning. However, some premium products like Emerald® and Duration Home® provide washability at all sheen levels.

7 Budget extra prep time when

applying coatings with medium to high sheen levels. This will help ensure that there are no visible brush strokes on the final product.

A PRO'S GUIDE TO

UNDERTONES Ever looked at a painted wall and felt like the color doesn’t look the same on the wall as it did on the color chip? You may be dealing with a color undertone issue. Here’s what you need to know:

• Undertones are the underlying hues that come from mixing different colors together, and they can affect how the final coating appears in different lighting or environments.

• Not every color has a detectable undertone. In fact, the more intense the color, the less you need to worry about undertones. Undertones are primarily found in whites, neutrals and grays, and they can affect the final look.

• Undertones can be hard to spot. You might only be able to notice an undertone if you’ve practiced and trained to do so. Don’t expect yourself to be able to immediately see an undertone just by glancing at a paint chip. • So how can you spot it? Comparison! The most effective way to find a color’s undertone is by comparing that color next to similar or complementary colors, in order to help reveal the undertone. • There are only five possible undertones for beiges: red, orange, yellow, green, and purplish-brown. • There are only four possible undertones for grays: green, blue-green, blue, and purplish-brown.

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P P C P R O F E S S I O N A L PA I N T I N G C O N T R ACTO R

• Unlike gray and beige, white can have undertones of almost any color – including gray and beige. For conversations with customers, it might be more helpful to talk about whites in terms of “warm” (red/orange/ yellow) and “cool” (green/blue/purple) undertones. • The lighting of a room can also affect how strongly a color’s undertones come through. Soft white lighting will usually emphasize warmer undertones, while daylight or cooler lighting will heighten cooler undertones. • As a rule, it’s best to match the undertone of the trim to the main color – not a secondary or accent color. • Stuck trying to figure out the right white for a project? On the back of any color chip, under complementary colors, the first one listed is usually the coordinating white. If the home already has white walls or trim, that’s the white to continue using in all rooms. Using the same white throughout the home helps tie the rooms together.

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P R O D U C T S & A P P L I C AT I O N

Brushes

THE NEXT GENERATION

Ask Your ProPartner™: New Purdy® Spirex™ is raising the bar for brush performance Manufacturers are constantly working to develop new products and application techniques to help contractors work faster and smarter. This year, one product is already making a big impact with paint pros: the introduction of the new Spirex™ brush line

Coverage is key

from Purdy.

paint pickup and release.

18 |

Purdy® Spirex™ brushes offer pros the next level of performance featuring a patent-pending formula powered by spiral filament technology. This is a unique design of spiral-wound nylon and polyester bristles that maximizes

P P C P R O F E S S I O N A L PA I N T I N G C O N T R ACTO R

The unique bristle blend holds an impressive amount of paint while gliding smoothly across the wall and releasing paint evenly for a professional finish. The medium-stiff Spirex brush delivers a superior smooth finish with 50 percent more coverage compared to the Purdy® XL® brush, when used with premium paints. The result is more efficient

For example, in his recent video review of the Spirex brush, Chris Berry (a.k.a. the Idaho Painter) called it “the future of cutting in.” “Perfect paint brush,” said another pro reviewing the brush on our website. “It paints smooth as could be, no bristles falling off, perfectly aligned, handle is perfect to hold.” Caleb Rock of Rock’s Painting also had high praise after testing the new Spirex brush. “After a full day with the 3-inch on a bedroom repaint, it’s one of my favorite brushes I’ve ever used: very soft, but with honestly the perfect stiffness – you can bend it into exactly the areas you want,” said the Johnson City, Tennessee contractor in a review on his website. “And the biggest selling point isn’t anything on the box: it cleans up in about a quarter of the time of a standard brush. If you clean brushes every working day, you’ll appreciate that.” Bottom line: These brushes are extremely versatile no matter the project, and are compatible with all paints and stains while providing advanced cleanability. coverage without compromising control

Where to find them We started selling the first Spirex brushes (Sprig and Glide versions) in Sherwin-Williams stores in March. An additional line of Spirex Dale brush options was added in August. The Sprig brush features a flat, straight-cut bristle edge built to hold a large volume of paint. They’re specifically designed for even paint distribution, smooth finishes and detailed trimming. The angled tips of the Glide brushes allow you to easily press the brush into corners, so they’re perfect for cutting in around ceilings, edging baseboards and painting window frames or door trim. The new Dale brushes also have an angled sash, but with a thinner handle and bristles that offers pinpoint control for more detailed work. The Spirex Dale is available in 1-, 1.5-, 2-, 2.5- and 3-inch brush sizes. Spirex Glide brushes come in 2- and 2.5-inch sizes, while the Sprig is a 3-inch brush. Your ProPartner™ is Dennis Fiorilli, Senior Director of Product Information & Excellence at Sherwin-Williams.

or a quality finish.

Better cut-in and cleanup Spirex brushes are is designed for cutting in straight lines with ease and precision. They’re versatile and compatible with all paints and stains and provide advanced cleanability. The improved cleanability and cutin performance are already winning converts on the job site, so you don’t

With Spirex, we rethought traditional brush filament design to help painters work faster without compromising the finish they’re known for. It’s a brush designed for the way painters work today – delivering professional results across a wide range of projects.” – Nick Lowe, Sr. Product Manager, Purdy

have to take my word for it.

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YOUR BUSINE SS

AI for Paint Pros How are contractors using this new technology? Is it something you should consider? The Commercial Painting Industry Association (CPIA) is one trade organization tracking the use of AI among its members. CPIA Executive Director Mike Stanley tells us what they’re seeing. As an association serving commercial painting contractors, we get

In the face of such overwhelming opportunity, change, and risk, I’ve been impressed with the thoughtful approach of many contractors. Instead of going in it alone while trying to implement AI to many things all at once, many of our members are taking advantage of their network –

this question a lot: How is AI transforming the painting industry?

talking, asking questions, and learning from one another as

From where we sit as the Commercial Painting Industry Association,

they plot their course forward.

the short answer is “it depends.”

In our peer groups, we find that the conversation finds

As with many tech innovations and products introduced to the

its way to AI nearly 100 percent of the time, whether it’s

industry in the past, some contractors are diving in, while others are

general questions about keeping up with changes or AI

cautiously experimenting, and many more are trying to determine

being a good solution to a problem brought to the table.

what’s worth their time.

We’ve found that while contractors have various levels of

The thing that differentiates AI from many previous tech introductions is that its applications are broader than single-focus technology that previously shook up the industry. For example, when estimating software first came to market, we might have asked the question: how is estimating software changing your estimating process? But with AI, the scope of potential impact on a business extends to everything from hiring, time tracking, and estimating to job tracking, contracts, and more.

experience, nearly all of them are using it to some extent. The thoughtful conversations and problem-solving in our Peer Group sessions inspired a series of articles exploring both the promise and pitfalls of AI. We’ve been working diligently to highlight cutting-edge use cases, success stories, and cautionary lessons for those ready to take the plunge or navigating implementation challenges. Here’s what we reported in recent issues: C O N T I N U E D O N N E X T PA G E

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M P R E V I O U S PA G E

These pieces are only the tip of the iceberg. In future issues, we’ll be looking at how contractors are using AI to train employees, define and manage KPIs, and so much more.

Overall takeaways Conversations with professionals who are already using AI, as well as those still considering adoption, revealed a few consistent lessons beyond the technology itself. Across the board, contractors stressed the importance of making deliberate choices, staying disciplined in how AI is used, and leaning on trusted peer networks to sort through the hype and identify what will truly add value.

Selection The market is exploding with AI tools. It’s difficult not to want to grab everything,

Estimating

but many contractors have realized that not every AI tool has a place in their

In our article “A View from the Frontier”

business. Evaluating and testing software is a critical part of the process, not only

(Commercial Painting Magazine, volume 6, issue

to choose the version of the tool that best fits your processes and business, but to

1), we spoke to several contractors who have

evaluate if the cost and time required to implement the tool will ultimately pay off.

implemented – or are amid implementing – AIassisted estimating software. The oft-cited benefits include reducing the time spent building estimates, allowing experienced estimators to focus on highervalue work, and faster training for newer estimators. While the benefits are vast, those past the implementation stage are also adamant about the importance of careful adoption. This includes taking time to understand your unique needs, involving estimating teams from the beginning, and evaluating platforms to determine what best fits your workflow.

Discipline Our members repeatedly emphasized that AI is an aid – not a shortcut. It’s important to plan time to train the software, validate recommendations, keep open communication with employees throughout decision-making and implementation, and remember that technology cannot replace your experience and judgment (and the experience and judgment of your team).

Peer support One of the biggest challenges contractors face when adopting AI is that many of their conversations happen with consultants, sales reps, and trainers. In those settings, you are often being guided by people who have a stake in your decision. That makes having a trusted peer network especially valuable. A no-pressure

Contract review

environment allows contractors to discuss challenges and opportunities openly

In our article, “Leveling the Playing Field”

with others who understand the realities of the industry.

(Commercial Painting Magazine, volume 6, issue 2), we dove into how members are using AI to give themselves a leg up in contract review. Many cited significant value in using AI to understand legal terms, find inconsistencies between proposals and contracts, flag terms that might not be contractorfriendly, and more. Not only does using AI lead to

This is especially important with AI, where the marketing is loud, and changes are happening quickly. No matter the topic at hand, having a community of contractors willing to share honest experiences, ask tough questions, and help one another avoid costly mistakes is always an advantage. But as this technology continues to evolve, the value of learning from people you trust becomes even greater.

less spend on legal reviews, but it also speeds up the

AI is already changing the way contractors do business, and I suspect we’ve only

entire review process and provides a better overall

scratched the surface. As this continues, the contractors most likely to succeed will

understanding of all the nuances contained in the contracts being signed.

be those who use their non-technology assets – experience, critical thinking and people – to guide their technology choices.

Each contractor noted that this is not a replacement for legal counsel or a thorough review, with one noting that the real risk of using AI for contract review is becoming too reliant on it.

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P P C P R O F E S S I O N A L PA I N T I N G C O N T R ACTO R

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Stanley is Executive Director of the CPIA. He also serves as Managing Director at Global Design Media.

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P P C P R O F E S S I O N A L PA I N T I N G C O N T R ACTO R

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Sherwin-Williams Learning Pathway Logo Key topics include: Logo • Recruiting and onboarding the right team for growth • Implementing sales plans and tracking key metrics • Improving jobsite performance and reducing callbacks • Maximizing customer reviews and referrals • Shifting from hands-on work to strategic business leadership Pros who complete the series will receive a certificate of completion. “It’s a great way to stand out and build credibility in the market,” says Torres. To get started, check out the Sherwin-Williams Learning Pathway web page on the Sherwin-Williams contractor website.

contractors will learn how to build a scalable team, improve sales and run jobsites that drive referrals and long-term growth.”

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