CoatingsPro Interview Series

BlastOne Turns to Innovation to Boost Project Efficiency

Matthew Rowland, CEO of BlastOne International, spoke with AMPP Media in an exclusive interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in Houston. Topics include the company’s consistent focus on corrosion management and innovation, including a new Performance 3 awards program to recognize improvements in project efficiency.

Looking ahead, Rowland is already working on ambitious plans to accompany AMPP’s 2027 flagship show, which takes place next April in BlastOne’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

Amrize Building Envelope Targets Better Contractor Efficiency

Kevin Page, vice president of commercial for Amrize Building Envelope, discusses the group’s focus on construction chemicals — including adhesives, sealants, coatings, and spray foam insulation. As a spinoff from Holcim in 2025, Amrize emphasizes innovation, product support, and digital tools to better enhance contractor efficiency.

Key market segments for the company are cold storage, data centers, and commercial repair, driven by performance needs and durability, while challenges include labor shortages and complex project specifications. Amrize addresses these through digital tools, training, and systems designed for efficiency. The company aims to balance short-term and long-term costs, offering a broad portfolio of solutions to meet diverse customer needs.

Protective Coatings Solutions for the Energy Sector

Travis Crotwell, oil and gas segment director at PPG Protective & Marine Coatings, shares his outlook on tank linings and extended inspection intervals.

In this exclusive interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Crotwell explores how newer lining technologies are helping operators reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency. Discussion topics include the latest innovations in tank linings; why inspection intervals are so important for tank owners and operators; and key requirements under API 652.

Efficient Abrasive Blasting for the Coatings Industry

Brandon Acker, president of Titan Abrasive Systems, discusses the importance of efficient abrasive blasting in the coatings industry. Topics include hidden costs in the process; the need for proper surface preparation to avoid coating failures; the importance of using the correct media and maintaining equipment; and the significance of operator training, standardized processes, and performance metrics to improve productivity and safety.

PPG’s Ryan Hunn on Bridge Deck Waterproofing and Beyond

Ryan Hunn, business development manager for bridge preservation at PPG Protective & Marine Coatings, addressed the latest developments in bridge deck waterproofing as part of our interview at the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo.

In his role, Hunn works closely with transportation agencies, rail owners, and certified applicators across North America, all with a mission of supporting bridge projects that help keep critical infrastructure in service longer. 

‘Coatings Changed My Life’: Johnny M. Sanchez Takes Flight

Known as the “non-skid guy,” Johnny M. Sanchez is the president and owner of Prime Time Coatings, Inc. (PTC). In this exclusive interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Sanchez reflects on his distinguished career and the latest in industry trends, and he also shares insight and perspective for the next generation of the workforce.

Two Coats: The Future of Steel Protection?

In today’s construction environments — where schedules are tighter, labor is limited, and budgets face constant pressure — efficiency is everything. That’s why many fabricators, engineers, and asset owners are exploring two-coat systems for structural steel, rather than the traditional three coats.

In this sponsored episode, Sherwin-Williams’ Greg Hansen and Brian Hlinak explain how modern two-coat systems can improve shop throughput while still preserving long-term corrosion protection and appearance. These coating systems, which are backed by industry-validated testing, include the Zinc Clad 4100 primer and Sher-Loxane 800 polysiloxane finish coat from Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine.

Sutter Roofing Leader Shares Keys to Award-Winning Success

Michael Black is vice president of service and maintenance at Florida-based Sutter Roofing.

In this recent interview from the sidelines of the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo — where Sutter won first place in the “Commercial Roof” category of CoatingsPro Magazine’s 2026 Contractor Awards — Black shares some the company’s keys to success and its outlook for the future. 

Discussion topics include Sutter’s unique and award-winning project at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Fla., as well as Black’s perspective on maintaining and developing the workforce that is needed to complete these projects.

Editor’s note: Additional insights from Black will be featured in the “Industry PROFile” section of CoatingsPro’s May 2026 print issue, so stay tuned for that!

CoatingsPro Welcomes Terry Greenfield as Technical Editor

D. Terry Greenfield, principal consultant at CONSULEX, is the new Technical Editor of CoatingsPro Magazine! He’s also a past chairman of AMPP and past president of NACE International, as well as AMPP’s accredited representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In this on-site interview, Lisa Sciortino — Managing Editor of CoatingsPro — catches up with Greenfield on the sidelines of the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo. Topics include his new role with the magazine; highlights from the conference; industry trends and insights; and more.

2026 World of Concrete: Husqvarna, Polyglass USA Interviews

Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Media, interviewed a wide range of industry leaders as part of CoatingsPro’s exclusive coverage of January and February 2026 trade shows. That on-site coverage, which is available on our website and social media pages, included the 2026 World of Concrete (WOC); International Roofing Expo (IRE); and AMPP’s inaugural Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum.

From WOC’s outdoor Exhibit Hall in Las Vegas, this mini-episode features booth interviews with leadership figures from Husqvarna Construction Products and Polyglass USA. Each interview can also be viewed in video form (complete with additional site footage) at the links below.

Husqvarna video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1400288348508585 

Polyglass video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3186983931467675