CoatingsPro Interview Series

62Archer’s Eric Nenninger Finds Value in Coatings Education

Based near St. Louis, Mo., Eric Nenninger is a founding partner of 62Archer Inspection and Consulting and a member of CoatingsPro Magazine’s 2023 Editorial Advisory Group. In all, Nenninger has served the industrial coatings field for close to 20 years.

Having worked for application companies, paint manufacturers, and inspection firms, Nenninger has a broad knowledge of the industry. He is a NACE Level 3 coating inspector and a member of the Association of Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), and he was chairman of his local NACE chapter for many years.

As part of this “member profile” interview, Nenninger shares lessons learned after nearly two decades in the industry. Discussion topics include market trends over that time; ways in which Nenninger’s many certifications have boosted his transition into inspections; advice for the next generation of coatings professionals; and how associations such as AMPP, NACE International, and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings have helped his career.

What OSHA’s New PPE Rule Means for Contractors

The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recently proposed a new rule for the construction industry that explicitly requires properly fitted personal protective equipment (PPE). While OSHA currently requires construction employers to provide and maintain PPE, this would be the first time it instructs employers to provide PPE that actually fits each employee.

Joe Brandel, business development manager at helmet-based safety company Mips, joins our podcast to discuss the proposed OSHA ruling and the importance of safe PPE usage. During the episode, Brandel shares insight on why many traditional hard hats may be failing in common workplace accidents, and he outlines precautions and new technologies that can protect workers against traumatic brain injuries.

Using Graphene and Nanomaterials in the Coatings Market

Alexandre Correa, CEO of Gerdau Graphene, shares his perspective on the past, present, and future of nanomaterials and graphene in the coatings market. Topics include possible improvements in technical performance; overcoming challenges such as scale; potential changes for applicators; and future priorities for the company.

DeFelsko’s Michael Beamish Focused on Innovation, Sustainability

DeFelsko Corp., a leading U.S. manufacturer of coating thickness gages and inspection instruments, is a multi-generational, family-owned company that has supplied simple, durable, and accurate instruments to the global coatings industry since 1965.

Since 2019, Michael Beamish has served as vice president and general manager of the equipment provider. He has degrees in mechanical engineering and law with experience in the design, production, and marketing of these instruments in a variety of international industries, including industrial painting, quality inspection, and manufacturing.

In July 2023, Beamish began serving on the Board of Directors for the AMPP Global Center. He is also a member of the Editorial Advisory Group (EAG) at CoatingsPro Magazine, a member magazine of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).

As part of this “member profile” interview, Beamish shares some important lessons learned after spending nearly a decade in leadership positions within the industry. Discussion topics include market trends over that time; why innovation and sustainability are among the industry’s biggest challenges; advice for the next generation of coatings professionals; and how associations like AMPP, NACE International, and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings have helped both his individual career and DeFelsko as a company.

PPG’s Katie Chrobak Drives Digital Adoption in Coatings

Katie Chrobak, associate director of digital adoption for PPG’s architectural coatings business, explains our industry’s challenge of building appropriate digital solutions, tools, and platforms while simultaneously helping painters and professionals adopt those technologies. With a new PPG Paints app, the paints and coatings manufacturer is hoping to address those evolving user preferences.

Meet New AMPP CEO Alan Thomas

As of April 2023, Alan Thomas is now CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), replacing Bob Chalker.

In this chat with Ben DuBose, AMPP’s News Editor, Thomas discusses his past career experience in coatings and the process leading to his appointment. Other topics include insight on his initial priorities as CEO; key takeaways from the recent AMPP Annual Conference + Expo; background on his leadership style and personality; and much more.

Contractor Awards Profile: Ryan Amato of Amato Painting

Ryan Amato, owner of Amato Painting and Lehigh Valley Epoxy Floors in Easton, Pa., chats with CoatingsPro Magazine after his company’s third-place win in the 2023 CoatingsPro Contractor Awards. Topics include lessons learned from that job and keys to success, along with insight on industry trends , feedback from the field, and workforce development strategies.

Amato also shares his company’s innovative approach to marketing and social media, which dovetails with their emphasis on diligent and detailed communication with clients, vendors, and beyond.

For more information, contact: Amato Painting, (484) 821-7112, www.ryanamatopainting.com

Member Profile: GPI’s Charles Brown

Charles (Charlie) Brown, deputy director of coatings at Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., joins CoatingsPro Magazine’s “member profile” series with reflections on nearly 40 years in the industry. Topics include the evolution of coatings and market trends over that time; Brown’s advice for the next generation; and how associations such as AMPP, NACE International, and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings have bolstered his career.

PPG’s John Salvadore on Coatings Development Trends

John Salvadore, director of portfolio management at paints and coatings manufacturer PPG, joins the CoatingsPro Interview Series to discuss trends from the marketplace.

Topics discussed on this episode include the increasingly multi-functional nature of coatings and their technical properties; how manufacturers are developing new products to comply with sustainability standards; ways that suppliers and applicators can work together; and feedback from users in the field.

For more information, contact: PPG, (800) 441-9695, www.ppgpaints.com

Sonny Arwood on Challenges and Opportunities in Roof Coatings

Sonny Arwood, president and CEO of Ohio-based Fluid Applied Roofing, chats with CoatingsPro Magazine regarding key trends and market insights involving the roof coatings industry. With experience working as a contractor, manufacturer, and in growing his own business, Arwood shares a number of lessons learned from his distinguished career.