In this episode , I'm joined by Mike Jones of Panelling Perfect. I first met Mike on one of my courses around 18 months ago. Something I admire about Mike is his ability to keep things simple, practical - and, importantly, enjoyable.We’ll be talking about how he got started in the painting and decorating industry, what drives him, how Panelling Perfect came to be and why he’s passionate about helping others learn new skills and gain confidence in taking on their own projects.Whether you’re a decorator, a DIY enthusiast, or simply enjoy hearing real stories from people in the trade, don't miss this.Real, raw and relatable stories.The struggles.The wins.And as always, the craic. #paintinganddecorating #behindthebrush #decoratorlife #realrawrelatable

This week I'm joined by Simon Medlin of Medlin with Paint.

For years I've admired Simon's work and the standards he brings to our trade. Known worldwide for his specialist wallcovering installations, Simon has built a reputation that many aspire to achieve.

In this episode, we discuss his journey into wallpapering, working with some of the most prestigious wallcovering manufacturers in the world, the pressures of hanging hand-painted papers worth thousands of pounds, and why standards, preparation, and professionalism still matter.

We also talk about self-doubt, confidence, business, saying no, dealing with difficult situations, and the lessons Simon has learned throughout his career.

Whether you're a decorator, wallpaper installer, business owner, or simply someone who appreciates true craftsmanship, there's plenty of value in this conversation.

Enjoy the episode.

#BehindTheBrush

Behind The Brush Episode 16 with John MacFarland

90 Staff, 8 Figures, Systems, Leadership & wee fire big fire.

This week on Behind The Brush, I sit down with John MacFarland of MacFarland Painting.

John leads a company with around 90 team members and has built one of the largest residential repaint businesses around but what stood out most wasn’t the numbers.

It was the mindset.

We discuss:

• Big fire vs wee fire
• Leadership and extreme ownership
• Good hires, bad hires and building culture
• Why systems matter more than talent
• Building great companies instead of simply becoming great painters
• Ego, mistakes, growth and ownership
• How to build something bigger than yourself

Raw, Real, Relatable

🎙 Behind The Brush Podcast

Behind the Brush Episode 15 with Nick Slavik

A real conversation about business, pressure, growth and what it actually takes to build something meaningful.We discuss rebuilding after failure, systems, company culture, industry training, leadership, why decorators can feel stuck and how community and mentorship can completely change your trajectory.We talk about everything from rebuilding when your team leaves, why scaling is really management, recruiting properly, why perfection can sometimes hold you back and why nobody is coming to save you.

Real,Raw, Relatable

No guest this week on Behind the Brush- just a real, raw conversation.In this episode, I opened up about the last few weeks navigating pressure, opportunities, business growth, mindset, burnout, protecting peace, and trying to build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process.

We discussed the reality of running a decorating business, saying no to jobs, pricing, profit vs turnover, helping others in the trade, Paint It Forward, and the next generation of decorators coming through the Academy.

Real Raw Relatable

see you on the next one.

Behind the Brush – Episode 13 | Kevin Haughey | Kevin Haughey Kitchen Painting

This week on Behind the Brush, I sit down with Kevin Haughey from Kevin Haughey Kitchen Painting for a real conversation about business, pressure, growth, consistency, and finding a simpler way of working.

Kevin shares his full journey- growing up around the painting trade, moving to Boston and building a painting business from scratch, before eventually returning home to Ireland to start all over again.We dive into his time working with Colourtrend, where he helped grow the company while managing large teams, major operations, and millions in turnover. Kevin opens up about what that experience taught him about leadership, systems, standards, marketing, and how it shaped the way he runs his own business today.

We also discuss why he stepped away from the stress and pressure of large-scale operations to focus on a more controlled, purpose-driven business through kitchen refinishing. Over the last seven years, Kevin has completed more than 550 kitchens, building an incredible reputation through consistency, simplicity, and quality workmanship.

A brilliant episode packed with experience, honesty, and valuable insight for decorators, business owners, and anyone trying to build a life and business on their own terms.

Real-Raw-Relatable

Hope you Enjoy the Episode.

Episode 12 of Behind the Brush with Marco Santos.

We discuss operating a decorating business in Northern Ireland, managing teams, pricing and rates, the challenges of scaling, and the reality of trying to move from working in the business to working on it.

Marco opens up about his goals of getting off the tools more, delegating responsibilities, building systems, and freeing up time by having things like bills of quantities and pricing handled by a freelance QS. We also talk about Decorators Forum Northern Ireland- and why he created it. why building community is important and helping others- including Paint it Forward. we talk about business pressures, future goals, and the importance of building something bigger than just a job.

A real, honest episode with plenty of laughs, good craic, and valuable conversation for anyone in the trade or running a business.

In this episode of Behind the Brush, I sit down with Brian-better known to many as Uncle Brian- for a real, honest conversation about life in and beyond the trade.

We dive into Brian’s journey from being behind the brush, running a painting business day in and day out, to stepping into the world of creating products and building something meaningful . He shares the highs, the setbacks, and what it really takes to make that leap.

We also get into the deeper side of things- alcohol, sobriety, and the impact it has on your mindset, your business, and your life. We talk about the lifestyle that comes with constantly travelling, building a personal brand, and trying to stay grounded while doing it.

There’s a lot in this one-from marketing and community building, to the bigger picture behind initiatives like Paint It Forward, and why giving back matters more than ever.

A raw, open conversation about growth, pressure, purpose, and figuring it out as you go.

Real. Raw. Relatable.

Episode 10 – Sean Nolan: Barefoot for a Cause

In this episode of Behind the Brush, I sit down with Sean Nolan — the man behind the Irish Paint Fam — for a real, honest conversation that goes far beyond painting.

Sean opens up about his upcoming barefoot hike for autism, why he’s doing it, and what it means to him on a deeper level.

We get into some heavy stuff too.
I share one of the hardest moments of my life, receiving devastating news from the hospital with Danielle and how that changed everything.

This episode is about more than the trade. It’s about life.

We talk about:

• Building a community that actually matters (Irish Paint Fam)
• How a simple WhatsApp group can pull someone out of loneliness
• Why “work-life balance” is a bullshit and being fully present is what counts
• The regret of going back to work too soon after my daughter was born
• Spotting red flags in business and setting proper terms & conditions
• Running a business with dyslexia , and not letting it hold you back

And of course, we talk about Sid. Sean’s mascot and the story behind it.

Real, Raw, and Relatable. No filters. No fluff. Just two lads talking life, business, struggles, and purpose.

🎙️ Behind The Brush – Episode 9 with Christian Manhard (Moose Painting)

In this episode, I sit down with Christian Manhard from Moose Painting—someone I first met at the Nick Slavik Retreat and later learned from firsthand about 2k /waterbased coatings at his Moose Method class in New Hampshire.

Christian shares his journey from running a general painting business to niching down into kitchen refinishing—and how that decision completely transformed his brand, his workflow, and his profitability.

We get into the reality behind building a niche business, the risks involved in stepping away from “normal” painting work, and what it actually takes to stand out in a competitive market. He talks about backing yourself every time.

This is a real, raw conversation about growth, taking chances, and backing yourself when you decide to go all in on something different.

If you’ve ever thought about specialising, levelling up your skills, or building a brand that separates you from the rest—this one’s for you.