CoatingsPro Interview Series

The AMPP Central Conference takes place from September 28-30, 2026, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with a focus on practical corrosion mitigation and industrial coating solutions to address challenges related to large-footprint assets and difficult access.

In this roundtable conversation, General Corrosion Corporation’s Rachel Devereaux — co-chair of the conference — joins AMPP’s Greg Muha and Tiffany Krevics. As part of an event preview, they share insight on its robust technical program, exhibit hall, and exclusive networking opportunities.

In a 2026 AMPP Ambassadors panel interview, Henkel’s Brian Cheshire (United States) and PPG’s Mani Karuppiah (United Arab Emirates) share practical lessons on coating performance, failure analysis, inspections, and field experience.

As part of AMPP’s fifth anniversary “Then and Now” thought leadership series, Cheshire and Karuppiah explain how recent developments in these critical areas are driving improvements in long-term asset protection.

Editor’s note: Earlier episodes of the series can be listened to here.

In a sponsored episode, NLB Corp.’s Denny Glandon (chief financial officer) and Jim Van Dam (vice president of customer experience) join AMPP Media to share the unique advantages of NLB’s FLX System. The FLX combines surface preparation capabilities with on-board water and vacuum recovery, providing contractors with unlimited growth and profit savings while using a single driver and operator.

Engineered with the coating contractor in mind, the FLX was designed to expand services, increase efficiency, and maximize equipment investment. 

Tim Fisher and Brendan Demler, co-presidents of Canadian Industries Limited (CIL), join the CoatingsPro Interview Series to dissect many of the recent changes within their business and the broader industry. Discussion topics include product launches, store openings, and research and innovation trends in Canada, as well as other items on the horizon for the Canadian paints and coatings market.

In this interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Pam Nicoletti — president of the Master Painters Institute (MPI), an AMPP subsidiary — shares updates on MPI’s expansion into industrial testing and its recognition (MPI Champion Awards) of paint manufacturers and specialists. Future priorities for the organization include the development of additional industrial standards; promoting QP 9 accreditation for commercial contractors; and opportunities to expand globally.

For additional information, check out MPI’s recent feature on the nationally syndicated This Old House Radio Hour.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.