The Wood Care Podcast- Where Experts Talk Wood

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast, Caleb sits down with Richard Hochanedel, owner of Deck Revive and inventor of the Stain Paddle.

Rich brings over 28 years of experience in the wood care industry, starting in 1998 as a side hustle before eventually transitioning into a full-time business. Today, Deck Revive serves customers across Kansas, with a strong reputation built on repeat clients and referrals.

In this episode we discuss:

• Growing a staining business through referrals and repeat customers

Rich also shares his approach to customer education, why he prefers oil-based stains for long-term performance, and how proper process and communication lead to better results.

With decades of experience, Rich offers practical advice for contractors looking to build a long-term, sustainable business — including investing in quality equipment, staying committed through early challenges, and solving problems in the field.

🎙️ Brought to you by Stain & Seal Supply

Follow us on social:

#WoodCarePodcast

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations.

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast, Caleb sits down with Jeff Konopack of Deck Medic to talk about building a scalable deck care business.

Jeff began his career in exterior painting before transitioning into specialized deck restoration, where he quickly realized the importance of creating systems, processes, and data-driven decision-making to grow the business.

Over time, those systems helped transform the operation into a franchise model, allowing proven methods and processes to be shared with other operators.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Transitioning from general exterior painting to deck restoration

Jeff also shares why communication is the most important skill for contractors—whether it’s managing customer expectations or building trust with employees.

For Jeff, the goal isn’t just landing a single job, but building long-term clients who return for maintenance every few years.

He also encourages contractors to focus on building brand equity through five-star reviews, continuous education, and networking within the industry.

🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com

Follow us on social:

#WoodCarePodcast

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations.

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast, Caleb sits down with Ian Whitcomb, owner of Patriot Stain & Seal based in Oklahoma City.

Ian entered the fence staining industry in 2015 as a side hustle, purchasing a used stain trailer and working evenings and weekends while serving as a 22-year military veteran and airline pilot. With some local advertising in his first year, he generated over $100,000 in revenue while still working another career.

Today, the business has grown into a highly efficient operation generating between $450,000 and $675,000 annually.

In this episode we discuss:

• Building a staining business while working a full-time career

Ian also shares insights on business systems, CRM integration, job costing, and why contractors must know their numbers to stay profitable in a competitive market.

This episode is packed with practical insight for contractors looking to build a scalable wood care business while improving operations and efficiency.

🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com

Follow us on social:

#WoodCarePodcast

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations.

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast, Caleb sits down with Justen Coelho Meneses, a contractor with more than a decade of experience in the wood staining industry.

Justen shares the evolution of his company — originally launched as Making All Things New before rebranding to Omaha Deck and Fence Staining for 2026.

In this episode we discuss:

This episode is packed with insight for contractors looking to grow their business while navigating an increasingly competitive market.

🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com

Follow us on social:

#WoodCarePodcast

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations.

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

Contractor Interview: Will Wright – Integrity Exterior Cleaning

On this episode of The Wood Care Podcast — Where Experts Talk Wood — we sit down with Will Wright of Integrity Exterior Cleaning.

Will shares his journey in the exterior cleaning and wood care space, including how he built momentum in a competitive market and developed systems that support consistent growth. We dive into what it takes to build trust with customers, balance production with leadership, and create a business that operates beyond just daily labor.

This conversation covers:

• Building a reputation in exterior cleaning and wood care

This episode is about discipline, long-term thinking, and doing the work that most people avoid.

If you’re serious about building a sustainable service business in the wood care or exterior cleaning space, this conversation will challenge and sharpen you.

Watch the Full Video Version

See the full conversation on YouTube on the Stain & Seal Supply channel and on The Wood Care Podcast Facebook page.

Join the Conversation

Join our Facebook group, Stain & Seal University, to connect with other wood care professionals, share insights, and continue learning.

Become a Pro Partner

The Pro Partner Program is built for serious wood care professionals who want better margins, priority access, and direct expert support. It’s a working partnership designed to help you grow smarter and more profitably.

See if you qualify here:
https://stainandsealsupply.com/pages/become-a-pro-partner

Download the App

Download the Stain & Seal Experts iOS app for access to our stain calculator, virtual fan deck, product ordering, tools, social channels, and podcast access — all in one place.

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast(previously known as the Stain & Seal Experts' Podcast), we sit down with Chris Olsen of Madison Stain & Seal.

Chris shares how he started his staining business about five years ago after realizing a traditional education path wasn’t for him. At just 27 years old, Chris took an unconventional route into business — beginning with videography, photography, and storytelling, including wedding videography, which he often did for free early on to build his portfolio and experience.

This episode is about transitioning career paths, learning in the first year, and building momentum in your local market.

🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com

The Pro Partner Program is built for serious wood care professionals who want better margins, priority access, and direct expert support. It’s not a club — it’s a working partnership designed to help you grow smarter and more profitably. Think you’re a fit? See if you qualify here: https://stainandsealsupply.com/pages/become-a-pro-partner

Follow us on social:

#WoodCarePodcast

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations.

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

On this episode of the Wood Care Podcast(previously known as the Stain & Seal Experts' Podcast), we sit down with Darren Pollen of 1st Place Finishing!

Darren shares his journey in the wood finishing industry, from spotting the opportunity in staining fences and decks to building a business that keeps jobs rolling. We talk about building your brand, earning trust, and finding the balance between working in the field and running the business behind the scenes.

This episode is about growth, consistency, and doing the work it takes to move forward.

🎙️ Brought to you by StainAndSealSupply.com

Follow us on social:

#WoodCarePodcast

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and experiences shared in this series are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Supply, or the Wood Care Podcast. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always evaluate methods, products, and strategies based on your own business needs and local regulations.

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

We’re kicking off the end of the year with two big announcements for wood care contractors.

1. Stain & Seal University is back — March 4–5. This year is the biggest one we’ve ever done. We’ve outgrown our past venues, and we’re taking it to the next level with a true expo-style event: vendors, exhibitors, demos, and hands-on training classes covering fence install, fence staining, deck staining, wood restoration, and a strong focus on pre-staining. If you want to get your team trained up and start the 2026 season with momentum, this is the event.

2. Contractor Interview Series is here. This winter, I’m sitting down with 100 contractors to talk through the real lessons from the 2025 season—wins, losses, what changed, what worked, and what didn’t—so we can compile the data and share it with the industry. No scripts, no fluff—just real conversations with people in the field.

Learn more about Stain & Seal University (attendee, exhibitor, and sponsor info): staininguniversity.com
Sign up for the Contractor Interview Series: stainandsealsupply.com/contractor-interviews

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

In this episode, Caleb Roth shares what's coming next for the wood care community — including the return of Staining University, happening March 4–5 in Lebanon, TN, and the launch of our biggest content project ever: the Contractor Interview Series.

This winter, we’re interviewing 100 wood care contractors from across the country — fence guys, deck pros, log home specialists, and pre-stain shop owners — to capture the real stories and lessons from the 2025 season. No scripts, no sales pitches. Just honest conversations that help every contractor in our industry get better.

We’ll cover what the series is about, why you should join, and how to sign up.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

An overview of Staining University and what to expect this year

Why we’re launching a nationwide Contractor Interview Series

How these interviews will help elevate the entire wood care industry

How to get featured on the Stain & Seal Experts Podcast, YouTube, and social channels

Details on what to expect during your interview

How to prepare and where to reserve your spot

If you're a fence, deck, wood restoration, or log & timber professional, this is your chance to share your story — and help move the entire industry forward.

Want to be interviewed?
Sign up here: https://stainandsealsupply.com/pages/contractor-interviews

If you'd like, I can also write:
✅ A short intro script you read at the start of the episode
✅ A longer YouTube description
✅ A social media promo post for announcing this episode
Just let me know.

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.

Stain & Seal Experts Podcast - Founders 10 Franchise Launch
Episode Overview
Caleb Roth announces the launch of the Stain & Seal Experts Franchise Partner Program, opening 10 founding territories for December 1st onboarding. This episode breaks down the complete franchise opportunity, benefits, and what makes this the perfect time to join The Family.
Key Topics Covered
Caleb's Origin Story

Started staining business in 2012 looking for control of his future
Evolution from fencing → deck staining → log homes → all outdoor wood
Built educational content, podcast, and Staining University events

Franchise Program Launch

Introducing Stain & Seal Experts Franchise Partner Program
10 territories opening for December 1st onboarding
Off-season preparation for 2026 launch

The Founders 10 Benefits

Keep your current brand, add Stain & Seal Experts
On-site launch with Caleb and team
First 90 days of advertising campaigns built for you
Additional 50,000 households added to territory
Free $4,000 EXPERT Paint & Stain Machine

Target Audience

Existing staining/wood care businesses wanting to scale
Entrepreneurs looking for new mission and control of their future
Anyone who wants to grow without shutting down mid-season

Complete Package Details

Dual-brand through 2025, clean rebrand January 2026
Keep phone number, reviews, and website (redirects to new site)
On-site launch week with Caleb and team
90-day priority support + dedicated coach
Complete advertising setup with copy, creative, and tracking

System Proof & Training

Indoor staining capability removes seasonality
Hundreds of 5-star reviews proving system works
Complete ad templates and marketing materials
Online learning management system
117-page operations manual covering:

Industry background and culture installation
Mission, vision, core values
Leadership principles
Uniform and safety guidelines
Complete service and equipment guides

Key Takeaways

No Brand Disruption: Keep your current brand through peak season 2025, add Stain & Seal Experts branding, then clean rebrand during off-season.
Complete Support System: On-site launch, 90-day priority support, dedicated coaching, and corporate-built advertising campaigns.
Proven Model: Hundreds of 5-star reviews and established systems that work.
Seasonality Solution: Indoor staining capability with EXPERT machine removes weather limitations.
Limited Opportunity: Only 10 founding territories available with enhanced benefits.

Action Items

Book franchise consultation call (link in description)
Review 117-page operations manual preview
Consider territory options for your market
Evaluate dual-branding strategy for your existing business

Resources Mentioned

Stain & Seal Experts Franchise Consultation
117-Page Operations Manual
Online Learning Management System
EXPERT Paint & Stain Machine ($4,000 value)
Staining University Events

Contact Information
Book your franchise consult call with Caleb Roth
https://clienthub.getjobber.com/client_hubs/aec6a09e-f829-4beb-8646-1186e1a956f4/public/work_request/new?source=social_media

Spots Remaining: 10

This episode is for existing wood care professionals and entrepreneurs looking to take control of their future in the growing outdoor wood care industry.

This episode is brought to you by:

Stain & Seal Supply
Professional-grade stains, tools, and equipment for serious contractors.
StainandSealSupply.com

EXPERT Professional Wood Care
Advanced wood stains, cleaners, and protection systems trusted by contractors worldwide.
EXPERTWoodCare.com

Gopher Wood
Factory-finished and pre-stained lumber solutions for builders and wood care professionals.
GopherWood.us

If this episode brought value, leave a review and share it with another wood care professional.