Surface Gel Tek

Tamryn Doolan of Surface Gel Tek in Mesa Arizona will be hosting an advanced Graphics workshop with Bob Harris of Decorative Concrete Institute. The dates are September 9-11.

The workshop will feature not just graphics but “Flattoos” a specialty type of graphic system developed by Tamryn owner of Surface Gel Tek. In the workshop you will have the opportunity to learn some of the newest cutting edge methods that are guaranteed to “WOW” your clients. The unique results of the Flattoo System really get people talking. Extraordinary results are one of the best ways to brand your business and develop high quality word of mouth business, the most rewarding kind!

The 3 day class is $850.00 and filling fast. Workshop size is intentionally kept small allowing for hands on personalized instruction. Not only will you learn the processes but design ideas, what is in demand and how to develop a customized plan with your clients.

Developing artistic skills with the Flattoo System will open up doors and put your business in orbit.  The Flattoo System is a unique value added process. It will brand you as not only an applicator but a consultant helping image conscious clients. Decorative concrete with graphic design is a form of advertising and promotion. That puts you in a unique relationship building situation again leading to word of mouth business.

Give Tamryn a call to reserve your place.   1-888-872-7759   or click the link Surface Gel Tek

Contractors Education

I received a call today from Tamryn Doolan owner of Surface Gel Tek (specializing in concrete graphics called Flattoos) regarding how the Contractors Education Guide applied to her manufacturing business increased revenue 45% during the past 12 months.

How about that. A success story in a disastrous market.

The Contractors Education Guide to Profits in Niche Markets applies to manufacturers, contractors and basically every business. The basic idea is to be highly specialized and don’t deviate from your target market.

Specialization accomplishes many things.

1. Specialization enables you to become excellent at what you do.
2. When you get good at one thing you are the professional. You have branded your business or at least started to.
3. Specialization enables you to know the economics of your business. You learn where the profits are. You learn to be efficient and continue to improve.
4. Specialization keeps you focused on your target market. Lack of a target market means you are not in control, you deviate easily and dilute your efforts. Your skills are dimininshed without a target.
5. Word Of Mouth marketing is the best marketing for any business. All the great websites, blogs, newsletters are meaningless unless you have a business worthy of Word Of Mouth marketing.
6. Specialization teaches that large markets are less profitable than small targeted markets. Relationships with people are critical to developing a pipeline of business. If you try and tackle a market that is too big people forget who you are no matter how good you are.
7. The internet has taught us the value of specialized niche businesses. Consumers do not look for generalists. When searching online consumers are searching with very detailed relevant keywords. If you specialize and use those keywords properly you will be found. The more detailed and relevant the keyword phrase the more valuable the consumer.  Specialists get targeted educated clients. That means sales go better and customers are happy.
8. The Contractors Guide teaches that when you specialize you know how to manage your inventory, your employees and your money. It’s a heck of a lot easier to deal with your accountant when you know your expenses.

Tamryn and I have been working on this for the past year. It’s also of critical importance to have passion for what you do. Tamryn would not have been able to stay focused without absolute commitment and belief in her business.

I think it’s very important to be aware that no matter what your business if you deviate and bounce around it’s because you don’t believe and have passion for what you do.  If you find yourself losing focus, if you don’t have a target market, it’s time to step back and anayze what you are doing. No matter who you are you will succeed like Tamryn if you are doing what you love and have passion for.

That is what I say right in the beginning of The Contractors Guide. If you don’t study it thoroughly and have difficulty reading through The Guide you will know you are not doing what you want. That’s a huge step in the right direction.

The Contractors Guide is is very different from any book you will read. It’s the ultimate contractors education, more of a roll up your sleeeves and let’s get serious workbook.

Central Floridas' Decorative Concrete Success Story

Central Florida Decorative Concrete Success Story is an  Engrave A Crete artisan based in Orlando. The business was started by Wolfgang Herzog owner of Etched In Stone Designs, LLC.

Wolfgang has many business and technical skills that resulted in being Central Florida decorative concrete success story. What impresses me is how Wolfgang has untilized the resources of Engrave A Crete, Concrete Network and other marketing tools to help him build his business. Clearly in this economic recession strategic alliances and specialization in a product and geographic territory is a prudent business practice. In reality it’s the only way to prosper long term in any market.

Wolfgany has done an outstanding job defining a lucrative niche business and running it like a professional. That’s why Wolfgang Herzogs’ Etched In Stone Designs is Central Florida Decorative Concrete Success story.

For those interested in the Engrave A Crete system here are the next training workshops.

• February 25-27 – Florida location
• March 25 -27 Missouri location
• April 8-10 Florida location
• April 22-24 Missouri location

Decorative Arts Show

For those who didn’t attend the Decorative Arts Show in Atlantic City it was excellent. Well run by Tamara Taylor and her team with a well rounded mix of exhibitors. I spent 2 days visiting every booth and learning as much as I could about the products. If you are planning to attend the next Decorative Arts Show here is what you can expect.

Divino Wall Finishes

I met a lot of the visitors. I was curious to know who they were and what they picked up at the show. Many visitors liked the educational classes and trying some of the products. My only comment is that I didn’t meet any designers or architects. Since they’re the ones spec-ing the products I think it would be valuable to have them there learning and networking with the artists and vendors.

Haken Wear – Hakan Engstrom from Sweeden introduced his line of highly functional painters pants at the Decorative Arts Show. Great idea! Hakans’ pants have knee pads built in and lots of pockets in the right places. His dog ear pockets are like a tool belt but better. The right pants will help artists create better projects since all tools are right there. They were popular. Quite a few told me they purchased a pare or two. Hakan can be reached at www.hakanwear.com

Buon Fresco www.bfresco.com – I met Victoria Bingham but not her partner Andre Kouznetsov. They specialize in Fine Decorative Painting and Wall Art. They run the Acdemy of Wall Artistry at their Alexandria Virginia Studio.

Both Andre and Victoria are gifted artists starting at a young age. It’s worth spending some time on their web site. Great work and interesting backgrounds. Andre studying at Institute of Fine Art St Petersburg Russia and Victoria at Syracuse University then enrolling in the military and at one time driving a NYC taxi.

They had a very popular booth. Every time I went over for a visit it was busy. Fortunately I was able to meet and speak with Victoria while they were setting up their Decorative Arts Show booth.

Auracos www.aurastone.com run by David and Jason have a unique product line. They came up from Bonita Springs Florida showcasing their wall finish samples and marblized tables. All the results were from the same products that David designed and now manufactures.

David mentioned that not only will students learn the application techniques but how to market and get business and make money. This was a refreshing approach. I’m a big believer in the business side of application. If artists, fabricators and contractors don’t learn the business side of their craft they will never be able to achieve their capabilities. David and Jason teach how to go far with thier products. This was their first Decorative Arts Show.

Surface Gel Tek www.surfacegeltek.com – Tamryn who runs Surface Gel Tek came all the way from Mesa Arizona for the Decorative Arts Show. Tamryns business is a stencil system referred to as Flattoos with a gelled acid and gel called Stain Mule for coloring concrete. Tamryn had numerous 1 hour hands on classes. Very well attended. At one pont she had 15 people at a class with another 10 watching. Tamryn runs classes in Mesa Arizona teaching artistry on concrete. The Flattoos are being used at the new Yankee Stadium in New York. Flattoos can be custom made in virtually any size. Just send your image via e-mail and dimensions. I’ve ordered from Tamryn in the past with a one day turnaround.

Vertical Artisans www.verticalartisans.com – Nathan Giffin came out from Chicgo for the Decorative Arts Show. Nathan has created a unique business carving concrete into authentic hardscapes. Nathan creates interior and exterior stone finishes that are custom carved. In the past year Nathans Verical Artisans has become an online school with annual membership.

The online school has over 70 tutorial videos. His membership is attracting people from all over the world who are signing up and learning the trade online. Nathan continually develop new videos and with his network of artisans is creating new ones constantly. The Vertical Artisans forum recently launched has created a social network for idea exchange. Nathan and Wayne Sellon from Flex-C-ment did a few demonstrations. Apparently he received a few new memebers already from the Decorative Arts Show.

Flex-C-Ment www.flex-c-ment.com – Gregg Hensley and Wayne Sellon were introducing their vertical concrete mix at the Decorative Arts Show. Their mix is applied vertically and can be stamped or carved. Vertical concrete stamping and carving opens up a wide range of new design ideas when put in the hands of decorative artists.

USG Devino www.usgdevino.com has put together an excellent video showing application of their plasters. You can contact Mark Joseph to learn more but watch the video in the Divino post and review their web site first.

Jean Sable www.jean-sable.com came to the Decorative Arts Show from Versailles. His work is beautiful. He tells me that hist craft is learnable at his training school. Jean Sable comes to the United States 3-4 times each year offering workshops to learn how to create Mural Art Scenes. I spoke with Karina Mishechko at the show who was one of Jean Sables students. Karina learned the craft after moving from Russia to New York City area with no experience. Karina gave the thumbs up! Yes, she said, you too can learn. Contact Jean Sable by e-mail at jean-sable@orange.se

Gothcha Covered www.igotchacovered.com run by Tish Inman is based in Virginia. Tish has completed many projects in Virginia and Washington D.C. but has traveled worldwide to complete projects. Tish’s decorative artistry includes Trump L’oeil, Faux Finishes, Murals, Murals on Canvas and a buch more skills. Tish likes to hide things in her work like faces. I thought Tish taught as well but can’t remember. Tish can you send me an e-mail at tips@metrocrete.com and let me know and I’ll update. Thanks.

Stoney Brook Wallcoverings www.stoneybrookpaper.com – I met Michael Conroy whose company hand makes beautiful wall coverings. Really nice. You can click on the link to go to their site or check it out at www.stoneybrookpaper.com

DuRock www.durock.com has an extensive line of decorative wall coverings. Marmarino, Venetian Plaster, Jewlstone, Indiana Limestone and about 20 more finishes. Brain Pfaff who handles training and sales gave me the video above demonstrating how to apply a few finishes. Click the link to their site. If you need to contact Brian search the contact us tab on their site.

Studio William Cochran www.WilliamCochran.com – Public Arts. William has a gift that I’m still trying to grasp. I don’t want to misrepresent what William does but if you are up for a treat visit the web site and spend some time reading about his projects, looking at the images and thinking. I spent almost 15 years in high end NYC real estate and always wondered who created these wonderful works on buildings. Now I know. Enjoy your visit. Hopefully we’ll all have a chance to see his works in person.

FauxEver Beautiful www.fauxeverbeautiful.com – Thats Diane Corso in the picture. They had their booth set up like a workshop and got lots of visitors. They are based in the Phiadelphia area, teach, sell products and have a long list of prestigious clients. They have a very informative website. Click the link and take a look.

Roman Architectural Finishes www.romanarchitecturalfinishes.com- Roman Architectural Finsishes has a “how to” video which you can find on this link. Ed Mattingly who you may have met at show is a veteran faux finisher and National Product Development Director. Ed can be reached by e-mail at ed_mattingly@romandec.com

Pathway Polymers www.pathwaypolymers.com for those at the Decorative Arts Show will remember the 2 1/2 foot high face pictured here. The face looks like carved wood. It’s made from their Masterworks linean acrylic polymer/mineral resin system for creating decorative components and building facades. Click the PDF here to see a images of Masterworks used on properties worldwide. You can contact Eric Farrell at efarrell@pathwaypolymers.com .
master-works-ppt

Brush Flush www.brushflush.com was displaying their ecologically safe paint brush cleaner. Cleans but does not damage paint brushes and accessories. You can visit their site at www.brushflush.com for information on their products. They come in 3 sizes, 8 ounce size, quart and gallon containers.

Shurtape had a booth showcasing all the specialized tape in all shapes and sizes for the decorative artist. I looked at their website which is well put together and easy to navigate. Not as sexy as some of the Decorative Arts Show sites but a critical tool for getting you there.

Bella Vernici is another manaufacturer that attended from the Decorative Concrete Industry. Bella Vernici has a very natural look. It gives a very high end natural finish to a concrete floor the way quality tuscan and marmarino finishes gives to walls. They are based in the Dallas Fort Worth area with distributors nationwide.

Architectural Enhancements based in Minnesota had a busy booth at the Decorative Arts Show. They were one of about the 15-20% that attended the Decorative Arts Show from the decorative concrete market. This will be a growing trend. I have used fine wall plasters to rehab older buildings with concrete overlays and stained concrete floors. Throw in a concrete countertop and you have created a unique space that looks natural. Thats Cindee Lundin in the picture. Contact Cindee for info.

Modello Designs www.modellodesigns.com – Melanie Royals came to the show from Chula Vista California. For those of you in the faux industry you’ve likely seen her many times. If you are looking for stencils for any surfaces Modello has a full line of decorative masking patterns and will custom make patterns based on your design.

Modello Designs

Foam Pro – Another who attended from California was Greg Isaac President of Foam Pro. They have a full line of foam tools for decorative arts. Their web site has a couple of educational videos demonstarating the proper way to get superior results. Their web site is www.Foampromfg.com

Adi Color www.adicolor.com had one of the largest booths at the Decorative Arts Show plus a number of vendors who distribute their products. Marco Corrente is Managing Director. They are based in Ontario Canada where they manufacturer an extensive line of over 30 decorative coatings and finishes. Their products are sold through paint dealers, distributors and design schools.

Tobias Stucco www.fefifauxacademy.com distributor Fe Fi Faux from Englishtown New Jersey attended the Decorative Arts Show with two booths across from each other. I met Peter Postorino who heads National Training for Tobias. They currently have 5 training areas in California, Idaho, New Jersey and a few others. They are planning on 5 more to be within 2 hours of the major markets in the United States.

Faux Finisher Magazine- I picked up a couple of copies of The Faux Finisher Magazine at The Decorative Arts Show. The magazine has been around for quite a while with a strong network through the business. definately a quality resource.

Russel Meeks President of Val-Test based in Chicago is your contact if you have a product you want to get onto the shelves of distributors nationwide. Val-Test has long term relationships with specialty product distributors nationwide and has for over 40 years. You can reach Russell at 847-285-6020 ext. 108

Franmar Chemical www.franmar.com has the “Green” strippers. Franmars line of strippers are Soy based and will remove paint, Urethanes, epoxy coatings and sealers from concrete. They have an online store and sell through distributors around the country. You can visit their site for extensive information and a few videos of their products in use.