Episodes
These are for anyone at college, in an apprenticeship, re-training or thinking about joining the trade. For those of you already on the brushes there are some anecdotes and tips for you as well
Joel and Todd say everything they've wanted to say to tradespeople on-site over the years. They talk about ways you can work around other trades and best ways to communicate with them as well
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk about the impact the trade has on the environment. The boys look at what the industry has committed to do to reach the 2050 net zero target, What incentives could work to make decorators more eco-friendly and they talk through some of the options already on the market
Halloween 2022 has come and gone so the boys talk about some horrifying on-site accidents, ghoulish customers and frightening paints and products
Joel and Todd join the rest of Fix Radio as we highlight tool theft and discuss what is a huge issue for the construction industry. Benjamin Ruffett, a decorator that joined the trade to avoid van break-ins (as a mechanic) discusses the impact two van break-ins in the last year have had on his mental health and business
Joel Bardall thinks he has some solid examples to why domestic decorating is more than just a luxury and how properly explaining the benefits and money saving qualities of certain products can keep you in demand
Joel and Todd talk about the biggest challenges they face as sole traders and tips they've picked up along the way. This is everything from dealing with tax and finances to competing with limited companies and handling payments from customers
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk about paints and finishes they use. Some of the products they use for prep work and brushes and rollers
Peter Clark, a decorator with more than 40 years experience, who has also taught the trade talks about his work in the commercial market. Peter talks through the type of jobs he takes on, how he tenders for these jobs, what paperwork you'll be expected to provide, the upside of commercial work and the challenges
Joel and Todd look at an article that features 'ten signs you're overworked' and apply them to their circumstances as sole traders in decorating
Joel and Todd check in with decorators from across the UK to find out how they've been affected by inflation, the cost of living crisis, whether they're worried about a recession and what they'll do with their prices as a result
Joel and Todd talk about all the ways you can stand out in the trade. From doing things a little differently on social media to aspirational products and marketing
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk about the perfect job and does it need to be exactly that - perfect. Can you meet a clients expectations by cutting some corners with their blessing. If you do what could be some unforeseen consequences, some of the benefits and how should you handle clients that are adamant that you should cut some corners and costs
Joel and Todd talk about nightmare moments that have happened over the year while working. From the rookie mistakes in the early days to unlucky moments that spring up throughout a long career in the trade
Joel and Todd are joined by Lee from Honeys Scaffolding to discuss the problems both trades can sometimes face when working together on-site
Jon Mears returns to discuss branding, positioning yourself as a professional in your area, winning good paying high quality work and the latest news from the paint industry
Jon Mears, sales and marketing expert for decorators joins Joel and Todd to talk about how to effectively and affordably advertise your business online, how to win work from social media and use social media platforms to attract a certain clientele
Joel Bardall & Todd Von Joel discuss the logistics of planning and executing exterior and interior work. What are some basic ground rules and essential elements of planning exterior jobs. What should you do if a customer changes their mind on a colour or haven't properly cleared or cleaned an area on interior work
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk about the benefits and challenges of decorating with friends and family. Sean Kelly, a Dulux Select Decorator from Watford talks about his experiences working with his twin brother over the past thirty years and the boys talk about sharing work out amongst fellow decorators in your area
Joel and Todd talk about whether the general public and average client understands the skill and prep work that goes into the work of a professional decorator. They talk about some common misconceptions about decorators in construction and also blokey stereotypes of tradespeople
Joel and Todd talk about some of their favourite tools old and new. Joel also brings in his own invention that's revolutionised the way he works in domestic settings
Joel & Todd talk about continued training in the trade as a decorator. How important or is it important to stay on top of your game & learn new skills? What training is available? If you’re bored in your career as a painter or want to offer alternative services- are there other avenues you can take through training?
Joel & Todd talk about health and safety. The rules for working around customers in domestic settings, working from a height and preventing eye and skin injuries
Joel & Todd flip everything on its head and focus on the positive experiences, jobs and aspects of being a decorator
As we head into June and the summer of 2022 Joel & Todd talk about exteriors and all of the positives and negatives that come with working outside as a decorator in the UK. Joel & Todd take a look at some of the reaction from decorators online when it comes to working on exteriors and share some memorable moments from working outside over the years
Joel Bardall & Todd Von Joel have an honest chat about mental health. Todd talks at length about his own experiences with mental health, how it affected his personal life and the changes he's made to improve his clinical depression. Joel & Todd also look at some of the main reasons given for why tradespeople suffer from mental health issues and anxiety
Joel & Todd talk to the man recently crowned Painter & Decorator of the Year at UK Construction Week - Liam Gent. Liam talks about some notable jobs he's completed since he was last on the show, paints & products as well as the journey to winning the award
Joel & Todd talk about their early experiences in the trade. Some early mistakes and gaffes, eccentric customers and co-workers, work outside of decorating and aspects of the trade they choose to avoid
Joel Bardall & Todd Von Joel talk about their experiences setting up their decorating business. Craig Wilkinson, a trades business coach joins Joel & Todd to give some tips & advice to new/existing trade based business owners
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk about image and presentation. From the moment you arrive to quote, to involvement in selecting products and finishes and the final presentation of completed work