I just spent the weekend at the PDCA (Painting and Decorating Contractors of America) annual shop talk forum. It was a gathering of 50 professionals from around the US meeting to discuss the good and bad of our industry and to share best practices with one another. The forum focused on the residential sector. It was my first time attending and I found it very interesting to see what the leaders of the association believed where the industry was going and what the potential it has. One thing I think was my biggest surprise is the size of the association. You would think there are hundreds of painting companies in each city there would be thousands of members.. .not the case.... there are only 2300 member painting companies. I will say that the people I meet really know how to paint and do a job in the best way possible but there are not many of them.

I am very surprised by the lack of membership by other painting companies. My opionion is that companies just don't see the value in being a member, which I can understand because if you are not going to be a "real" painting company then you would not use some of the best practices and quality control information that is readily available as a member. It is not a very expensive membership but there would be no reason to spend the few hundred dollars if you are not going to try and create a great painting company. By using some of the tools that are available you could definetly learn some things much quicker than by experience or by asking other painting contractors.

I am sold on the association I think if you take the time to learn about the association and the benefits it provides you will see why others have joined. Also if you ask your painting contractor and he is a member you can likely be assured you will get a great quality job done for your home or office. Have an Amazing Day.

Tags: residential painting