How a powerful gathering of women is reshaping the painting industry through connection, learning, and growth!
From October 8th to 10th, I had the privilege of attending the second annual Women in Paint Conference, hosted by the Painting Contractors Association (PCA), set against the beautiful backdrop of Hollywood Beach, Florida.
Despite Hurricane Milton in other parts of the state, we were lucky to be spared from its path and enjoyed fantastic weather by the end of the event—as if Mother Nature itself was on our side.
This conference was not just an event, it was a powerful gathering of brilliant women. Though we as women make up only 15% of the paint industry, we are proud to be here no matter the statistics. The experience was all about connecting, learning, and most of all, getting inspired.
That being said, attending an event like this is not enough to magically transform your business or personal growth. Anyone can attend, go home, and return to business as usual. The real magic happens when you take everything you’ve learned, roll up your sleeves, and start making improvements. There is no shortcut to success. Growth – whether in your business or yourself- requires effort and dedication. The key is taking action!
The networking alone was out of this world. I got the chance to connect with vendors from Romabio, Wooster, Behr, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore just to name a few. Whether we were talking about products, application techniques, industry changes, or simply getting to know each other personally, the energy was superball stadium level. Everyone was eager to share, learn, and grow with each other.
Brandon Pierpont from Painter Marketing Pros had us glued to our seats as he broke down marketing strategies, the building blocks to success, and the do’s & don’ts for advertising. Rina Bindi from Tipping Point Digital made an incredible impression as she centralized her session with hands-on Google My Business page optimization. The decorative finishing pros from the International Decorative Artisans League (IDAL) gave us the inside scoop on all things decor, from techniques to inspirations, and answering common questions from the group.
Become a Positive Luminary!
Throughout the conference, we had numerous back-to-back speaker presentations, but the one that stood out the most to me was the one I least expected: the opening keynote with Tracy Clayman, titled “Managing Energy, The Power of Positive Thinking, and Cultivating Happiness”. While it wasn’t directly about business growth or the painting industry itself, it was an incredible way to kick things off, highlighting that this event was just as much about personal growth as it was about professional skills. Tracy introduced the concept of becoming a “positive luminary”, which is someone who sees possibilities, solutions, and connections that others might miss. She emphasized the importance of rewiring our brains to seek positivity, as we are naturally inclined to focus on the negative first. She shared practical tips like recognizing alternative realities and practicing our daily gratitude. A statistic that struck me the most was that positive salespeople outsell their negative counterparts by 56% – a powerful reminder of how cultivating positivity can directly impact success.
Whether you’re a business owner, project manager, estimator, or field worker, this conference reminded us that there is always more to learn. The knowledge, experiences, and insights we share with each other will help us grow, not just professionally, but personally as well. No matter where you are in your journey – whether you’re figuring out how to build your brand, improve your craftsmanship, or just navigate the daily challenges of running a business – there is a network of women ready to support you.
We walked away with practical tools for improving business operations, honing marketing skills, mastering our craft, and staying ahead of this ever-evolving industry. Beyond this, the connections we made with other passionate women were the biggest takeaways of all. It was an environment where collaboration and learning thrived, and we left with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future.
Thank you to the PCA and the Women in Paint community. We are all so grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a strong network of women who are truly shaping the future of the paint industry!
Are you a woman in paint? Join the Women in Paint community on Facebook to connect with other inspiring women in the painting industry! Share ideas, get support, and stay updated on events and opportunities. Visit us at Women in Paint Facebook Group and become a part of this growing network od empowered professionals!
To learn more about the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) and the incredible resources, events, and support they offer to professionals in the painting industry, visit their website at https://www.pcapainted.org/
Project & Marketing Manager
Jess is the epitome of organization and follow-through! She began her journey in the field, painting full-time with the team and learning from experienced members, before transitioning to business operations. She uses her education in marketing to grow the Paint Track brand, bringing a unique perspective to each project. With her years of field experience, Jess is highly effective in running projects and helping her coworkers with sequencing and setting expectations to consistently deliver high-quality work.
As one of the few women in the painting industry, Jess is often asked what inspired her to pursue this career. Her answer? A passion for creativity, hands-on work, and the desire to apply her artistic talents on a larger canvas to transform homes. She found that painting offered the perfect blend of skill, artistry, and satisfaction in transforming homes. Jess is proud to bring her unique perspective to Paint Track and hopes to inspire more women to join the industry.
Jess’s passion for marketing has led to fresh ideas and innovative approaches for the Paint Track brand, helping to increase visibility and connect more effectively with clients. Known for her supportive approach, Jess is always willing to lend a hand, offer advice, and keep the team motivated and aligned. Recently, she has become involved in local networking groups, actively working to expand her personal and professional growth. As an active member of PCA’s Women in Paint, Jess is part of a community that empowers women in the industry, and she is currently continuing her college education online in marketing alongside her full-time position.
Her dedication to growth, both personally and professionally, is a testament to her commitment to excellence, and we’re excited to see how her contributions continue to shape our team and brand!
Skills: Project management, digital design, sequencing
Hobbies: Going to concerts, arts & crafts, and Netflix binging
Favorite Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Purplicious CSP-465