The Drywall Podcast

Guest: Kevin Cost, of Mudplugz In this episode, we take a slight detour from our usual industry-insider deep dives to talk with someone who found himself "smack dab in the middle" of the drywall world by sheer necessity. Kevin Cost, the mind behind Mudplugz, joins the show for his first appearance to share how a single moment of inspiration on Christmas Eve 2024 sparked a construction industry sensation. Frustrated by the eyesore of holes in the wall and the lack of a quick, professional-grade solution, Kevin asked a simple question: Why isn't there a plug for this? Just two weeks later, the wheels were in motion. Kevin has turned that "lightbulb moment" into a product designed to bring ease and speed to the tedious task of patching drywall. What We Discuss in This Episode: The Christmas Eve Epiphany: The origin story of Mudplugz and why the simplest ideas are often the most effective. From Concept to Launch: How Kevin and his partner moved from a thought to a physical product in record time. Solving the Patching Problem: How Mudplugz is streamlining the workflow for professionals and DIYers alike by eliminating the "unsightly hole" phase of repair. A Fresh Perspective: What happens when an industry outsider brings a new solution to a traditional trade This episode of The Drywall podcast is brought to you by CanAm Tools. Find out more by visiting www.Canamtool.com

In this episode of The Drywall Podcast, I’m joined by Justin Thomas, owner of Thomas Drywall. Our connection started in a unique way—Justin reached out after hearing my guest appearance on The Aggregate with Jeremy Mistretta a few months back. After one long conversation, I knew his story needed to be shared here. Justin is a third-generation drywall professional who has seen every side of the industry. We trace his journey from scaling a massive operation with over 50 employees to the pivotal moment when the economy forced a total career pivot. You’ll hear how he successfully transitioned into tech sales, what that high-pressure environment taught him about business, and ultimately, what pulled him back to his roots in the drywall world. We also get personal, discussing how his faith and background as a Mormon shape his perspective on work and family, and why he is never afraid to blow things up and try something new. Today, Justin is back in the trade with a refined focus on specialty finishes and Fresco Harmony. About Today’s Guest: Justin Thomas is the owner of Thomas Drywall. With a career spanning traditional hanging and finishing to high-tech sales, he now blends those skill sets to offer premium, decorative wall solutions. Connect with the Show: Subscribe: Be sure to follow Justin on Instagram Follow: Find out more at www.thomasdrywallutah.com Today's episode was brought to you by CanAm tools. Find out more at www.canamtool.com

In this episode, Nick sits down with Paul and Bridget, the dynamic force behind Manners, to discuss the critical role of the distributor in the modern drywall world. The Story Behind the Episode Sometimes the best connections take a little time to ferment. Nick first crossed paths with Paul and Bridget at the AWCI show in Las Vegas back in 2023. While they were immediately intrigued by Fresco Harmony, their business card eventually fell victim to the "office abyss" for a few months. Thanks to a well-timed nudge from Wolfgang, Nick reconnected with the Manners team, and it’s a good thing he did. What We Cover: The Distributor Matrix: Why the relationship between the manufacturer, the retailer, and the finisher is more complex—and important—than you think. Product Intricacies: Paul and Bridget share their deep knowledge of the drywall space and what makes a product stand out in a crowded market. Going Global: How this "power duo" is successfully navigating and expanding their footprint across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Behind the Brand: We dive into their personal lives and the passion that fuels their business growth. Paul and Bridget are as friendly as they are knowledgeable. If you've ever wondered how the gear actually gets from the factory to your trowel, this is an episode you can't miss. Connect with Manners Check out their full range of tools and expertise online: 👉 Website: www.manners.co.nz This episode of The Drywall Podcast was brought to you by CanAm tools. Find out more by visiting www.canamtool.com

What happens when a standard drywall inquiry turns into a deep dive into the world of decorative finishes? In this episode, we sit down with Monica Schaefer and Judd Togerson to discuss their journey from traditional drywall to exploring the "many ways of plaster." After a transformative visit to Nick Boyd at the drywall supply yard in Montrose, the duo discovered that the ceiling for their craft was much higher than they initially thought. We explore the transition from functional drywall to the vast world of specialty finishes on this, the 164th, episode of The Drywall Podcast. Today's episode of The Drywall Podcast was brought to you by CanAm tools. Find out more by visiting CanAmtool.com

This is a special episode about evolution. Joining us for his second visit is a man who has completely redefined what it means to be a tradesman in the modern age—Ken Landon from Albany, New York. Three years ago, Ken was in a different place. We’re going to dive into the raw reality of how losing his brewery forced a total career 're-mix,' leading him to recreate himself in the digital space. From a suggestion on a job site to becoming a pillar in mentorship programs like BOCES and TradeMentor.org, Ken has turned the trowel into a microphone. We’re discussing the end of the brewing chapter, the birth of his media presence, and his collaboration with Anthony from Lincoln Street Media. If you’ve ever wondered about the real cost of building a platform and why the trades needhigh-quality media, this is the episode for you. Ken, welcome back to the show!" This episode of The Drywall Podcast is brought to you by CanAm Tools. Find out more by visiting www.canamtool.com