Ray Rahni
Paint Track Painting Services

I think my favorite experience goes back to my first EXPO in 2008 when I met Mike Kelly. We became  friends and have stayed in touch throughout the years. We have exchanged ideas and have helped each other with solid advice both personally and professionally.

Matt Orcino
RBI Painting

I have to say my favorite experience from EXPO would have been my very first year that I went, which was in Charleston. I just transitioned from a painter to a production manager at the time and I met a ton of great people that I still have relationships with to this day. The success and horror stories that we all talked about in our trade was some of the biggest things I took away. And the event that Sherwin-William threw on the aircraft carrier was to say the least amazing. One of the most important things about that trip was me and my boss went together and bonded quite well which helped tremendously especially since that was a new position for my career.

Corrie Leister
Inspired By U

One of my greatest memories of the PCA EXPO is attending my first event. I was blown away by the quality of people I met—many of whom I had only known through social media before. The education offered was incredible, filled with valuable insights and actionable takeaways. But what truly made the experience unforgettable were the connections I made outside the classroom. The conversations at dinners, in hallways, and during casual moments created relationships that left a lasting impact. The people—their generosity, wisdom, and shared passion—are what truly set the PCA EXPO apart. Now, attending the EXPO feels like a family reunion, filled with familiar faces and new opportunities to grow together. It has become a highlight of my year, not just for the learning but for the community that makes this industry so special.

Chad Turpen
Turpen’s Painting

My favorite experience of the PCA EXPO was the incredible wealth of knowledge shared among the contractors present. The energy in the room was palpable, driven by individuals who are genuinely motivated to elevate the standards of our industry. Meeting like-minded professionals dedicated to their craft not only reinvigorated my passion but also encouraged me to strive for greater excellence in my work. It was inspiring to connect with others who share the same mindset, reminding me of the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in our field. This experience truly fueled my commitment to raising the bar in my own company and pushing boundaries of what we can achieve when we all work together. 

To anyone who hasn’t been to the PCA Expo, I highly recommend attending! Go in with an open mindset, ready to absorb the wealth of information shared not just by the speakers but also by the fellow contractors. The energy in the room is contagious, and you’ll feel the collective drive to elevate the standards of our trade. It’s an invaluable opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by others who are equally passionate about their craft. Embrace the experience and camaraderie, and you’ll leave motivated to contribute to the growth and excellence of our industry!

Chad Jeffries
Brick City Painting

I’ve been attending the PCA Expo since the St. Louis Expo in 2013. Our yearly revenue was $900,000 dollars. My first experience was overwhelming, it was my first introduction to office procedures. I remember seeing Lynn Fife speaking on topics such as estimating for profit and field efficiencies. We hired Lynn multiple times to help us “get it together.” He is the catalyst to my training program; this has been the major contributor to our growth.

Last year I realized we have reached the five million dollar scale-up point in our business. After attending the EXPO, I brought back a lot of relevant knowledge and tips on how to stay focused on growing the company and successfully navigating us to that next scale up point. We are in the process of expanding. It seems like once I hear something that can help our business grow, I am more aware of how to apply it to us, and I am more perceptive on what tips will help us reach our goals.

Risa Roe
Adam Roe Painting, Inc.

With so many cherished memories from PCA events, it’s hard to pick just one! The organizers and our premier sponsors, Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore, consistently roll out the red carpet for us. Each event is a hub of knowledge sharing and networking, where making new friends and reuniting with old ones feels like a heartwarming family reunion. One standout experience was my first-ever PCA event in Reno, Nevada. Sherwin Williams hosted an unforgettable private party at the National Automobile Museum. We were greeted with enthusiasm, fun photo props, delicious appetizers, and flowing drinks. The museum itself was a car enthusiast’s dream, showcasing rare and unique vehicles in authentic street scenes. It was truly magical!

Nichole Lovett
Harmony Haus Painting

I met my, now husband, at my first EXPO in 2013. I had just joined the then PDCA and attended the EXPO in St Louis. Being mostly self taught and only knowing one other person that was to be there from Facebook, going by myself was daunting to say the least! I was standing outside one of the conference rooms waiting for a session to start when Paul struck up a conversation with me. He was there from Chicago and had previously heard about this chick painter that was near him from Evanston, Ill., and into Festool too. From that moment on, we became fast friends. We attended several more EXPOS all over the country, attended local chapter meetings as well as serving on the board of our local chapter together at one point. Years later we would both become available and began dating, melding our passion for the craft along with music, culinary adventures, and travels to visit historic homes and old hardware stores. In 2023, we became engaged and married in September of 2024.

Curtis Tankersley
Just Add Paint

My favorite thing about the PCA national is the same every year. I always go back to that first event I attended in 2015. It is so easy to let the head trash make you feel alone in the industry. And that feeling is most intense when the weather is colder, days are shorter, and the leads slow down over the holidays. But then you get in a room with 500 friends from the industry, that you forgot you had, that are all going through the exact same thing. It is incredibly therapeutic to feel that sense of community. And it is always an energizing push to get you into the next quarter.