I am flying to Maryland tomorrow afternoon for a 2 day painting conference this Friday and Saturday. I am really excited to spend time with fellow painting contractors but will deeply miss my little family in San Diego. It is SO hard to leave Joli and the kids.

The conference is called AST (Advanced Shop Talk). It is a place for me to learn more about how to run a successful painting business through a round table discuss. There will be different categories that we will be discussing and hearing some prepared speeches. I always get so encouraged when I meet fellow painters. It is fun to see small business owners doing the same thing I have grown up doing. We get to share ideas that work and don’t work. I am also seeking a board position as well. AST is part of the Residential Forum of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA). They have their own small board, which my dad was apart of for a few years. He helped start the forum but has since stepped down. They had asked me if I would consider joining, so I put my name on the ballet. We’ll see what happens.

I am looking forward to my brief visit with the Howard family as well. I will, Lord willing, be staying with them Saturday night and returning to San Diego on Sunday evening.