“Connecting doers, not talkers!”

That’s the most important point the founders of a new paint industry trade association want you to remember.

The newly formed Commercial Painting Industry Association (CPIA) is described by founders Steve Hester and Aaron Moore as “a peer group-driven trade association focused on bringing together elite business owners and their key team members on a regular basis to share, connect, and grow as both individuals and leaders.”

Hester and Moore first met in 2008, when both were running for a national board seat in the PDCA (now known as the PCA). Their friendship and passion for improving their own painting businesses eventually led to the formation of the CPIA.

“There is a large gap of resources in the industry for the commercial painting business owner,” says Moore, president of Precision Painting & Decorating. “Being at the top can cause you to feel isolated. Our goal is to connect industry leaders on a deeper level through our peer group model.”

The first CPIA peer groups took shape in January 2020. Other benefits will include contractor leadership webinars, live events and content from members. The goal is to sign up 50 founding members this year. Members can be with U.S. or Canada companies earning at least $750,000 in annual revenue.

“We’re looking for direction from our members to make this work,” Moore says. “That’s one of the benefits for the founding members.”

Sherwin-Williams is a founding sponsor of the new trade organization.

“As a company we want to do everything that we can to help pro painters succeed and grow their businesses,” says Nate Wolff, Sherwin-Williams commercial segment marketing director. “Groups like the CPIA are invaluable resources, and we encourage our customers to take advantage of the opportunities they offer.”

Learn more about the Commercial Painting Industry Association at thecpia.com.