The Drywall Podcast - Where the Trade Meets the Craft

Episode 181: Rob Knight & Phoenix Mud – History, Friendly Competition, and Innovation
Before we were collaborators, Rob Knight and I were direct competitors. When I first moved to Albuquerque and launched Fresco Harmony, Rob was rolling out Variance—backed by the kind of backing and resources that made it a household name in specialty finishes overnight. But when I hit a wall on an exterior project early on, I knew Rob was the go-to authority for exterior products. I reached out for advice, and that single phone call laid the groundwork for years of mutual respect, product vetting, and collaboration.
Over the years, Rob has brought various products to me to test—from Armourtone to host of other specialty lines. But this time was different. Rob stopped by with Phoenix, a revolutionary all-purpose powder joint compound engineered to eliminate the need for separate taping and topping muds while dramatically boosting eco-friendliness on the job site.
Beyond the tech specs of Phoenix Mud, I managed to steer our conversation into a deep dive on our shared past and the massive impact the Knight family has had on the drywall, exterior, and specialty finish industries. As a seasoned veteran of the trade, Rob brings a calm, measured perspective packed with rich history and deep practical knowledge.
Whether you’re interested in the future of powder compounds or the history of trade innovations, you’re bound to walk away with valuable insights on this 181st episode of The Drywall Podcast.
Sponsor: This episode of The Drywall Podcast is brought to you by Walls & Ceilings Magazine. Stay ahead of industry news, tool updates, and trade trends. Subscribe today by visiting www.wconline.com—you’ll be glad you did.

On this October 1st, marking the anniversary of his passing, we are re-airing a special conversation. Episode 180 is our very first rerun on The Drywall Podcast, dedicated to honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Kameron "ItsYaManKam" Brown.
Kam was an influential figure in the trade and a deeply missed guiding light in my own life. While he is no longer with us, his impact on the drywall industry and everyone he touched continues to endure.
In this episode, Kam and I dive into a project where he applied Fresco Harmony directly over old wood paneling—a methodology many thought was crazy, but one that both Kam and I have proven works time and time again. We share our approaches, trade ideas back and forth, and talk shop like old friends do.
Re-airing this episode gives us all a chance to reconnect and have a brief reunion with Kam. Join us as we remember an exceptional craftsman, teacher, and friend.
Sponsor:
This episode of The Drywall Podcast is proudly brought to you by CanAm Tools. Upgrade your finishing setup by visiting canamtool.com and use promo code PODCAST at checkout to receive free shipping on orders over $150.00.

 
Very excited to have another Australian on the show!
Introducing Anthony Axon of Axon Plastering for his first appearance on The Drywall Podcast. Anthony is one of those guys I wish had been my instructor when I was coming up in the trade. He’s knowledgeable, patient, and exceptionally approachable.
He also happens to be an official trade teacher in Australia—meaning he actually teaches drywall for a living, and he genuinely loves doing it. We dive deep into his role as an educator, his hands-on approach to drywall and plastering techniques, maintaining physical health in a demanding trade, and how he manages work-life balance.
You can tell right away that Anthony is anything but lazy on this, the 179th episode of The Drywall Podcast.
Sponsor: This episode of The Drywall Podcast is brought to you by CanAm Tools. Visit canamtool.com and use promo code PODCAST at checkout to get free shipping on your next order of $150 or more. And tell ’em Nick from The Drywall Podcast sent ya!

We’re at it again! Stephen Genkens, AKA Big Dawg of Big Dawg Drywall, is back for his third appearance on the show—and he does not disappoint.
Stephen has come a long way since his first time on the podcast back in August of 2023. When we brought him back for his second visit in September of 2024, he was going through a serious rough patch, and we dove deep into how a tradesman navigates those tough times while keeping food on the table for his family. Well, he found Jesus—and the rest is history... or rather, the rest is what this entire episode is all about!
Queue Episode 178. From family life and faith to trade wisdom, tools of the trade, and even a few tools that have nothing to do with drywall, we cover a broad range of topics in this conversation.
Key Highlights & Topics Covered:
The Journey So Far: Reflection on Stephen’s progression since his 2023 and 2024 appearances.
Faith & Family: How finding a personal foundation transformed his approach to work, family life, and overcoming obstacles in the trade.
Tools of the Trade (and Beyond): Favorite setups, gear talk, and some unexpected non-drywall tools Stephen recommends.
Resources & Tool Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Blow Tool 1: Amazon Link 
Head Phones 2: Amazon Link
Episode Sponsor:
This episode of The Drywall Podcast is brought to you by CanAm Tools. For a limited time, use promo code PODCAST to receive free shipping on orders over $150!
👉 Head over to www.canamtools.com to grab your gear.
 

Episode 177: Pete Wilson – PR Wilson Interiors
Guest: Pete Wilson (PR Wilson Interiors, Victoria, BC)
Sponsor: CanAm Tools (canamtools.com)
CanAm Tool
 
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Drywall Podcast, we sit down with Pete Wilson of PR Wilson Interiors out of Victoria, BC. Pete isn't just a veteran of the finishing trade—he's a true multi-hyphenate creator who brings a musician, producer, and entrepreneur's mindset to the job site. He has that rare creative flair found in tradespeople who refuse to settle for the status quo.
Special thanks to Wolfgang for connecting us with Pete! Wolfgang made a point to ensure Pete receives his fair share of credit for helping design CanAm's newest innovation, the Creaser Corner Finisher. Instead of just giving him a quick shoutout, we brought Pete on the show to dive deep into the tool's mechanics and why he took on the development process with almost nothing expected in return.
Can-Am Tool
 
We also explore Pete's history of trade innovations—including a sander design that TapePro may have borrowed ideas from—and an app he built that is still available today. Beyond finishing, Pete runs his own studio where he produces music and edits documentaries in his leisure time.
Key Topics Covered
The Story Behind the Creaser: How Pete helped design CanAm's Creaser Corner Finisher and why Wolfgang wanted to ensure he got credit.
Can-Am Tool
 
Tool Innovation & Intellectual Property: Pete's experience taking on R&D for the love of the trade, plus his involvement in early sander designs.
The Entrepreneurial Side: Developing a digital app for the trade and operating a personal audio/video editing studio.
Mastering the Craft: Insights into high-level finishing from decades of experience in Victoria, BC.
"Pete is an amazing conversationalist and finisher. One thing is for sure—you're going to love this 177th episode of The Drywall Podcast!"
Sponsor: Today’s episode of TDP is brought to you by CanAm Tool. Check out their full lineup of quality drywall finishing tools at www.canamtool.com.
 

Hunter Thome (out of Cleveland, TN) and I have known each other for over a decade, but it wasn't until this conversation that we truly clicked. Hunter’s journey is as raw as it gets—at just 15 years old, he found himself homeless and navigating a tough family dynamic. After taking a stab at fast food and the insulation business, a move to Ellensburg, WA, and a chance connection with an Italian electrician ultimately led him to his real calling: mud.
Starting out young was only part of the battle, though. While working in Washington, Hunter faced a major health scare when a lung tumor left him with limited options for care, forcing him back home to Tennessee. That setback led him to find refuge—and a powerful new chapter—with Wind River Built.
In this episode, we dive into:
Hunter’s early struggles and how he turned his life around in the trade.
His connection with Wind River Built and Fresco Harmony, and how it all came together like a trifecta of good luck.
His thoughts on MuddSkip, his go-to tools, and where he’s at today.
Hunter is doing incredible work now, and this casual, honest conversation is one you don't want to miss. Get to know Hunter on Episode 176 of The Drywall Podcast!
Sponsor: Today’s episode of TDP is brought to you by CanAm Tool. Check out their full lineup of quality drywall finishing tools at www.canamtool.com.

Episode 175: Real Fresco, Sobriety, and Level 5 Perfection with Jake Nilsson
In this episode of The Drywall Podcast, Nick sits down with Jake Nilsson of Nilsson Drywall out of Portland, Maine.
After spotting Jake’s high-quality videos and obvious trade expertise on Instagram, Nick noticed something surprising: Jake had just over 100 followers. Intrigued by hidden talent in the trade, Nick reached out—and discovered there was a lot more to Jake's story than meets the eye.
Broadcasting straight from the stairwell of a massive Portland estate where his crew is applying a traditional, old-school lime fresco (the real Michelangelo-style plaster), Jake dives deep into high-level craft and personal transformation. From master-level plasterwork and Level 5 finishes to finding sobriety and building a business by lifting others up, this is an honest, powerful conversation you won't want to miss. Plus, keep an eye out for a special drop-in visit from Sunil D'Souza, owner of Drywall Master!
Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
Discovering Hidden Gems: How finding low-follower, high-skill trade profiles on social media leads to the best industry conversations.
Traditional Fresco vs. Modern Systems: Jake breaks down traditional lime plasterwork and gypsum based plasters from an on-site historic-scale Portland project.
Hanging, Finishing, & Level 5: What it takes to deliver a true Level 5 finish, modern sanding techniques, and pristine slick finishes.
A Journey Through Sobriety: How meeting a fellow drywall finisher in rehab helped spark Jake’s business and how helping others ultimately saved his life.
Special Guest Drop-In: Sunil D'Souza, owner of Drywall Master, joins the conversation.
Episode Sponsor
This episode of The Drywall Podcast is brought to you by CanAm Tools. Upgrade your drywall finish game at www.canamtool.com.

Sometimes you just have to stray off the beaten path! While we usually talk shop with the best drywallers in the game, on this episode of The Drywall Podcast, we are stepping right into the world of paint with our newest friend, Brian Cooney.
Brian is the mastermind behind Pretty Boy Products, showcasing a game-changing, specially designed cleaner and conditioner built specifically for paintbrushes.
Host Nick Harmon first ran into Brian during his recent trip to the Trade Decorator Live show in Bolton, England. Brian was smoking a cigar, seemed to know absolutely everyone in the room, and that distinct American accent made it easy to strike up a conversation. They hit it off immediately, Nick looked into the product, and the rest is history.
Affectionately known as "Uncle Brian" across the pond in the UK, Brian has always had a massive knack for business. He’s the guy who originally started Carb Blast—a product still in heavy circulation today. Now, he’s even coined a brand-new term, the "paintpreneur," and stays busy supplying over 500 stores with his product line. If that wasn't enough, he’s also gearing up to host an epic Paint Fest happening next weekend, sponsored by some of the absolute biggest names in the industry.
One thing is for sure: you are going to love this conversation. Tune in to the 174th episode of The Drywall Podcast!
Connect with our guest:
Learn more about Pretty Boy Products: www.prettyboyproducts.com
This episode of The Drywall Podcast is brought to you by AMES Tools. Discover their incredible lineup of automatic taping and finishing tools to elevate your craft. Find out more at www.shopamestools.com.

On this episode, host Nick Harmon sits down with a long-time friend making her very first appearance on the show: Jacqueline Hesser of Hesser Drywall and CH3 Designs out of Newton, Illinois.
While Jacque and Nick have a deep-rooted friendship, this conversation goes far beyond the surface. They dive into her family dynamics and a unique entrance into the trades—because, believe it or not, drywall wasn't always in the cards for her until about two years ago. From working on grain dryers to being featured in a children’s book, Jacque's journey is anything but conventional.
Nick and Jacque also talk about:
The Power of Community: How a mutual friendship with Kam on the infamous "Effingham Project" pulled everyone closer together.
Next Steps: A children's book featuring Jacquelin.
The Next Evolution: A look into how Hesser Drywall and CH3 Designs are poised for a major shift into the world of decorative finishes.
Jacque is poised for greatness, but her ego remains completely in check. It’s not easy to come on the podcast and tell all, but she pushed through the challenge to give listeners a genuine glimpse into who she is. One thing is for sure—she’ll steal your heart.
Tune in for an episode packed with heart, grit, and the real stories behind the trades!
Connect with our guest:
Jacqueline Hesser: Hesser Drywall / CH3 Designs (Newton, IL)
Listen & Subscribe: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

The Drywall Podcast — Episode 172: Revisiting The 3way with Royce Lennox & Steve Brown
Can you believe it’s been three years? On this episode of The Drywall Podcast, we are doing one of my absolute favorite things: revisiting past guests to see just how far their journey has taken them. Back in 2023 on Episode 37, I sat down with Royce Lennox and Steve Brown just as they were launching what would become an industry-changing product: the 3way. Now, they are back for their second appearance, and we are diving deep into the grueling, rewarding, and fascinating world of product development and marketing.
Breaking a new product into the drywall space is notoriously difficult. It’s a traditional industry where pros stick to what they know. But Royce and Steve cracked the code. While Royce brings over 40 years of elite, hands-on drywall finishing experience to the table as the brains behind the product, it was Steve’s visionary marketing perspective that changed everything. Steve persuaded them to take a massive leap of faith—not just by taking a financial risk on a new idea, but by essentially giving the 3way concept away to the masses to build an organic, unstoppable movement.
What to Expect in This Episode:
The Blooper Reel: We kick things off a bit differently this time. Enjoy a hilarious montage of technical blunders spliced together into a mosaic of comedy before we dive into the heavy hitting topics.
The Marketing Grind: An honest conversation about the grit it takes to inject a brand-new tool into a stubborn market and win over old-school finishers.
The Leap of Faith: How a brilliant idea transitions from a jobsite hack into a mass-manufactured, international product.
Get Paid to Post: Find out how sharing your own experience with their product on Instagram could land a few hundred dollars in your pocket.
Royce and Steve are truly as nice as they come in this trade, and by the time the credits roll, you might just find yourself planning to have a 3way on your next project.
Tune In & Connect:
Learn more about the product: www.3way.ca
Follow on Instagram: @3way.ca (Keep an eye out for their video posting cash incentives!)
This episode of The Drywall Podcast is proudly brought to you by Fresco Harmony. Discover the future of specialty wall finishes, custom textures, and architectural surfacing at www.frescoharmony.com.