Manufacturer training that works for you

By Dani Sheehan. 

Explore how Progressive Materials creates a learning space for training that speaks directly to your business goals.  

Megan Ellsworth sat down with Jeff Romero from Progressive Materials (PM) in an episode of CoatingsCast® to talk about what it means to become a Certified Licensed Applicator (CLA). More than just a title, CLA training is designed to support you in practical and meaningful ways. Jeff explained how PM’s contractor-first mindset makes certification more accessible, valuable and impactful for your business. 

Training that comes to you 

One of the biggest hurdles contractors face with manufacturer training is the time and cost of traveling. Jeff explained, “It’s a little cumbersome for a contractor... there’s always expense involved, whether it means you’re pulling guys off jobs, taking guys out of town – whatever it is, there’s a cost. And not only that, but you’re not doing your job.” 

PM sends trainers directly to you. Sessions last just a few hours and happen at your own facility, meaning crews and sales teams can get right back to work afterward. And by bringing training directly to your office, PM removes any sense of competition, creating a safe, conversational space. Jeff shared, “People are much more comfortable at home. They feel safe... they feel more comfortable saying, ‘Hey, wait a minute, I didn’t quite get that.’ And they ask more questions.”  

Instead of a crowded room filled with contractors where you might feel pressured to keep quiet, PM’s CLA training encourages open dialogue. If the group wants to pause every few minutes to dive deeper, that’s exactly what happens. The focus is on making sure contractors leave with practical skills to apply on the job, not just a binder of information. 

Tailored to your business goals 

Jeff emphasized the importance of tailoring each training to match the contractor’s experience and ambitions: “Before I even make contact with that contractor, I know a lot about them and where they are [in their understanding of coatings]. So, I can put my mindset in a place that is kind of starting to tailor towards what they’re working on, and where they’re trying to go.” 

Becoming a CLA is about building a partnership with PM that invests in your success, from project support to stronger warranties to long-term business growth. “We don’t just want to throw a bunch of stuff at you and say, ‘Go do coatings jobs.’ That’s not what the training should be about. It should be about truly educating those receiving the training,” Jeff added. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about PM’s personalized approach to their contractor training program.