The Finishing Touch Podcast Relaunch: Matt Lowe on Coating Connections, Collaboration, and Automated Finishing Solutions

We’re excited to announce the relaunch of our podcast under a new name: The Finishing Touch, brought to you by Superfici America. Hosted by Brett Johnson, this series is dedicated to diving deep into the world of automated finishing—from coatings and dry schedules to emerging technologies and real-world customer success stories.

In this kickoff episode, Brett sits down with Matt Lowe, West Coast Account Manager and the latest addition to the Superfici America sales team. With over 15 years of experience in the coatings industry, Matt has a unique perspective on what it takes to bring customers real value—and he’s one of the key people behind our Coating Connections program.

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From Watching Paint Dry to Leading Solutions

Matt’s journey into the coatings world started in a rather unconventional way—over a beer at a local pub. What began as a joke about “watching paint dry” turned into a night shift tech role at a major OEM, and eventually into a full-blown career spanning every level of the coatings and finishing industry.

“I started on the floor, saw what worked and what didn’t in real time,” Matt says. “From big shops to small operations, the key has always been listening to the customer and aligning all the players—paint reps, equipment suppliers, and the customer—around a common goal.”

Why Coating Connections Matter

A major theme in this episode is collaboration. Matt emphasizes how crucial it is to bridge the gap between paint chemistry and finishing equipment. It’s not just about the machine or the paint—it’s about how they work together to create the right solution.

“We can’t succeed in silos,” he notes. “The best results happen when everyone—paint reps, sales, tech, lab teams—works together to understand the customer’s goals and test solutions accordingly.”

Lessons from the Field

Matt also shares a standout moment from his first year at Superfici: a time-sensitive project where a customer’s spray machine went down unexpectedly. Thanks to strong teamwork across departments—sales, tech, shipping—the team quickly delivered and installed a new unit, helping the customer avoid significant production delays.

“Everyone stopped what they were doing to make it happen,” Matt says. “That’s the kind of support system I’m proud to be part of.”

Who Is Superfici Helping?

From small, three-person shops to large operations, Superfici America serves a wide range of customers. What sets the most successful ones apart? According to Matt, it’s engagement.

“The ones who see the most value are the ones who come back, test their parts and coatings in our lab, and are willing to answer the tough questions. That two-way conversation is where real solutions come from.”

Wrapping Up at AWFS

This episode was recorded live from AWFS in Las Vegas, where the Superfici team was on hand at Booth #1771. Matt gives a special shoutout to the crew that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the booth a success—and of course, to his three biggest fans at home: Annie, Hudson, and Hayden.

Want to learn more? Contact your local Superfici America rep or visit our website for details on how we can support your finishing goals.

Stay tuned for more episodes, more expert guests, and more ways to connect the dots in the world of coatings and finishing.

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