With 150 days as the new CEO of Pittsburgh Paint Co. under his belt, Brian Carson has already navigated two major price increases, a volatile market and shifting consumer expectations. Carson sat down with Paint & Decorating Retailer to share his insights on the last five months and what’s on deck for the next five and beyond. 

Paint & Decorating Retailer (PDR): What has been most surprising for you in the first 150 days in the paint industry?
Brian Carson (BC): Pittsburgh Paints Co. has a long-standing history working with independent dealers, both large and small, and I’ve spent a great amount of time over the past several months meeting with our dealer customers, taking in their experiences and expectations and learning about what drives their success. 

I found that the challenges they face today aren’t so different from those in the past. When it boils down to it, we’re mutually focused on providing our customers with high quality product, service with excellence, bringing continuous innovation and remaining relentless and steadfast on our customers’ success, all while remaining profitable. 

It’s been quite interesting to dive into the issues and opportunities their businesses face and to affirm our dedication to independent retailers—they are critical to our success. We proudly serve over 1,200 dealer customers with over 4,000 locations in the U.S., providing not only products, but also key services and benefits to help our dealers’ businesses, like dedicated sales representatives, online account management, business development support and more. 

PDR: What are you most proud of having accomplished so far in your first 150 days?
BC: I am incredibly proud of our Pittsburgh Paints Co. employees. Our employees are truly a group of humble, hustling individuals who have an extreme passion for servicing our customers. While Pittsburgh Paints Co. has experienced a lot of change in the last five years, the one thing that has remained constant is our commitment to independent dealers. Our employees show up every day deeply invested in this commitment.

PDR: As you’ve been getting to know the independent channel, what do you think are the biggest value propositions that independent paint retailers bring to the industry?
BC: Independent paint retailers are often the bread and butter to professional painters and DIYers. Independent retailers play a unique role in the market, servicing end-users looking for white glove service and expertise for their paint jobs and projects. They know their communities, they know their customers and they know their products. They provide that local service and local knowledge backed by world class products.

PDR: How is Pittsburgh Paints helping paint retailers embrace these value propositions?
BC: Pittsburgh Paints Co. and independent paint retailers share a common goal to help professional painters and DIYers with their painting projects, all while remaining profitable companies. 

Our 150-year history and strong portfolio of brands have positioned us well on our journey to become the premier coatings provider in North America. This year, we have really leaned into our history as a foundation to create a fresh path forward, establishing pathways that help our dealer customers (and their customers) choose our products more often. Our teams invest in ways we can empower dealers with the products, services, and expertise they need to succeed and serve as a dependable partner that they can trust. 

PDR: Price changes from tariffs and other economic factors continue to be top of mind for many independent retailers. How is Pittsburgh Paints addressing these challenges?
BC: Inflation within our category had skyrocketed over 30% from 2020-2023 and on average 15% over the last five years. Such economic factors have contributed to recent price increases. The truth is, Pittsburgh Paints Co. needs to be profitable in order to effectively serve our customers. Our customers have a shared need for profitability. We need each other to in order to be mutually healthy. These increases are helping us to catch up to inflation rates over the last few years where we simply haven’t effectively done so.

It’s important for dealers to know that these increases directly enable us to continue investing in products, innovation, technology and services that benefit their businesses. Dealers can expect brand investments and several innovations that may be announced later this year (or early 2026). We have some big innovations coming. Hold onto your hats!