Coatings World Editor, Kerry Pianoforte, interviews Brian Carson, CEO, and Dennis Karnstein, president and general manager – Commercial, Pittsburgh Paints Company.

CW: How many company-owned stores do you currently have? 

Karnstein: We have around 500 store locations throughout the U.S., with dedicated and highly knowledgeable sales, technical and color support. While some in the industry have been saying that we’re closing our company-owned stores, I can confirm that this is not the case. We have remained focused on our strategic priorities to deliver industry-leading products and services our Pro customers count on to run their businesses. In fact, we are investing in our teams by providing more training and technical know-how to help support our customers’ growth.

CW: How has inflation & price increases affected your business? 

Carson: The paint and coatings industry continues to experience somewhat weak demand as evidenced by recent quarterly reports by major players. We are in a cyclical industry, and we are over three years into a down cycle, which is longer than typical. All this means is that we will see a longer epicycle as interest rates lower and consumer confidence improves. The challenge of this downcycle is that we have seen inflation in many materials, tariffs, payroll and benefits, rents and financing costs. As a result, the industry must contend with these very real cost increases and push along what they can’t offset with productivity. Our decision to increase prices was to deal with this reality of inflation and remain healthy. Despite the market, we continue to invest in products, innovations, technology, sales training and delivery services to better benefit our customers in the long term.

CW: What strategies are you implementing to gainshare from competitors in corporate accounts and residential repaint?

Karnstein: A lot of our focus has been on service, quality and product performance — getting our contractors the products they need, when they need them, and with applications characteristics they prefer. Our mission is to provide features the end user wants with easy to apply coatings our contractors desire. We’re also ramping up on how we communicate with our customers. We have a lot to offer both corporate accounts and residential repaint contractors, so we are reaching out to share the value we provide. Taking in customer feedback, we are iterating on product and support offerings. We’re investing in an improved CRM system, training our employees to be partners our customers can rely on, and product technology with features Pros care about the most.

While some of our competitors might be looking to find savings by changing products, we’re investing in our people and product innovations. We’re strategically positioned for what’s next.

CW: Tell me about recent investments, including training and enablement of your field organization.

Carson: We are investing over $100 million in new systems and equipment, new and innovative products, and enhanced marketing to support our channel partners’ growth and to enable them to grow their businesses and profitability with Pittsburgh Paints. At Pittsburgh Paints, we are beating the alarm clock to arm our channel partners with the best products and services and fuel them to take advantage of the inevitable market rebound.

CW: Please tell about the latest product launches and new branding, including your new Anti-Scuff technology? 

Karnstein: We will be announcing several innovations later this year and early 2026, designed for the needs of Pros and their businesses. We’re excited to reveal Pittsburgh Paints’ Anti-Scuff paint, which is the first new product to launch under the new Pittsburgh Paints brand, as we transition our labels and branding from PPG Paints. This product technology includes unrivaled scuff resistance for high traffic areas, making it great for applications like hotel hallways, hospitals, and commercial spaces. It provides our Pro painters with features such as high-hiding and great coverage, smooth application and finish, and a quick drying formula. Our reenergized approach to product development will focus not only on the lasting benefits of a product, but the application properties that painting professionals need to meet the demands of their customers.