Behr Contributing Writer: Stephanie Lindsey, Principal and Co-Founder of Etch Design Group   Imagine painting a bear… a BEHR bear. At NeoCon, Behr Paint typically has this life-sized bear for guests to paint, and each year is a new design on the bear. It’s a creative approach to showcasing their brand. In the middle of the booth, this 3D bear is sectioned off into small squares, each about three inches wide, and it was the talk of the show. I loved seeing how the bear changed with each visitor! This collaborative art piece became an unexpected emotional moment for many of us.   Each painted square added to the story of the bear, which in turn, told the story of those who had passed through the space.   There was something special about watching people discover the Behr bear, take time to think about what they wanted to paint – and which spot – and then invest time in something tactile and creative during such a busy conference. It made me think about the design industry as a whole and how we all contribute to the larger community as a team. Which then leads me to think about the Behr Designer Council for this year…     Earlier this year, I had the privilege of joining Behr’s inaugural Designer Council. We met for the first time in California at the Behr headquarters, and that trip set the tone for everything that followed. We dove deep into product knowledge, toured their facilities, and met the Behr team. We had open conversations about design trends and where the industry is heading. The Behr team had done so much research on past, current, and future trends, and it was eye-opening to see what those looked like visually. What stood out the most was how much Behr truly listens.   They want to know what matters to designers. And when you feel heard, you naturally become an advocate for that brand.   As a group, we were tasked with creating initial concepts for the 2026 Commercial Color Forecast, and it was such a blast! It’s not every day that we as designers get to be involved in something like that. I have a personal love for Fusion Dream because it ties into my love for technology and AI. Glamorous (P130-7) and Inferno (P190-7) are my two top favorites within that collection. At NeoCon, we revealed the 2026 Color Forecast, and I felt honored to represent the council at the Behr booth.   People were so curious, not just about the colors, but about how they were chosen, what they represent, and how they’ll be used in commercial spaces.     Oh, and the tote bags? Did you hear about the tote bags? Behr created the cutest teal totes for the event, and they became hot commodities. We literally had to space out their distribution to make sure we didn’t run out by day two. I saw people walking the show with five different totes, but you better believe the Behr bag was always on top.     Seeing the buzz at NeoCon reminded me of our own projects where Behr has played a role. At Acton Academy, we designed and executed three murals using Behr colors. One featured a bold logo wall that greets students every morning, another was a geometric patterned mural, and the last was a quote wall that inspires curiosity and learning. These murals were brought to life by local muralist Tiffany Dewitt from Color Brush Co, and her artistry paired perfectly with Behr’s vibrant and durable paint selections.         As a co-founder of Etch Design Group, I’m always looking for ways to blend innovation and authenticity. And as the co-creator of AI for Interiors, it’s exciting to be part of conversations that span from color trends to cutting-edge technology.   If you’re curious about where commercial color is headed or want to see how Behr is pushing the boundaries, check out the full 2026 Color Forecast. And if you ever get the chance to paint a piece of a Behr bear, don’t hesitate… because trust me, your little square might just inspire the next big thing.  

Stepping into a new industry has its challenges, and Christina Rampulla has tackled them all. From working in a daycare center to a tanning salon to a gym, Christina has taken on several different opportunities during her career. As a wife and mother from Slatington, PA with a degree in communication from Kutztown University, she’s always dedicated her personal and professional life to service. Whether it be taking care of her daughter or caring for customers, one commonality between all these roles is serving others. So how did she find herself working for a professional painting company?     Three years ago, Christina accepted an open General Manager role at Ryan Amato Painting LLC in Easton, PA. The position matched her values, experience, and qualifications, and soon after meeting with Owner Ryan Amato, Christina joined the team.     Ryan Amato Painting is a family-owned and operated company specializing in both residential and commercial painting services. They boast a wide range of capabilities, including interior and exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, pressure washing, and epoxy flooring & countertops.     With an open mind and willingness to learn, Christina jumped right into the business and started by observing various roles at the company. She takes pride in all that she’s learned, from how to measure a room, to the type of products needed for a given scope of work, to the different paint hues and sheens needed for a space.     As a woman in the professional painting industry, Christina is incredibly proud of how much she’s accomplished and the confidence she exudes when serving customers. It’s true some people find it surprising to hear my voice on the other end of the phone speaking about paint and epoxy!” Christina remarks.     Christina is often the first person to connect with clients and vendors, a responsibility that she does not take lightly. She says, I enjoy building relationships with our clients throughout a project. It’s a pleasure and responsibility of mine that I love doing.”     Her commitment to serving customers exemplifies her dedication and passion to continuously improving her craft. We all know our strengths and limits. It’s important that no matter what service industry you’re in, enjoy it and own it!” Christina exclaims.     To learn more about Women in PaintTM and hear other professional women painters’ stories, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.  

Born from the aftermath of the 2008 real estate crash, BAMM Renovation Group has been providing hotel renovation services for over 15 years. Joe Hernandez, founder and owner, started his career in hotel renovation in 2005 at Westgate Resorts, where he developed a passion for rejuvenating old properties. Soon after, he started his own venture and has since developed a comprehensive in-house renovation program with complete turn-key services.   Joe Hernandez, Founder & Owner of BAMM Renovation Group   In the hotel industry, the exterior appearance of a hotel stands as a crucial element that requires periodic updates. Trends in aesthetics and design shift every 5-7 years, influencing guest expectations and shaping competitive landscapes. One of the company’s most notable renovations was a 150,000 square foot exterior paint transformation of Avanti International Resort in Orlando, Florida in 2023. This resort faced a significant challenge with an outdated and unattractive color scheme that did not align with current hospitality design trends. BAMM Renovation Group, driven by their passion for hotel transformations, recommended a complete color change at the resort to refresh the exterior appearance and create a contemporary and appealing destination for guests. By updating the exterior, it not only enhanced curb appeal but also reinforced brand identity for the hotel.   Exterior Painting   For the paint, the team chose KILZ 2® ALL-PURPOSE Primer and BEHR PRO® e600 Exterior Paint for superior hide and a uniform finish that lasts.   BEHR PRO® e600 Exterior Paint   Working closely with designers, brand specialists, and compliance officers, the selected BEHR® Paint colors were as follows: Sand Drift N310-1 (Body Color): Sand Drift provided a fresh and clean canvas for the resort’s exterior, creating a modern and elegant look. Woodland Sage HDC-NT-01 (Doors): Woodland Sage was used for the doors, adding a touch of sophistication and contrast to the overall design. Arrowhead N320-6 (Roof Line and Accent): Arrowhead was added to the roof line and accent areas, introducing a warm and welcoming element to the resort’s exterior. Portuguese Dawn S160-4 (Numbers): Portuguese Dawn was used for the numbers, adding a pop of color and a sense of vibrancy to the resort’s façade.   Before   After   The transformation of Avanti International Resort was a resounding success. The collaboration between BAMM Renovation Group and Behr Paint Company took a challenging hospitality renovation and successfully revitalized it into a modern and visually appealing destination. The selected BEHR Paint colors breathed new life into the property, aligning well with current hospitality design trends and making it more inviting to guests for years to come.     Images courtesy of BAMM Renovation Group.

Meet Gloria Fonseca, Owner of Fonsis, a women-owned painting and carpentry business based in Miami-Dade County, Florida specializing in commercial painting, cabinetry, and vinyl flooring installation.     Gloria’s entrance into the construction industry began with a complete career shift in 2016. She had just resigned from her position as a social worker after working there for over 10 years. During this time, her husband Carlos was working in the painting and construction industry, and Gloria decided to take a leap of faith and team up with him. Fast forward to today, the duo has built a strong reputation for themselves and their company that exemplifies customer satisfaction and high-quality work.     Building a reputation for any business demands persistence and time. Gloria knew a significant amount of work was needed to achieve her goals of winning government contracts with counties and municipalities. Safe to say, Gloria and Carlos’ efforts have paid off. One of the company’s first projects was to paint five Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department Stations using BEHR® Paint, one of which includes a Hangar station for the Air Rescue Department. Since then, Fonsis has been contracted to paint numerous schools and attributes her expertise to the educational work she’s invested in on a professional level, including attending Florida International University’s Project Management Cohort and the Miami-Dade College’s Turner School of Construction Management.     Today, continuous education remains at the heart of Fonsis’ business model. Not only has it helped facilitate the company’s growth to win government contracts, but it has also fostered employee development through the company’s investment in professional training. Gloria frequently arranges for paint and equipment suppliers to conduct in-depth demonstrations to her team, ensuring they are well-versed in product knowledge, usage, proper techniques, and equipment handling.   I’m a firm believer that employees work best when they feel empowered through knowledge and training,” says Gloria.   Inclusion is also very important to Gloria and Carlos. They have extended numerous opportunities to individuals often overlooked, recruiting employees from women’s shelters to give them a chance for a fresh start.     It’s important for me to know that I’m not only giving my woman workers the proper tools to succeed, but that they know and believe they are just as important and capable to perform the job as any other person,” Gloria emphasizes.   Fonsis’ reputation in the Miami-Dade community is a testament to the resilient, hardworking employees that are the heart of the company. Gloria is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for her employees and hopes to be an example for all women interested in the skilled trades to pursue your dreams regardless of your beginnings.   To learn more about Women in PaintTM and hear other women professional painters’ stories, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.

KARYN GRAMBUSCH Owner | Kary’Lyn Images   Karyn Grambusch is not one to shy away from living a busy life. With over 40 different jobs in her lifetime, the Colorado native has always embraced the hustle and bustle of life while truly embodying a “never stop learning” mentality. From being a piano teacher and seamstress to a cake decorator and school bus driver, you name it, she’s done it! So how did she find herself as the owner and operator of a professional painting company?     Maybe I just didn’t know how much I love to paint!” says Karyn.   Karyn’s story to owning her professional painting company is a tale about trying new things and always saying “yes.” As a wife and mom of four children, she worked hard to provide for her family and needed some extra income, so she decided to ask a friend who was a professional painter if she could work for him. She trained with him, and he even helped her get her painting contractor’s license. A short three months later, the painter she worked for decided to pursue a different career, leaving Karyn at a crossroads. Still fairly new to the industry, she was only starting to grow her network and didn’t have many clients yet.   Instead of hanging up the towel, Karyn was determined to pursue the career she was beginning to love. She started to receive some calls for estimates and decided to take a chance at building her business. Flash forward five years later, Karyn is the proud owner of Oregon-based Kary’Lyn Images and has built a strong network with several repeat clients. She’s even made connections with other women painting business owners who offer support to one another through referrals.     She is also an advocate for paying it forward and now teaches other women and men how to paint, including her daughter who works in the family business. Visit her Facebook page and you’ll find several instructional videos with tips and tricks in the spirit of helping others succeed in their craft.     Karyn’s commitment and passion for professional painting has never wavered. Despite the challenges of starting and running a business, her passion for painting drives her to persevere, showing future generations how fulfilling and gratifying it is to be a female entrepreneur in the painting industry.   I love what I do and that is the most important thing so that work isn’t as much work!” Karyn exclaims.   To learn more about Women in PaintTM and hear other professional women painters’ stories, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.  

When it comes to Behr Paint Company’s interior paint product lineup, BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Paint delivers on all your painting needs. It’s everything your client wants in a paint – with advanced stain repellency, superior scuff and mar resistance, and fast-drying technology△. Plus, it offers one-coat hide guaranteed in over 1,000 colors◆. This revolutionary product is truly the best of BEHR® Paint. But don’t just take our word for it! We partnered with three professional painters to put this product to the test and highlight just how well it performs on the job. Check out their candid reviews below.     Chris Berry, The Idaho Painter Chris Berry is a business owner and professional painter enthusiast from Boise, Idaho who’s passionate about educating, empowering and equipping painters to achieve success in the field. He teaches valuable painting tips, tricks and training through his social media platforms and is constantly looking to innovate on the job. We partnered with Berry to share his thoughts on why professionals should choose BEHR DYNASTY Interior Paint. He demonstrates how the product successfully covers walls with one coat, hiding existing imperfections with ease and offering a beautiful finish in a fast dry time.   I’ve come across a lot of products that claim to be a one-coat paint in my career…after painting an entire bedroom with it…it performs and acts just as advertised and manages to provide exceptional coverage in a single coat without leaving behind any brush marks, lap marks, or haloing,” Berry proclaims.     Hear his full review below: Instagram Reel                YouTube Video                Blog     James Mansour, Mansour Valley Painting James Mansour is the owner of Mansour Valley Painting specializing in exterior and interior residential and small commercial projects in Mesa, Arizona. Dubbed “The Arizona Painter,” Mansour uses the power of social media to build his brand and connect with the professional painting community by educating his followers on proper painting procedures, tools and techniques. We asked Mansour to provide his honest review of BEHR DYNASTY Interior Paint and put this product to the test. In his video, he shows how even unwanted colorful scribbles on walls are no problem for BEHR DYNASTY Interior Paint.   I’ve used many paints over the years, and I can tell you firsthand now that BEHR DYNASTY Interior Paint is everything you want in one can,” Mansour says.     Check out his content here: Instagram Reel                TikTok Video     Anthony Pezzotti, Pezzotti Painting Anthony Pezzotti is the owner of Pezzotti Painting – a residential and commercial painting and drywall company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Having been in the field of home improvement for over seven years, Pezzotti is passionate about giving his clients a beautiful result that leaves a lasting impression. We teamed up with Pezzotti to share his candid opinion on BEHR DYNASTY Interior Paint and showcase how it can withstand life’s messiest accidents. After painting a wall with one-coat hide color Celebration MQ4-13A, Pezzotti demonstrates how you can throw (literally) everything but the kitchen sink at it and it will maintain its appearance – hot coffee, shoes and all!   This paint has an awesome one-coat hide quality… and excellent coverage. The results speak for themselves,” Pezzotti shares.     Watch the product in action here: Instagram Reel                TikTok Video     If you haven’t already, see for yourself how BEHR DYNASTY Interior Paint performs on your clients’ toughest wall scuffs, marks and stains. Available exclusively at The Home Depot.     △Darker colors may require additional dry time between coats. Cooler temperatures or higher humidity may prolong drying time. ◆Valid only when tinted to colors from the BEHR DYNASTY® & MARQUEE® Interior One-Coat Hide Color Collection. Learn more.