Kim Scott and her husband, Ross, own Maui Powder Works in Hawaii, which they started in 2004. She also hosts the “Powder Coater Podcast,” and blogs on the company’s website. We caught up with Kim recently to ask her 20 questions about all things coating and Hawaii.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
It’s my husband’s fault. We were ready to transition out of our painting and design business. I guess we are the competitive type that likes to master things. If we aren't moving forward and morphing, we get bored. Since I wasn't painting anymore and I didn’t need to be an applicator, I decided to start writing about powder coating. It was then I launched the blog that spoke to the consumer to educate them on what it is and how to get done right. Now it's one of the top-rated blogs out there. Today, I have created an in-house market agency with our brand. Now we’re getting ready to launch the Patina Powder Coat application system, a new line of distressed effects using all powder no paint.
What do enjoy best about the finishing industry?
Seeing so much potential coming from custom coaters to build their brand in the industry. I see a gap in the industry that could have a big impact on how coaters can grow and build relationships.
Who is your hero?
Wonder Women. She has a truth lasso.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Anywhere affordable on Maui, which doesn’t exist; but if that were true, everybody would be living here.
What is your biggest fear?
Not being liked.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Staycation at the Westin. No need to leave; we live in one of the best destinations in the world, Maui.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
Not suffering from the effects of a chronic illness. I have hypothyroidism; not much help is out there for those that suffer from it. Have to constantly keep my energy and stress levels in check.
What really makes you angry?
Homelessness. It’s a big problem here in Hawaii. Plus, it's so expensive to live here. Honestly, it's hard to comprehend why local legislators, welfare systems and non-profits can figure this out.
What motivates you to work hard?
Data. I am a nerd at heart, so when I can quantify our brand with analytics, reviews, and feedback, it makes me want to get more results.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
Being able to express my creativity through our social media, podcast and website.
What is your biggest complaint about your job?
Getting frustrated with not growing fast enough; I tend to be very visionary.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Launching the Powder Coater Podcast. It’s fulfilling a huge gap in the market, and listeners are loving it.
What is your favorite book?
Jules Verne’s 20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
What makes you laugh the most?
Looking at old photos from friends and family memories. Not the digital ones, the real photographs.
What was the last movie you went to?
Star Wars XVIIIIIIIII…? Whatever that last one was called.
What did you want to be when you were small?
A jockey, but at 5’2” I am too tall.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Spa Day with friends or family.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Golf of late.
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
Ride a horse.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Funny story: my last night in Osaka, Japan we found one (duh ... they’re everywhere) in our hotel. And well ... that’s the thing: you aren’t supposed to remember what you sing or drink. You’re expected to have a great time, not make a memory.
What would be your last meal?
Opakapaka. Very hard to find fish now due to overfishing. Sounds bad when I say that, though. Should I be eating a species of fish that’s in this situation? This is a moral quandary for me.
Who is your favorite author?
I don’t really have one. But I like books about quantum physics, the esoteric and other worlds, ancient or imaginary.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
Yes, but I won’t tell you.
Do you like or dislike surprises?
I love surprises.
In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
Watch a movie.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
I like to take risks, so I would rather win the lottery.
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
We’re already been on a deserted island since post-Covid. Our economy in Maui is on life-support, so I guess I’m going to be stuck with Ross, my husband.
