Success in the epoxy industry does not happen overnight.
For Anthony Jeremiah, the journey started in 2008 with cold calls and diamond saw blades. Long before Xtreme Polishing Systems became one of the biggest names in the industry, Anthony was learning the fundamentals of sales by picking up the phone every day and working hard to earn trust.
In Episode 5 of the Epoxy Will Change Your Life podcast, Anthony shares how he went from selling diamond blades for Chris Lavin to becoming General Manager and one of the company’s top salespeople.
His story is not just about sales. It is about consistency, work ethic, recovery, leadership, and understanding what it really takes to succeed in the epoxy business.
Starting at the Bottom
Anthony started working with Chris Lavin in 2008 selling diamond saw blades. At the time, the business was focused on concrete and diamond tooling, and sales meant cold calling customers all day.
Those early years gave Anthony a foundation that would shape the rest of his career. He learned how to build relationships, understand customer needs, and develop the confidence needed to sell.
As Xtreme Polishing Systems launched in 2009 and expanded its offerings, Anthony grew with the company. What started with diamond blades evolved into selling concrete grinders, vacuums, diamond tooling, epoxy systems, polyaspartics, industrial flooring supplies, training classes, and even business opportunities.
By 2012, Anthony had risen into a General Manager position. Since then, he has helped train roughly 75 salespeople throughout the company.
Telling Customers the Truth
One thing that separates Anthony from other salespeople is that he does not sugarcoat what it takes to get into the epoxy business.
He knows many people come into the industry believing they can take a class, get certified, and immediately start making money. While certification is important, Anthony makes sure customers understand that training is only one piece of the puzzle.
Starting an epoxy business requires a serious investment. Depending on the person’s experience and goals, Anthony estimates that contractors may need anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 to properly launch.
That investment can include:
- Equipment
- Trailers
- Materials
- Marketing
- A website
- Insurance
- Additional labor
Someone who already owns a painting company may have lower startup costs because they already have vehicles, workers, and customer relationships. On the other hand, a brand-new contractor starting from scratch may need to invest much more.
Anthony explains all of this in detail when speaking to prospective students because he wants people to enter the industry with realistic expectations.
Training Is Just the Beginning
Anthony is heavily involved in helping customers understand XPS training classes before they enroll.
He breaks down exactly what students can expect, compares the classes to competing programs, and makes sure customers understand both the opportunities and the challenges of the business.
But for Anthony, his role does not end after the class is over.
He sees himself as a lifeline for students, especially beginners. Contractors often call him while they are in the middle of a project, sometimes even on weekends, needing help with mixing ratios, floor prep, product selection, or jobsite issues.
Anthony takes pride in answering those calls because he knows that fast guidance can help prevent expensive mistakes.
He also helps contractors understand material margins and pricing. By reviewing jobsite photos and understanding the square footage and scope of the project, Anthony can guide contractors on how to properly bid a floor.
That level of support is one reason why so many students continue buying products through XPS after training.
Not Everyone Will Make It
Anthony estimates that roughly 25 to 30 percent of students who take training classes go on to build long-term success in the industry.
That may sound low, but it reflects the reality of construction and entrepreneurship.
The epoxy business is not easy. It requires physical work, strong communication, confidence, and the ability to sell.
Anthony believes that shy or introverted personalities may struggle if they are not willing to push themselves. Contractors have to be able to sell jobs, build relationships, and confidently communicate value to customers.
At the end of the day, skill matters. But sales ability matters just as much.
What Separates Good Salespeople from Great Ones?
During the podcast, Chris Lavin asks Anthony an important question:
What is the difference between a good salesperson and a great salesperson?
Anthony believes the answer is consistency.
Some salespeople come into the business strong and perform well in the beginning, but after a few months, they lose focus. Others steadily improve over time and become great because they consistently show up every day.
Anthony says the best salespeople have a true desire to succeed. They are focused, disciplined, and committed to getting better.
Natural talent helps, but Anthony believes the number one quality of a great salesperson is the ability to genuinely connect with people.
The best salespeople are not fake. They make customers feel comfortable, build trust naturally, and create long-term relationships.
Technology Has Changed Sales
Anthony also discusses how technology has transformed the sales process.
Years ago, everything depended on cold calls and face-to-face conversations. Today, businesses can build trust through social media, podcasts, email campaigns, eCommerce platforms like Shopify, and CRM systems like HubSpot.
These tools help sales teams stay connected with customers, educate contractors, and build a stronger brand presence.
For Anthony, embracing technology has made it easier than ever to stay visible and maintain relationships with customers.
A Personal Story of Recovery
One of the most powerful parts of the episode is Anthony’s openness about his personal struggles.
Anthony shares how addiction impacted his life and how becoming sober changed everything.
He has now been sober for more than a decade and credits healthier habits with helping him become a better salesperson, leader, and person.
He explains that addiction and alcoholism affect many people in life, especially in construction-related industries. By focusing on health, discipline, and self-improvement, Anthony was able to completely change his future.
His story is proof that success is possible no matter where you start.
Building Distribution Centers Around the World
In addition to sales and training, Anthony has also played a major role in helping expand the XPS Xpress distribution network.
He has personally helped open distribution centers in New York, New Jersey, Greater Philadelphia, New Mexico, Indiana, and even Australia.
That growth reflects not only Anthony’s sales ability, but also his leadership and commitment to helping others succeed.
Final Thoughts
Anthony Jeremiah’s story is a reminder that success is built through consistency, honesty, hard work, and genuine relationships.
From cold calls in 2008 to becoming one of the leaders of Xtreme Polishing Systems, Anthony has helped shape the company while helping countless contractors build businesses of their own.
If you are thinking about getting into the epoxy industry, this episode offers a realistic and inspiring look at what it takes.
Watch the full Episode 5 of the Epoxy Will Change Your Life podcast on YouTube and do not forget to listen for details on the special Rockhard merch bundle giveaway.
