Robin moved to Marshalltown, Iowa in 1977. He says, "My uncles had always used Marshalltown Trowel products in their masonry business, so I remember thinking it was kind of neat to live in the town where Marshalltown Trowel Company was located." In 1980, Robin left Marshalltown for New York where he learned the plastering trade. "It was in New York that I was handed my first plastering tools–a hawk and a trowel. What a pleasant surprise to see the MARSHALLTOWN brand on them," he recalls.

Ever since Robin was first introduced to plastering, he has had a love and respect for it. At the same time, he noticed that the knowledge about the trade was dying. Those who knew the secrets were very reluctant to share the knowledge. So this lead Robin to devise a plan to share his knowledge to keep the trade alive. "My goal has been to promote and preserve the plastering trade," Robin says. To reach this goal, in 1995 he invented a repair kit for the homeowner, and in 1997 he began appearing as "Plaster Man" at home and trade shows. Also in 1997, his first how-to video for homeowners was released. His pursuit of his goal did not end there. In 1999, he began writing a national column on the subject of plaster repair and restoration in Walls & Ceilings magazine, and in 2000, he finished filming an eight video training series designed for those who wanted to learn how to do plaster repair.

"As I have traveled the country, one thing has become crystal clear: There is a growing group of homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, and contractors who have a renewed interested in learning about plastering, both for new construction, as well as for repair and restoration work. Questions range from what tools should be used, to the actual tips and techniques that can help assure success on each project," he says.

With that in mind, we are happy to announce the introduction of an "Ask Plaster Man" area on this web site. Questions and comments can be sent directly to Plaster Man, and these will be answered and responded to as they are received. These questions, along with some frequently asked questions, will be posted on the site so that others can refer to them. We hope this will become a place that many people, from beginner, to advanced, to pro can refer to and benefit from. So if you have a plastering question, Ask Plaster Man!

More information on Robin's credentials . . .

• He has produced several how-to videos, including "Plaster Rescue" for the homeowner and "How to Turn a Bucket of Mud into a Pot of Gold," an eight video series for training individuals on how to run a successful repair business. He is presently filming a series of "Plaster Man in the Field" videos.
• Robin speaks to historical and preservation organizations on the art of plaster restoration.
• He writes the nationally known Plaster Man column for Walls and Ceilings magazine, and is also a contributing editor.
• Robin is a member of the Construction Writers' Association.
• He is listed as the expert in the plastering field in the 2001 yearbook of experts, authorities, and spokespersons.