For Immediate Release August 15, 2018 Contact: Joan Kowalski, [email protected] Bob Ross Incorporated is pleased to announce the advancement of two predominant innovators in the art materials industry. Doug Hallgren was capping off a twenty-three year career with US Airways when he got bit by the painting bug, thanks to Bob Ross. In 2003 he became a Bob Ross certified instructor for landscapes, florals and wildlife, then started teaching regular painting classes at his local Michaels store in Phoenix. In 2007, Doug accepted a position with Bob Ross Inc., as manager and Certified Teacher Trainer at the Bob Ross Art Workshop and Gallery in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, certifying over 1,000 teachers during his tenure at the workshop. “Bob Ross completely changed my world,” Doug confesses. “How many of us get the chance to make that kind of a difference in that many people’s lives. Bob has been on my shoulder every step of the way.” In 2019, Doug will begin a new chapter working for Bob Ross Distribution -- a division of Bob Ross Inc. -- as Product Specialist and Specifications Analyst. In addition to overseeing testing and maintenance of the uniquely formulated Bob Ross product line, he will also impart his motivational skills and teaching acumen into the industry to grow the Bob Ross phenomenon globally. He is already slated to develop a TED Talk early next year. Nicholas "Nic" Hankins, trade show powerhouse and prolific instructor, has accepted the position as new Bob Ross Certified Teacher Trainer and manager of the Bob Ross Art Workshop and Gallery in 2019. Nic has enjoyed a life-long passion for art, inspired by the creative talents of his father, Jerry, and encouraged by both of his parents since the "crayon days". Oil painting became the focus of Nic's creative energies during the summer of 1993 when he discovered, "The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross", and began painting along with Ross' public television instructional program. Nic pursued a career in the visual arts field during high school, then earning a B.F.A. in Studio Art from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2005. It was then that he began teaching painting classes in retail stores during weekends to offset college expenses, then travel-teaching as demand for his classes grew. Over the past 20 years Nic has enjoyed teaching in his native East Tennessee, across the country and around the world, as far afield as Taiwan. “I relish the opportunity to share Bob’s Joy of Painting with anyone who expresses the desire to become a Bob Ross teacher,” says Nic. For more information about the Bob Ross Teacher Certification Program, his trademark painting supplies, or these two fine gentlemen, please contact us at 1-800-BOB-ROSS. .