1851

Name:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-schoessel-782b8b5?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-marketing-leaders-katie-schoessel-fresh-coat-2731229" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Katie Schoessel</a> Role:&nbsp;Vice President of Marketing Brand:&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-marketing-leaders-katie-schoessel-fresh-coat-2731229" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat* Painters</a> <a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat">1851 Newsroom</a>For Katie Schoessel, vice president of marketing at Fresh Coat Painters, the journey to franchise marketing began with brand management. Starting in the consumer packaged goods space, she eventually moved into home services, where she discovered the unique dynamic of working with field operators. Since making the leap to the national painting franchise, Schoessel has consistently leveraged the hyper-local nature of the business to empower individual entrepreneurs and drive success in their communities.Today, Schoessel is focused on helping Fresh Coat owners navigate the modern digital landscape and make the most of their online footprints to gain traction. She also reminds owners that, while they’re in business&nbsp;for themselves and have a unique opportunity to build a business tailored to them and their communities,&nbsp;they're not in business&nbsp;by themselves.<h2>Q&amp;A With Katie Schoessel, Vice President of Marketing, Fresh Coat Painters</h2>1851 Franchise: How did you find your way to franchising and franchise marketing?Katie Schoessel:&nbsp;I started out in consumer packaged goods with brands at Kraft Foods and then made a move to Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, where I had the opportunity to lead the home services division. That was my first taste of home services marketing and the opportunity to apply a field-based mindset to building brands.I was working with not only the end user in the way I was used to in the consumer space, but now also the field business operator in each of our locations. After that, I spent about four years on the agency side really sharpening my digital marketing acumen. The opportunity at Fresh Coat was a chance to bring all of that together: understanding consumer branding and home services, while working within today's digital landscape.1851: What makes franchise marketing uniquely challenging (and rewarding) compared to corporate-only marketing?Schoessel: At the end of the day, we are still trying to build a profitable business. All the levers still apply: Who is your target? What is your cost to acquire? What is your profitability? What is your ad spend? Regardless of the size of the numbers, the tools that we use to analyze a business and performance are the same.In terms of moments of pride, it is rewarding to take an approach to performance marketing and apply data to the decisions that we're making. When we add a certain tool, such as online scheduling or a CRM program, it really drives their business and you can start to see those numbers. When that light bulb goes off for an owner that these are the building blocks to scaling their business, it's incredible. They realize that just because they are in business for themselves, they’re not in business by themselves.1851: What is the single most powerful lever a marketing team can pull to directly impact franchisees’ profitability at the unit level?Schoessel: For the franchisee to really understand that there is a process, and to get the foundation of that process established early on. We talk about getting your foundation and your digital footprint set first, and then being able to radiate in different ways off of that in your local market. That digital footprint is really important for our owners since we're in the service business. We don't have a retail location, so that truly is their footprint in the market.Once that's built, they can find the right choice for other marketing efforts in their specific market, and that may look really different. We have some owners where Angi's List, for instance, is really very powerful for lead generation. In other markets, they don't get anything from that. It's a lot of trial and error. Get your foundation set, get a plan in place in terms of your goals and then make a concerted effort to try some of these things, learn from it, and adjust as it makes sense in your market.1851: What is an untapped marketing opportunity you see for franchise brands?Schoessel:&nbsp;I think this whole concept of “buying local” is untapped in franchising. These are independent business owners. These are people who are committed to their community. These are not corporate guys that are coming in and gobbling up jobs; they are coming in and setting up shop.&nbsp;Just because they are buying into a structure with a website and a logo, that doesn't mean that they're not local business owners. They have a vested interest in their community; it's a place they call home, and they employ local people. I know that franchises likely aren’t what people are thinking of when they push others to “buy local,” but franchise owners really are building local businesses. It’s important to highlight and celebrate that.1851: What is one marketing fad or buzzword that you believe will actually deliver real results in the coming year?Schoessel:&nbsp;Reactivation. When we think about a customer we’ve done a project for, just because we get one project done doesn't mean we may not have another project that we could help them with two, three, or four years down the road. It is vital for an owner to realize the efficiency and importance of that relationship and to continue to market to them.We want to stay top of mind, not to actively hound them, but to stay relevant and be a trusted resource, whether it's for a project for them or potentially for someone that they know. Reactivating your customer base is a really important tool for our owners.1851: What’s your boldest franchise marketing take?&nbsp;Schoessel:&nbsp;The old adage used to be that it takes four, five, or six touches to get your message out. The numbers now in digital are around 27 or 28 different touches before someone will even make the connection of who you are. To think that you can have one tactic and that it's going to drive conversion is a farce.This throws the whole concept of attribution modeling into a bit of a tailspin. How could you possibly come up with the one thing that converted that person to a home service? It's the truck driving around, it's the business card in the fish bowl at the local pizza shop, and it's the person who just had their house painted. There may be a hundred different touches before someone actually makes that connection. Attribution modeling as we know it is going to really have to step up if we're still using that antiquated approach of asking “What was the thing that got you to convert?”Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisors grow their franchises with confidence? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-marketing-leaders-katie-schoessel-fresh-coat-2731229" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and see what we can do for you.

1851 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Katie Schoessel, Fresh Coat Painters

Franchise Marketing Leaders: Katie Schoessel — Fresh Coat

1851 Franchise

Schoessel combines a background in consumer packaged goods with a field-based mindset to help owners build their digital footprints and leverage the unique local aspects of the franchise model.

Top Franchise Marketing Leaders: Katie Schoessel — Vice President of Marketing, Fresh Coat Painters

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The Melt

The Melt Launches National Franchising Initiative With Enticing Opportunity for Multi-Unit Operators

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HomeTeam Inspection Service

How HomeTeam Inspection Service Stays at the Forefront of an Evolving Industry

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Strategic Franchising

Exiting Franchising: How Strategic Franchising Helps Owners Build and Cash In on Their Legacy

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Beansquad

Why Franchisors Need the Right Financial Partner by the End of Q1

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Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Brings the Crunch to Rockwall with April 18 Grand Opening and Free Layne’s for a Year

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KKR Nears Deal for Nothing Bundt Cakes at $2 Billion

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Prince St. Pizza Partners With Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchisee for National Growth

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KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

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FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

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Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

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Amada Senior Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Amada Senior Care is a non-medical home care, assisted living placement, and related senior-support services with multiple revenue streams.

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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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Visiting Angels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Visiting Angels is a senior home care franchise focused on in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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Caring Senior Service logo, franchise deep dive

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Caring Senior Service is a home care agency that provides non-medical in-home assistance to seniors.

Caring Senior Service Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch? For many&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/a-beginners-guide-to-franchising-how-the-model-works-2724686">prospective entrepreneurs</a> weighing the idea of ownership, the answer to that question can be both yes and no. Franchising offers a proven system and built-in support. Starting from scratch allows greater flexibility and control. And a proper understanding of the trade-offs can help potential owners decide which path is most aligned with their business goals.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://drymedicfranchise.com/">DRYmedic Restoration</a> franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-carlson-29b0a930/">Keith Carlson</a>, the appeal of franchising often starts with structure. “The yes is that you have an automatic blueprint,” he said. “You’re in. You don’t have to think of everything. You don’t have to come up with your business plan or your marketing plan.”As Carloson noted, franchisors generally provide detailed guidance on everything from licensing and certifications to business structure. “All of those things are done. Or they’re in a list or part of a large checklist,” he said. “From that perspective, it’s simpler on the back end.”<h2>Franchising Vs. Starting From Scratch: Key Considerations</h2>So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/buying-a-franchise-vs-starting-from-scratch-2725815">is franchising better than starting a business from scratch</a>? Here are five areas to consider:1. Built-In Systems Vs. Total Control Franchising provides a tested playbook. But it comes with rules. “If you’re in a franchise, every time you want to do something that’s outside their playbook, you have to ask permission,” Carlson reminds. Independent owners, on the other hand, can pivot freely but must build systems from the ground up (which takes time and resources).2. Fees and Royalties Franchise fees and royalties are part of the deal. It’s important to both understand and plan for them accordingly.3. Experience and Support One of franchising’s biggest advantages is access to experienced operators. Carlson recalled his first job after signing his initial work order: “I was nervous. But I had somebody on the phone within 10 minutes saying, ‘You’ve got to do this, this and that,’” he said. “It was so easy to get through that first job because there was no guesswork.”4. Following The System (With Local Flexibility) While local nuances aren’t always captured in a national system, the strength of a proven system remains a franchising hallmark.5. Long-Term Upside Starting a business from scratch can be more lucrative. “But it depends on the level of effort you want to put in,” Carlson reminds potential zees.<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>So, is franchising better than starting a business from scratch?&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchising-and-the-american-dream-2730380">Franchising</a> can reduce risk, shorten the learning curve and provide critical support (especially early). Independent startups can offer more autonomy and, potentially, greater long-term rewards. Therefore, an honest assessment of tolerance for structure, fees and self-direction can help those considering entrepreneurship to properly assess the ownership situation best aligned with one’s goals for success in the business opportunity.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch?

Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch? Franchising offers a proven system and support. Starting from scratch provides flexibility and control. Here’s how to assess the tradeoffs.

Is Franchising Better than Starting a Business from Scratch? A Guide

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When evaluating a franchise opportunity, there’s an important early step: how do I research franchise complaints? Understanding the issues both current and former franchise owners have experienced can help prospective franchisees make better-informed decisions that increase the likelihood of selecting a brand aligned with their business goals.Franchise consultant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/franchise-guru/">Lisa Welko</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://integrityfranchisegroup.com/">Integrity Franchise Group</a> emphasizes the importance of validating information through direct research. “The most important thing about researching any franchise is the opportunity to validate with franchise owners personally,” Welko said. “Use the reviews to formulate your questions and opinions. And then validate those findings with actual owners in the system.”<h2>Start With The Basics: Public Records And Online Tools</h2>How do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;It starts with sources that are accessible and objective.<ul><li>Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD):&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/understanding-item-3-of-the-franchise-disclosure-document-litigation-history-2703061">FDD Item 3</a>, litigation history, lists pending litigation or past legal issues involving franchisees that can be potential&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/red-flags-to-look-out-for-when-doing-franchise-research-2723769#stories">red flags</a>. &nbsp;</li><li>State Regulatory Agencies: Many states publish franchise or business complaints (including the Attorney General’s office). &nbsp;</li><li>Online Reviews and Forums: While helpful for providing additional context, they should not be used as the only source of research. “Just like anything on the internet, we need to remember ‘Buyer Beware,’” said Welko. “Online reviews can be a helpful tool. But we need to remember that it’s one tool in the arsenal. So, don’t let one bad review torpedo your research.”</li></ul><h2>Speak Directly With Franchise Owners</h2>Nothing replaces firsthand insights. Contacting current – and former – franchise owners to ask about their experience with franchisor support, operations and growth potential is a critical part of the validation process. It’s essential to pay attention to recurring themes in their feedback, both positive and negative, to identify potential risks (or opportunities) correctly.&nbsp;<h2>Practical Takeaways For Evaluating Franchise Complaints</h2><ol><li>Verify Patterns, Not One-Offs – A single complaint may be an isolated incident. Look for repeated issues that may indicate systemic challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Check The Age Of Complaints – Older complaints may reflect resolved issues or changes in leadership (while recent complaints can indicate ongoing issues). &nbsp;</li><li>Ask Specific Questions – When speaking with franchisees, ask about areas like training, corporate support and general operational challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Evaluate The Brand’s Response – How a franchisor addresses complaints can reveal the level of transparency, responsiveness and commitment provided to franchise owners. &nbsp;</li><li>Integrate Findings Within Decision-Making – Use complaint research as part of a larger due diligence process (along with financials, market analysis and personal goals).</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2>So, how do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;Doing so is essential. Utilizing a combination of public records, online insights and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-is-the-value-of-franchisee-validation-in-the-franchise-sales-process-2703208">direct validation with franchisees</a> (past and present), potential franchise owners can better evaluate both risk and opportunity. By following a structured approach, actionable insights that build confidence in the franchise decision-making process can be identified.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How do I research franchise complaints? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to uncover patterns, validate insights with franchisees and make informed franchise investment decisions.

Top Franchise Marketing Leaders: Katie Schoessel — Vice President of Marketing, Fresh Coat Painters

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