1851

When Kimberly Malibu-Grove heard&nbsp;<a href="http://www.solafranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sola-salons-charleston-2728961" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sola Salons</a> was coming to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 2017, she didn’t hesitate — she reached out, became the very first professional to sign on and opened her own studio. Seven years later, she’s helping other beauty pros take the same leap. Now the general manager overseeing nine&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons/info">Sola Salons</a> locations, Malibu-Grove plays an integral, hands-on role in every part of the business, from supporting new inquiries to overseeing day-to-day operations. With a new 34-studio Sola location opening in Charleston, Malibu-Grove is energized by the opportunity to guide even more beauty professionals toward entrepreneurship.“My favorite part of this role is seeing that shift in someone when they realize they can do this,” Malibu-Grove said. “They come in scared, unsure, but once they make the leap, they say, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’ I love helping them reach that moment.” 1851 spoke with Malibu-Grove to learn more about her background, what drew her to Sola Salons and why she is excited about the new opening.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Kim Malibu-Grove:&nbsp;I’m a cosmetologist, and I’ve been in the beauty industry for nearly 30 years. My journey with Sola began in 2017 — I was in a supply house picking up products when someone told me Sola was coming to Myrtle Beach. I was so excited. I reached out and was actually the first professional to sign there. I’ve had my own salon inside Sola, and I can’t say enough good things about it.Eventually I was asked to become the general manager, initially overseeing three locations, and now we’re getting ready to open our ninth. I support all of our studios, handle day-to-day operations, and assist with inquiries — I’m very involved in every location.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Malibu-Grove: When I talk to professionals who are thinking about joining Sola, a lot of them are scared to make such a big change. I can relate because I’ve been in their shoes. Helping calm their nerves, guiding them through the process and seeing the relief they feel once they make the transition and watching their business grow — that’s my favorite part.I always tell them: “One day, you’re going to say, why didn’t I do this sooner?” It’s not just about renting a studio. They have my support, they have the franchisees’ support, and they have Sola’s corporate support. They’re not in it alone — and that’s what makes Sola different.1851: Tell me about the new opening.Malibu-Grove: We’re opening a beautiful new location in Charleston with 34 studios. The space is absolutely stunning. We’re projecting a mid-April opening, and I’ve been spending a lot of time there giving tours and meeting with future studio owners. The excitement is building. It reminds me of the same excitement I had when I joined Sola in 2017, and now I get to witness that from others. That’s what fuels me.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Malibu-Grove:&nbsp;We’re planning to continue growing. Our team is incredible and committed to bringing the Sola model to more communities across South Carolina. As long as there are professionals out there who are ready to step into business ownership, we’ll be here to support them.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about getting into Sola Salons?Malibu-Grove: Having someone who understands what you're going through is so important. You are not alone. I recently brought in a stylist who came from a commission-based salon — she started telling me how much money she was giving away and she got emotional. I got emotional too. I see it time and time again: fear gets in the way, but once they make that move, the weight just lifts off their shoulders.It’s not just about having a space — it’s about having the freedom to build your own business, your way, with a support system behind you. That’s what Sola offers, and that’s why I’m proud to be part of it.ABOUT SOLA SALONS:In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with more than 735 locations open in the U.S. and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 20,000+ independent beauty professionals the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without the risk and overhead of opening a traditional salon. Its innovative salon model empowers hairdressers, estheticians, nail techs, massage therapists and other like-minded professionals to take control of their lives and their careers. Sola provides beauty professionals with beautiful, fully-equipped salon studios alongside the support and tools they need to launch their salon business in no time. For more information about Sola Salons, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solasalonstudios.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sola-salons-charleston-2728961" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.solasalonstudios.com/</a>.

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Kim Malibu-Grove and Sola Salons logo

Sola Salons Charleston: A New Opportunity for Beauty Professionals

1851 Franchise

As the newest Sola Salons location opens in Charleston, South Carolina, longtime stylist and general manager Kimberly Malibu-Grove is leading the way for beauty pros to achieve independence.

From Chair to Champion: How This Beauty Professional is Helping Charleston Stylists Step Into Business Ownership with Sola Salons

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FSC Franchise Co.

With Three Brands, FSC Realizes Food Cost Savings Through Scale

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The Melt

The Melt Delivered Record-High Financial Performance in 2025, Fueling System Growth and Expansion

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Screenmobile

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Screenmobile Finishes 2025 by Entering 13 New Territories and Earning Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Recognition for the 27th Consecutive Year

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BooXkeeping

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Stop Going It Alone: The Top 5 Reasons Bookkeepers Are Turning to BooXkeeping

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Image Studios

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Franchise Brokers-Turned-Owners Invest in IMAGE Studios, Build Thriving Community of Independent Beauty Professionals

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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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The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems - 1851 Franchise

The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems

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Large Domino’s Franchisee Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

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In 2005, Heidi and Brent Welsh decided to make a move that would change their careers and their lives. Brent was ready to leave the high-stress world of stockbroking behind, and Heidi’s experience as an office manager with&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com/">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®</a> gave them the confidence they could bring the brand to Canada.Today, 20 years later, the Welshes are the longest-tenured owners of&nbsp;<a href="https://twomenandatruck.ca/">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK</a> Canada, where they’ve built their business on the belief that "nice humans" are the ultimate competitive advantage. With over 30,000 moves in London, Ontario, Heidi and Brent have proven that when you prioritize people and follow a proven system, you don’t just build a successful company. You become a trusted part of the community.Brent and Heidi sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss how they made the leap from corporate life to business ownership and why “nice humans” still drive their culture 20 years later. Here’s what they had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Heidi Welsh: I was born in Port Lambton, Ontario, and Brent was born in Akron, Ohio. We met and spent the first decade of our marriage in Akron, but I missed Canada. Brent was ready for a change, too. He’d spent his whole life in the same area and was feeling pretty burnt out by the corporate world. After a few years of talking and planning, the time was right. We signed with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Canada in November 2005, moved in January 2006 to Delaware [Ontario], and officially opened in London [Ontario] that March.20 years and over 30,000 moves later, we’ve learned that reputation is everything. In our business, we make sure to show up with clean trucks and nice humans to help our community and make sure they actually enjoy their moving day experience.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Brent: I was working as a stockbroker at Charles Schwab. It was a high-stress job and after being in it for a while, I was just kind of worn out.Heidi: I was already working as an office manager at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in Akron, so I learned what it took to run this business effectively. It’s all about good people and customer service. Brent and I had been talking about it for a few years and agreed that if the right opportunity appeared, we’d jump. When my boss at the time connected us with the team launching the brand in Canada, we knew it was time to go for it.&nbsp;1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Heidi:&nbsp;I think Brent’s business side looked at the data and success rate, whereas I knew the people. I knew the family that started this 30-plus years ago. They were just good people who treated their people well. They set an excellent example of how to start and build your business and to this day, we are held in high regard within the moving industry specifically because of the integrity of the brand name.Brent: Like Heidi said, before we even started, we read more on franchising and learned the statistics of success for franchises versus starting your own business. The failure rate for starting your own is way higher. With franchising, if you have a proven system and a solid territory, you have a real chance to make a go of it. We owe our longevity and success to the whole system.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Heidi: Really it was TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. I felt very confident that this could come to Canada and work.Brent: Looking at the system, they had proprietary software for booking and more of the logistics, CRM tools and professional branding and advertising materials. They had years of experience in the industry and guidelines for how to get started and how to do well with it.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Heidi: We were the second location to open in Canada. The original owner of the first location [in Hamilton] sold his, so we’re technically the first owners in Canada who are still going strong.&nbsp;When we first decided to go all into this, we said to each other, this is going to work no matter what we have to do, but our marriage is always first and the business is second. We complement each other well and have always prioritized making this a joyful, good place to come to. Life's hard enough, you don't need your nine-to-five being dreadful.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Heidi: Give yourself time. For probably five years, we did nothing but sleep, drink and eat TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. You have to be willing to put in that initial sweat to build a company that lasts in the community.ABOUT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Canada:TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is an international, full-service franchised moving company with more than 430 locations and 3,000 trucks operating in 47 U.S. states in addition to Canada, Ireland and the U.K. Each location is independently owned and operated, and together, the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK network has performed more than 10 million moves since its inception in 1985. The moving company has been in Canada for the past 20 years, and more than 30 franchise locations are operating within Canada. In 2024, the Canadian locations moved 26,000 customers while maintaining a 95% referral rating, living up to the brand’s tagline as the Movers Who Care®. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK offers comprehensive home and business moving services, professional packing and unpacking, and storage and junk removal services.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight with photo of Heidi & Brent Welsh & TWO MEN AND A TRUCK logo

Based in London, Ontario, Heidi and Brent Welsh have built their moving business around a simple formula: proven operations, clean trucks and a “nice humans” mantra that shows up in every move.

20 Years and 30,000 Moves Later: Meet TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Canada’s Longest-Tenured Owners

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-uribe-san-diego/">Gabe</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-uribe-687495b8/">Melissa Uribe</a> came to&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based kids training franchise, as parents focused on helping their kids. After driving 45 minutes to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kidstrongcarlsbad/">KidStrong Carlsbad</a> starting in March 2024, they watched their son transform from a hesitant mover who’d needed physical therapy to walk at 18 months into one of the top runners at school. Their daughter jumped in soon after, and the family’s “this should exist near us” moment arrived. Now, the Uribes are bringing&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> to Rancho Bernardo, California, with a center expected to open in summer 2026 serving families in the area, including Carmel Mountain Ranch, Poway and surrounding North San Diego communities.What drew them in wasn’t just the physical support. It was KidStrong’s whole-child model: equal parts physical skills, confidence and character. The affirmations (“I am strong. I am brave. I can do this.”) followed them from the center to the playground to theme-park lines, and the results stuck. Unlike drop-off programs, KidStrong pulls parents into the process and builds a genuine community — exactly what the Uribes say North San Diego is hungry for.Backed by Gabe’s hospitality and tech operations background and Melissa’s 18-year accounting career, the Uribes plan to ultimately develop two to three centers in San Diego County. Their goal is long-term impact: help as many kids as possible grow stronger, braver and more resilient.Gabe and Melissa sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss how their family’s experience with KidStrong led them to franchise ownership. Here’s what they had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Gabe Uribe:&nbsp;I grew up in Rancho Peñasquitos, just across the 15 freeway from where we’re opening. My professional background is in hospitality and tourism management, with a transition to property management, and more recently as a product manager for tech startups. The tech industry is rife with layoffs and uncertainty. That instability, combined with my desire for a more family-friendly schedule, made me look for alternatives. When we saw how much we loved KidStrong as parents, and realized there was a huge market opportunity since the only San Diego location was a 35 to 45-minute drive away, it just made perfect sense to bring this positive program to my old stomping grounds.Melissa Uribe:&nbsp;I’ve been a stable accountant with the same company for 18 years and am very risk-averse, so franchising was not something I was interested in at all. My husband had previously mentioned it, and I was negative about it. However, once we started taking our kids to KidStrong and saw the incredible physical and emotional improvement in them, it was clear: this program needs to be available to every kid. The decision to franchise only made sense because I got behind the actual KidStrong program itself, not just the business idea.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchise owner, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Gabe:&nbsp;Prior to KidStrong, I had considered smaller, at-home franchise concepts like cold calling or sales after a layoff. The idea of opening a physical center was completely new until we saw this opportunity. What I want people to know now is: you better believe in the product. If you view it only as a way to make money and then be hands-off, you're going to struggle when things get rough. Your belief in the mission will be the only thing that keeps you going.Melissa: The idea of the risk involved with franchising was something I was completely against. What I want people to know now is that my entire perspective changed because of the KidStrong product itself. I got behind the brand because I saw the proof in the pudding with our own kids. It wasn't the franchise model that sold me; it was the undeniable value of the program.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Gabe:&nbsp;I'm excited by how much KidStrong speaks to the parents, the customer. Parents are going to spend money on their kids’ development, and KidStrong purposely addresses both character building and physical development. The high parent engagement that's built into the model, making it a community and not just a drop-off, makes us confident it's a recipe for success.Melissa:&nbsp;It was the only brand for us because it addresses the "whole child": equal parts physical, brain and character. Other concepts offer the physical aspect, but KidStrong teaches life skills like perseverance and grit. We use their affirmations ("I am strong, I am brave, I can do this") outside of class to encourage our son to try new things, like going on a new ride at Legoland.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Gabe:&nbsp;We want to take care of our people better than other companies I've worked for. We want to offer advancement opportunities for those with a passion for child development or fitness. Our growth plan is to open two to three successful centers in San Diego County, giving Melissa the opportunity to be as hands-on as possible.Melissa:&nbsp;My focus is literally how many kids we can help. As long as we can pay our bills and pay our people well, I want to serve as many families as possible, especially seeing so many children who are shy and lack confidence.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Gabe:&nbsp;Make sure you believe in the product. If you love chicken, you open a chicken franchise. Because when things get rough, and they will, your belief in the mission will be the only thing that keeps you going.Melissa:&nbsp;Agreed. You have to believe in the product you’re selling. We saw the direct impact of the program on our children, and that conviction is what makes the long process worthwhile.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Gabe:&nbsp;Our oldest son, Westley, also has epilepsy, which comes with emotional challenges. We were concerned about him being held back, but the progress we've seen in building his confidence through KidStrong, while nothing else changed, has been amazing. We now see him flying through the air and leaping, which is a big deal for a child who struggled to walk at 18 months.Melissa:&nbsp;My mom, the doting grandmother, was actually the one who introduced us to KidStrong after a coworker recommended it. Our son, Westley, was a late roller and needed physical therapy to learn to walk at 18 months. He struggled with basic motor skills and couldn't even run properly; he galloped. Now, because of KidStrong, he is one of the top runners in his school’s running club.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.About KidStrongKidStrong was founded in 2015 by Matt and Megin Sharp because they wanted a program focused on developing strength and confidence for their daughter Ella and other kids like her. Together, they partnered in 2017 with Matt's best friend and co-founder Lincoln Brown to help grow the program. Later, Megan Stein joined as a co-founder. Together they developed KidStrong, a science-based kids’ training program focused on brain, physical and character development for ages walking through 11 years old. KidStrong offers a science-based curriculum that is parent-focused and taught by professionals to help accelerate milestone development and promote social and emotional strength. Today, KidStrong has grown exponentially, with more than 500 franchises sold to date since the company opened its first center in 2015. Over the next five years, KidStrong plans to have more than 500 open centers in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kidstrong.com">www.kidstrong.com</a>.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Gabe & Melissa Uribe, KidStrong

Gabe and Melissa Uribe plan to open their KidStrong location in summer 2026, serving families across North San Diego County with a whole-child model built on movement, confidence and character.

After Seeing KidStrong’s Impact on Their Kids, the Uribes Are Bringing It to Rancho Bernardo, California

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-watson-fahrmm-cmrp/">Aimee Watson</a>, her husband&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-watson-02742765/">Doug Watson</a>, and her brother&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmiramontes/">Brandon Miramontes</a>, the years after graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, were spent building careers across the country in industries ranging from&nbsp;Supply Chain to&nbsp;PBS documentary filmmaking to Amazon logistics. The decision to dive into the world of franchising was about owning a business that could give them autonomy and control, as well as a way to come back and serve a place they called home. Now, the trio is returning to Knoxville to open multiple Paris Baguette franchise cafés.By bringing the emerging bakery-café to the East Tennessee, the family aims to create a legacy for the next generation.With Paris Baguette providing a turnkey model differentiated by product consistency and an untapped market in East Tennessee, these&nbsp;<a href="https://www.volsforlife.com/">Vols for Life</a> are focused on more than just pastries. They are dedicated to providing local students with real-life job experience and fueling the community they love.Aimee, Doug, and Brandon sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss why they chose Paris Baguette and how they plan to build a bakery-café team around the University of Tennessee community. Here’s what they had to say:&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Aimee Watson: I’ve been all around in my career. I have been in the supply chain industry for 26 years, starting in manufacturing and then switching to health care in 2007. Currently, I work for a supply chain industrial engineering firm, focusing on construction, specifically for new hospital builds, renovations, and expansions. Doug Watson: I’ve been a videographer for 27 years, shooting footage for television and documentaries. I’m currently working for the PBS affiliate in Harrisburg, PA.Brandon Miramontes: My entire career has been spent in logistics. For the past 6 years; I have owned and operated a company contracted with Amazon through their Delivery Service Partner (DSP) network to manage last mile deliveries in the Asheville, NC metro area. Prior to this, I spent 15 years in various roles within the railway industry in both the U.S. and Canada, including railroad operations, auditing, and continuous improvement.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Aimee:&nbsp;At this point in our careers, we were looking for a business that we could totally own and control ourselves, but that we didn’t have to build from the ground up. Doug and I recently&nbsp;decided to&nbsp;move back to East Tennessee, which is like home for us, and we really liked the prospect of being able to leverage all of our local contacts. We’ve signed on to open up to four cafés as an area developer, with the first anticipated to open by the end of this year.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Aimee: My perception of franchising before entering this world was that it is very stringent, that you don’t actually own the business, and that you’re just the operations manager. Now that we’re actually in it, it’s totally different. The franchisor provides a great opportunity to expand and run the business how we want to.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Aimee: We looked for a brand that was truly different from anything else on the market. Because there is an untapped market here, the chance to grow is huge, and we don't have to worry about over-saturating the market like other concepts do.Doug: Another big factor for us was the product. It’s amazing and always consistent, no matter where you get it. Every time we go to one, we easily spend $100 or more just to bring boxes of pastries back home.Brandon: I’ll echo Doug on that one, it was all about the product for me. I first encountered the brand on a trip to Chicago, and then again while visiting New York City. Not only did I like the product itself, but the café experience with such a large choice of quality items and a bright and inviting store concept, made me think a location in Knoxville could thrive.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? Aimee: One of our major goals is to be able to employ&nbsp;East Tennessee&nbsp;students and provide them with real-life on-the-job experience. We want to provide the same opportunities for employment that we once had as students ourselves. .Brandon: As of now, we’re focused on the potential of the Knoxville market. I live in Asheville, North Carolina, and I believe the city could support a Paris Baguette café, so there is a long-term opportunity for us to possibly expand into as well.&nbsp;1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Aimee: All three of us are Tennessee alumni. I graduated in 1998, Doug in 1997, and Brandon in 2001.&nbsp;Our daughter, Elena, is even a Vol!&nbsp;This makes bringing this back to Knoxville very special. We plan on making our cafés great places for students to work. I'm very active in the university community. I am the president of the Latino Alumni Council and I’m currently on the Alumni Board of Directors.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Aimee: To put it simply, you have to do your homework. Being prepared to see and pay the upfront costs can be nerve-wracking, especially when it involves totally new construction. Potential owners should also consider staffing, and the challenges of attracting and retaining employees. That's a constant consideration for us.Doug: I’ll second that. We found the most benefit from meeting with other owners. We met with about five or six other franchisees, to get their opinions and see what their experiences have been like. Getting that insight into what they’ve gone through to get their cafés up and running was extremely helpful.ABOUT PARIS BAGUETTE:&nbsp;With a projected 1,000 bakery cafés in North America by 2030, Paris Baguette is on a mission to reestablish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community. Paris Baguette serves craveable baked and brewed treats and creates warm and welcoming experiences through a blend of gracious service, expert craftsmanship and community connections. From decisions made behind a desk to smiles offered behind a counter, the desire to spread joy and make the world a happier place drives everything we do. Being a neighborhood bakery café means caring about those around us and finding ways to make a real impact. We do so through our "Love Baked In" programs that bring to life our commitment to serving local communities through various charitable programs and initiatives. Paris Baguette is a leader in the hospitality industry with its commitment to creating unique consumer experiences and a network of successful franchisee relationships. For information and to find the Paris Baguette location closest to you, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.parisbaguette.com">www.parisbaguette.com</a>.

Vols for Life Aimee Watson, Doug Watson, and Brandon Miramontes are leveraging their deep local roots to launch a four-unit development deal in Knoxville area.

3 University of Tennessee, Knoxville Alumni to Bring Multiple Paris Baguette Franchise Cafés to the Knoxville, Tennessee area

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After more than a decade spent auditing government agencies and defense contractors, Kevin Lewis reached a breaking point, not because he disliked the work but because he rarely saw its impact. Franchising with&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/">Fresh Coat Painters</a> would soon give him a different perspective.Kevin, a U.S. Army veteran, built a career in public-sector auditing after returning from Afghanistan in 2012, first at a CPA firm and later with both the Tennessee National Guard and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The work was steady but slow-moving, with long timelines, distant outcomes and limited control over his schedule. Still, what pushed him to make a change was more immediate: When telework ended, his job began to require a four-hour daily commute, and the grind became impossible to ignore.&nbsp;Looking for a career that offered both professional independence and tangible results, Kevin began to explore the idea of franchising. Through a career ownership coaching company, he was introduced to franchise concepts outside the usual nationally marketed big-name chains he once assumed were the only franchising options.&nbsp;Founded in 2004, the&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising Systems</a> painting franchise has tweaked its system for more than 20 years. Systems and structure tend to appeal to veterans considering entrepreneurship. But the business also stood out to Kevin thanks to the built-in resilience of its model. For Kevin,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a> represented more than a business opportunity: it presented the chance to apply his disciplined, systems-driven background to a model with visible outcomes.Now a&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/davenport/">Fresh Coat Painters franchisee in Davenport, Florida</a>, Kevin is focused on growth, delegation and building a business that delivers both financial security and personal freedom.1851 Franchise sat down with Kevin to discuss his franchising pivot to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, why it’s a fit and why the model appeals to veterans. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Can you frame your personal story for us? What do you want us to know about your journey into franchising?Kevin Lewis: My journey to franchising really started when I moved to Florida. I moved from Tennessee. I’ve been auditing since I got back from Afghanistan in 2012. I went to work for a CPA firm and have been auditing ever since.In Tennessee, I oversaw internal audits for the Tennessee National Guard. When I came down to Florida, I started working for the Defense Contract Audit Agency. When they did away with telework, I had to go into the office every day, which was a four-hour round trip. So, I was really looking for a career change. I came across a company on LinkedIn called&nbsp;<a href="https://entrepreneurssource.com/">The Entrepreneur’s Source</a>. They’re the ones who started leading me down the franchise track. They presented different options and Fresh Coat jumped out at me. One thing that was taught to us is that home improvement tends to be resistant to economic downturns. And that’s one thing that drew me in.Another thing I found intriguing is that when I was auditing, I would send an audit report out to whatever defense company I was auditing. But you would never see the results of your work. It was probably years in the making because any findings could be adjudicated five or 10 years down the road (depending on when the contract closed). So, one thing I like about painting and home improvement is you can always see the fruits of your work. You can see the end effort. It gives a sense of accomplishment.1851: What was your perception of franchising before you became a franchisee and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you’re in it?Kevin: One, that it was too expensive to get into. Because when you think of franchising, you think of the major chain brands. You don’t really realize that the cost of entry is there for somebody who’s just wanting to break the surface. I got a better impression when one of my friends, one of my lieutenants from Afghanistan actually, got into franchising. It was a lot of hard work at the beginning but the amount of independence he has now and the financial security he has now was appealing. When the opportunity came up and was presented to me, that’s what piqued my interest.1851: What excites you most about Fresh Coat Painters?Kevin: One thing I like about Fresh Coat is the expertise they bring in. One of their main executives came from Sherwin-Williams. There’s just years of experience there. They’ve got business coaches. You’ve just got plenty of experience behind the brand.&nbsp;I also liked Fresh Coat because of the franchise developer I was in contact with. The amount of support and attentiveness she gave showed what type of brand it is. I ran into other franchise developers who were hard to get in touch with and weren’t really selling the brand. Well, if the person trying to sell you isn’t passionate about it, then maybe the company isn’t passionate about it.&nbsp;I just felt Fresh Coat had my best interests in mind and was making sure we were a good fit for each other.1851: What are you hoping to achieve with the business? Is there a plan for growth?Kevin: I’d like to open at least two more territories and manage it that way. My goal is to get project managers who can help manage each territory so that I can oversee all of them. I didn’t get into business for myself to be doing day-to-day operations like going out and doing quotes. I want to manage a business. I don’t want to run every aspect of it. You don’t get into business for yourself to work it as a job. You work it as a business. As an owner.1851: What advice do you have for people who might be thinking about becoming franchise owners?Kevin: One piece of advice is to try to get over your fear of the financial investment it may take. What’s your peace of mind worth? What’s your freedom worth to you? You can continue in a safe, routine job. But you’re always going to be dependent on other people as to when you can take off and what you can do. If you really want that freedom, I would say, although it’s hard work at the beginning, franchising has a great payoff.If you’re good at following a system, then franchising is probably for you. They like to recruit military because we train, from private up to officer, to be able to do the next person’s job. We do it through repetition and SOPs. There’s no magic way.&nbsp;In franchising, the path has already been set for you. You just have to be able to follow it and listen to the people who are coaching you.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info</a>.ABOUT FRESH COAT PAINTERS:Fresh Coat Painters, the residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, offers a low-cost, high-margin business model that gives entrepreneurs from all walks of life the chance to become successful business owners in the communities they serve. Since starting in 2004, Fresh Coat has expanded to over 190 franchise locations nationwide. Thanks to its unparalleled professionalism and affordable business model, it has become one of the leading concepts in the booming residential and commercial painting segment. With continued year-over-year growth, Fresh Coat is well on its way to achieving its overall goal of becoming a truly iconic painting brand.&nbsp;

image of kevin lewis from fresh coat painters of davenport franchisee story

After feeling stuck in government auditing, Kevin chose a structured franchise model that offered flexibility, stability and room to grow in Davenport, Florida.

Veteran Kevin Lewis Found a Better Fit in Business Ownership With Fresh Coat Painters

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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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Sparkle Dog Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Sparkle Dog Care is a membership-based pet grooming franchise that blends wellness-focused hygiene services with small-box retail and community engagement.

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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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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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The linear sales funnel is dying. Prospective buyers are no longer filling out a form at first glance and waiting for the phone to ring. They’re doing the majority of the heavy lifting before they even make themselves known to the franchisor. For franchisors, this means one key thing: you must know exactly where candidates spend their time. No guesswork. And you have to adjust your strategy accordingly.And, in today's buyer world, the biggest buzz term is 2026's ride or die for franchise brands – Ai.&nbsp;If you are trying to sell a franchise today, you must meet candidates where they are (four walls, Ai, website, social advertising).&nbsp;Focusing on a strong digital footprint first and then lead generation will help the brand with validation and will lay the foundation for trust before the first conversation even happens. Still, franchisors must know where to find their candidates and be confident the candidates are being sent to the right place.“We consistently see the strongest lead performance from Google Search (paid and organic), social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and our franchise development website,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlsnyder">Erin Snyder</a>, head of franchise development at&nbsp;<a href="https://handelsicecream.com/handels-franchise/">Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream</a>. “Because all awareness and advertising efforts ultimately funnel candidates to our development site, maintaining a highly optimized, mobile-first web presence is critical for conversion.”<h2>The "Hidden" Channels: Authentic Research via AiSEO</h2>While Google and major portals are often where a candidate might start a broad search, the deep research happens in the shadows. This is where candidates scroll, mindlessly or otherwise, simply observing rather than clicking “apply” immediately; or, ask Ai chatbots about the best franchises to buy, the blind spots, the why nots, and, of course, the whys.Right now, Ai plays a key role in this research stage. Buyers want the truth.&nbsp;For franchisors, this means your content strategy must pivot. It is no longer enough to post stock photos of happy business owners. You must document the journey, showing the behind-the-scenes reality that proves your concept has staying power.<h2>The Pivot From Print to Digital Interactivity</h2>While print media has been a channel for franchise development in the past, its static nature has made it less effective as the buyer’s journey has shifted to digital. Buyers are generally looking for channels that will allow them to click, read and continue the search immediately.“Traditional print media has largely become a thing of the past for franchise development,” Snyder said. “What has been encouraging, though, is seeing many of these publications successfully pivot to digital formats that offer greater interactivity, stronger analytics and far better linkability than print ever could.”This creates a more dynamic experience for the candidate. In addition to a digital article, franchisors can embed a “day in the life” video, for example, or hyperlink a deeper dive on costs and profits for instant validation.This shift also allows franchisors to track return on investment more effectively. Instead of guessing if an article or ad worked, digital publications allow you to see exactly who clicked through, allowing for retargeting and smarter budget allocation.<h2>The Conversion Hub: Your Mobile-First Website</h2>Once a candidate has discovered you on Google, watched your videos on TikTok and read about you in a digital publication, they finally arrive at the destination: your franchise development website.This is the bottom of the funnel, where you will win or lose a candidate. Because all other channels point here, your website cannot just be a digital brochure. It has to be a conversion engine. And crucially, it must work perfectly on a smartphone.The question can’t just be “Do we have a website?” Questions about the website should surround usability and readability. Is navigation easy on a smartphone? Does the site load quickly? Is it readable? If a prospect has to pinch-and-zoom to read your investment costs and financial performance, they will leave.An optimized, mobile-first presence is critical because it serves as the collection point; all other awareness efforts funnel potential franchisees to the site. The user experience here should validate the trust built on other channels. However, accessibility is only half the battle; the content itself must be unsparingly open. The website is the channel where you must prove your value proposition with hard data.“Across all channels, the messaging needs to be clear, concise and consistent,” Snyder said. “Candidates should be able to easily find transparent investment ranges and financial requirements, a clear value proposition, compelling franchisee success stories, key differentiators from competitors and straightforward next steps for how to inquire.”When you treat your website as a transparency engine rather than a gatekeeper, you change the dynamic of the eventual sales call. A candidate who has already consumed your financial data and success stories arrives at the inquiry stage educated and qualified. This allows the development team to skip the basic fact-finding and move straight to strategy and fit.“When a candidate submits an inquiry, the first conversation should build on what the candidate has already learned,” Snyder said “ensuring they understand the opportunity they are considering, clarifying details, personalizing the discussion to their goals and moving them into a structured education process rather than starting from scratch.”<h2>Allocating the Budget: The "Ideal Candidate" Approach</h2>While a presence across multiple channels — from search and social to digital publications — is key, understanding exactly how much to invest in each option is the next hurdle. There is no single, magical approach to budgeting; a brand selling multi-million-dollar franchises needs to develop a presence in different places than a low-cost, mobile franchise will.To spend effectively, you must deeply understand your ideal franchisee profile. Once you know who is investing, you can begin working on where to find them. For example, a high-net-worth investor might be on LinkedIn and reading digital trade journals, while a first-time investor or someone seeking an owner-operator model might be influenced by local Facebook ads.“Franchisors should start by understanding their ideal franchisee profile and then allocate budget toward the channels where those prospects spend the most time,” Snyder said. “The mix will naturally look different for a high-investment, multi-unit candidate than for a first-time owner-operator. Beyond that, it’s critical to consider overall brand awareness and invest in channels that consistently get both the brand and the franchise opportunity in front of qualified prospects. A balanced approach that supports both awareness and lead capture tends to produce the strongest results.”<h2>Key Takeaways and Next Steps:</h2>Make sure you have a content footprint that answers the top 25 questions asked about your brand in Ai and Google searchs.Review your mobile experience: Open your franchise development site on your phone. If it takes more than three seconds to load or if the "Apply" button is hard to find, fix it immediately.Embrace "lo-fi" video content: You don't need a production crew. Use a smartphone to record "day in the life" videos with your franchisees and post them to social to build authentic trust.Ensure transparency and continuity:&nbsp;Candidates need to be able to find the information they’re looking for, and the experience should be consistent between a social page and a franchise development site. Make sure your value proposition is clear across all channels.Embrace innovation, but don’t count out the classics:&nbsp;Look at the whole picture. Many candidates are exploring opportunities on supplemental platforms like social media or in the results of a Google search, but they’re still looking at the franchise development site, too. Don’t confine yourself to the “old reliable” methods, but don’t leave them behind, either.Budget by persona, not platform: Don't just "do Facebook ads." Define exactly who your buyer is, and spend your money only on the channels where that specific person consumes content.For more information on franchise growth channels, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-use-social-media-marketing-to-promote-your-franchise-2727185#stories">How To Use Social Media Marketing To Promote Your Franchise</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/building-a-franchise-website-that-converts-key-features-and-best-practices-2727363#stories">Building a Franchise Website That Converts: Key Features and Best Practices</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlfduHqGy7I">How to Sell Franchises | The Buyer Persona</a></li></ul>

To succeed in the shifting landscape, franchisors must understand the buyer’s journey, identify the ideal franchisee profile, and build a digital presence that meets candidates where they are.

How To Sell Franchises in 2026 — Top Channels Franchise Buyers Use Before They Inquire

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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.


From Chair to Champion: How This Beauty Professional is Helping Charleston Stylists Step Into Business Ownership with Sola Salons

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