Strategic Franchising

Leaving the predictability of a paycheck behind to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/strategic-franchising-systems-the-entrepreneurial-franchise-launchpad-2721130">become your own boss</a> is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — moves a professional can make. For many, franchising offers a smart path forward, blending the freedom of business ownership with the structure and support of an established brand.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hudson-80317444?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-employee-to-franchise-owner-making-the-transition-to-business-ownership-2729454" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lisa Hudson</a>, president of&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-employee-to-franchise-owner-making-the-transition-to-business-ownership-2729454" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters</a> and former franchisee of&nbsp;<a href="https://growthcoachfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-employee-to-franchise-owner-making-the-transition-to-business-ownership-2729454" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Growth Coach</a> — two brands within the&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-employee-to-franchise-owner-making-the-transition-to-business-ownership-2729454" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Strategic Franchising Systems (SFS)</a> portfolio — knows the journey firsthand.“I transitioned from a corporate career to owning a franchise which allowed me more flexibility that was needed due to a family loss,”&nbsp;said Hudson.&nbsp; “I was able to manage my schedule based on both client needs and my young family.”<h2>From Corporate Executive to Franchise Owner</h2>Before entering the world of franchising, Hudson built her career at Macy’s, where she spent 26 years leading multimillion-dollar stores and national leadership programs. Her background in team coaching and operational strategy provided the perfect foundation for business ownership — but that didn’t mean the transition was seamless.“When you go from leading big teams to suddenly being a business of one, it’s a transition,” she said. “There’s no IT team. No HR. That’s when you realize how critical systems and support are.”That’s also when Hudson fully appreciated the structure that franchising provides.“What I loved about franchising is that a franchise coach was walking the journey with me,” she said. “The SOPs, the tools, the support — they were all there. I wasn’t alone. I always found that when I called a franchisee partner or they called me, we both had great learnings and takeaways. I was filling someone else’s bucket, but they might not have even realized that they said something that filled my bucket.” SFS franchisees benefit from thorough&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-strategic-franchising-systems-supports-franchisees-every-step-of-the-way-2727171">onboarding, technical training, marketing support and a nationwide network of peers</a> — a critical resource for new owners navigating uncharted waters.“Franchising provides that community,” said Hudson. “I talked to my peers a couple of times a week. Just having that support — people who are going through the same journey— can make all the difference.”<h2>The Shift From Employee to Entrepreneur</h2>For professionals who are comfortable with the rhythms of traditional employment — set schedules, teams of specialists, a stable paycheck — becoming a franchise owner can be a dramatic shift. Hudson remembers the moment she realized just how much had changed.“All of a sudden, I was a business owner of one until you build your team ,” she said. “You really start to understand how important it is to have a system because you have so many things coming at you. If you don’t have the right foundation — whether it’s people, processes or structure — it can be overwhelming.”Fortunately, SFS brands are&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-strategic-franchising-is-helping-ordinary-folks-live-extraordinary-lives-as-business-owners-2719448">built with that transition in mind</a>. With business models that emphasize simplicity, scalability and comprehensive support, they’re designed to help franchisees hit the ground running.<h2>Building Muscles for Business Ownership</h2>The transition from employee to franchise owner requires a mental shift as much as a professional one. Hudson says mindset — not money — is often the biggest hurdle.“You’re going to make mistakes. But if you think, ‘What’s the best that can happen? What’s the worst?’ — it usually lands somewhere in the middle,” she said. “You have to get out of your comfort zone. As a business coach, I helped others do that — and I had to do the same for myself.”That mentality has now shaped the coaching philosophy she brings to her leadership at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a>.“You buy a franchise because you want to invest in a system,” she said. “Our job is to support that journey. We help keep franchisees on track — through coaching calls, conferences, and by making sure they’re using the tools available to them. And because I was a franchisee, I can lead my team to provide exactly what they need to succeed.”<h2>Leading the Brand — and Empowering New Entrepreneurs</h2>After years of success as a franchisee, Hudson rose through the ranks at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/info">Strategic Franchising</a>, eventually becoming president of The Growth Coach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped shift the brand’s business coaching services from live to virtual — supporting owners during one of the most uncertain periods in business history.She later joined Fresh Coat Painters as executive vice president, overseeing a 27-person team and leading efforts in strategy and process improvement. Now, as brand president, Hudson is guiding the 190+ unit painting franchise through a new era of growth.“We’re actively expanding in markets across the U.S., and we’re looking for passionate, driven entrepreneurs who want to build a meaningful business in their community,” she said. “While painting is our service, we are looking for those that have a passion for building a team to build their business in their local communities.”Hudson emphasizes that leadership — not technical skill — is what makes the difference in this business. “As an owner, you need to be the the leader sharing the vision and culture guiding the team, building relationships, growing the business,” she said. “You hire painters. You lead the organization.”<h2>Advice for Aspiring Franchisees</h2>Hudson’s experience — from Macy’s executive to franchisee to franchisor — gives her a unique vantage point. Her advice for aspiring business owners?“Be honest with yourself about your behaviors. If you want to grow, you’ll have to push through discomfort. That’s where the growth is,” she said. “You also have to stay visible — in your community, in your marketing, in your networking. If you disappear, your business disappears.”And finally, Hudson says the most overlooked asset in franchising is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-franchisees-are-building-local-impact-and-creating-jobs-in-their-communities-2728803">the community itself</a>.“Franchisees aren’t just joining a brand — they’re joining a network,” she said. “I still talk to my peers regularly. Sometimes you’re helping someone else, and sometimes they say something that helps you in return. That connection is powerful — it fills your bucket and helps you move forward.”For more information on franchising with SFS, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/info">https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/info</a>.

From Employee to Franchise Owner: Making the Transition to Business Ownership

From Employee to Franchise Owner: Lisa Hudson's Path to Franchise Leadership

1851 Franchise

Fresh Coat Painters Brand President Lisa Hudson shares her journey from corporate life to franchisee to franchisor-and what it takes to shift from employee to entrepreneur with Strategic Franchising.

This brand page has been paid for by STRATEGIC FRANCHISING. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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With thousands of franchise concepts across every imaginable industry, how can aspiring entrepreneurs tell which opportunities truly stand out? According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/petereberly">Peter Eberly</a>, vice president of brand development at&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising Systems (SFS)</a>, it all comes down to alignment between your goals, your passions, your lifestyle and the brand’s mission.<h2>1. The Right Franchise Starts With&nbsp;You</h2>“Before looking at any brand, it’s important to define what your goals are with owning a business,” Eberly said. “Is this something where you’re trying to scratch an entrepreneurial itch and turn it into a business that will be big and significant? Or is it something where you’re trying to add on or supplement what you’re doing already? I would encourage anybody to sit down and define their goals and objectives.”Entrepreneurs who define their goals early tend to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-to-navigate-the-franchise-selection-process-with-strategic-franchising-systems-2730325#featured">choose businesses that fit their lives</a> — for example, animal lovers often succeed in pet care, while service-minded owners gravitate to senior care or home services.“Are there industries or passions that you have that will help you weed through the thousands of franchises out there?” Eberly said.&nbsp;<h2>2. Strong Franchises Combine Passion With Practicality</h2>While passion fuels perseverance, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. A standout franchise also has to make financial sense.“Understand the initial investment — the franchise fee, the overall startup costs,” Eberly said. “Take a look at the Franchise Disclosure Document and understand the financial opportunity. Pairing the interest with the investment piece is really the main part of it.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/info">SFS’s portfolio of affordable, necessity-based brands</a> makes franchise ownership accessible to a broad range of entrepreneurs. Whether it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/">Fresh Coat Painters</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://growthcoachfranchise.com/">The Growth Coach</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a>, each brand is designed to meet essential consumer needs while maintaining attainable entry costs.“These are recession-resistant businesses that offer services that are always in demand regardless of the economic climate,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmurphyceo">Daniel Murphy</a>, CEO of Strategic Franchising Systems. “Our success has been founded on providing affordable franchise systems so franchise owners can maximize their wealth — but they are all also in the industry of caring — caring for seniors, homes, businesses and pets.”<h2>3. Validation Is Key</h2>A truly exceptional franchise opportunity is backed by&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-franchisees-are-building-local-impact-and-creating-jobs-in-their-communities-2728803">franchisee success</a> and the best way to gauge that is through validation.“The other thing I encourage folks to do after you’ve narrowed it down is make sure you are talking to franchisees,” Eberly said. “That validation is critical. Understand their experience with the brand, what the support is like and what the day-to-day looks like. That’s really important as part of the process.”Conversations with existing owners provide an unfiltered look into what daily operations are really like and whether the brand’s culture and systems fit your goals.<h2>4. Exceptional Support Systems</h2>A standout franchise is more than a recognizable name — it’s a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/the-role-of-franchisor-support-in-driving-franchisee-success-2730403#featured">support network designed to help owners succeed</a>.“No matter your background, we equip you with what you need to succeed,” Eberly said. “That’s the whole point — to give people the blueprint, the playbook and the team so they’re never in it by themselves.”Through comprehensive training, marketing guidance, ongoing coaching and operational support, SFS ensures that every franchisee — regardless of experience — has the resources to thrive. Programs like the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/meet-strategic-franchisings-winners-circle-the-first-program-of-its-kind-2719156">Winner’s Circle</a>, which reimburses franchise fees as franchisees hit growth milestones, make the journey even more accessible.“Franchising done right provides people with effective business models, training, marketing and operating systems,” Murphy said. “This enables franchisees to truly scale a business and achieve the success, freedom, and personal balance they seek.”<h2>5. Purpose and Longevity Over Flash</h2>Great franchises endure because they meet real needs. The strongest operate in categories that feel meaningful to run and produce reliable revenue over time.“People are looking for freedom and control over their time,” Eberly said. “And with our brands, they’re not just buying a job; they’re building an asset — something scalable, something meaningful.”Whether it’s helping families relocate with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a>, coaching business leaders through&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/thegrowthcoach/info">The Growth Coach</a>, improving homes with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue</a>, or supporting pets through&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a>, SFS brands are built around purpose — giving owners a business they can believe in.<h2>Finding the Franchise That Fits You</h2>In the end, what makes a franchise opportunity stand out is how well it aligns with who you are and what you value. Strategic Franchising Systems helps aspiring business owners find that perfect fit, offering proven systems, strong support and industries that truly make a difference.“This is a big emotional decision — so take your time and evaluate,” Eberly said. “Make sure you’re doing the homework and talking to a lot of different people. When you take the time to do it right, you’ll know when you’ve found the right fit.”Learn more about franchise opportunities with Strategic Franchising Systems:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/info">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/info</a>.

What Makes Strategic Franchising Systems Stand Out

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Franchise ownership offers entrepreneurs the ability to build a business while leveraging a proven system. But what truly separates successful franchisees from those who struggle? According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/petereberly">Peter Eberly</a>, vice president of brand development at&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising Systems</a>, it often comes down to mindset and a handful of key traits.“A franchisee is an entrepreneur, but what they value and when they are successful is when there is a structured, system-driven process model and playbook,” Eberly said. “They are great at implementing things that the franchisor gives them. They are willing to learn and be coachable. They see value in the fact that others have made mistakes and we’ve learned and ironed out the kinks.”In other words, the most successful franchise owners don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they recognize that the franchisor’s systems exist for a reason and focus on executing them with discipline.&nbsp;<h2>Passion for the Brand</h2>While discipline ensures you follow the playbook, passion is what fuels long-term motivation. Eberly points to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> as an example: “Successful franchisees are passionate about pets. They aren’t just agnostic or ambivalent about the actual product or the mission. They are truly looking to make a difference in the lives of pets and pet families. The passion behind it is an important piece to drive success as well.”Strategic Franchising Systems takes the advantages of franchising to new heights with its diverse portfolio of five necessity-based brands:<ul><li><a href="https://growthcoachfranchise.com/">The Growth Coach</a> offers business and sales coaching, executive coaching, business management and consulting services to business owners, managers and executives.</li><li><a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/">Fresh Coat Painters</a> specializes in residential and commercial painting services.</li><li><a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> provides senior home modifications to support aging in place, along with comprehensive residential maintenance and repair services.</li><li><a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a> focuses on senior relocation, estate sales and downsizing services.</li><li><a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> sells fresh, high-quality pet food and supplies through retail locations and home delivery.</li></ul><h2>Self-Awareness and Adaptability</h2>One common mistake is assuming you need to be an expert in every area of business. Eberly explains that the opposite is true. “The beauty of a franchise is that no matter the industry or the job function or the career path previously, you’ve got a road map to be successful,” he said. “One key point is that successful franchisees recognize their blind spots from a background perspective.”For example, a franchisee with a marketing background may need to lean on the franchisor’s tools and coaching to strengthen their financial management skills. Adaptability — the ability to identify weaknesses and use the support network effectively — helps franchisees grow beyond their comfort zones.<h2>Leadership and Drive</h2>Franchise ownership isn’t passive. “Another key part is that one of our franchisees isn’t that you just can work on autopilot,” Eberly said. “If you have that drive and are willing to take advantage of the resources, the marketing, the expertise and the tools and processes, you can be successful.”That drive translates into leadership — setting the tone for your team, motivating employees and keeping the business moving forward even when challenges arise. Prospective franchisees can develop leadership skills by practicing clear communication, setting measurable goals and modeling the work ethic they want to see in their staff.<h2>Putting It All Together</h2>“These brands are built for anybody that has the drive, the coachability and the willingness to work hard,” Eberly said. “They can take it and be successful.”For those considering franchise ownership, the takeaway is clear: you don’t need to be an industry expert to succeed. Instead, focus on cultivating discipline, passion, adaptability and leadership. Combine those traits with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/strategic-franchising-systems-why-now-is-the-perfect-time-to-invest-in-a-franchise-2730156">Strategic Franchising’s proven systems</a>, and you’ll have the tools to build not just a business — but a meaningful and rewarding career.To learn more about SFS and their franchise opportunities, visit<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/"> https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/</a>.

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From Employee to Franchise Owner: Making the Transition to Business Ownership

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