1851

Kona Ice franchisees&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhardman/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-these-kona-ice-franchisees-are-expanding-with-travelin-toms-coffee-2727660" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matt Hardman</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesha/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-these-kona-ice-franchisees-are-expanding-with-travelin-toms-coffee-2727660" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Julie Sha</a> are adding a new venture to their portfolio with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ownacoffeetruck.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-these-kona-ice-franchisees-are-expanding-with-travelin-toms-coffee-2727660" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Travelin' Tom’s Coffee Truck</a> in Bend, Oregon. After years in the corporate world, the couple turned to franchising to gain more flexibility and embrace their passion for giving back to the community.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kona-ice.com/shaved-ice-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-these-kona-ice-franchisees-are-expanding-with-travelin-toms-coffee-2727660" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kona Ice</a> was a perfect fit for their family-focused values, and with the launch of Travelin' Tom’s, they’re excited to extend the same mission to a new segment.&nbsp;In their journey, they’ve faced personal and professional challenges — from surviving cancer to relocating across states — but franchising has provided them with the resilience and community support they needed. Now, the couple is eager to grow their coffee business and continue their impact in Central Oregon with the help of their children who have been an integral part of the business.1851 spoke with Hardman and Sha to learn more about their franchise journey.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Matt Hardman: I started as a senior infrastructure engineer for about forever, basically in IT. My wife and I realized we needed more flexible time. I found Kona Ice when we started looking into doing something different around 2015-2016. Our whole family was sick and Julie had to transport us. Between day care, elementary school and my job, it was very challenging. Once everyone was well again we started looking for a different career for Julie so she could make family obligations a first priority.&nbsp;Then, about two months ago, I retired from IT to start Travelin’ Tom’s with her.&nbsp;Julie Sha: So my background is actually in social services. In high school and college, I did a lot of community service. I was part of a frat that did community events too. In my corporate career, I missed the satisfaction of giving back. Back when we started, we were in the Bay Area, where there’s no bus transportation. My husband couldn’t drive for about six months due to health issues, so I had to drive him around and take our kids to daycare and school, which only left about three to four hours of work time each day. The Bay Area traffic was horrible.&nbsp;After everyone was healthy, we decided we needed more freedom. Matt found Kona Ice, and we loved it because it gave back to the community and satisfied a lot of my career requirements that corporate America didn’t offer.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?Hardman: Before becoming a franchisee, I thought franchising was a pre-built business. But I also saw how some brands, like Subway, were really high on royalties and forced their franchisees into high fees. You basically have to grow and buy new franchises just to make any money. Now, with Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s, I see a different side of franchising. They’re family-run, and it’s all about taking care of everyone.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Hardman: We chose Kona Ice because it’s well-known and family-run. The main mission is to give back. When they started Travelin’ Tom’s, we jumped on it because it had the same core values.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Hardman:&nbsp;We hope to expand more into Central Oregon. We’re planning to add at least one more coffee truck and probably another Kona Ice truck.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Sha:&nbsp;Our journey wasn’t easy. We had to start over twice with Kona Ice. When we moved from the Bay Area to Central Oregon, it was because family came first. In 2017, we found out my mother-in-law was terminal. We sold our house, bought an RV and moved up to be with her. We didn’t have a place to stay, so we stayed at friends’ houses and moved every 14 days due to Oregon’s rules. We were still working on Kona Ice and growing the business. When my mother-in-law was passing, her wish was to have us all there. Being in corporate, I couldn’t have done that. We spent her last two weeks by her bedside, something no other company could have provided.Since moving in 2018, I’ve also been through a lot, healthwise. I’m a cancer survivor of two types of cancer and had multiple surgeries. I lost count after six or seven. Kona Ice and Traveling Tom’s allowed me to recover and support our family during that time.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Sha: It’s not easy. You need grit and persistence. You’ll have ups and downs. That’s the reality. You need to roll with the punches and keep going, no matter what.About Travelin’ Tom’sFounded in 2020 by Tony Lamb, the visionary behind Kona Ice, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck delivers a unique, mobile beverage experience to events and gatherings of all sizes. Offering a wide range of freshly made, customizable beverages — including signature Nitro Cold Brew, Caramel Frappe, hot chocolates, energy drinks and more — Travelin' Tom's caters to coffee lovers and non-coffee drinkers alike. With a commitment to quality and convenience, the franchise continues to grow rapidly, bringing caffeination inspiration and fruity refreshment to communities nationwide. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.travelintoms.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-these-kona-ice-franchisees-are-expanding-with-travelin-toms-coffee-2727660" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.travelintoms.com</a>.About Kona IceFounded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky, offering a unique combination of cleanliness, friendliness and a one-of-a-kind experience. Today, Kona Ice has grown to more than 1,700 mobile units that serve 49 states across the country. Kona Ice has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 11 consecutive years, earning a spot on the Franchise 500 Hall of Fame, and most recently being named #1 in the “Frozen Desserts” and “Ice Cream” categories. In addition, Kona was named to the Franchise Business Review Top 200 list in the overall “Top 50” and “Enterprise” categories. Other accolades include being named a “Top 100 Most Innovative Franchise” by Franchise Business Review and a “Top Franchise for Veterans.” With a commitment to giving back, Kona Ice has donated over $180 million to communities nationwide. For more on Kona Ice, visit the brand’s online Newsroom and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news. For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kona-ice.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-these-kona-ice-franchisees-are-expanding-with-travelin-toms-coffee-2727660" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.kona-ice.com</a>. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ownakona.com or call (800) KONAICE.

Why These Kona Ice Franchisees Are Expanding with Travelin' Tom’s Coffee

These Kona Ice Franchisees Are Expanding with Travelin' Tom’s Coffee

1851 Franchise

Matt Hardman and Julie Sha, former corporate professionals, found flexibility and community impact through franchising with Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck in Bend, Oregon.

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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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image of sweta goyal, puneet mittal, mamta singhal, rajneesh signhal from paris baguette from texas

With five signed locations and their first set to open in January, two entrepreneurial families are turning their love for Paris Baguette into a community-driven business.

How Two Dallas Couples Turned Coffee Runs Into a Five-Store Paris Baguette Deal

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For&nbsp;Sandeep KesiReddy and his business partner,&nbsp;Siddhartha “Sid” Parepally, the decision to enter the franchise world was less about a career change than the fulfillment of a 20-year-old promise. Having known each other since their teens, the duo always envisioned building a business together.While life momentarily interrupted their plans — sending KesiReddy into the world of Bay Area tech startups, and Parepally into high-level operations — the desire to build something for themselves never faded. When they finally got serious about scouting for the right opportunity, they found&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/">Paris Baguette</a> in a sea of process-heavy legacy brands.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info">Paris Baguette</a> resonated with their own generation and offered an attractive approach to operational strategy.&nbsp;Now, KesiReddy and Parepally are looking to lead the brand’s growth in the Seattle market. Despite being told by corporate and construction teams that a store build-out would take six to eight months, the duo utilized their business and operations backgrounds to navigate permits and construction in just under three months. Starting with their flagship location in Bellevue, the partners are already looking to expand the brand’s footprint across Washington.&nbsp;KesiReddy took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Sandeep KesiReddy:&nbsp;My business partner Sid and I go back a long, long time. We have known each other for 15 plus years.We went to college together and always had this thing about opening a business together. Then, our paths diverged for a while; I went into entrepreneurship, running a startup in the Bay Area, and Sid became a head of operations for a global company on the West Coast. We were scouting for what we could do, and then came Paris Baguette. They just lined up so well for us as a rising brand that resonates with the current generation.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?KesiReddy: I run a startup in the Bay Area and Sid manages operations for a global company. We realized Paris Baguette vibes very well with our synergies. They are an “ops-ish” restaurant rather than “ops-heavy.” You bake in the morning and sell in the afternoon, so it boils down more to a numbers and strategy problem rather than a time-efficiency problem that most restaurants have. That made it much more comfortable for us to jump into.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?KesiReddy:&nbsp;Before entering this, we were not keen on looking at franchising or the food business at all. Typically, our perception was that franchising involved a lot of red tape and processes that take away freedom from the owner to add their own flavor. Now, I want people to know that franchising can be very attractive if you find a brand that plays to your strengths. Seldom do you find a concept that has processes that actually empower you, help you run it right, and push towards higher revenues and profit margins. Paris Baguette has a unique combination of making the kitchen and the front of the store run as two independent operations, taking away most of the complexity of a restaurant.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?KesiReddy:&nbsp;They were not one of those old-school brands stuck with lots of processes; they were flexible and quick in responding. What excites me most is the branding and the presence the brand has with Gen Z and millennials. Also, the flexibility the team had to understand our unique location was nice to have. I could just text my construction manager and have her fly in to help us out; I don’t see that happening often with other franchise brands.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?KesiReddy:&nbsp;We want it to be one of the top-performing stores. Our goal is to make Bellevue a top-quartile store for Paris Baguette. We are already looking at expansion in the next fiscal year. You’ll see another store open in the Bothell/Woodinville region, and there is more to come.&nbsp;1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?KesiReddy:&nbsp;Having a brand that has an appetite to grow is very important when you have similar ambitions. Most brands look at their franchisees through a single lens, but there are a thousand variables that make every location unique. Having an ear to listen to the story and being flexible while working toward a common goal is very important, and that is what Paris Baguette gave us. We navigated through the curveballs of construction and permits to launch our first store in three months, which the corporate team challenged us on, saying it would take six to eight. We’re excited to keep that momentum going.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?KesiReddy:&nbsp;The power of a franchise is the process, the setup, and the safety net that comes with it. For a first-time business owner, there are very few things to figure out because there is always someone you can call and ask a question. There are many other franchisees who have been through similar situations. That mentorship is very important. Anyone trying to get into franchising should look at a brand that is ready to mentor them rather than just having them open a restaurant.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com">https://ownaparisbaguette.com</a> or&nbsp; <a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette">https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette</a>.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>.

image of Sandeep KesiReddy and Siddhartha Parepally, paris baguette franchise owners

By leveraging backgrounds in tech and operations, Sandeep KesiReddy and Siddhartha Parepally bypassed industry timelines to bring the global bakery brand to Bellevue.

Meet the Two Best Friends Opening a Paris Baguette Franchise in Record Time

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-williams-b942874/">Nancy</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-williams-83bba2396">Mike Williams</a> loved visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com">Melting Pot</a>, the national fondue franchise, with their kids. During one particular visit, Nancy casually asked, “Wouldn’t it be great to own one of these?” Mike didn’t hesitate to inquire, and he had a response from the franchise development team before they even left the restaurant that night.Now, the pair is beginning development for their new restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, with hopes to build a family business and legacy with the brand. With plans to launch in early 2027, the Williamses are combining their interest in the hospitality industry with a desire to build a family asset while bringing a beloved fondue experience to the community.The Williamses sat down with 1851 Franchise to talk about their family franchising venture with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a>. Here’s what they had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Mike Williams:&nbsp;I have had a very varied career. I was a member of the Tennessee General Assembly, a government relations executive and a whiskey maker. I’ve always been fascinated by and loved the hospitality industry. When Nancy and the kids expressed interest in doing this, I was all on board. We see this as a way to set up something for our family to carry on — something they can always count on.Nancy Williams:&nbsp;We are lifelong residents of the Southeast and have spent our lives in Middle Tennessee. My professional background is in economic development and downtown revitalization. I served as the director of the Tennessee Main Street Program and the executive director of Downtown Franklin. Even though I’ve retired from the directorship, I still consult and have worked all over Tennessee helping communities thrive.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?Nancy:&nbsp;I knew that we didn’t know enough about restaurants to create one on our own. If I had been in the restaurant business all my life, I might feel differently, but the franchise experience is very comforting.Mike:&nbsp;This team obviously knows what they’re doing, and it means we don't have to reinvent the wheel each time.&nbsp;I think people should know that franchising allows you to focus on the execution and the customer experience rather than worrying about the structural components of the business model.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Mike:&nbsp;The story actually starts in Orlando. We were sitting in a Melting Pot having dinner, and Nancy said, "Wouldn't it be great to own one of these?" I pulled out my phone, Googled “Melting Pot,” and found a contact email. I emailed them right there from the table. Before we even got up to leave, we had a response!The greatest thing about Melting Pot is that it's not just going to dinner. It’s an experience — something you can enjoy with friends. It changes what would be another chicken-fried steak into an experience and an event with your loved ones.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Nancy:&nbsp;We’re currently looking at locations in Memphis. We’re excited about the St. Jude connection, and our son, Keel, who graduated from the University of Memphis, will be living there to help manage the business alongside a general manager.Mike:&nbsp;We are looking at a first-quarter 2027 opening. We would love to get it open for the holidays in 2026, but realistic timelines point to early 2027. In the future, we would love to have a couple more. We just really love the concept.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Nancy:&nbsp;This is truly a family venture. Our kids, Keel and Emma, really wanted to do this. We are doing this to build a future for them.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Nancy:&nbsp;Assess your own skill sets honestly. If you don't have the background in a specific industry, lean on the expertise of a franchisor who does. Visiting their corporate headquarters and working with them for several months, we’ve been really impressed with their history, the data they provide and the attention to detail. All of that is very comforting when you're investing.About Melting PotFounded in 1975, Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 50 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, Melting Pot has 93 restaurants in 31 U.S. states and Canada. Known for offering a variety of fondue cooking styles and unique entrées, Melting Pot’s menu also features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines, spirits and chocolate fondue desserts. Fondue fans can join Melting Pot’s Club Fondue for exclusive promotions, special events and advance holiday reservation privileges. The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. (TMPRI), headquartered in Tampa, Florida, is the franchisor of Melting Pot. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.meltingpotfranchise.com">www.meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight with photo of Nancy Williams and Melting Pot logo

After sending a franchise inquiry from their Melting Pot table while on vacation in Orlando, Mike and Nancy Williams decided to partner with their children to open a location in Memphis.

Longtime Melting Pot Fans Sign To Bring Fondue Franchise to Memphis

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-garlington-9244a9113/">Mark Garlington</a> left his longtime plant job in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment move. After years in a steady role that never quite felt like the right fit, the U.S. Army veteran made a conscious decision to look for something that offered ownership, deeper community ties and a clearer sense of purpose. That search led him to&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, where he soft opened his franchise in November in&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/calcasieu/">Calcasieu</a>, with a grand opening planned for February of 2026.That intentional mindset shows up in how Garlington is building the business from day one. He is investing heavily in marketing, trying out new crews even when it means losing money on early jobs and focusing on training and loyalty with the people who work alongside him. His approach reflects a personal standard for how he wants his customers to be treated. “One thing they can know about me is, if something isn’t right — if something does go wrong for whatever reason — I’m going to get another paint crew out there and I’m going to make sure it’s to their liking,” he said. “Whether or not they pick out the next crew, I’ll pay for it. I’m going to make sure I leave them right.”For people thinking about franchising, Garlington’s story shows what can happen when a career change is driven by values instead of impulse. With&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat’s</a> systems and coaching behind him, he is using the franchise model to step out of a job that never fit and into a business he can shape around his family, his team and the community he calls home.1851 Franchise sat down with Garlington to discuss his franchising journey with Fresh Coat, his commitment to community and his ambitious plans for growth. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Mark Garlington: I’ve spent most of my life working with people and trades, so Fresh Coat Painters feels like a natural next step for me. I grew up here, graduated from Sulphur High School in 2000 and later served as a cavalry scout in the U.S. Army, supporting coalition efforts in Iraq.When I came home in 2005, I went to SOWELA Technical Community College and then spent about 15 years working as an operator with RNCI Carbon and Cheniere LNG. Along the way, I worked alongside a lot of skilled tradespeople and found that what I enjoy most is helping people reach their goals and making sure the job gets done the right way — safely, on time and to a standard I can be proud of.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Garlington: In this area, the plants are a big part of our community. I worked at LNG, which is natural gas plants, and that has been the real big thing in the United States over the last 10 years. Oil and gas is really big around here, so it is almost a no-brainer. If you want to make money in this area, you go work for the plants.Coming out of the military, the transition was either into law enforcement or the plants, but there’s no money in law enforcement, so you gravitate where the money is. I went there, and that is where I had been working. I kept moving up, and no matter where they moved me in the plant, I was never happy.My boss even had that conversation with me when I was resigning. He said, “Mark, we pretty much moved you everywhere we could put you and you’ve never been happy.” He meant it in a good way — they knew that wasn’t where my mind was at and that I wanted more than what those jobs had to offer.It has always been me wanting to run my own business. My dad runs his own A/C business. My sister does her own thing. It is just a part of me. Something kept pulling me away, like, I don’t want to work 20 or 25 years for somebody else. Even though it’s a good retirement, it’s just not what I wanted. I like having some kind of stake and ownership in the decision-making process.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?Garlington: Working in the plants, you have a lot of spare time sometimes, especially on nights, so I had plenty of time to research. I think I kind of already knew what I was getting into. I knew it had its positives and its negatives. Obviously, a lot of the money goes to the franchise, but at the same time, you’re getting a lot of support.I didn’t want to mess this up. I wanted to make sure I was going to be successful. The success rate is something in the 70% range, and I think it is still at 50% even at year five. I knew that if I put everything I had put into my careers prior into this, I should be in that top 50%.I want people to know that, because I get support from coaches, I have a responsibility to make sure the job is done well. I am always going to have my background checks done and I am going to honor my warranties because I basically have a corporate office that I have to answer to. That accountability and support are important parts of franchising that people might not see from the outside.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Garlington: I first started exploring Fresh Coat nearly 15 years ago and began doing my research early on. As I continued to learn about the brand over time, it became clear how much Fresh Coat has built out its support, resources, and owner community. Having access to a strong system and the ability to connect with other franchisees played a big role in my decision to join.The first thing was narrowing down what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted something in construction, especially in this area with all the hurricanes and things that need to get repaired and rebuilt. I was mainly looking into roofing at first. I despise finance. I hate credit cards. I didn’t want to go the finance route because I feel like people don’t trust those types of people, so that was off the table.With roofing, I didn’t want to be responsible for a guy that falls off a roof. I was trying to get as safe of a career as I could, too. A buddy of mine, Wes, over in Lafayette owns a Fresh Coat franchise there. He’s my neighbor about an hour and a half from here. He made a comment to me that made a lot of sense: No one is ever in a rush for paint. It’s never an emergency to paint something.A roof, on the other hand, if you have a leaking roof, you need it now. At the plants, you have emergencies almost daily. Something could blow up, a valve closes or something, and you always have an emergency. With painting, this has been great. I don’t have to run anywhere. There are no fires anywhere — and if there are, I’m leaving. That lower level of emergency, plus the support and the network of other owners, is what really drew me to Fresh Coat.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Garlington: I think about growth way ahead of time. I’m trying to make sure I don’t scale too fast. I want to make sure I’ve got the reins on and I’m holding back a little bit where I need to.Mainly, I’ve been spending money on marketing and trying to get our name out there. I feel like as soon as we come out of the holiday season and warm up a little bit, it could snowball based on the marketing efforts I’m putting in.I actually have two painters right now. I subcontract them. One of them is working on my duplex right now doing full construction, not even paint. He does full remodels, but he’s a painter also. I’ve got another person who works for me right now, and she’s not painting yet. I’ve got her doing marketing. She’s going out and putting door hangers out, so we’re hitting that part hard first.I’m spending extra money and I’m going to lose money on a job coming up, but I’m trying out two other painters from a guy who runs a crew of four. I’m going to bring them in, and I’m going to pay my girl to work with them. I’m going to lose on her pretty much on that job, but she’s going to help with the work and learn more about sanding and things like that because it’s a ceiling sand. She did mostly new construction before, so I’m tying her in with them because they’re more professional on the repaints and then re-sanding and staining.I think I’m building my basis right now. I’m building loyalty with other paint crews and with the two people working for me by giving them my rental house work as well, keeping them busy until more paint jobs come. I truly do care about people, and I want to make sure everybody gets paid, so I don’t think that will be an issue as we grow.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Garlington: I have a full commitment to the community. I really want to meet people and make them happy and leave them happy once the projects are complete.What I told my last customer we just did is that one thing they can know about me is, if something isn’t right — if something does go wrong for whatever reason — I’m going to get another paint crew out there and I’m going to make sure it’s to their liking. Whether or not they pick out the next crew, I’ll pay for it. I’m going to make sure I leave them right.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Garlington: I feel like some people don’t realize the amount of money they’re about to spend, and they really need to have that knowledge. I knew what to expect because I researched it, and the brand does show that the investment can be somewhere up to around $180,000. Even though the franchise fee itself is small, in the $42,000 range, I think people don’t fully understand that part.I also don’t know if people come in really understanding how long it might take before you’re getting enough jobs to actually support the business. I did enough of my own research to know that, and I came in all in. I have a 401(k) I’m willing to go through if I need to. I came in prepared for the unexpected.I didn’t actually know if I could trust the amount of support I would get, and I feel like it has been way better than my expectation was. That’s something on the positive side that I would want people to know when they are thinking about becoming franchise owners.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.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight with photo of Mark Garlington and Fresh Coat Painters logo

For Mark Garlington, franchising offered a way to trade steady plant work for ownership, community impact and a values-driven path that better fit his long-term goals.

Why This Army Veteran Walked Away From a Steady Plant Job To Open a Fresh Coat Painters Franchise

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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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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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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.

Why These Kona Ice Franchisees Are Expanding with Travelin' Tom’s Coffee

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