From Failed Painting Franchise to a $750,000 Fast Growing Painting Company

Download our Fast Growth Roadmap for Painting Contractors: https://paintingbusinesspro.com/fast-... Download Million Dollar Painting Contractor Case Studies Here → https://paintingbusinesspro.com/case-... In September of 2024, Zach Barnes and his family bought a painting franchise. It seemed like the smart move. Zach, his wife Meredith, and his parents had decided they wanted to build a business together. None of them had ever owned one. So they did what most people in their position would do - they found a franchise with a 30-year track record, a CEO they really liked, and a recognizable brand. They went through training in October. Launched in November. Then everything fell apart. In December, the CEO they trusted resigned. In January, the private equity firm that owned the brand announced they were shutting it down nationwide. By February, all of the SEO and online infrastructure was gone. The name they'd bought into had no reputation left. Most people would have quit right there. Zach's family doubled down. They rebranded as North Orlando Painters in April 2025. Found our Painting Business Pro content. Joined the PBP coaching program in July. And got to work. Last year they closed at $350K. This year they're tracking for $750K - at 20% net profit, after paying all four owners real salaries. Ben sat down with Zach on the latest Painting Business Pro Podcast and got the whole story. Here's some of what they cover: The painting franchise Zach's family bought - and how it collapsed within three months of launching The CEO they trusted who resigned right after their grand opening Why Zach decided to rebuild from scratch instead of walking away How North Orlando Painters went from $350K last year to a $750K pace this year - at 20% net profit The four-owner family business setup (Zach, his wife, his mom, and his dad) and how they make it work The honest conversations Zach has had to have with his parents that he'd never had before in his life Why Meredith - as a daughter-in-law working alongside her husband and in-laws - has the hardest dynamic of any of the four owners The "wife" vs. "business partner" line Zach and Meredith have learned to draw - and how it keeps their marriage strong while they run a business together Ben's story about working with his own wife for six months (and the worst sides of both of them that came out) Why most painting business owners treat subs like employees - and the simple reframe that changes everything The "promise maker vs. promise fulfiller" framework that completely changes how you communicate with your subs The stucco-and-sod conversation that taught Zach to listen to his subcontractors instead of overriding them Why subcontractors are with your clients 30x longer than you are - and what that means for your business The single biggest production inefficiency at North Orlando Painters right now (and the hard conversation that needs to happen to fix it) If you've ever wondered whether it's still possible to rebuild from a setback - or how to make a family business actually work - this episode will inspire you. #businessstrategy #contractorsuccess #businesstips ‪@EricBarstowCo‬​