August 27, 2025 by Ewell Smith
Mentorship That Delivers: How Painter1 Fast-Tracks Franchisee Success (Special Painter1 Podcast - Ewell Smith Interviews the mentor and two new franchisees /mentees)
In this Franchise Profits edition of the Close the Deal Podcast, we pull back the curtain on what makes Painter1 stand out: a hands-on mentorship model, powerful software, and a community-first culture. Featuring mentor Keith and two new franchisees, Mike and Dallas, this episode reveals how real-world coaching and a systems-driven approach empower franchisees to hit the ground running and win.
15 Close The Deal Mindset Success Quotes From Keith, Dallas and Mike
Keith (mentor)
- “Marketing is fuel. Without it, your business starves.”
- “You’re not just painting walls—you’re building a system.”
- “Look at your numbers—they tell the story of your business health.”
- “Mentorship isn’t theory—it’s field-tested wisdom.”
- “Networking is marketing, and marketing drives momentum.”
Dallas (mentee)
- “I didn’t come from painting, but I came with purpose.”
- “I wasn’t expecting this level of real-time support - it’s a game changer.”
- “As a data guy, I was skeptical. But now I’m in the field and it works.”
- “You don’t have to do this alone. That makes all the difference.”
- “Being part of a community removes the loneliness of entrepreneurship.”
Mike (mentee)
- “What one man can do, another can do—with the right systems.”
- “I was on cruise control. This business reawakened my love for learning.”
- “Keith gave me a template for success—I just had to follow it.”
- “I needed a proven system. I didn’t have time to fail and figure it out.”
- “Now I hear 'no' more often—but every no gets me closer to a yes.”
Interested in Painter1, contact Ewell HERE.
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The Power of Mentorship: How Painter1 Accelerates Franchisee Success
A Mentorship Model That Pulls Time Forward
At Painter1, mentorship isn’t a suggestion—it’s a system. The latest episode of the Franchise Profits edition of the Close The Deal Podcast shines a spotlight on a unique franchise culture that pairs new owners with seasoned mentors. This episode features Keith, a successful franchisee and mentor, and two new franchisees—Mike and Dallas—who are already seeing results just weeks after launching their businesses.
Meet the Mentor: Keith’s Unconventional Journey
Before launching his Painter1 location, Keith had done everything from athletic field maintenance to building boats. But it was his transition from fire and water restoration to commercial painting that laid the groundwork for his success. With four years under his belt and deep experience managing $13M+ in commercial projects, Keith joined Painter1 to take full control of his future—on his own terms. The “Empower the Owner” philosophy drew him in, and the mentorship program made him stay.
Why Mentorship Matters in Franchising
Keith explains that being a mentor means helping new owners avoid the “paint and pray” approach. It’s not about just slapping color on walls—it’s about understanding business KPIs like:
- Speed to estimate
- Estimate-to-close conversion
- Cost of goods sold (COGS)
- Marketing ROI
He teaches mentees how to spot early warning signs in their numbers, pivot fast, and maintain healthy margins. But more than that, Keith’s mentorship creates confidence—rooted in real-world guidance.
From Principal to Painter: Mike’s Encore Career
Mike, a former middle school principal, spent three decades managing the “holy trinity of students, teachers, and parents.” But when it was time for a second act, he didn’t want to build from scratch. Franchising offered him the support system he needed—one with a proven playbook, mentorship, and quick ramp-up.
In just a few weeks, Mike completed his first job and is now translating his background in systems, operations, and leadership into franchise success. As he puts it: “What one man can do, another can do—with the right systems and support.”
Dallas: From Corporate Finance to Field Estimates
Dallas worked in FP&A at General Motors and later for a family office doing M&A and portfolio management. With an analytical mind and high-income expectations, Dallas had been searching for a business to acquire when franchising crossed his radar. He evaluated 20+ brands before choosing Painter1 for its:
- Low startup costs
- Quick path to revenue
- Transparent, accessible leadership
- Formalized mentorship structure
Today, he’s running estimates, building systems, and leaning on his mentor Keith for real-time support. The kicker? Dallas had no painting experience—yet he’s already confident in his ability to scale.
What Sets Painter1 Apart
Several differentiators make Painter1 a standout in the home services space:
- Mentorship Program: Mentees are guided by active franchisees who still run their own profitable locations.
- Exclusive Software: Built by co-founder Conrad, the software handles:
- CRM functions
- Estimate creation
- Marketing automation and lead nurturing
- Cost tracking and business analytics
- Oversized Territories: With territories of up to 200,000 households, franchisees are set up to scale big—without overlap.
- Equity Ownership: Every franchisee earns a stake in the broader brand’s success.
- Sherwin-Williams Rebate Program: Franchisees receive paint rebates, directly impacting profitability.
Mindset Shift: From Technician to Business Owner
All three guests emphasize one universal truth: you don’t need to pick up a paintbrush to run a Painter1 franchise. What you do need is the right mindset. With mentorship, software, systems, and community in place, Painter1 is redefining what it means to be a franchisee. You’re not just opening a business—you’re joining a movement.
As Keith puts it, “Networking is marketing. Marketing is fuel. Mentorship is the accelerator.”
Closing Thoughts
Mentorship at Painter1 isn’t just a perk—it’s the core engine driving rapid franchisee ramp-up, confidence, and success. Keith, Mike, and Dallas each bring different skills to the table, but with the right systems and community, they’re all painting a brighter future - faster.
If you’re ready to explore the Painter1 opportunity, visit CloseTheDeal.com and hit the contact button. Let’s pull time forward—together.
About The Author: Ewell Smith - Certified Franchise Consultant / Publisher - Close The Deal / Host - Close The Deal Podcast / Author - Your First Franchise Roadmap - Ewell serves aspiring entrepreneurs and Veterans considering a franchise. To learn more, contact Ewell.
