Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$80,270 - $168,380
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Min Cash Required
$6,000
Total US Locations
42
Business Summary
PAINTER1 offers franchises for individuals and entities to own and operate a painting business. PAINTER1 franchisees provide quality residential and commercial painting services to the public, utilizing the PAINTER1 service marks, trade names, programs, and systems. The franchise focuses on offering comprehensive painting solutions.
Corporate History
STRATIFY, LLC, operating as PAINTER1, was established in Utah on October 15, 2015. The company began offering franchises in February 2016 and has not franchised any other lines of business. PAINTER1 does not operate any company-owned businesses of the type being franchised. An affiliate, Client Tether, LLC, formed in August 2014, owns the proprietary customer relationship management software used by PAINTER1 and its franchisees.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$80,270 - $168,380
Franchise Fee (Low)
$30,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$54,500
Minimum Cash Required
$6,000
Royalty %
7%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$800
Equipment Costs (High)
$9,800
Working Capital
$15,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Stratify, LLC has provided audited financial statements with an unqualified opinion from its auditor, indicating that the financial statements are presented fairly. As of December 31, 2024, the company reported positive working capital, meaning it has sufficient current assets to cover its current liabilities. However, Stratify, LLC has experienced a decline in net income from $599,392 in 2022 to $197,518 in 2024, and a decrease in members' equity from $468,607 in 2022 to $91,036 in 2024. Despite these trends, the auditor did not identify any substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Financing Details
PAINTER1 does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
42
Franchised Units
42
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
400
Franchising Since
2016
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
PAINTER1 has no litigation history to report, meaning no lawsuits or legal disputes have been disclosed in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
PAINTER1 has no bankruptcy history to report for the company or its key management personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their PAINTER1 franchise, franchisees must notify the franchisor between three and six months before the initial term expires. They must be in good standing, having faithfully performed under the original agreement, and will need to refurbish the franchise and replace obsolete equipment to meet current standards. Franchisees are also required to sign a general release, enter into a new franchise agreement with the then-current terms (which may differ materially from the original), pay a renewal fee, and complete any prescribed retraining programs.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
PAINTER1 provides several types of assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, PAINTER1 designates the franchise territory, grants online access to initial training materials and videos, provides an Operations Manual, and offers a list of approved suppliers. Franchisees also receive initial training at the corporate offices in Columbus, Ohio, followed by a field orientation and remote support via phone and email. Once open, PAINTER1 offers additional training upon request (for a fee) and requires attendance at refresher training programs and seminars (where franchisees cover travel and living expenses). The franchisor administers the advertising program, inspects franchises and supplier facilities for compliance, and provides bookkeeping services for a monthly fee. PAINTER1 may also offer discretionary supervision, assistance, and services such as advertising materials, videos, literature, and promotional materials.
Initial Training Hours
65
Training Location
Corporate offices in Columbus, Ohio
Ongoing Support
After opening, PAINTER1 franchisees can opt for additional training at the corporate headquarters or other agreed-upon locations, though this comes with a reasonable fee plus travel and living expenses. Mandatory refresher training programs and seminars are also provided periodically, without charge for the program itself, but franchisees are responsible for all travel and living expenses. PAINTER1 also administers its advertising program, conducts inspections of franchises and supplier facilities to ensure quality, and provides mandatory bookkeeping services for a monthly fee. Additionally, PAINTER1 may offer discretionary supervision, assistance, and services such as advertising materials, videos, literature, new product bulletins, and sales/marketing techniques.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
PAINTER1 seeks qualified individuals and entities, including those with existing painting or contracting businesses, who may be eligible for reduced initial expenditures by leveraging their current licenses, equipment, and vehicles. While PAINTER1 recommends full-time, day-to-day participation from the owner, it is not strictly required, as franchisees may designate a manager to oversee operations. This implies a need for individuals capable of either active involvement or effective management through a trained supervisor.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Home-Based
Owner Participation
Absentee Allowed
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
PAINTER1 defines its franchise territories by contiguous zip codes within a metropolitan area, typically encompassing approximately 100,000 to 225,000 households. The exact boundaries are determined based on market analysis, population demographics, income levels, and the presence of other businesses, while also considering existing franchised territories. For transfers, PAINTER1 reserves the right to redefine the territory using zip codes to align with current standards.
Staffing Notes
PAINTER1 franchisees are responsible for ensuring their employees meet the standards and procedures outlined in the Operations Manual, including presenting a neat and clean appearance and providing courteous service. Franchisees are solely responsible for all employment terms, including wages, payroll taxes, benefits, scheduling, and discipline. While a franchisee can designate a manager who must complete initial training, the franchise emphasizes that franchisees may rely on independent contractors to provide painting services, thereby reducing the need for the franchisee to incur expenses for their own license, equipment, and vehicle. Franchisees must hire and maintain sufficient staff to manage customer volume.