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Franchise Evaluator™: LIME Painting
LIME Painting is a distinguished residential and commercial painting company renowned for its commitment to excellence in every brushstroke. An acronym for Love, Integrity, Mission, Excellence, the painting franchise focuses on quality preparation, premium products, customized results, and lasting impressions. LIME Painting takes pride in transforming spaces into visually stunning and structurally sound masterpieces.
Choosing LIME Painting ensures clients have a seamless and stress-free experience. The dedicated team is committed to making the painting process easy, enjoyable, and refreshing. From inception to completion, LIME Painting stands by clients every step of the way, ensuring projects are executed to perfection and satisfaction.
LIME Painting Franchise at a Glance
LIME Painting
4950 S Yosemite St F2 Unit 171
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Recognizing that high-end properties often require more than a simple coat of paint, the company offers over 40 distinct services while educating clients on options to maximize their investment value. LIME is looking for empire builders passionate about customer service and connecting with the community. This is a home-based, semi-absentee business – no painting experience necessary!
MARKET Factors
What population does the brand serve? Is the market broad, niche, or somewhere in-between?
1 of 1Market Size
LIME Painting Franchise is part of the $400 Billion Luxury painting, coatings, and surface restoration industry. The current market is saturated with painting franchise opportunities, but LIME does not compete with these concepts at the lower end of the painting market. LIME Painting is the only painting franchise that focuses solely on high-end homes and businesses that are valued within the top 30% of the market. This segment delivers the most value to franchisees and high-end luxury homeowners alike.9
Scale
Is the overall industry growing, that is creating new customers who have never used these services before, or mature where most population segments are already using these types of products and services?
1 of 1Industry Trend
The painting industry is undergoing several notable trends. There is an apparent movement toward sustainability, with an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly practices and the use of low-VOC paints. Digital tools are becoming integral, offering benefits such as virtual color matching, online project management, and 3D visualization. Specialized finishes, smart coatings, and a focus on customization also shape the industry, allowing for more personalized and unique solutions. LIME Painting has been meticulously crafted to deliver a consistent and reliable service, ensuring an easy, enjoyable, and refreshing customer experience. Well-executed and aesthetically pleasing job sites serve as excellent sales tools. Complementing this, LIME utilizes state-of-the-art Sales and Project Management Software known as LIMEWare. This advanced technology platform serves as a centralized hub for all aspects of owning and operating a LIME franchise.8
Scale
What drives the purchase of the product or service? Is it a “need-to-buy” or a “want-to-buy”? How are customers drawn to your business?
1 of 1Product and Service Drivers
LIME Painting is the only painting franchise to serve the high-end, luxury paint market, which means LIME franchise owners have virtually no competition outside of independent painting contractors that may say “high-end” but quite often do not deliver. LIME Painting distinguishes itself in the painting industry through a unique and tech-driven strategy, prominently featuring “The Big Four Tech Stack.” Notably, the company achieves an average ticket that is four times higher than the industry average, signaling its ability to cater to the top 30% of home values and emphasizing a commitment to delivering premium services tailored to high-value properties. LIME Painting’s differentiation extends to its approach to estimating services and proposal building, facilitated directly by the franchisor, streamlining customer interactions and enhancing the quoting process for improved efficiency and accuracy. The company’s leverage of partnerships with national suppliers highlights its dedication to quality and accessibility, providing a competitive edge in material sourcing. LIME Painting’s proprietary sales systems contribute further to its distinctiveness, ensuring a sophisticated and practical approach to client engagement. With robust recruiting support and a streamlined subcontractor model, LIME Painting stands out as a tech-savvy industry leader, consistently delivering exceptional value and service throughout the customer experience.10
Scale
Are competitors a major factor in operating your business? If so, is competition sparse or saturated? Will it matter to your business?
1 of 1Competitive Climate
LIME Painting operates in the $400 Billion Luxury painting, coatings, and surface restoration industry. There is little to no competition from franchised painting and home service concepts that target the top end of the luxury painting market. There could be potential competition from various sources, including other businesses, national chains, and independently owned companies that may offer comparable products or services to the broad customer base. Competition from other franchises operating within the same market segment and serving LIME’s target customers is unlikely. In the realm of high-end luxury painting and contracting, there exists a notable underservice within the market. LIME’s focus is primarily on properties valued in the top third of a given market, reflecting a commitment to delivering excellence in upscale residential and commercial spaces. Finding good quality workers and subcontractors can be difficult, but LIME Painting is a premium brand that works only with high-end property owners. These customers view price in terms of value and not the bottom line. Typically, the consumers LIME works with are looking at an extensive scope of work to achieve a quality outcome, and therefore, they are willing to pay for it. In return, LIME pays its subcontracted crews more than other painting companies in the market, which makes LIME an attractive company to work for.10
Scale
Are the business’s products or services regulated, or do they require licensing? Will you or your employees require special licensing? If so, is the regulatory climate strict or lax? Will this affect recruiting employees?
1 of 1Regulatory Climate
Governing authorities in most states and local jurisdictions implement a range of laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances. These legal frameworks cover various aspects, including general standards for the construction, design, and maintenance of business premises; regulations concerning customer health, safety, and welfare; standards for employee health and safety; provisions for disabled persons’ accommodations, fire safety, emergency preparedness, and licensing and permit requirements for installation services as a contractor. It is advised that you check with local and state governments for specific requirements for painting contractors in your area. When embarking on an entrepreneurial journey, LIME Painting recognizes and understands the importance of support. Many emerging brands lack a high level of expertise and experience, but at LIME, a robust executive team is in place to facilitate onboarding, training, and support for franchise owners. The team’s collective experience extends to some of the world’s largest brands, accumulating decades of valuable expertise.9
Scale
MODEL Factors
This is one of the most important factors of all. To understand it you have to look beyond what the business physically does, the services performed or products sold and ask how does the franchise make money? Where does the revenue come from? How is it generated? Are financial performance representations made? Coupled with External Factors 1, 2 and 5 – Market Size, Industry Trend and Competitive Climate and the next Internal Factor 2, Franchisee Role – the true nature of the franchise starts to take shape.
1 of 1Revenue Model
Recognizing that paint is just one among various coatings for a property, LIME employs numerous coating systems and, when necessary, conducts surface restoration before the application of coatings. With a portfolio of 40 revenue streams encompassing painting, coatings, and surface restoration, the company provides comprehensive solutions for high-end homeowners and businesses, ensuring the maintenance of impeccable interiors and exteriors. As stated previously, LIME Painting only targets the top 30% of home values in any given market where purchasers may be less sensitive to price, and equate price with value. LIME Painting achieves an average ticket that is four times higher than the industry average9
Scale
How developed are the systems on which you will rely to operate your business?
1 of 1Operational Systems
Operating on a low-cost, low-overhead model with a swift ramp-up process, franchise owners of LIME can commence their businesses with an investment ranging from $126.7K to $277.1K. Initial operations for owner-operators do not necessitate hiring employees, as subcontracted crews efficiently handle all projects. These crews take charge of the entire inventory, including paint and equipment, thereby minimizing overhead expenses.
The unique advantage of being a home-based business is that it enables a quick ramp-up time, typically ranging from 60 to 90 days after the signing of an agreement. In this streamlined approach, qualified semi-absentee owners are only required to focus on hiring for three key roles: sales, production, and general manager.
LIME’s innovative subcontractor partnership model alleviates the challenges associated with managing employees. Franchise owners are guided through a comprehensive training program, teaching them how to qualify, partner, onboard, and retain subcontractors effectively. The success of this approach is evident in the opening of 30+ franchise partners across 20+ states. The process resonates particularly well with artisans, drawn to the consistency of high-end projects that LIME offers week after week, with the added benefit of the company managing the entire project for them.
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Scale
In this highly diffuse world, creating, managing and projecting a Brand is essential for the health and vitality of a franchise system. How well does the Franchisor manage this? How well positioned is the brand among competitors? Is it differentiated enough? How well would potential customers recognize the brand? How is it projected into new markets? What is your role and obligations in this process? How is the Brand’s digital footprint managed?
1 of 1Brand Management
LIME Painting effectively manages its brand through a combination of unique differentiators that set it apart in the industry. As the nation’s first and only franchised luxury painting company, LIME emphasizes core values of Love, Integrity, Mission, and Excellence, creating a distinctive identity that resonates with both customers and artisan subcontractors. The brand has earned recognition with multiple awards, further establishing its credibility and excellence. Utilizing advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology, LIME ensures seamless interactions across multiple facets of its operations, enhancing customer experiences. With an average ticket price that is four times higher than the industry average, LIME strategically targets the top 30% of home values in its market segment, reinforcing its commitment to delivering premium services. Leveraged partnerships further fortify LIME’s brand strength with national suppliers such as Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and PPG, who not only provide quality products but also offer local hands-on support to franchise locations. Proprietary sales systems and robust recruiting support, which includes fully vetted and educated applicants, contribute to the overall management and success of the LIME Painting brand.8
Scale
What role is the franchisee expected to play in starting, ramping and the ongoing operation of the business?
1 of 1LIME Painting Franchisee Role
Franchise owners at LIME Painting thrive without the need for prior painting or contracting experience. Emphasizing a robust management background, owners dedicate their time to running and overseeing the business, requiring a genuine love for people and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. In the owner-operator role, individuals actively participate in daily operations without directly engaging in painting or other services. Responsibilities encompass estimating, project booking, lead generation, brand building, networking, sales, hiring, and management of subcontracted crews, project oversight, scheduling, customer interaction, administrative tasks, and local marketing initiatives, contributing to the overall brand building. On the other hand, qualified semi-absentee owners assume leadership positions by hiring a general manager, salespeople, and production coordinator to manage day-to-day operations. Their tasks include ensuring the team follows the LIME Business Growth Blueprint, reviewing data and profit and loss statements proactively, handling administrative responsibilities, and taking charge of recruiting, training, coaching, and team-building efforts. This flexibility in roles allows franchisees to align their involvement with their preferences and expertise while adhering to the successful LIME business model.9
Scale
What type of location, if any, is needed to deliver the product or service? If real estate is needed, are the requirements flexible or stringent? Is real estate essential to the product or brand experience or required for services to be performed onsite?
1 of 1Real Estate Needs
For a LIME Painting franchisee, real estate needs align with the unique characteristics of the business model. As a home-based enterprise, there is no requirement for a build-out or office space, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The typical location thrives in affluent urban and suburban markets, strategically targeting high-end homes and businesses. LIME Painting’s success is intricately tied to its ability to cater to the high-end range within these markets. Also, franchisees benefit from territory protection, ensuring exclusive access to at least 6,000 high-end homes within their specific market. The protected territory sizes are dynamic, adapting to the varying demographics and demands of each distinct area, allowing franchisees to capitalize on a lucrative segment while enjoying territorial exclusivity.10
Scale
ORGANIZATION Factors
How experienced is the franchisor at being a franchisor?
1 of 1Franchising Experience
Nick Lopez, Founder & CEO of LIME, brings a wealth of expertise in business marketing, sales, and process creation to the franchising experience. With a professional background steeped in these areas, Nick has cultivated and refined a groundbreaking business model that addresses the underserved high-end paint space, delivering top-notch home improvement services. His commitment to excellence has remained unwavering throughout LIME’s growth. Despite the company’s growth, Nick remains a hands-on and active founder, maintaining accessibility to both franchise owners and the dedicated support team that comprises LIME.10
Scale
What is the tenure, background, and commitment of the franchise’s leadership?
1 of 1Franchise Leadership
LIME Painting’s leadership team is spearheaded by Darrin Crystal, the President of LIME Painting, who architects the company’s support infrastructure alongside visionary Nick Lopez. Darrin, the former VP of Operations, brings a refined operational toolkit to the organization, supported by his EOS background and SCRUM Master certification. Bethany Broughton, the Director of Operations, leverages her many years of expertise to provide training to new owners, emphasizing the LIME Way. She builds strong relationships with franchise owners and ensures collaboration with the Franchise Advisory Council and National Success Coaches. Ashley Reub, Marketing Manager, brings over 15 years of ad and marketing expertise in the franchising world to the team, allowing for an elevated experience. Jade Nguyen, the Director of Finance and Administration, is the glue at LIME, supporting new owners and contributing to the company’s success with her enthusiasm for prosperity. Together, they embody LIME’s commitment to excellence and values, creating a dynamic leadership core.
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Scale
How often and how well does the franchisor engage franchisees? What assistance is provided in starting and operating your business.
1 of 1Franchisee Engagement
Franchisee engagement at LIME Painting is tailored to the roles of Owner/Operators and Qualified Semi-Absentee owners, each contributing uniquely to the business’s success.
Owner/Operators actively participate in day-to-day operations without directly engaging in painting or other services. Their tasks encompass a comprehensive range, including completing estimates, booking projects, generating leads, brand building, networking, sales, hiring and managing subcontracted crews, overseeing daily projects, scheduling appointments, interacting with and educating customers, administrative duties, and actively engaging in brand building and local marketing initiatives.
Qualified semi‑absentee owners step into a leadership role by hiring a General Manager, Salespeople, and a Production Coordinator to run the day‑to‑day operations. Their focus centers on leading the team, reviewing performance data and financials, and overseeing recruiting, training, coaching, and culture‑building. Most semi‑absentee owners reach true operational freedom within 2–3 years, once their full team is hired, trained, and consistently executing the model.
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Scale
In what kind of financial shape is the franchisor?
1 of 1Financial Health
LIME Painting has strong financial health and offers franchisees the potential for strong returns. In 2024, a corporate territory demonstrated impressive gross sales of $1,006,246, an average ticket price of $19,414, and a 46% average gross margin. The low-cost entry further emphasizes the financial appeal, as franchise owners can commence their business with an investment ranging from $126.7 to $277.1K. Notably, the initial phase for owner-operators doesn’t require hiring employees, as all projects are efficiently handled by subcontracted crews, significantly minimizing overhead costs. With a home-based business model, franchisees can typically ramp up in 60-90 days after signing an agreement. For semi-absentee owners, the hiring focus is streamlined to three critical roles: sales, production, and general manager, ensuring efficient operations and financial success.
*For more information, see the latest LIME Painting Franchise Disclosure Document
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Scale
Key Points
Investment Range
Initial Franchise Fee
Financial Performance Representation
Yes
Locations
80
Home Based
Royalty Fee
7%
Average Number of Employees
Veteran Discount
Passive Ownership
Visa Candidates
Total Franchise Evaluator Score
Missing fundamental, internal or external factors
Worth exploring further with caution
Add to consideration set
Sound opportunity and likely a great fit
Learn more about LIME Painting.
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