BeTheBoss.ca: Tell us about the Think Green Painting concept.
Jackie Osborne: Think Green Painting’s name was created to simply outline what our company’s focus is. We “think green” in all aspects of our business, and we wanted our name to represent that.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with Think Green Painting?
JO: From the onset of Think Green Painting. I have been involved in everything from the name, logo, and design of the business and the franchise itself.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining Think Green Painting?
JO: My background is in Human Resources, Advertising and Marketing. I have had people be my priority in HR, and how to make a company standout from the advertising and marketing perspective. Two key factors in building a business are #1 the people that represent you and the people you work for and #2, how to set your company apart from others. I believe we do both of those things very well.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being a Think Green Painting franchisee?
JO: We pride ourselves in being part of a solution, rather than creating more of a problem by painting green, and practicing green. That is the most important advantage that I see. There are many painting companies, but very, very few whose whole purpose is to do its part to create a sustainable future, lower toxic chemicals, lower its health risk to its customers and maintain exceptional value and superb quality.
BTB: Who is your ideal franchisee?
JO: Our ideal franchisee is someone who cares about change. Someone who has values and is value driven. You do not need to know how to paint, but you need to know business. You recognize that quality comes before all else and you strive for excellence. We do not do anything less than 100%.
BTB: Tell us a little about the painting industry?
JO: The painting industry is quite simply really. There are professional painting companies but many, many more that are not. There isn’t really a regulatory body, especially in the residential end of painting that governs quality. Companies either stand by their work, or they don’t. We do. Because we have extensive experience in the commercial end of painting, we offer franchisees a broader avenue for possible jobs and thankfully, the commercial side of things usually will bring a higher level of quality. It is much more complex than residential painting.
BTB: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
JO: There are many lessons that I have learnt…it truly has been a journey. One that I’m sure is just beginning. One of the greatest lessons is that nothing happens overnight. I do not really believe in “overnight success”. I think that the main reason being is if you succeed so quickly, you miss all of the important lessons along the way. I have learnt that you must be patient but firm. There is way more no’s than yes’s, but then again, that’s for the better. Once you find the “yes” person, after so many that were not a fit, you realize that you have something special and you nurture that relationship because it is worth it. Our people are with us because they are special. They have that “it” factor. They would be a success in anything that they chose to do, but they choose us, and that says a lot.
BTB: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
JO: I wouldn’t say I have one specific person that I mentor. I pull value from many different people in my life. I have a great family, and friends and a lot of smart and savvy business people who have taught me a lot along the way. l try to smash the lessons I learn from all of them together and try to bring those things into my life the best I can. I think that certain people are great mentors in a business perspective, but may fall short on the personal side. Balance is key, and many successful business people struggle for that balance each day. I inspire to be successful in my business but also successful in my personal life as well. If you tip the scale too much on one side, the other hits the bottom so its vital to keep it as even as possible. Success is more than business. Success is happiness and you can’t have one without the other.
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
JO: Do your research, and search for something that you believe in. Something that speaks to you. Be patient, and when you find that one that you feel is your fit, do it. You don’t succeed by not moving forward.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that Think Green Painting would be a great opportunity for someone?
JO: Think Green Painting would be a great opportunity because we have a tremendous brand, fantastic support and we stand for something. A greener tomorrow and quality workmanship. Two of the most important factors that are sustainable.
