Case Study: From Founder-Led to Future-Ready – Strengthening Leadership for Franchise Growth
Introduction
I first met Nick Lopez, founder of LIME Painting, in November 2022 at the Emerging Franchisor Conference. I had signed up for the Dine Arounds, a networking dinner designed to connect attendees. While I had many friends at the conference, I saw this as an opportunity to meet new people. I found myself at a lively table full of franchise development professionals—high-energy, storytelling guys who kept us laughing for hours (you know who you are Eric Schechterman).
But what stood out to me most that night wasn’t the stories or the laughter—it was the quiet, introverted gentleman to my left who smiled often but spoke little. Despite the noise of the restaurant, I got to hear about his business, his growing emerging brand, his four kids, and his journey as a franchisor. I was impressed—not just with his business success, but with his humility, faith, and commitment to doing things the right way.
A few months later, we ran into each other again at the IFA Convention, where we quickly caught up. That summer, we set up a "get to know you" call, where I learned more about his challenges, growth, and goals for LIME Painting. At the end of that call, he asked what I was working on. I shared that I had started coaching franchisors, and he became curious about how I might be able to help him.
We scheduled a Clarity Call, but neither of us was 100% sure if we were the right fit for each other. Instead of rushing the decision, we prayed about it and agreed to reconnect in a few days. When we got back on the phone, the Lord had given both of us the confirmation that we were meant to work together.
Our first project? Scaling the brand by implementing an Advisory Board.
The Challenge
Nick had built an incredible franchise system—40 franchise owners, 120 locations, and a strong reputation in the home services space. But as with many fast-growing brands, success came with growing pains:
Scaling Beyond the Founder: LIME Painting had reached a point where Nick needed to step out of daily decision-making and shift into a true CEO role.
Lack of a Strategic Advisory Team: While he had incredible instincts and a strong brand, he needed experienced advisors to provide accountability, structure, and guidance.
The Right Hand to Execute: Without an Integrator (COO-level leader), much of the execution still fell on Nick, limiting his ability to focus on long-term strategy.
It was clear: to reach the next level, Nick needed to replace “gut feel” decision-making with structured leadership.
The Coaching Process and Results
Step 1: Establishing an Advisory Board for Strategic Growth
The first step in Nick’s transformation was building a team of experienced advisors who could challenge him, support him, and help him scale LIME Painting in a sustainable way.
Together, we:
Identified the right mix of board members – including industry veterans, finance experts, and franchising leaders.
Clarified the board’s purpose – accountability, strategic insights, and long-term planning.
Structured quarterly board meetings – with a defined agenda, key metrics, and a “Rocks” framework to measure progress.
The result? A trusted group of advisors that Nick could lean on for wisdom, direction, and decision-making.
Step 2: Implementing an Integrator for Operational Execution
With the Advisory Board in place, Nick needed someone to run the business while he focused on the vision.
Through coaching, we:
Defined the Integrator role – ensuring alignment with LIME Painting’s mission and franchisee support needs.
Developed a hiring process – focusing on cultural fit, operational expertise, and leadership style.
Supported leadership transition – empowering the new Integrator while helping Nick redefine his role as a true CEO.
This transition freed Nick to focus on growth, while ensuring the business had a strong operator driving execution.
Step 3: The Shift from Founder-Led to Future-Ready
With these two key pieces in place:
Nick gained clarity and confidence in decision-making with board insights.
Franchise operations became more structured and scalable under the Integrator’s leadership.
Nick moved from working IN the business to working ON the business—focusing on expansion, brand positioning, and strategic partnerships.
Conclusion
Through structured coaching, Nick transformed his leadership approach, moving from an overwhelmed founder to a franchisor with a clear vision, a strong support system, and a leadership team built for growth. By implementing an Advisory Board and an Integrator, LIME Painting is now positioned for sustainable, scalable success.
Are you ready to elevate your franchise leadership and build a team that supports your vision?
Let’s work together to create the structure, leadership, and strategy your brand needs.
Shine on, Shannon
