How ResiBrands Helped Geoff Petis Find A Model Built For Profitability

Who is Geoff Petis and what was his career before franchising?

Before becoming a franchise owner with That 1 Painter in Upstate South Carolina, Geoff Petis built a professional career that many people would consider impressive and stable. For 12 years, Geoff worked as a courtroom litigator, managing high pressure cases, long hours, and the constant intensity that comes with legal work. After more than a decade in this demanding role, he transitioned into selling high end real estate in a mountain town in Colorado. Although the industry change brought a new environment, the lifestyle remained fast paced and often required nights, weekends, and emotional bandwidth that made it difficult to find balance.

Over time, Geoff realized he wanted to reclaim control of his schedule, his energy, and the direction of his life. The long hours, the ongoing conflict, and the pressure of transactional careers left him longing for something different. He wanted to build something of his own. He wanted more time with his family. He wanted work that did not drain him. Most importantly, he wanted ownership, not just employment.

That desire sparked his exploration into business opportunities and eventually opened the door to a new possibility he had not seriously considered before: franchising.

Why did Geoff choose franchising over building a business from the ground up?

As Geoff researched different business models, he quickly recognized that starting a company from scratch was not the best fit for him. He openly admits he is not a systems expert. He is not a marketing strategist. And he did not want to spend years building infrastructure, processes, or brand awareness from the ground up.

He needed something more structured. Something he could plug into. Something with proven systems already in place.

That is when franchising stood out.

Geoff described it as a “business in a box,” meaning that the foundational pieces were already created. He did not have to reinvent the wheel. He simply needed to follow the recipe. In his words, “If you follow the recipe, the cake will bake.” That level of clarity and simplicity made franchising an appealing option and ultimately convinced him that this model was the right path for him.

It provided the opportunity to own a business without the chaos of creating every system yourself. Instead, Geoff could focus on growing, serving customers, managing his team, and building long term success.

Why did Geoff choose That 1 Painter and ResiBrands?

When searching for the right franchise, Geoff was extremely intentional. He narrowed his decision down to three non negotiable qualities that he believed were essential for his success.

1. A clear path to profitability

Geoff wanted to join a franchise with strong financial potential and a business model with proven revenue opportunities. He wanted to see realistic, achievable pathways to earn income and grow the business.

2. A strong and positive culture

Culture mattered deeply to Geoff. He wanted to be part of an organization where owners support each other, leadership listens, and people share a genuine sense of community.

3. Comprehensive training, systems, and support

As someone who relies on structure rather than trial and error, Geoff needed a franchise team that provided strong coaching, solid tools, and ongoing training.

When Geoff found That 1 Painter, he realized the brand met all three criteria at a high level. The more he learned, the more confident he became. Once he discovered That 1 Painter was part of the ResiBrands family, he felt even more assured.

Three months into operating his franchise, Geoff says that all the qualities he hoped for have proven to be real. He often shares that choosing That 1 Painter and ResiBrands was one of the best decisions of his career.

What training and tools have made a difference for Geoff?

One of the most impactful elements of Geoff’s early experience has been the depth of training available through ResiBrands. He explains that new training is released constantly. Resources are updated. Tools are improved. Content is added. The learning never stops, and that level of support gives new owners confidence as they navigate the early challenges of business ownership.

One tool that has made a major difference for Geoff is the Sales and Production Engine. This system outlines the customer journey from start to finish and provides clear steps for:

• Preparing for an estimate
• Conducting the estimate
• Managing communication
• Coordinating production
• Completing the project
• Collecting payment

For Geoff, this roadmap has been a complete game changer. Instead of guessing or building processes on his own, he has a clean, organized framework to follow. It saves time, reduces confusion, and increases efficiency. It also ensures customers receive a consistent, high quality experience.

Geoff believes that training is not just a benefit of the franchise system. It is one of the core reasons he feels so confident in his first few months of ownership.

What mindset does Geoff believe new franchise owners need?

Geoff has learned that business ownership requires more than interest or excitement. It takes effort, discipline, courage, and resilience. He often shares that entrepreneurship is “not for the faint of heart,” but he says this in an encouraging way, not a discouraging one. He believes owners must have:

Grit

You must push through tough days, unexpected problems, and times when the path forward is unclear.

Determination

You must stay focused on your goals and remain committed, even when things feel overwhelming.

Courage

You must take risks, make decisions, and trust yourself enough to continue growing.

He compares the first few months of ownership to being a one year old learning to walk. You will stumble. You may fall. You will not have perfect balance. But every stumble is part of the process. Every step makes you stronger. Every day you become more confident.

The key is not avoiding the stumbles. The key is embracing them as part of your growth.

How does the ResiBrands community support franchisees like Geoff?

Geoff repeatedly emphasizes that the community within ResiBrands is one of the biggest advantages of joining the system. Owners across brands, including That 1 Painter, Pink’s, Action Exteriors, and Garage Up, work together, encourage each other, and share ideas regularly.

This collaboration helps every owner avoid mistakes, improve systems, and learn faster. Whether through coaching calls, team conversations, or owner-to-owner support, the community always feels accessible.

Geoff also praises the ResiBrands coaching team, calling it the best he has ever seen. Coaches act like quarterbacks, coordinating insights, distributing solutions, and making sure every franchisee has access to the same tools and advantages.

This culture of shared success is one of the reasons Geoff feels confident in his growth as a new owner.

What advice does Geoff have for future franchisees?

Geoff believes that people who choose ResiBrands are making the right decision. Between the support, the culture, the tools, and the community, he sees the system as second to none.

His advice to future franchisees is simple:

Embrace the learning curve. Trust the process. Rely on the community.

He wants new owners to understand that feeling unsteady at first is normal. It does not mean you are failing. It means you are growing. With the right mindset, the right systems, and the right people around you, you can build something meaningful and successful.

Geoff hopes that his story shows others that it is possible to leave an exhausting career behind and find something fulfilling, manageable, and exciting in business ownership.