The Truth About Taking The Leap Into Business Ownership
Why is community so important to Mike as a business owner?
For Mike Kelley, owner of That 1 Painter Twin Cities, community is more than a business buzzword. It is a foundational value that shapes how he leads, who he surrounds himself with, and how he navigates both the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
Mike believes community is essential because it determines the kind of support you have during challenging moments. When you are building a business, you go through long days, early mornings, tough decisions, and unexpected setbacks. Without support, it can feel isolating. Mike has experienced that in other businesses he owned. He remembers the loneliness that came with trying to figure out everything alone.
That is why the community within ResiBrands means so much to him. The franchise network is not simply a group of business owners. It feels more like a group of friends who have chosen the same path and are willing to walk it together.
For Mike, that sense of belonging has made all the difference.
How does the franchise community at That 1 Painter support Mike?
Mike explains that the franchise community is one of the strongest parts of the That 1 Painter experience. The owners are collaborative, approachable, and genuinely invested in one another’s success. They are not just colleagues. They are people he trusts, people he learns from, and people he considers friends.
Some of the ways the community supports him include:
• Sharing advice during challenging situations
• Offering fresh ideas when someone feels stuck
• Providing encouragement during difficult phases
• Celebrating wins across the network
• Giving honest feedback based on real experience
The community makes business ownership feel less like a solo journey and more like a shared mission. For Mike, that kind of environment adds energy, confidence, and long-term motivation.
What stands out about the coaching support at That 1 Painter?
One of the biggest differences Mike noticed compared to other franchises he has owned is the quality of coaching. In previous businesses, coaching calls happened once a month, and he often missed them because they lacked connection or value.
With That 1 Painter, it is the opposite.
Mike never misses a coaching call because:
• They happen every other week
• He always receives real value
• The coaches have owned the business themselves
• They understand the work, the challenges, and the industry
• The conversations are practical, not theoretical
• The calls feel helpful rather than routine
He describes the coaches as “really great humans” and appreciates that each one has brought a unique perspective. They have been in the trenches, faced the same barriers, and solved the same problems. That experience gives Mike confidence and clarity as he grows his location.
For him, coaching is not just a scheduled call. It is one of the most important tools for his business.
Why does Mike believe taking the leap into franchising is the hardest part?
Mike says the most difficult step in franchising is the very first one: taking the leap. He compares it to jumping off a cliff and growing your wings on the way down. You cannot learn how to fly until you step off the edge.
The fear of the unknown is what holds most people back. What will happen? What if it doesn’t work? What if the journey is harder than expected?
Mike believes these fears are normal, but they should not stop anyone from pursuing business ownership.
Once you push past the fear and get through the early phase, momentum begins to build. You learn. You adapt. You grow. And slowly, you start to see the rewards of your effort.
What advice does Mike have for new franchise owners in the early stages?
Mike is very honest about what the beginning looks like. He says the early phase will require more effort than many people expect. Even with a strong brand, a proven playbook, and excellent training, owners must be prepared to work hard.
He recommends:
• Keeping a positive attitude
• Being ready to roll up your sleeves and get into the mud
• Not expecting instant results
• Staying persistent even when challenges appear
• Working harder than ever before in the first few months
Mike emphasizes that while the franchise model reduces guesswork, it does not eliminate the grind. Success requires effort, focus, and resilience. But if you stay committed through the early challenges, you will begin to see progress and momentum.
How does Mike stay motivated during the ups and downs of business ownership?
Mike knows that every business comes with highs and lows. Some days bring big wins, new customers, and confidence. Other days bring setbacks, unexpected issues, or slow progress.
What keeps him motivated is his mindset and his community. He believes the journey is easier when you surround yourself with the right people. When you have support, encouragement, and shared experience, the toughest moments feel manageable.
His motivation also comes from seeing small wins add up. Each customer served, each crew member trained, each system improved moves the business forward. Those pieces build the long-term success he is working toward.
Why does Mike believe owners should not be afraid to take the leap?
Mike speaks confidently about the decision to join That 1 Painter and encourages others not to hesitate. He believes many people look back after taking the leap and think:
“I should have done this sooner.”
He understands that fear can delay decisions for months or even years. But from his experience, the regret of waiting is often stronger than the fear of starting.
He believes that the franchise model, combined with strong support, gives owners the tools they need to succeed. The key is having the courage to begin.
What does Mike value most about being part of That 1 Painter Twin Cities?
For Mike, the franchise offers more than a business. It has given him:
• A supportive community
• A strong coaching team
• A playbook that removes guesswork
• A brand that pushes for excellence
• A network of people who genuinely care
• A clearer path to success
He values the culture, the people, and the systems that make That 1 Painter unique. Being part of the brand has given him confidence, direction, and a renewed passion for entrepreneurship.
What can aspiring franchise owners learn from Mike’s journey?
Mike’s story highlights several important lessons for future franchise owners:
• Community matters more than you think
• Coaching is powerful when it comes from real experience
• The hardest step is the first one
• Hard work is required, even with a great playbook
• The journey is easier when you surround yourself with supportive people
• The rewards are worth the early effort
• Waiting often leads to regret, not security
Mike’s experience shows that with the right franchise system, the right mindset, and the right community, business ownership can be incredibly fulfilling.
