The Great Franchisee: Michelle Davison, 360° Painting, Texas

Michelle Davison has witnessed tragedy at an unimaginable scale as a first responder for the American Red Cross. In that career, she responded to two of the worst hurricanes in American history: Katrina and Rita. Now, Davison is starting a new career as a business owner, launching a 360° Painting franchise in Tyler, Texas. Davison says she intends to bring a fresh perspective and quality paint jobs to families and businesses citywide.

MICHELLE DAVISON: I grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and worked for the North Louisiana American Red Cross for 23 years. I have worked through so many hurricanes, I’ve lost count; hurricanes Katrina and Rita were the big ones. Currently, I’m the executive director for the South Central Region of the US for Canine Companions which is a service dog organization.

I’m not planning to leave my role anytime soon, but I am ready to try something new and different. I like challenges and enjoy expanding my skills, and 360° Painting is providing that outlet. I’ve done painting projects in the past and have been the person who felt like giving up and calling someone in to help, but now I’d like to be that person people call.

Just like anyone who has tried to paint on their own for the first time, I’ve experienced the frustration and tried to call in backup. Now, I hope to be the person they call. While working for the Red Cross, the most common occurrence was house fires.

Franchise experience

I saw how devastating losing a home can be to families, however, I also saw a shift when they begin to rebuild and get their lives in some semblance of order. This new adventure inspires me because I remember the look on a home owner’s face when they walked into a new, clean space. I’m hoping to provide that “fresh paint feeling” to families in Tyler.

DAVISON: Before I started learning about it, I thought franchising was turnkey. I thought you just walked into the business of your choice, turned on the lights and everything would be ready for you. As I've worked the franchise model for my business, I realize you need to have some skin in the game. It's been a good challenge as a new owner. The system is there, but if I don’t implement it properly, it will not thrive.

DAVISON: I’m straightforward, honest and hardworking, and I don’t mind putting in the hours and the hard work to get the mission accomplished. I didn’t ever consider starting my new business in a larger city than Tyler. I love the atmosphere and feel of this area.

The people are friendly and inviting and it truly feels like "home". Living in a great community is what will make this business successful, and I am proud and excited to now call this area home. This particular franchise means so much to me because I recognize how much a home means to families.

While working in Louisiana, I experienced members of homeless families react when they finally were granted a place to call home.

Business goals

DAVISON: The road map is there. I’m pretty good at implementing systems, so I’m hoping with that ability together with the atmosphere of Tyler, I will be successful.

DAVISON: I would love to become a bedrock for the Tyler market and have everyone lean on 360° Painting for their home painting needs. Not many people have heard of us yet, but we’re doing our best to get the word out there. I would love to be an active member of the community and find ways to participate and get to know the community I’ve chosen as home.

DAVISON: Do your research and get all your ducks in a row before you make the move, but do take the leap! Then, if you’ve done the footwork, and you’ve vetted the organization and you know what you're getting into, believe in yourself that you can do it. Realize that you’re not going to start making money right off the bat. You have to be able to withstand the startup costs and they can be costly.

Charlottesville, VA-based 360° Painting is one of the nation’s fastest-growing residential and commercial painting franchises offering comprehensive and personalized painting services with an approach founded on quality, responsiveness and customer experience. Founded in 2005 by parent company Premium Service Brands, 360° Painting has received major industry recognition by Entrepreneur magazine’s 40th Annual Franchise 500 list as No. 1 in the painting category for three consecutive years.

360° Painting has also placed on Franchise Times’ Top 200 list, which recognizes brands for their growth over the past 18 months. Since it franchising in 2006, the brand has grown to over 120 units nationwide with plans to award 30 more locations by the end of this year.