Painting with a Twist

TEXAS

Source: Painting with a Twist

Algy Irvin and his wife, Kermie, opened their first Painting with a Twist location in 2009 and have since opened two additional locations.

Description: Painting events with friends

Owner: Algy and Kermie Irvin

No. of franchise units owned: 3

Years in business: 7

Start-up costs: $89,300 to $143,000; $250,000 liquid assets, $500,000 net worth

Franchisor fees: Royalties 6% of sales; marketing 2% of sales

2015 revenue, 2016 projection: $648,000; $770,000

2016 projected annual growth rate: 19%

Algy Irvin and his wife, Kermie, opened their first Painting with a Twist location in 2009. For $35 to $45, customers are provided with a canvas, brushes and paint to create their version of the design or image the instructor has selected for the night.

The concept for Painting with a Twist was created by friends Renee Maloney and Cathy Deano, who wanted to help their community after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005. Their venture enabled folks to get together for a few hours to paint, share some wine with friends and destress from the trauma of the hurricane.

Additional franchisee resources

The idea proved so popular, the pair decided a few years later to franchise the business and expand to other states across the country, including Texas, where Algy and Kermie decided to set up shop.

Irvin and Kermie knew the franchise founders from when they were living in New Orleans and fell in love with the concept the first time they tried it. After relocating to Houston, they decided to open their first location and now have two others.

As a professional photographer, Irvin said, "the idea of making art profitable was something I understood right away." He credits the franchisor with helping him progress from working in the business to working on his business. "When you first purchase a franchise, you are initially self-employed," he said. "Everything from negotiating the franchise agreement to getting through the grand opening requires your direct involvement. However, to ensure business growth, it is important to learn to delegate tasks. Once you learn to delegate, you become a business owner."