The Eco-Friendly Coatings Franchise Has Expanded to Dozens of Locations Across the U.S.
Darla McKnight, vice president of franchise support for Lifetime Green Coatings, reveals a knowing attitude about her role. “I frequently say that when support is done well, you almost don’t notice it, but when it is done badly, it can cause massive problems.” But McKnight says she’s up for the challenge: “Week in and week out, I am striving to review and improve our tools and programs to provide our franchisees with an extraordinary experience.”
McKnight’s supporting role ensures that the franchise continues wowing customers with its durable, eco-friendly coatings applied to concrete, wood, metal and other surfaces in residences, businesses, and industrial and agricultural settings. For more than a quarter-century, Lifetime Green Coatings’ products have shrugged off heavy foot traffic, saltwater, acids, fuels and more; the tough coatings have been used on floors, walls, pool decks, cabinets and even on ships’ decks and in stadiums. The company began franchising about a year ago, about the same time McKnight joined its team as director of franchise support.
Bold Leadership
She found the brand attractive because of the vision of the leadership. “I had previously worked with Bill Isenhart, the president of Lifetime Green Coatings, and I knew not only how he operated, but also how he wanted to operate. That was enough to get me to throw my hat in the ring for this position. Upon hearing about the exceptional product, the care for the environment and the dream of what this franchise could be, I knew that I had to be a part of it.”
McKnight says people don’t seem surprised that a woman is handling franchise support duties for the coatings company. “Pretty quickly after people interact with me, it becomes apparent how well suited I am in this space. Building fruitful and effective relationships is key to running a successful business, and that is how I approach my role –building relationships first.”
Never diminish yourself. Your perspective or skill set may be different from everyone else’s, but that is an opportunity.
Women in the Industry
She adds that many women are now involved in the coatings industry, a fact that enhances acceptance for all. “I talk every day to women who own franchises or are in leadership roles within them. Lifetime Green Coatings’ co-founder is a woman,” she says. “Numerically there maybe fewer of us, but the impact that we are having across the board is exponential.”
A mother of three who lives in Indiana, McKnight advises women in business to be themselves and to stand up for themselves. “Never diminish yourself. Your perspective or skill set may be different from everyone else’s, but that is an opportunity. It is incredibly boring to be like everyone else. Don’t be afraid to speak up and be different.”
McKnight believes the franchise industry offers tremendous opportunities for women, and of course she encourages those with an entrepreneurial bent to check out Lifetime Green Coatings. She feels good about the company’s mission to create attractive, protective, clean and rugged finishes that allow people — and their animals— to avoid toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air. The franchise’s welcoming culture treats its team and customers as family members.
The growing franchise already has dozens of locations open or opening soon around the United States, but many territories remain available.
Why Lifetime Green Coatings?
- Lifetime Green Coatings’ patented, made-in-USA products are naturally based green alternatives to epoxy
- The $4 billion-a-year floor-coatings industry is growing
- Easy to launch and run
- Proven business model
- Business-to-consumer and business-to-business service is scalable
- Franchise can be home-based, which means low overhead
- Start-up costs are low and profit margins are high
- Franchisees benefit from ongoing training and support
For more information about the Lifetime Green Coatings franchise, visit https://lifetimegreencoatings.com/franchise-opportunities/.
Green Coatings Market
The Lifetime Green Coatings franchise offers 100% sustainable products. The eco-friendly franchise also does waterproofing and coats sidewalks and patios. According to Allied Market Research, the global green coatings market size was valued at $67.3 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $104.0 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2021 to 2030.