Military Experience Prepared Them to Succeed in Franchise Ownership
When Navy veterans Eric and Edith Megargel determined that operating their own business was the life they wanted, they asked a business coach for advice. “She introduced us to Five Star Painting. After visiting headquarters in Waco, Texas, we decided to move forward with purchasing our franchise,” Edith says. It serves Jacksonville, Fla.
Edith explains that Five Star Painting swayed them in two ways: the core values of Neighborly, an umbrella franchisor that owns the brand, and the immense support system we would have during the process of opening our business.” Those core values, R.I.C.H. for short, are Respect, Integrity, Customer service excellence, and Having fun. Support includes comprehensive training, business coaching, extensive marketing assistance, and bulk buying power.
Since launching their business in April 2020, the Megargels have leveraged their Navy experience in various ways. “If you own a business in the home services industry,” Edith says, “you need to be detail-oriented, have the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds, and the ability to problem-solve in high-pressure situations.” Her Navy service cultivated those skills. Eric also leans on the Navy skill of connecting with others, which is crucial to his business role. “Eric is amazing at sales,” Edith says.
She, in turn, manages all of the projects at their Five Star Painting franchise. They have no employees, but “we have several amazing crews that have worked for us for many years. They are not only skilled in their line of work, but they also are great people who we’re proud to have as a part of our team.”
Work-Life Balance
Work keeps the couple on the go, and striving to maintain work-life balance is their biggest challenge, Edith says. “When we were transitioning from the military, Eric and I felt it was important to spend more time with our family. We’re working to get a little better work-life balance every year. We have an active family and anytime we get a chance to go out and play, we do. We make a point to spend our free time doing activities we enjoy with our kids. During the weekends, we kayak the Intracoastal Waterway, and we swim in the springs whenever the weather is nice.
“We also involve our kids in volunteer work as well as tradeshows, which they look forward to every spring and fall. Owning your own business gives you the freedom to be in charge of your time.”
The Megargels have no regrets about investing in Five Star Painting and Neighborly. “Neighborly has been very helpful. The support and training they provided to us the first couple months of us starting our business was crucial to our success. They help us keep track of our goals, and they are only a phone call away when we need help. Not only does Neighborly help when we need it, but they also connect us to other home services that have become great friends and referral partners. We’re proud to be a part of the Neighborly community.”
Five Star Painting’s Perks
Franchisees enjoy these advantages:
- No initial office space is needed; the business can be home-based. Semi-absentee model lets owners keep their day jobs if desired. Franchisees may hire estimators, project managers and office staff.
- Painting isn’t required. Franchisees subcontract with local painting businesses.
- Diverse services ensure year-round revenue: interior and exterior painting (decks and fences included), cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal and installation, garage floors, pressure washing, and removal of popcorn ceilings.
- Medical, dental and vision insurance are available.
- Five Star Painting franchise offers expert marketing plans and promotional resources.
- Flexible schedules are family-friendly, with no emergency and on-call work.
- Economy of scale delivers reduced prices for equipment, supplies and more.
- Veterans are eligible for a discount.
The Painting Industry
Five Star Painting franchise owners benefit from a thriving industry. The U.S. paint and coatings industry is expected to reach $36.34 billion in 2025, according to Statista.
For more information about the Five Star Painting franchise, visit www.fivestarpainting.com.
