Hey everyone, Giuseppe Grammatico, your Franchise Guide, back with another exciting episode of the Franchise Freedom Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back a two-time guest, Carmelo Marsala, the founder of Spray-Net!
Many of you have asked for more diverse content that explores various franchise business models. Today, we’re doing that while keeping it relevant to your entrepreneurial journey. Carmelo and Spray-Net show innovation and growth in home improvement, and I’m eager to share their insights.
Before we start, a quick reminder: If you’re lost in the maze of business ownership options and wondering if franchising is right for you, reach out! Book a free call with me at ggthefranchiseguide.com/right-fit. Let’s find the right fit for your franchise journey.
Now, let’s welcome Carmelo back to the show to unpack the incredible story of Spray-Net!
Spray-Net: More Than Just Paint – It’s Surface Tailored Coatings
For those who missed our first episode, here’s a brief re-introduction to Spray-Net and its unique approach. Spray-Net isn’t your typical painting company; they revolutionize the industry with patented coatings and processes. As Carmelo explained:
“We actually manufacture our own proprietary coatings. You’ll see behind me here, I don’t know if you can see this, Custom Chemistry for Smarter Painting. So basically, we have these surface tailored coatings that we apply to exterior and interior surfaces, like vinyl, vinyl windows siding, and kitchen cabinets. We actually have four patents on our process and chemistry to give that 15-year warranty.”
Spray-Net offers a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective way to modernize homes. Their patented, weather-adjustable paint processes provide a factory-durable finish on-site, ensuring a like-new look with an impressive 15-year warranty.
From Siding to Roofs: The Evolution of Spray-Net’s Services
Spray-Net started with exterior siding, but their services have expanded significantly. I wanted to learn about this evolution and how they’ve added new revenue streams. Carmelo shared their journey:
“Initially, we only did exteriors. In the seasonal markets, we operated from May to the end of October. But many people wanted more, so we stacked and layered in kitchen cabinet refinishing. Now we’re adding a new roofing business…”
Spray-Net now offers three core services:
- Exterior Coatings: Transforming vinyl siding, windows, and doors.
- Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing: Modernizing kitchens with durable, factory-finish cabinet coatings.
- Roof Coatings: A patented roof coating system that changes roof color and enhances impact and wind resistance.
This strategic expansion allows franchisees to tap into multiple markets and address customer needs throughout the year. As Carmelo shared, they even had a customer who used all three services—a testament to their comprehensive home improvement solutions.
Franchisee Fit: Not for the “Boring Business” Seeker
I wanted to understand who thrives as a Spray-Net franchisee. Carmelo was clear about the ideal candidate, stating that Spray-Net isn’t for those looking for a simple, hands-off business:
“We’re not a simple business. We have three services. We have multiple spray guns. The reality is it makes for a less simple business, but on the flip side, we have a higher barrier to entry, very unique, high margin. Someone looking for something simple probably isn’t the right fit. We’re looking for people who want something different.”
The ideal Spray-Net franchisee:
- Embraces Complexity: Is comfortable with a multi-faceted business model and a steeper learning curve.
- Seeks Uniqueness: Is attracted to a differentiated service offering with patents and a strong competitive advantage.
- Is Passionate about Home Improvement: Enjoys the transformation process and the impact on homeowners’ properties.
- Is Ready for a Steeper Ramp-Up: Understands that building awareness for a novel service takes time and effort.
While Spray-Net requires more upfront dedication, the rewards include higher margins, a unique market position, and the satisfaction of offering a transformative service.
Training, Support, and the Power of AI
Given the complexity of Spray-Net’s services, robust training and ongoing support are essential. Carmelo shared details about their comprehensive franchisee support system:
“We overcompensate on training. We want to ensure that people can actually get it. For us, it’s easy now, but there’s a steeper learning curve. So, on top of hands-on training, we have our internal social media… and an AI bot that crawls all of that, including training materials and webinars. A franchisee or their staff can ask it a question 24/7.”
Spray-Net provides:
- Multi-Phase Training: Online, virtual, and hands-on training at their Miami office covering sales, operations, financials, and technical skills.
- On-Site Support: Franchise trainers accompany new owners on their first jobs for hands-on guidance and quality assurance.
- Internal Social Media & Community: A vibrant platform (Viva Engage) where franchisees connect, ask questions, and share best practices.
- AI-Powered Support Bot: An AI chatbot integrated with their internal knowledge base, providing instant answers 24/7.
Spray-Net’s commitment to training and leveraging AI for support ensures franchisees are well-equipped to succeed, even with a complex service offering.
Tariffs and Business Resilience: Navigating Economic Headwinds
With economic uncertainties always looming, I wanted to address tariffs and their impact on Spray-Net’s business model, especially given their Canadian roots. Carmelo provided reassurance:
“Manufacturing in Canada is a huge benefit for our U.S. franchisees. We distribute through our U.S. location, but manufacturing labor is almost 50% cheaper. If you’re charging the same or more in the U.S., but paying 30-40% less for the product, you can imagine the profitability for our franchisees is higher than for our Canadian franchisees.”
Carmelo explained that their Canadian manufacturing base and U.S. distribution center provide a buffer against potential tariffs. Even with tariffs, the projected price increase to customers would be small, thanks to their efficient model and competitive pricing. This shows Spray-Net’s proactive approach to mitigating economic risks and ensuring franchisee profitability.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Embrace Passion and Seek Guidance
Carmelo shared valuable advice for those considering business ownership based on his journey:
“Make sure you feel good about what you’re doing. When I speak to our top-performing franchisees, they often say they didn’t want a boring business. They wanted something that impacts the community and creates jobs. So, ensure it checks the boxes you want. For me, creating jobs and a good culture was key. Impact on the community is huge too.”
Carmelo emphasized:
- Passion and Purpose: Choose a business that resonates with you beyond financial gains. Seek something fulfilling.
- Seeking Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek expert advice. Carmelo humorously suggested contacting someone like me to navigate the franchise landscape!
- Community Impact: Consider how your business affects your community through job creation and positive customer experiences.
- Embracing Complexity (If It Aligns with Your Goals): Don’t shy away from businesses with a steeper learning curve if they offer unique advantages and higher rewards.
Carmelo’s final message was powerful:
“If you’re thinking about it, just do something. You don’t want to wake up 10 years from now regretting it. Is it the right choice? Maybe. Maybe not. It may be harder than you think. But would you rather live with regret? Just try. I know it’s easy to say, but that’s the entrepreneurial way.
Ready to explore if Spray-Net aligns with your vision of franchise freedom? Go to https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/right-fit to find out if it’s a right fit for you.
