That 1 Painter Names Franchisee Tim Harding Brand President

That 1 Painter has appointed former franchise owner Tim Harding as Brand President, placing an operator with first-hand experience of building a local business in charge of the US painting franchise. Announced on 12 November, the appointment comes as the Austin-founded brand rolls out customer relationship management technology and prepares owner coaching and sales support initiatives for 2027.

From Phoenix franchisee to brand leadership

Harding and his wife bought That 1 Painter’s Phoenix location in 2023 after moving to Scottsdale. According to the company’s announcement, neither had a background in painting, and they did not know anyone in their new area.

Rather than immediately recruiting a large team, Harding initially handled project management, sales, back-office work and administration himself. That experience gave him direct exposure to both customer-facing work and the day-to-day responsibilities of running a franchise business.

In 2024, seven months after opening, he was named the brand’s Franchisee of the Year. He subsequently expanded into additional territories. In 2026, he received the company’s sales award for the highest closing ratio across its network, at more than 60%.

Those achievements form the basis of the approach he now intends to share with other owners. The appointment brings a locally developed operating perspective into a leadership role responsible for supporting the wider franchise community.

Profitability and sales take priority

Harding has identified improving franchisees’ profit margins, raising closing ratios and helping owners build more profitable businesses as his main priorities.

“Everything we do at the brand president level has a real impact on someone’s family, on their business, on their bank account,” Harding said in the announcement. “I take that very, very seriously. I want our owners to know that I’ve got their back.”

The principal hands-on initiative announced alongside his appointment is a Momentum Tour. Harding plans to spend several days on-site at That 1 Painter locations, training owners in the sales practices he used in his own business.

The distinction between his personal results and future network performance matters. His closing ratio is a reported achievement from his time as an operator, not a forecast for other franchisees. The tour is intended to transfer those practices through direct training; the announcement does not establish what results participating owners will achieve.

For existing franchisees, the immediate focus is therefore practical support rather than a new expansion target: improving how they convert enquiries and manage the profitability of their businesses.

Technology and coaching for 2027

Harding is also supporting several brand-wide initiatives going into 2027. These include SHVR, That 1 Painter’s custom customer relationship management system, which the company says is now being rolled out across the network.

The other announced initiatives are Velocity Coaching, a new owner coaching platform, and a new merchandise, apparel and uniform line. Together with the Momentum Tour, these represent the support priorities set out alongside the leadership change.

The announcement identifies the programmes but does not quantify their expected effect on revenue or margins. Their introduction should therefore be distinguished from demonstrated improvements in franchisee performance.

Harding also offered a specific recommendation for new owners: begin building referral relationships from day one. He highlighted estate agents, contractors, flooring and window companies, and designers as potential contacts. That advice reflects an emphasis on developing local relationships alongside the support available from the franchisor.

A leadership change across a 34-state network

Founded in Austin, Texas, in 2011, That 1 Painter provides residential and commercial painting services through 131 locally owned locations across 34 states, according to the announcement.

Its services include interior, exterior and cabinet painting, backed by a three-year transferable warranty. Harding’s remit therefore extends well beyond the Phoenix business where he established his operating record.

For the US franchise community, the appointment provides a concrete example of a franchisee moving into brand leadership, with sales training and owner support at the centre of the transition.

Practical takeaway: Existing and prospective owners should ask how the on-site training, coaching platform and CRM rollout will reach their location, and how progress in closing ratios and profitability will be measured.