Obtaining an E-2 visa with a franchise in the United States can be the ideal path for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the country legally and for the long term. But how do you choose the right franchise and ensure the profitability of the business?

Lizbeth Espinosa shares her experience at the That One Painter franchise, from obtaining her E-2 visa to growing her company in Houston. In this article, you will learn:

  • How to select the right franchise.
  • The process of buying and establishing the business.
  • Expansion strategies and operational management to achieve success.

From marketing director to franchise owner in the United States

Lizbeth and her husband wanted to offer their family a better quality of life and financial stability. They identified that the E-2 visa was the best option to immigrate to the United States as investors, ensuring legal residency while they were entrepreneurs.

A crucial point in his success was professional profiling. Although she had no experience in the painting industry, her background in marketing and business management made her a perfect fit for That One Painter’s business model. This stage is essential to ensure that the franchisee has skills compatible with the operation.

An in-depth analysis of skills, interests, and backgrounds allows the investor to maximize their chances of success in an unfamiliar sector.

If you are considering investing in obtaining the E-2 visa with a franchise in the United States, at Interlink FBC we help you identify the best option for you. Contact us and find out how to make your project a reality in the United States.

Business Acquisition and Establishment Process

The process of buying a franchise in the United States requires strategic planning and well-defined steps. In Lizbeth’s case, her journey began with a franchise research and selection phase, in which she evaluated more than eight options, comparing costs, profitability projections, and requirements to make an informed decision.

Once the right franchise was chosen, it began the formalization of the acquisition, a process that lasted from November 2023 to April 2024 and culminated in the purchase of three territories in Houston, a key strategy to maximize the return on its investment. During this period, it also had to deal with administrative delays and learn how to manage time and bureaucracy without rushing into decision-making, thus ensuring a smooth transition.

Training and accompaniment were fundamental to its success. That One Painter offers comprehensive training designed to ensure that each franchisee achieves a strong, profitable start. Through online courses, Lizbeth gained essential knowledge about marketing, operation, and customer management, key aspects for those who have no previous experience in the sector. In addition, he received detailed checklists with all the necessary tasks before opening, ensuring that his business was ready to operate efficiently from day one.

Finally, face-to-face training at Austin headquarters allowed him to participate in real projects and gain hands-on experience in business management. Thanks to this preparation, Lizbeth managed to overcome her inexperience in the industry and open her franchise with confidence.

Franchise Growth Strategies

Territory Expansion: How to Get It Right

To ensure long-term success, Lizbeth decided to adopt a gradual growth strategy, making sure to consolidate each territory before expanding to the next. Instead of opening all three territories simultaneously, he chose to develop and optimize the first, learning from the process and applying improvements before moving forward with the other two.

This strategy allowed it to build a solid operational foundation, adjusting its management model and solving initial challenges without compromising the quality of service. In addition, it established a structured expansion plan, ensuring that each new territory would have:

  • An established customer base.
  • An efficient and cost-effective operation.
  • A trained and prepared team.

Thanks to this strategic planning, he was able to scale his business sustainably, avoiding common mistakes in accelerated franchise growth.

Recruitment and management of personnel

The success of a franchise depends not only on the expansion strategy, but also on having the right team in place. To optimize the hiring process and ensure an efficient operation, Lizbeth turned to an agency specializing in talent selection.

This professional approach allowed him to:

  • Accurately identify the skills needed for each key position.
  • Define a competitive salary structure and benefits aligned with Houston’s labor market.
  • Implement background checks and employment references, ensuring reliable and engaged employees.

Thanks to this strategy, he managed to form a solid and motivated team, a key element for the stability and growth of his franchise.

Application of franchise strategies to grow

The sustained growth of Lizbeth’s franchise was the result of her disciplined application of the guidelines and best practices established by That One Painter.

  • Customer Follow-Up – Implemented a system of strategic calls, personalized emails, and automated reminders to increase the conversion of prospects into effective sales.
  • Active digital marketing – Strengthened its strategy with segmented social media campaigns and Google Ads ads, achieving greater visibility and attracting potential customers.
  • SEO Optimization and Online Reputation – Incentivized their satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, achieving a high number of 5-star ratings on Google, which strengthened the trust and credibility of their business.

His strategic and disciplined approach in executing these tactics was critical to his success and sustained growth in the residential and commercial painting industry.

Results and learnings from Lizbeth’s process

Financial growth and profitability

In a few months, Lizbeth not only reached her financial goals, but exceeded them, consolidating her franchise as a highly profitable business. Its average ticket per project was set at $3,500, with the goal of raising it to $5,000 through cross-selling and upselling strategies, thus optimizing each service provided.

In addition, it has carried out complete refurbishments of up to $30,000, demonstrating the profitability potential offered by this business model. His focus on larger projects has been key to improving profit margins and consolidating a client base that values quality and professionalism.

Through a combination of effective business strategies and disciplined execution of the franchise plan, Lizbeth has managed to position herself in a competitive market, generating sustainable revenue and ensuring the continued growth of her company.

Practical advice for investors

The success of a franchise depends not only on the initial capital, but also on the way in which the business is managed and developed. Lizbeth identified three fundamental pillars that have been key in her career:

Get involved in the business – A committed owner guarantees better results, as he closely supervises the operation and makes strategic decisions with a deep knowledge of the day-to-day of the company. Active participation in management allows you to detect opportunities for improvement and react quickly to challenges.

Follow the franchise processes – Franchising establishes proven protocols designed to minimize risks and maximize operational efficiency. Respecting these guidelines and applying their methodologies guarantees structured growth and reduces errors that could impact the profitability of the business.

Prioritizing customer satisfaction – In the U.S. market, quality of service and attention to detail are key factors in differentiating yourself from the competition and building customer loyalty. Lizbeth has focused its strategy on offering an exceptional experience, ensuring that each satisfied customer becomes a reference for new business opportunities.

Building a Strong Business in America

Lizbeth Espinosa’s story shows that with the right strategy, consistent training, and strong commitment, it is possible to obtain an E-2 visa with a franchise in the United States. The key is to choose the right franchise, aligned with the investor’s interests and strengths, and follow a structured plan that guarantees stability and growth.

If you are considering investing in a franchise in the United States, it is essential to have specialized advice.

At Interlink FBC we help you analyze the best options, optimize your investment and guide you through each stage of the process. Contact us and take the first step towards your own business in the United States.

Franchising in the United States