By: Tyler Fuss
Before joining LIME Painting, my professional background was rooted in finance and insurance. I started my career at the Budget Management Office in Denver before moving into the private sector, where I focused on personal finance and risk management planning. Although I enjoyed the analytical side of the work, I started thinking seriously about building something of my own, that would allow me to serve others while creating opportunities for growth.
After being introduced to the CEO of LIME Painting, we quickly became friends. As I learned more about his vision for the company and its unique approach to the painting and restoration industry, I saw an opportunity that aligned with everything I valued. I started out as an outside sales representative with LIME, before investing in the brand myself.
Owning a business gave me the chance to directly impact the lives of clients and employees while building something that aligned with my goals. My experience in finance and insurance gave me a strong foundation in strategic thinking, risk management, and financial planning, all of which have been critical in running a multi-unit business. I’ve also been lucky to have an incredible mentor, Nick Langefels, who taught me the principles of business development, sales, and scalability. His mentorship helped me understand what business ownership can truly be: a way to build a successful enterprise, support your family, and positively impact your community.
Expanding Into New Markets
Since starting my journey with LIME Painting, I’ve launched locations in Northern Colorado and Phoenix and have purchased territories in San Diego. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through expansion is that every market is unique. A strong franchise system like LIME provides a proven framework for success, but it’s up to each owner to understand the local dynamics, customer preferences, and community culture to be successful.
Whenever I enter a new market, I focus on becoming part of the community first. I make it a point to network, volunteer, and meet with other local business owners to understand what’s working for them. From there, I build on those insights, using my past experience, client relationships, and the strong reputation of the LIME Painting brand to establish credibility and earn trust.
Empowering Others to Lead
As my business has grown, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success comes from empowering the people around you. When expanding into new regions, I’ve had to learn how to delegate tasks and trust my team members; prior to owning a business, I did everything on my own. My job now is to give our managers and employees the tools, resources, and guidance they need to succeed.
That mindset shift has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. There’s nothing better than watching someone on your team take ownership of their role and grow into a leader. I truly believe that when people focus on serving others and adding value, opportunities naturally follow. The most successful teams are those that operate with an ownership mindset in which everyone feels responsible for the success of the business and the experience of our clients.
A Culture That Sets Us Apart
What first drew me to LIME Painting is the same thing that continues to inspire me today, our values and culture. Love, Integrity, Mission, and Excellence aren’t just words to us; they’re guiding principles that shape how we operate every day.
Each job has an Account Manager, Production Coordinator, and General Manager or Owner overseeing it. That structure allows us to deliver on our promises while maintaining quality across all territories. We also receive marketing support, leadership resources, detailed proposal tools through a dedicated bid team, and access to coaches who help guide us toward our goals and provide the personal support needed to thrive. Having this kind of partnership allows me to focus on growth and leadership development, knowing I have a team behind me that’s just as invested in our success as I am.
When you build a team that prioritizes excellence and follows a proven system, quality becomes a natural outcome. LIME has created a model that makes that possible and it’s a major reason I’ve been able to scale successfully. It provides a comprehensive framework, from establishing an organizational structure and running effective meetings to building connections with local organizations like Chambers of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.
Leading with Purpose
For me, being a business owner is about far more than financial success; it’s about people, purpose, and doing things the right way. Every day, I get to see the impact of our work, whether it’s restoring a home, supporting a local event, or watching an employee grow into a leadership role.
At the end of the day, that’s what makes all of this worth it. We’re not just painting homes; we’re building relationships, creating opportunities, and making a difference in our communities.