“WORK TO OWN” – LIGHTMEN PARTNER PROGRAM
What Is This?
The Work to Own Partner Program is a business-building opportunity for experienced painters who are ready to become their own boss. This isn’t a job — it’s a launchpad. You’ll run a small crew under the Lightmen banner for a year, using our systems, support, and training. If you prove you can generate and manage profitable work, we’ll back you in starting your own company — with 49% equity on your side and the option to fully own it in just 24 months.
When i started my first painting company i didn't realize that like the prep stage in painting, there is a lot more that goes into operating a painting company than knowing how to paint. We've put together a systemized process to help experienced painters start, run and grow their own painting company.
Full disclosure, we aren't saints and we are looking for motivated, efficient, profitable painters. That being said, we want to help those type of people and feel that our program tackles short lived profit for use while helping them again start, operate and grow their own companies.
How It Works
| Phase | Summary |
|---|---|
| Year 1 – Prove It | You bring in your own jobs and run a crew using our SOPs and systems. We help where we can, but you're the engine. Show profitability, consistency, and leadership. |
| Year 2 – Get Equity | We file paperwork in our names. You get 49% equity. We retain 51%. Profit share is 60/40 — whoever brings the job gets 60%. Keep running jobs and growing your business. |
| Year 3 – Own It | You can buy us out using a clear formula based on business performance. You now own your company 100% — but can still use our tools, systems, and consulting if desired. |
What You Get
- ✅ Full SOP Library (Hiring, Estimating, Client Handling, etc.)
- ✅ Estimating Tools, Sales Scripts, and Invoicing Templates
- ✅ Access to CRM + Dashboard
- ✅ Use of Lightmen backend for payment processing, forms, contracts
- ✅ Optional marketing & branding assets
- ✅ Monthly coaching & performance tracking
- ✅ Access to exclusive partner community
Who This Is For
✅ Crew leads with at least 4 years of painting experience
✅ People who bring in their own jobs or know how to hustle
✅ Anyone ready to lead a 2–3 person crew and build something real
✅ Self-starters who want to learn business ownership the right way
Apply Now
Fill out our quick application
Let’s see if we can build your future — together.
Become a Painting Business Partner – Work to Own
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You can submit this form only once.OUR MISSION
CORE MISSION
We’re not hiring painters — we’re building painting companies.
This program is built for self-starting crew leads in Oregon, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming who want to prove profitability, take equity, and eventually own their own painting business — using Lightmen’s proven systems, tools, and marketing support.
KEY COMPONENTS
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 – Proving Profitability | Crew lead runs a 2-3 person crew under our LLC for 12 months, demonstrating profitability and performance. |
| Phase 2 – DBA Formation + Equity | After 1 year of proven operations, we file a DBA under any name they choose. They receive 49% equity, with LP Company holding 51%. |
| Phase 3 – Buyout Option | After another year, the partner may purchase the remaining 51% and take full ownership based on a pre-agreed valuation formula. |
| Profit Share Structure | All active businesses operate on a 60/40 profit-share model — 60% to whoever brings in the job (them or us). |
| Support Provided | SOPs, estimating tools, job tracking systems, CRM, training library, project coaching, sales scripts, brand media, and some lead flow (increasing with company growth). |
*WHO THIS IS FOR*
We’re looking for crew leads who:
- Can already paint professionally and lead a 1–3 person crew
- Are comfortable getting their own leads (we’ll assist when possible)
- Want to build something of their own
- Are reliable, detail-oriented, and ready to follow a proven business model
THE ROADMAP
📍 Phase 0 – Setup & Foundation
- Legal structure + documentation finalized
- SOPs and onboarding systems prepared
- Website landing page and recruiting materials launched
- Partner library (tools, scripts, trackers, training) set up
📍 Phase 1 – Run a Crew (12 Months)
- Operate under LP umbrella as an internal partner
- Must run crew independently, secure jobs (we’ll help where possible)
- Weekly financials + KPIs tracked (profit, reviews, job count)
- Use Lightmen tools, estimating templates, CRM, training videos
- Monthly check-ins and strategic coaching
- Lead source scoring — you vs. us
- Must demonstrate consistency, profitability, and leadership
📍 Phase 2 – Form Your DBA (After 12 Months)
- DBA created with your brand name
- You receive 49% equity, LP retains 51%
- Continue operations with added autonomy and name branding
- Use LP's backend: scheduling, client systems, marketing library, payment processing
- Maintain 60/40 profit split based on who sources job
📍 Phase 3 – Full Ownership Option (After 24 Months)
- Opportunity to buy out LP’s 51% equity
- Valuation based on agreed formula (ex. 1.5x average net profit)
- Buyout via lump sum, financing, or profit-share transition
- Full autonomy with continued optional LP support/consulting
WHAT THEY GET
| Category | Resource |
|---|---|
| Training | SOPs, how-to videos, estimating guides, business setup checklists |
| Tools | CRM access, lead tracker, estimating calculator, templates |
| Sales & Admin | Scripts, proposal forms, invoice templates, follow-up sequences |
| Brand Assets | Logos, shirts, yard signs (optional), digital assets |
| Coaching | Monthly performance reviews, profit coaching, sales support |
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM THEM
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Work Ethic | Bring in at least 2 jobs/month initially |
| Crew | Build and manage own 1–3 person crew |
| Communication | Use CRM, submit job data weekly, check in monthly |
| Standards | Follow Lightmen SOPs and customer service expectations |
| Growth Mindset | Be willing to learn, adapt, and lead others |