MANDEVILLE, La., May 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mike Powers, a 13-year franchise veteran and former Executive Vice President of Business Development for Smoothie King, has been named Painting with a Twist's new Managing Director, charged with strategically growing the 90-unit franchise over the next several years.
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Having a background in business development, Powers will play an instrumental role in further developing and organizing the rapidly growing Painting with a Twist business infrastructure. In his role, Powers has strategically outlined a road map for 2013 and beyond that includes doubling the company's current national footprint while maintaining a focus on increasing the average unit sales volume.
"We see big things with Mike as part of our team. He's an exceptional leader and is respected as one of the top franchise executives in the industry," said Cathy Deano, co-founder of Painting with a Twist. "After expanding our network of studios at a rapid rate over the past four years, growing our in-house team will allow us to provide additional support for our fast-growing franchisee and customer base."
Powers served as Executive Vice President of Business Development at Smoothie King from 2000-2012, where he played a prominent role in domestic and international expansion of the brand. Throughout his time there, Powers oversaw the growth of the 100+ store chain expand by an additional 734 domestic locations, plus 100 international locations spanning six countries. Powers also innovated and introduced a product strategy (Lean1) that helped system-wide sales rebound after the recession by 20 percent and still continues to grow.
Painting with a Twist is innovating and driving the Paint and Sip category. Locations nationwide have both guests and franchisees alike lining up at the doors. Existing franchise partners are experiencing overflowing classes including everything from girl's night out and date nights to memorable holiday events and children's parties. Because of continued demand, the brand plans to expand into several new states in 2013, including California, Washington State, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
"Painting with a Twist is a refreshingly authentic franchise organization with a great business model and purpose. The founders, corporate team, and franchise partners share a special bond and culture that you rarely find in other companies. Something very special is going on over here and it's a powerful platform to expand upon," said Powers "The company has an impressive lead in the category with almost 100 stores open in just four years, and I am motivated to fuel our future growth with sound development strategies, a great customer experience and an unbeatable value proposition for our franchise partners for a long time to come."
About Painting with a Twist
Painting with a Twist, based in Mandeville, Louisiana is the leading Paint and Sip franchise with more than 90 locations throughout the United States. Founded in 2007 by Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney, Painting with a Twist began franchising in 2009 and provides customers with paint, a canvas and brushes that lead to a fun evening with friends and a finished piece of art. For more information about Painting with a Twist, visit www.paintingwithatwist.com.
