Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Tom Hodgson

Dublin,Ohio

Summary

I am a visionary leader and brand builder with a proven track record of conceptualizing, launching, and scaling businesses from the ground up. With deep expertise in sales strategy, franchise development, and operational growth, I have successfully built and expanded brands, guiding them through acquisitions and private equity transactions. A dynamic team builder, I excel at fostering collaboration, empowering franchisees, and driving businesses toward sustained profitability. Having spoken at industry-leading events such as Springboard and the International Franchise Association (IFA), I am recognized as a thought leader in franchising, business optimization, and market expansion. My experience spans the full business lifecycle—from hands-on operations in the service industry to high-level strategic planning, licensing, and corporate partnerships. With extensive experience working with franchisees, I understand the challenges of business growth and have the ability to identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and optimize performance. Having "been around the block," I bring a wealth of knowledge in scaling businesses, navigating due diligence, and ensuring successful brand evolution. Passionate about helping franchisees and organizations expand, I am adept at turning vision into reality and driving meaningful business success.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Co-Owner, Brand President & Franchisee

Shrunk 3D
01.2023 - Current
  • Grew the brand from 12 to 52 plus franchise locations across the U.S
  • Within 12 months
  • Provided strategic leadership and operational oversight to drive franchise growth and brand expansion
  • Currently consulting in the brand president role with plans to transition to a silent partner

Founder & CEO

Color World Painting
01.1997 - 01.2022
  • Established Color World Housepainting, Inc and expanded through corporate units before franchising
  • Successfully sold the company to Authority Brands, a private equity platform group, in 2022
  • Served as the Brand President, all Brand Presidents mutually overseeing the budget and responsible for the $2 billion in annual sales for the entire platform. AB changed the name to Color World Painting
  • Reported to private equity in board meetings and was responsible for the performance of Color World

Investor

Five Star Christmas Tree Delivery
01.2013 - 01.2016
  • Launched the first-ever Five Star Christmas Tree delivery company
  • Leveraged Groupon for growth and expansion
  • Successfully sold the business
  • Sold to Shark Tank

President and CEO

Five Star Holiday Decor
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • Founded and led Five Star Holiday Decor, successfully franchising the brand
  • Managed the sale of the company to a Canadian group

Consultant & COO

Five Star Painting
01.2007 - 01.2012
  • Worked as a consultant and then as COO for Five Star Painting, contributing to franchise development and expansion
  • Developed exterior software solutions to support franchise operations
  • Grew the franchise system to over 75 franchisees before the company was sold to Neighborly

Education

The Ohio State University

High School -

Bishop Ready, HS

Skills

  • Strategic Leadership & Execution
  • Franchise Development
  • Business Growth & Expansion
  • Operational Excellence
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Sales & Revenue Management
  • Board Reporting & Platform Building
  • General Management with EOS
  • Culture and Core Values

Timeline

Co-Owner, Brand President & Franchisee

Shrunk 3D
01.2023 - Current

Investor

Five Star Christmas Tree Delivery
01.2013 - 01.2016

President and CEO

Five Star Holiday Decor
01.2012 - 01.2015

Consultant & COO

Five Star Painting
01.2007 - 01.2012

Founder & CEO

Color World Painting
01.1997 - 01.2022

The Ohio State University

High School -

Bishop Ready, HS
Tom Hodgson