Why This Mother-Daughter Duo Says Their Only Regret Is Not Starting Sooner

For Holly and Sabrina Fuller, starting a Five Star Painting® franchise was more than a business decision.

It was a family milestone and the beginning of a partnership they never imagined. The mother-daughter team opened Five Star Painting of Athens in 2022, and from the beginning, they knew they had found something special.

“We love Five Star, and our only regret is that we did not start sooner,” Holly says with a smile. It is a feeling they repeat often because their journey has been filled with support, encouragement, and personal growth.

Before franchising, Sabrina spent more than 30 years in banking and finance. Holly built her career in media and advertising after graduating with a communications degree from St. John’s University in New York City. Both were experienced professionals, yet neither had run a business entirely on their own. They knew they needed a proven model, which led them to Five Star Painting.

“We knew Five Star was going to give us the guidance, the mentorship, and the support we needed,” Sabrina explains. “It was not too good to be true. Everything they promised stayed the same.”

From the moment they entered the Neighborly^® family, they felt welcomed. One of their first connections was with Rainbow Restoration^® of Athens, where owners Jim and Stacy Casey immediately took them under their wing. “They were great mentors to us,” Sabrina says. “They literally took us under their wing.”

The Neighborly network quickly became more than a business resource. It became a community they could lean on while they learned how to grow a small business of their own.

The most inspiring part of their story is the bond they share. Holly speaks with deep admiration about her mother.

“I am, of course, biased, but my mom is incredible,” she says. “I feel so blessed. And now this. What better way to leave something for your children than to leave them a business?”

Sabrina says, “If you had told Holly in high school that she would be working with me, she would have said no. But it has worked out exactly the way it should.”

Together, they divide responsibilities, support one another, and stay focused on delivering a five-star experience for every customer.

The Fullers believe Five Star Painting gave them the perfect balance of independence and support. “We operate as a small business. We have the support of Neighborly and the support of Five Star, but you still have to do the work,” Holly explains. “You have to put in the groundwork. The model helps, and it is proven, but you also have to show up.”

Their advice for future owners is simple. “Do your research. Ask all the questions. And if you have the feeling that you want to do this, go for it. The reward is great, and you will not regret it.”

Their story is proof that when family, faith, and a strong franchise model come together, incredible things can happen.