About CoolVu Franchise System
A partnership of decades of window treatment and franchise development experience delivering a best-in-class franchise opportunity to deserving individuals across the country.
Our Story
The Early Days
To say Founder/CEO Jeff Franson has a lot of experience with windows would be an understatement. He founded Window Expert, LLC back in 1992 to provide quality window and graphics services to the Metro-Atlanta area.
With everything going to the internet, he realized there was going to be a huge e-commerce opportunity and launched Window Film Depot, which quickly became one of the top distributors of 3M products across the country.
Co-Founder/President Mike Herrera got started developing franchises in this same period, from his base in Southern California. Jani-King, H&R Block, Alliance Brands, and a number of real estate firms gave him an excellent view into both franchise development and the needs of consumers and businesses.
A Meeting of the Minds
Jeff & Mike originally met way back in 2006 and kept in touch about their respective businesses thereafter.
But eventually there was an “aha” moment and a lot to talk about:
- While Jeff had adequate supply of products, he was acutely aware of the shortage of quality installation services in many markets.
- Jeff also knew that many of in independent servicers struggled with market awareness of their services, marketing within their territories, and the operational expertise to grow to the size they desired.
- Mike saw a lot of characteristics that would support a best-in-class franchise system:
- High demand anywhere there is real estate.
- Low competition across the country.
- A low startup cost business model (no real estate required).
- The ability to plug into the FutureVu ecosystem to support franchisees from multiple angles.
So R&D began in earnest. And then Covid-19 hit and world woke up to how profitable work-from-home businesses could be.
CoolVu Franchises Concepts Launches
Unlike many franchisors who launch a franchise system based on a couple of years of experience with a small company, the team closed out years of development and launched in January 2022.
Whereas as many franchisors see one or two franchisees join per quarter, CoolVu came out of the gate with a whole cohort ready to hit the ground running with one of the industry’s most robust onboarding and training programs.
And the early and more recent franchisees just loved what they had put together.
Beyond an onboarding program that includes mutual vetting, rigorous training, and integration into the CoolVu family, the system now offers ongoing programs for franchisees of every level of success including master minds, new product training, sales and marketing development, and an annual conference that is just a blast.
Meet Our Team
Jeff Franson
CEO & FOUNDER
A veteran of window treatments since 1992, Jeff brings decades of industry experience and overall business acumen to his role as CEO of the holding company and as a mentor and teacher within the CoolVu family.
Mike Herrera
PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
From our formation in May 2021, Mike has been at the helm as our co-founder and President. Leveraging his extensive background in franchising, Mike has been instrumental in propelling our company to achieve national franchise success.
Michele Popp
Director of Franchise Support
In her current role as the Director of Franchise Support, Michele is ideally positioned to guide both new and existing franchise partners, drawing upon her extensive background to enhance the company’s support services.
Kristine Faupel
Director of Marketing
In November 2023, Kristine joined the CoolVu team, assuming the role of Director of Marketing. With a 20+year background in marketing, particularly within franchise companies, Kristine contributes her wealth of experience to elevate our marketing strategies and initiatives.
Dana Clarke
Administrative Assistant
In 2022, Dana Clarke became a valuable member of the CoolVu team, stepping in as an Administrative Assistant fielding inquiries from educational institutions, churches, and synagogues seeking enhanced security measures.
Dyann Diamond
Graphic Designer
Dyann was brought in early on to our family of companies. She is the creative force behind some of the iconic images and marketing materials that have played a pivotal role in establishing and enhancing the CoolVu brand identity.
Chris Sullivan
Western Regional Performance Coach
Chris assumes the vital role of Western Regional Performance Coach for the CoolVu franchise arm of the company. Concurrently, Chris holds the position of Senior Vice President at our affiliate company, Window Film Depot, showcasing an impressive tenure since January 1997.
Bob Bruder
Central Regional Performance Coach
Since February 2022, Bob has been our Central Regional Performance Coach, as well as one of our successful franchise partners. Bob’s history in the industry brings a wealth of business acumen to our team.
Nick Baker
Eastern Regional Performance Coach
Taking on the role of Eastern Regional Performance Coach since May 2024, Nick brings industry experience in the window film industry as a 20+ year employee of Window Film Depot, a CoolVu company affiliate. Nick’s unique perspective further enriches our team, showcasing a valuable blend of expertise and accomplishment in the field.
Rich Luna
Franchise Development
Rich works with candidates interested in the CoolVu model, contributing to the expansion of our national footprint.
Roger Flynn
Franchise Development
With extensive experience in franchising and a long history on the development side, Roger plays a pivotal role in attracting and guiding prospective candidates to our system.
Carrie Basak
Administrative Assistant
With over a decade of experience, Carrie brings a unique perspective to her administrative role, combining her dedication to customer service with a professional attitude honed through years of client-centered care.
