The franchise: Board & Brush was founded in Hartland in 2015 by Julie Selby. Since it began franchising in 2017, the business has grown to roughly 150 locations across 38 states. Its studios offer instructor-led DIY wood décor workshops for all ages.
2021: After four years working at Board & Brush’s Oak Creek studio, Rachel Proeber (with her sister-in-law as a silent partner) purchased the Oak Creek studio from longtime franchisee Gin Kennedy, who also owned the Elm Grove location.
“(Rachel) was one of the original students of Board & Brush when they opened up their first franchise. And then she taught classes, and she just really fell in love with everything about it.” – Lisa Proeber
January 2024: When Kennedy was ready to sell the Elm Grove studio, Rachel asked her cousin Lisa Proeber, who launched Milwaukee-based consulting firm The Middle Six in 2022, to buy in.
“Because of the scrappy way I had to set up my own company, and I have these great team members, (Rachel) came to me asking if I would partner with her on it, because of my business acumen.” – Lisa
July 2024: Rachel and Lisa formed R&L Enterprises and soon after took ownership of both the Oak Creek and Elm Grove locations. Lisa runs all-back-of-house operations, sales and marketing while Rachel is client-facing as an instructor and general manager.
Board & Brush Oak Creek is located at 8880 S. Howell Ave., while Elm Grove is located at 3475 Watertown Plank Road. Photo credit: Dee Von Drasek Photography
July 2025: One year since R&L purchased the two locations, sales are up 3% and wood remains the largest expense. While the Proebers don’t have plans to open another location, they’d consider acquiring one in the region if the opportunity arose.
The franchise fee: $25,000
“We’re described as a paint-and-sip but with the traditional paint and sips where you arrive and you paint your own project, it’s normally as good as you are as an artist. At Board & Brush, you’re creating a wood project that you’ll love and keep that matches your décor.” – Lisa
