Argentinian Immigrant and Shell Franchisee Invests in Fresh Coat Painters

Erica Patterson, the new franchisee bringing Fresh Coat* Painters to South Miami, is no stranger to franchising. Patterson’s first experience in the franchising world came from working in her father's Shell franchise in Argentina. She has been fully running her father’s business with her sister since 2018, after his passing. 

After moving to the United States, Patterson then decided to delve into the franchising world with a new brand: Fresh Coat Painters. She saw her relationship with the company as more familial than businesslike, with every franchise owner willing to lend a helping hand. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Patterson: I am originally from Argentina. My father has worked with the Shell company since 1993. In 1998 he had the opportunity to buy a Shell franchise, so we worked together with the family at that location growing up. 7 months ago, I moved to the U.S. and decided I wanted to start another business. 

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Patterson: Since I was around franchising growing up, I understood the value of leveraging the background and expertise of an existing company. Still, everything I had learned was from my father, so it was difficult to go out on my own and start for the first time. With a franchise, I knew I’d have a coach and all the support I needed to succeed. 

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Patterson: When I learned about Fresh Coat, I was drawn to the business model, but it was my first experience with this kind of service. I picked this brand because they made me feel like I was part of the family from day one. Every franchise owner helps you with everything you could ever need. You have the support behind you. That is very important when you are starting a new business. I feel very comfortable with the brand and with all the people who are working there. 

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Patterson: I look forward to establishing myself personally and professionally to grow the business. I know that it is step by step, and above all because I am an immigrant and I am adjusting to a new country and a different culture. But my goal is in the future to be able to expand my territory and learn more about business in the US. 

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Patterson: I grew up in a family who worked hard to have the opportunity to get into the business world. So the concepts of effort, consistency, dedication and conviction were present my whole life and I try to never lose these values in every project. So we decided with my husband to undertake in the US through an E2 VISA. 

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Patterson: It is never too late to get started and follow your dreams. I am 31, and I had a lot of people asking me when I was going to have a baby or whether I really wanted to move to a new country to start a new project at my age. I believe It is never too late to get started on a project that will give you the future that you're looking for.

Fees to open a Fresh Coat Painters range from $66,150 to $96,250. For more information on franchising with Fresh Coat Painters, visit: https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info

ABOUT FRESH COAT PAINTERS:

Fresh Coat Painters, the residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, offers a low-cost, high-margin business model that gives entrepreneurs from all walks of life the chance to become successful business owners in the communities they serve. Since starting in 2004, Fresh Coat has expanded to over 170 franchise locations nationwide. Thanks to its unparalleled professionalism and affordable business model, it has become one of the leading concepts in the booming residential and commercial painting segment. With continued year-over-year growth, Fresh Coat is well on its way to achieving its overall goal of becoming a truly iconic painting brand.