This Fresh Coat Painters Owner Skipped the Startup Phase and Took Over a 12-Year Family Business Opportunity

Brad Williams spent years building a career in corporate HVAC distribution, eventually rising to Vice President. But he wanted to step away from corporate leadership and build something of his own, with the goal of creating a business his family could eventually be part of.

Instead of starting from scratch, Williams took over an established business. Three months ago, he acquired three Fresh Coat* Painters territories in Knoxville and Sevierville that had already been operating for 12 years, giving him an existing team, customer base and foundation to build on.

Now, Williams is focused on putting his own mark on the 12-year-old business while bringing his family into its next chapter. Family members are already helping with marketing and social media, turning his decision to leave the corporate world into an opportunity to build something together.

Today, just three months into ownership, Williams has traded the corporate office for the day-to-day work of managing crews, serving customers and growing an established multi-territory business in the Knoxville and Sevierville communities.

Williams sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss his decision to leave corporate America and how 12 years of franchise ownership have turned that decision into a business his family can now be part of. Here's what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story in one sentence.

Brad Williams: I stepped away from a corporate vice president role in HVAC distribution to acquire three established Fresh Coat Painters territories in Knoxville and Sevierville, skipping the startup phase and taking over a 12-year-old local business that my family can now be part of.

1851: What was happening in your life that made you realize it was time to make a change?

Williams: I was working as a corporate vice president in HVAC distribution, but I reached a point where I wanted to step out of the rigid corporate structure and work for myself. I wanted a business that had a strong, local, community-focused feel rather than a distant corporate atmosphere, and I saw a massive opportunity in the home services industry.

1851: Why did you choose this franchise over every other opportunity?

Williams: I chose Fresh Coat Painters because I liked the local feel of the business and saw an opportunity in the painting industry. People are always going to need painting work, and I liked the idea of running a business where I could build relationships with customers in my own community. Taking over an established business that had already been operating for 12 years also gave me a strong place to start.

1851: What is it really like owning a Fresh Coat Painters franchise?

Williams: It is incredibly rewarding, but it is real, hands-on work — definitely a noticeable increase in daily workload compared to sitting in a corporate VP office. Operating three territories right out of my home keeps me active every day. Your biggest operational focus and ongoing challenge will always be managing trade personnel and painter crews, but having the flexibility of ownership and strong local brand recognition makes the effort completely worth it.

1851: How has owning this franchise changed your life?

Williams: It has given me independence over my career and the opportunity to guide a business that has been part of the local community for 12 years. I'm also excited that it is becoming a true family affair as I bring family members into our ongoing marketing and social media initiatives.

1851: If your best friend had enough money to buy this franchise tomorrow, what would you tell them?

Williams: I’d tell them to be prepared to be hands-on. Having the brand and support behind you helps, but a lot of it comes down to how you lead your team, take care of your customers and build a good reputation in the community. You have to be willing to put in the work.

1851: What's the one thing you wish someone had told you before you bought this franchise?

Williams: How much of your day-to-day focus will be centered on people management. Managing painter crews and navigating labor dynamics is where you spend a huge portion of your energy, so you need to be prepared for active, hands-on leadership.

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 190 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.