Fresh Coat

<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-day-in-the-life-of-a-fresh-coat-painters-franchisee-2720587" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the residential and commercial painting franchise, is on a roll. Over the past six months, the brand recorded three record-breaking sales months and is now gearing up to reach the 200-units within the next year. This is largely due to the brand’s proven business model and strong support infrastructure, which positions franchise owners for scalable success in their individual markets.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-harrison-85006559?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-day-in-the-life-of-a-fresh-coat-painters-franchisee-2720587" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fred Harrison</a> knows the power of this model well — after spending several years as a business coach helping other Fresh Coat Painters franchise owners succeed, he decided to take his own advice and become a franchisee himself in the Cincinnati area.&nbsp;Before franchising, Harrison worked in retail management and customer service but found himself uninspired overall. After stumbling upon an opportunity to work with&nbsp;<a href="https://growthcoachfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-day-in-the-life-of-a-fresh-coat-painters-franchisee-2720587" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Growth Coach</a>, the business coaching franchise under the&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-day-in-the-life-of-a-fresh-coat-painters-franchisee-2720587" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Strategic Franchising</a> umbrella, Harrison found something he could be passionate about. Soon, Harrison had the opportunity to join the Fresh Coat corporate team as a business coach and operations manager.“In that role, I learned more about the brand and the systems and really developed a great understanding of the franchise opportunity,” said Harrison. “I got to see the recipe behind the scenes and decided I wanted to do it on my own.”When it comes to what appealed to Harrison, he says it was clear that Fresh Coat had high expectations of its franchisees and made sure they had everything they needed to deliver a great product to the customers. “Having that pride in what you offer is important,” he said. “You need to feel good about what you are selling. I knew I could bring professionalism to the painting industry while also creating a legacy for myself and my family.”&nbsp;Additionally, Harrison says he was drawn to the lifestyle benefits offered by the business model. “One reason I did not want to stay in retail was that my time was not mine — I worked a lot of nights, weekends and holidays,” he said. “I vowed to myself that I would only do those things if it was absolutely necessary. I knew Fresh Coat would allow me to create that work-life balance and support my family as a business owner.”&nbsp;Harrison officially signed on as a franchise owner in August of 2018 with the launch of Fresh Coat of Anderson, Ohio, followed by the purchase of the Loveland territory a few years later. Recently, Harrison combined the two territories as the&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/anderson/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-day-in-the-life-of-a-fresh-coat-painters-franchisee-2720587" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat of Cincinnati East</a>.&nbsp;“With my experience on the corporate side, I had a lot of insight into operational best practices, and it allowed me to learn very quickly while also giving consistent feedback to the franchisor,” said Harrison. “As a business coach, you learn about these issues and have to worry about them on behalf of someone else, but now I get the reward for solving those issues myself.”&nbsp;So, what does a day in the life of a typical Fresh Coat franchisee look like?&nbsp;“Usually, my day starts with dropping my kids off at school in the morning,” said Harrison. “From there, around 9 A.M., I start to make calls and touch base with estimators and project managers to provide guidance. On Wednesdays, we have sales and staff meetings in the office. We talk through opportunities on the sales side of the business. Then I have a production meeting about what we have ahead of us and scheduling. Usually, my day ends by 5 P.M.”Bigger picture, Harrison says he spends most of the week thinking about opportunities to grow the business, whether it is the operations, marketing or hiring. “I am kind of like the floater in the business now — the only things I am directly responsible for are invoicing and scheduling, everything else I rely on my team for,” he said. “I am the leader of the team. I help move us in the right direction and address opportunities and problems. Eventually, I want to oversee the whole territory of Cincinnati.”Now, as Fresh Coat gears up for aggressive growth, prospective franchisees have an opportunity to follow in Harrison’s footsteps and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.The total investment required to start a Fresh Coat franchise ranges from&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/cost/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-day-in-the-life-of-a-fresh-coat-painters-franchisee-2720587" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$53,850 to $76,750</a>, including the $44,900 franchise fee. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-day-in-the-life-of-a-fresh-coat-painters-franchisee-2720587" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://freshcoatfranchise.com/</a>.

A Day in the Life of a Fresh Coat Painters Franchisee

1851 Franchise

Fred Harrison, a former corporate employee and business coach with Strategic Franchising Systems, decided to put his money where his mouth is and become a franchisee himself. 

This brand page has been paid for by FRESH COAT. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Across trade industries, many business owners have concerns about employee recruitment and retention, noting that it can be challenging to find quality team members and even more of a struggle to keep them. At&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the 190-plus-unit painting franchise, local owners are supported in this area and receive guidance that not only addresses recruitment and onboarding costs but also improves consistency of work across projects and fosters a culture of care between team members.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-boyle-0b45a141">Pat Boyle</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a> of Cranberry Township, has seen great success with his teams over his nearly 15 years in business. That approach recently earned industry recognition, Boyle was honored with the President’s Award at the 2026 Fresh Coat Franchise Conference, recognizing franchisees who go above and beyond in supporting their teams, strengthening the system and leading with a people-first mindset.&nbsp;Currently, three-quarters of his painters have been with him for seven or more years, including four who are approaching their 11th year. As he continues to lead the business, Boyle remains focused on the key drivers of retention to support a strong baseline that sets the stage for continued business success.“You need good people, and you need to build a good relationship with them,” he said. “Painters in the industry are used to working, and then getting laid off in the winter. These people want to work and want to make money for their families. The first thing to think about is that, if you can’t keep them busy, they’re going to look for a job elsewhere. I feel like I work for them just as much as they work for me. They have to do their jobs, but my job is to make sure that they have jobs and opportunities to feed their families. It’s important for them to be happy in the job and be taken care of.”<h2>During Recruiting, Focus On Character</h2>Building strong, steady teams starts with hiring the right people. In the home services space, it’s especially important to recruit and retain team members who can perform from a technical perspective and deliver on the intangibles. Clients are letting strangers into their homes to complete projects, and it’s important that they feel comfortable and confident in the team’s skills.“Make sure you talk to candidates on the phone, meet them in person, and do background checks,” Boyle said. “You’re never going to be perfect at hiring. It can be hard, especially when you’re starting out, because you want someone with experience. But sometimes, hiring&nbsp;good people is better than hiring&nbsp;experienced people.”By taking the time to find the right fit up front,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/franchise-success-sherwin-williams-2731568">Fresh Coat owners</a> are better positioned to develop team members, build stronger working relationships and ultimately increase retention.<h2>The ‘Full Calendar’ Philosophy</h2>Keeping a busy schedule is at the heart of employee retention. At a baseline, painters join the team to paint, and by prioritizing this, Boyle has been able to support significant tenure among his teams.For many tradespeople, the industry's seasonal ebb and flow can be concerning, leading to winter layoffs and months of employment uncertainty. Addressing this head-on not only keeps painters engaged through a given slow season but also establishes a level of trust and security that prevents future “shop-hopping.”“A lot of companies, during their busy time, will bring people on, then during slow times, lay those people off,” Boyle said. “If you can keep that from happening, you’re already building trust. But also, if team members are working for you and helping you make money during your busy time, it’s worth returning the favor to them and making sure they’re staying busy all year round because they’re counting on that paycheck to feed their families.”<h2>Treat Team Members Like Family</h2>A step above keeping painters busy, Boyle focuses on ensuring they feel recognized and appreciated as well. Investing in things like holiday gatherings and getting to know team members personally goes a long way.Boyle does this by hosting summer get-togethers and giving out holiday bonuses.“We try to be a family together so they know that, when they’re coming to work, it’s not just about working,” he said. “They’re going to be here, and they know that I’m going to work to keep them and keep them busy and that I care about them, not just the work they do.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/how-to-scale-2731560#featured">Creating an environment where team members feel valued</a> can also facilitate more transparent conversations when potential hurdles do arise.“It’s worth it to get to know your people,” Boyle said. “The more you know each other, the more comfortable you are with each other, and if there is a problem or maybe they have an opportunity to consider another job elsewhere, they’re more likely to talk to you about it if you’re close.”<h2>The ROI of Long-Term Tenure</h2>​Recruiting and onboarding can be expensive and time-consuming. Avoiding these costs is reason enough for many franchisees to focus on building strong relationships with their teams, but Boyle highlighted additional benefits of strong retention.During the busy season, when many of the best painters are already committed to certain companies or projects, he is not scrambling to hire; he has his trusty team by his side already.Boyle has also seen increased efficiency from established teams. The more people work together, they get to know how the others operate, and they’re able to approach projects more efficiently. Painters who have been working together for seven years, for example, will likely have smoother execution than a team that’s just getting to know one another.Ultimately, retention takes effort, but it’s fairly straightforward, and it’s well worth it.“Retention works for us as the owner of the company and for the employees,” he said. “If you find somebody good, hold on to them.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info</a>.&nbsp;

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Pat Boyle, an established franchise owner in Pennsylvania, has retained painters for over a decade by focusing on steady work flow and genuine personal relationships.

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image of Ken Sandy, owner of Fresh Coat Painters from Spring, Texas 

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Fresh Coat Painters franchise owner Alex Fonseca and President Lisa Hudson

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MCALLEN, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/mcallen">Fresh Coat Painters of McAllen</a> has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office, as the 2026 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year for the Lower Rio Grande Valley District. Owner&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/why-this-army-veteran-chose-fresh-coat-franchise-ownership-as-his-next-mission-2720664#stories">Gilbert “Gil” Perez</a>, a U.S. Army veteran, first pursued franchise ownership following military retirement as he searched for a way to build a business of his own while doing valuable work in his own community.&nbsp;“I’m honored to receive this recognition from the Small Business Administration, not only for myself but for the teams and community members who have made it possible,” Perez said. “Hard work and service have always been a way of life for me. I took those values to the Army, and I still use them today with every&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat</a> project. Being named Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year is a testament to the fact that, when you keep your values front and center and commit yourself to your community, the reward is immeasurable.”Perez was selected from business owners across the district, which spans 14 Texas counties, for his leadership, dedication and influence as a small business owner. In addition to his own resilience in business, Perez is celebrated for the commitment he has shown to positively impacting the community.Over his time as a&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> franchise owner, Perez has served the McAllen community with quality, reliable painting services, and by thinking bigger, has been able to have a real impact beyond his organization. As a business owner, Perez is able to create opportunities for others, and he takes great pride in working alongside others who prioritize service and share his family-focused values. That commitment to service extends beyond his business, as Perez serves on the Board of Directors for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhporgv.com/">NHPO-RGV</a>, a professional organization dedicated to promoting enterprise and education for its members in partnership with the community.&nbsp;“After two decades of service, I was looking for another way to find purpose in my community,” Perez said. “Fresh Coat was my pathway, and I’m so proud of what I’ve built in McAllen. As a veteran, I know what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself, and business ownership has given me a platform to not only provide quality service but to become truly ingrained in the McAllen community, which has supported us every step of the way.”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.&nbsp;

image of freshcoat McAllen Named 2026 SBA Veteran-Owned Business of the Year

Following his service in the U.S. Army, Gil Perez pursued franchising with the national painting brand as a way to chase his dreams while serving the McAllen community.

Fresh Coat Painters of McAllen Named 2026 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office

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In the first quarter of 2026,&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a> awarded eight new franchise agreements and brought its network together for Profit Rodeo 2026, the brand’s annual conference in Nashville. Together, those milestones gave the 190-plus-unit painting franchise a busy start to the year.“I am so proud of the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> system and everyone throughout it for continuing to accelerate in an environment that is pushing many to tap the brakes,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hudson-80317444/">Lisa Hudson</a>, brand president. “Closing the first quarter with eight new franchise owners joining our system is a clear indicator that the Fresh Coat approach resonates and provides a clear pathway to success for entrepreneurs. This is only bolstered by the incredible cooperation of our owners and support teams, as shown at our National Conference in Nashville. We’re growing the right way, with owners who are committed to excellence for themselves and their peers, and the results are tangible.”<h2>The 2026 Profit Rodeo: Strategies and Workshops for Business Growth</h2>The Profit Rodeo gathered franchise owners, team members and vendor partners for three days of collaboration and celebration. With workshops on topics like “Assembling an A-Team,” project management and managing conflict, Fresh Coat owners developed valuable technical and leadership skills to help them foster excellence and lead their local markets.Educational sessions were anchored by the core philosophy that profit is not optional. Highlights included a specialized session on commercial painting and the bid-to-build process, along with a keynote address, “Mind Your Business,” from&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising</a> CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmurphyceo">Dan Murphy</a>.&nbsp;“We’ve consistently focused on how our franchise owners can refine their business strategies as needed to continue to thrive in any economic climate,” Hudson said. “This year, we leaned into the digital demands of the current market and looked at website dashboards and local search rankings to ensure our owners are visible and able to show up as the experts in their areas.”From workshops to panels, each session at the Profit Rodeo came back to the heart of the event: collaboration and mutual success. Through learning, discussion and connection with fellow owners, Fresh Coat franchisees gained valuable insights to support their success through 2026.<h2>Celebrating Top Performers</h2>The conference culminated with a dinner and awards ceremony, where the Fresh Coat team was able to celebrate over 30 franchise owners for outstanding results in 2025. In addition to financial performance, the awards recognized diverse paths to business ownership, impressive personal and professional growth, and the impact Fresh Coat owners have made as business leaders in their communities.This year’s recognitions included:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-denny-14a37422/">Brian Denny</a>, who won multiple awards as a top earner in the system.</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fonsecaapr">Alex Fonseca</a>, who was named Franchisee of the Year in celebration of a five-year growth journey.</li><li>Leah and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-boyle-0b45a141/">Pat Boyle</a>, who received the President’s Award for their dedication to their team and growth milestones.</li><li>Isabel Colera and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-berto-793a524b/">Diego Berto</a>, who were recognized as Brand Builders for their local marketing discipline and commitment to community service.</li><li>Jeff and Jenn Berry, who received the Rookie of the Year award after recording over strong sales during their first 12 months of operations, driven in large part by their grit and community-focused approach.</li></ul>“We’re all incredibly proud of this year’s honorees and the standard of excellence they continue to uphold throughout the Fresh Coat system,” Hudson said. “Seeing our owners reach these milestones, whether it’s seasoned owners or a pair of new owners hitting the ground running in their first year, is a testament to the heart of this network. As we grow in numbers, we’re also growing in strength and passion. We’re kicking off the second quarter with great energy, and I’m more excited than ever.”Fresh Coat enters the rest of 2026 with a productive first quarter behind it. With a focus on local impact and a business model grounded in discipline and personal service, the brand is continuing to grow even as the market shifts.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info</a>.&nbsp;

Photo of Fresh Coat Painters team at 2026 Profit Rodeo

The national painting franchise awarded eight new franchise agreements and held its National Conference in Nashville during the first quarter.

A Day in the Life of a Fresh Coat Painters Franchisee

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