In the home service industry, building a strong local reputation and earning trust among community members is especially important as potential clients are letting teams work on and in their homes, which are often their safe spaces and most treasured investments, to complete any given project. Building this trust requires real effort, and it often starts with just being present and following through. Mark Garlington, owner of Fresh Coat Painters of Calcasieu, exemplifies this practice, and his commitment to keeping the community at the center of the business has been a key success driver.

“I have a full commitment to the community,” Garlington said. “I really want to meet people, make them happy and leave them happy once the projects are complete. And one thing I want people to know about me is that if something isn’t right or something goes wrong for whatever reason, I’m going to get another paint crew out there and make sure the project is to their liking. I’m going to make sure I leave them right.”

For Garlington, this commitment to doing things right and being there for the people in his community runs deeper than chasing a positive review.

After 15 years in oil and gas, during which he worked seven 12-hour shifts in a row at a plant two hours from home, Garlington knew it was time for something different. He didn’t enjoy being away from his family, and he never found the level of fulfillment he desired from the career, despite his objective success in the multiple roles he held.

Now, with Fresh Coat, Garlington is able to connect with people — both teams of painters and clients — regularly, and he feels good knowing he’s making a positive impact in the community. While there are plenty of projects that stem from a simple desire for a fresh look, the coast is prone to storms, and rebuilding and recovering aren’t unfamiliar to people in Garlington’s community. 

As a business model, Garlington appreciates that there are no true painting emergencies. No one will call him with an urgent need to have something painted the same way they might call a roofing company to address a leak. However, there is an opportunity to be a part of people’s rebuilding process after the urgent tasks are handled. Through painting projects, Garlington can help ensure someone’s repaired home feels like home, complete with a fresh coat of paint.

Being a part of community members’ journeys, whether it’s recovering from a hurricane or preparing for a new baby, allows Garlington to connect with people and begin forging the relationships that drive long-term success.

“I’m in the building phase right now,” he said. “I’m building loyalty with paint crews by keeping them busy, and I’m building trust with clients by completing the projects to the level of quality expected of us. I truly do care about people, and I want to make sure everyone is happy and taken care of.”

As he grows, Garlington’s clear commitment to his community continues to serve him well. Because he is so community-oriented and follows through on his promises, he’s building a strong reputation with everyone he interacts with in the business, from painters to clients. Each positive experience opens the door for repeat engagements and referrals, creating a positive feedback loop that further propels his growth.

For entrepreneurs who like being part of their community and take pride in helping neighbors, Fresh Coat can be a business that feels meaningful while still offering room to grow.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info.