Fresh Coat Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Honoring Two Successful Owners in Its System

As National Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, Fresh Coat Painters, the 170-plus-unit painting franchise, is celebrating its dedicated owners, their backgrounds and how their unique perspectives contribute to both their local communities and the larger franchise system.

Franchising has long been recognized as a way for motivated entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams, even if they don’t have the expertise necessary to start a brand-new business from scratch. Because of this, the industry has successfully attracted a diverse group of owners looking to build something for themselves. Richard Chavez and Gilbert “Gil” Perez, two Fresh Coat owners, are prime examples of this.

From Military to Business Ownership

After a successful Army career, Perez was seeking his next venture. Having been raised to work hard and chase his dreams, he knew he could succeed with the franchise model.

“To me, the Hispanic community and culture is synonymous with hard work — just applying a good work ethic and making sure the job gets completed,” he said. “That’s what a lot of my life has been about. Working hard is a part of my morals and values that I carry with me every day.”

In his early years, Perez did not necessarily realize that his upbringing was giving him these values, but as an adult, the connection is quite clear.

“My dad worked all his life in the oil fields and out on road construction. My mom cleaned homes. They were both up first thing in the morning,” he said. “You don’t necessarily realize it as a kid, but when you grow up, you can look back at what you experienced and start to see, ‘I’m getting these traits from my parents.’ As an adult, I carry the same traits they did.”

Being raised in this environment, Perez said he developed a deep appreciation for making sure he follows through on his commitments and has integrity.

“You do what you’re supposed to be doing, you have integrity and you treat people well. And, in return, they should be treating you well,” he said. “And even when they don’t, you still treat them well.”

In addition to treating his customers well, Perez has been able to create opportunities for people in his community. Living in a predominantly Hispanic area, Perez is able to work alongside and provide opportunities for others in his community.

“The Hispanic culture does what I like to call ‘embracing the suck.’ Even if it’s hard work, they’re ready to work. They want to support their families, and they’re going to get out there and do a great job,” he said. “I love working with people who share my same values because I know what kind of effort and dedication they’ll give.”

Appreciating Diversity in a Widely Varied Market

Chavez, whose father is Mexican and mother is white, has remained conscious about embracing the different cultures in his family and community. Opening his Fresh Coat franchise in Wichita, Kansas, has allowed Chavez an opportunity to continue embracing all sides of his culture while working with diverse teams and clients.

“I did not get the language side of the culture, but I do have family members who speak Spanish. I have two uncles that have mariachi brands, and one of my favorite things to do is listen to them,” he said. “That’s something that’s very special to me and my life, and I try to encourage my kids, who are a quarter Mexican, to embrace the culture, too. My family still has a pinata at every birthday party, and that’s now extended beyond Hispanic culture. But we embrace a little bit of everyone’s culture and I think that’s important.”

Chavez describes Wichita as a pretty diverse market, noting that it has become a hub for franchises looking to test their concepts’ strength with different demographics.

Opening his own business in the area has given Chavez yet another platform through which he can embrace diversity, from his own professional connections to the teams and clients he works with.

“The United States is not all one race. It’s sprinkled with a little bit of everything, and I think the more I can connect to my Hispanic heritage, the more I can learn to appreciate everyone else’s heritage,” he said. “Everyone has something they enjoy or value, and understanding the value of that helps us all to be a little more accepting of our neighbors, coworkers and people we pass on the street.”

In addition to his higher-level interest in widespread acceptance, business ownership has given Chavez an opportunity to connect more deeply with his own culture and those who share it.

“I know some people can take offense to it, but there’s a common stereotype that Mexicans are hard-working. I think that’s true and I think it’s a very positive stereotype,” he said. “I take that into consideration and take it to heart. I like to work, and I’m proud to work with teams in this trade who are outworking everyone else. I think this is something that’s in my core, and I can attribute that to my Hispanic culture.”

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