Eric Hancox spent 10 years as a pastor, serving his community and helping people through life’s challenges. Now, he's channeling that same heart for service into a new mission: transforming homes and lives as a Fresh Coat Painters franchisee. 

With a desire to return to the business world and build something meaningful for his family, Hancox found the ideal blend of support and freedom with the Fresh Coat franchise opportunity. As he scales his business in the Greensboro area of North Carolina, Hancox looks forward to completing high-quality painting projects for his neighbors while developing a multi-million-dollar business that his sons can be involved in as they mature — supporting a family legacy of business ownership and community service.

Hancox took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Eric Hancox: I was an accountant for seven years, and after that, I became the senior pastor of a church for 10 years. I was sort of looking to return to the world of business; I felt like my time at the church had come to an end, and I had always been interested in owning my own business.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Hancox: I was always interested in opening my own business but didn’t have all the know-how to do it successfully. I thought going with a well-known company, through franchising, would be a good option. As I looked around, Fresh Coat just kept popping up as a great company in terms of how they operate and what they’re offering. It seemed like a company I would like to be affiliated with.

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?

Hancox: I didn’t know much about franchising. You naturally think of Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s. But I did know that, with a franchise, I would have some great recognition, and it would put a level of support behind me so I wouldn’t be on my own.

People should know franchising means quality training. That’s certainly helpful when you’re not sure where to begin. For example, Fresh Coat has Fresh Coat Academy. You learn so much and get to ask a million questions, and they don’t get annoyed — they just keep answering them. There’s also ongoing support. I have a weekly call with my coach where he asks pointed questions about things we are and aren’t doing, and he gives good advice on things I might do better. I can reach out to him or other franchisees at any time, and that’s been terrific — knowing there’s so much experience for me to draw on.

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

Hancox: Fresh Coat continually rose to the top in terms of the quality. That was a major consideration for me; I was certain it was a company I would like to be affiliated with.

Having been a pastor before, I enjoy interacting with people on a daily basis. Getting to walk in and hear someone’s vision and help make that happen — it’s a joyful thing. 

There’s also an element of closure with Fresh Coat. As a pastor, you’re never done. With people, there’s always going to be more to work on. With a painting project, getting to walk into someone’s home, see it transform and see them satisfied with the final result is a very fulfilling thing.

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

Hancox: We’re certainly aiming to be a two million dollar business within a few years. That’ll take time, but it’s the goal.

I have five children, and being able to build a company that my sons can grow up in and become a part of is also exciting. I’m looking forward to making them a part of the company. They’ll be laboring at first, but eventually managing, then hopefully, one day, running the company.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Hancox: I'm a detail oriented person. When I'm looking at somebody's project, I'm thinking about how I’d want something done in my own home. Is this a result I’d be satisfied with? As the guys are doing work, I’m always coming in with a careful eye to make sure all the details are right so we can have a satisfied customer when it’s all said and done.

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

Hancox: Particularly with Fresh Coat, I would encourage someone to inquire. It’s a fantastic company. Their training and support has been spot-on through the entire process.

For any franchisee, this is a big step. You’re stepping out to something new, and, naturally, there’s going to be both excitement and nerves. Knowing you have a system in place to support you is terrifically helpful.

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.