Fresh Coat

After 16 years in the tech world, working in&nbsp; business development and strategic partnerships, Matthew Yocum realized he wanted something more. The work no longer felt fulfilling, and he began exploring opportunities that would allow him to apply his passions and skills in a more personal, hands-on way to help homeowners transform their living spaces. That search led him to&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-franchise-marin-county-2730557" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, a franchise that not only aligned with his background in client service and marketing but also sparked a new vision for what his career could be.“This was the perfect opportunity to use it as a cornerstone for launching all things home restoration,” Yocum said. “The further I went down the road of exploring the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> brand and community, the more I realized this was an amazing opportunity to go come up the learning curve quickly in the painting world while having the backing of a franchise.” What sealed the deal was the leadership team. From President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hudson-80317444/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-franchise-marin-county-2730557" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lisa Hudson</a> to the operations and support staff, every interaction reinforced for Matt that this was a people-first brand, and one that would give him the tools to grow the business with confidence.Now operating in Marin County, California, Matt is combining his passion for real estate and design with the structure and support of a trusted national brand. With an eye on long-term growth and diversification into other home services, he’s building something of his own — and finding a renewed sense of purpose in the process.1851 Franchise spoke with Yocum about his transition from tech to entrepreneurship, why Fresh Coat was the right fit and how franchising gave him a new sense of purpose. Here’s what he had to say.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Matthew Yocum: I’ve spent the last 16 years of my career in sales, business development, and strategic partnerships, working primarily in the tech world — specifically advertising. I’ve always loved working with clients. A couple of years ago, I realized I didn’t love what I was doing as much as I used to. I wasn’t as fulfilled, and I really wanted to apply everything I’d learned from sales and marketing into running my own home services business.I’d been casually looking at a few different businesses, and this particular opportunity came across my purview. It really started to get me thinking about going into the painting world. Longer term, I’d love to use this as a springboard for staging and interior design — basically anything connected to home services and the real estate market. I happen to have my real estate license as well, so that kind of led me to, “Hey, this is the perfect opportunity to use as a cornerstone for launching all things home restoration.”The further I got down the road with Fresh Coat, the more I realized this was an amazing opportunity to go from zero to 60 in painting knowledge while having the backing of a franchise in terms of education, resources and a nationally recognized brand. That was something I didn’t even know I needed until I started exploring the space.Talking to the folks at Fresh Coat — their process, how they work with clients, their whole ethos — really spoke to me. It made the decision even clearer. I could take what the previous owner, Kim Pace, had built — an amazing portfolio of clients throughout Marin County and the Bay Area — and apply my career experience to bring a new level of customer engagement to the painting process.Yes, I had to roll up my sleeves and learn a lot about paint overnight, but the opportunity to work with Fresh Coat as a great partner really solidified this as the right move for me.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Yocum: I worked in sales and marketing within the advertising world. I loved working with partners or clients — helping them bring their vision to life, being a resource, meeting them where they needed to be. That was the part of my tech career that I really enjoyed.When I first started thinking about becoming a business owner, I wasn’t initially looking at franchising. I started researching a few different places and realized that having the backing of a nationally recognized brand was a game changer. The resources, the education, the ability to ask questions and become an expert in the industry — franchising quickly became almost non-negotiable.The more I researched, the more I realized franchising would be a huge asset in getting up to speed on a new industry while also learning how to be a business owner. The conversations I had with Fresh Coat, the brand’s presence throughout the U.S. — it all gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling that this was the right move.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?Yocum: To be completely honest, my previous understanding of franchises was limited to Taco Bells, McDonald’s, QSR restaurants. Until six or seven months ago, I didn’t really know much about franchising in the home services world.Once I discovered Fresh Coat and really dove into what they’re about — “painting done right,” quality, customer service — I saw that it was so much more than just paint. It’s about delivering an exceptional experience. That came through in every conversation I had — from Lisa [Hudson], the president, to everyone on the sales and customer success teams.Now that I’m in it, I want people to know franchising can be an incredible way to enter an industry. It’s opened my eyes to a whole world I didn’t even know existed.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Yocum: When I evaluate a company, I start with the executive team. I was so impressed with everyone I met — Lisa Hudson,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/leohaley/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-franchise-marin-county-2730557" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Leo Haley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-j-deraway-232a7350/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-franchise-marin-county-2730557" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jeff Deraway</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-santos-75b6226b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-franchise-marin-county-2730557" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brian Santos</a>. On a human level, they’re just warm, amiable, intelligent people. They’ve been super welcoming and open to sharing ideas, tips, and shortcuts — things I would’ve had to learn through trial and error if I went it alone.That was when I knew, these are the people I want on my team. These are the folks who will help shepherd me through this process.Then you look at the branding — almost 200 locations across the U.S., more than 20 years in business. That kind of scale and staying power really stood out when I compared Fresh Coat to other options. It just checked all the boxes.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Yocum: Lots of plans for growth. Kim has done an amazing job building this business, and I’m honored to carry that legacy forward. Given my passion for real estate and my interest in the home services space, it just dovetails perfectly with what Fresh Coat offers.I see this as the beginning of something much bigger — potentially moving into staging, design and more. But first, I want to make sure we’re delivering exceptional value, an amazing customer experience, and high-quality work that our clients will be proud to tell their neighbors about.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Yocum: Starting your own business is a huge undertaking, no matter what industry you’re in. It takes courage, tenacity and a lot of willpower. You’ll have sleepless nights, and the days are long. But even six weeks in, I still wake up feeling invigorated. I’m building something that brings joy and value to customers — something I’m genuinely proud of.I’ve never been so underslept, and yet I’ve never felt more energized. The number of contacts in my phone has doubled in the last month — I’m meeting painters, homeowners, general contractors, architects, builders, stagers, Realtors. It’s opened a whole new world that coexists with the corporate world I came from.Despite the hours, despite the stress, it’s been absolutely worth it.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Yocum: I would strongly recommend that anyone looking to become a first-time business owner seriously consider franchising. The additional support you get compared to starting a mom-and-pop shop on your own is invaluable.There’s a community of like-minded owners launching their businesses at the same time, in the same industry. That kind of cross-pollination of ideas, best practices, and support makes the process less daunting.For me, the more I got into it, the more I realized franchising — specifically with Fresh Coat — was the only route that made sense if I wanted to stay on this path of business ownership. It’s been a huge benefit, and I can’t recommend it enough.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>.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.

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How Matthew Yocum Turned His Corporate Experience Into Success With a Fresh Coat Franchise

1851 Franchise

Backed by a strong support system, Matthew Yocum is using his business development and marketing background to build a meaningful, community-focused business in Marin County, California.

How Fresh Coat Helped Matthew Yocum Turn Corporate Experience Into Purpose-Driven Business Ownership

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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.

Keys to Team Retention for Fresh Coat Painters Franchisees

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Transitioning from a steady corporate role to franchise ownership can feel like a big leap. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandler-register-5326a5150">Chandler Register</a>, a former Sherwin-Williams manager and current owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/cumming/">Fresh Coat Painters of Alpharetta and Cumming</a>, it was a calculated risk. Before becoming a franchise owner, Register experienced the strict demands of corporate roles, especially in one of Sherwin-Williams’ top-performing markets.“Sherwin-Williams managers in Atlanta are committed to working 48 hours per week, so it’s essentially a six-day-a-week job,” Register said. “You’re kind of stuck in the store, which I didn’t love. I like to go out and talk with people.”<h2>Expertise and Connection Built In-Store</h2>However, these 48 weekly hours spent in the store did allow Register to make meaningful connections, one of which ultimately led to the&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat</a> pivot. He was approached by the previous owner of the Cumming territory, who was looking to transition out. Having seen the business from the supplier side, he was curious. And after spending some time with the previous owner, experiencing the day-to-day demands firsthand, Register saw the transition as a calculated risk that he was ready to take.“I already had a leg up because&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> is a partner of Sherwin-Williams; we really only use Sherwin-Williams products,” he said. “I could talk for days about what one product does versus the other, and I knew the ins and outs of the products. That, combined with my management experience, made me confident.”Register officially took over the Fresh Coat operation a couple of years ago, and he has grown steadily ever since.As he has expanded, Register has begun to build his team, making his first hire last spring. Coincidentally, this person was also in a managerial role at Sherwin-Williams before transitioning to Fresh Coat.&nbsp;“I probably sped up the onboarding process by about double the time by choosing someone who already had the knowledge of the paints,” Register said. “I didn’t have to teach him that, which was a huge benefit for sure.”<h2>The Flexibility of Franchise Ownership</h2>While existing product knowledge has served Register well, another key motivator for the transition was the autonomy that comes with being his own boss. After years of strict corporate schedules and experience at a desk job before Sherwin-Williams, Register was ready for a lifestyle shift.The shift from a mandatory 48-hour work week to the ability to set his own schedule and create flexibility throughout the week was a major benefit for Register, but the leadership autonomy that business ownership provided was another key perk.“My two biggest things are probably setting your own schedule and the freedom to do what you want with your products and business,” Register said. “You don’t have people over you saying, ‘That’s a great idea, but we can’t do it because of X, Y and Z.’ You’re your own boss. Obviously, Fresh Coat has guidelines that you have to abide by, but the freedom in general is great. Not just from a time aspect, but decision-making, too.”<h2>Scaling Toward the Future</h2>Since taking over the business, Register has seen consistent year-over-year growth. Starting as an owner-operator in his first year, Register added an estimator and nearly doubled revenue in the second year. Now, he’s focused on a long-term plan to reach $1.5 to $2 million in annual revenue, leveraging opportunities with larger commercial projects to draw in additional revenue.“We always have a consistent plan to grow, and we’ve grown every single year,” he said. “We’re already off to a pretty good start.”Looking toward the future, Register remains optimistic, highlighting the resiliency of the industry. Unlike industries and corporate roles that may be drastically impacted by accelerated innovation timelines and the use of artificial intelligence, the painting industry remains human-centric and quite stable.“Painting is recession-proof in that it’s something that always needs to be done,” he said. “It’s not something I see getting taken over by AI. You’re always going to have someone who needs to apply the paint. With painting in general, the only thing that will happen is technology will continue to enhance the process, not take it over.”For others looking to make the leap to business ownership with a high-performing, recession-resistant model, Register highlights that growth requires stepping away from total security. While the risk is real, the reward of ownership and freedom is, too.“It seems scary at first. There may be times where your account might not be where you want it to be because of an unexpected snowstorm, for example,” he said. “It’s just one of those things where you have to find solutions. When you can get through hiccups like that, it’s a pretty successful model. So, take the calculated risk.”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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After one of Chandler Register’s regular customers mentioned he was looking to exit his painting franchise, Register took a “calculated risk” and has seen steady business growth since.

Former Sherwin-Williams Manager Transitions to Entrepreneurship With Fresh Coat Franchise

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After a career of more than 20 years in sales and staffing,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-nelson-1092a12a">Kimberly Nelson</a> decided to pursue a pivot and began exploring franchise opportunities. Now, she owns&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/alamo-heights/">Fresh Coat Painters of Alamo Heights</a> and is working to build generational wealth and a family legacy.“I’ve always wanted to do something for myself that I could build for the next generation,” Nelson said. “Growing up in a family business, with my mom owning an art gallery, I always had a creative drive, but I also wanted to make a tangible impact. Franchising felt like the best way to combine my experience and ambitions.”<h2>The Transition to Entrepreneurship</h2>Growing up in a family of “very capable women” and watching her mother run art galleries for nearly three decades, Nelson said she felt the common fears associated with business ownership but always knew, deep down, that she could succeed.“I think, when you’re starting your own business, there are always going to be fears… The financial fears and the question of whether you’re going to know what you’re doing,” she said. “For me, I knew I could really run a business for myself. And I always felt like I could because my mother did it. Most of my life, she was a single mom, and I saw how hard she worked.”“I didn’t have fear around whether I’d be able to do it, but I didn’t want to feel like I was a financial drain on my family,” she continued. “Thankfully, my husband has supported us until I reached cash-flow positive, and that phase of the journey was short-lived.”Even stepping into business ownership in a largely male-dominated field, as a woman, didn’t necessarily intimidate Nelson. Rather, she took the challenge head-on and focused on her own strengths and priorities.<h2>Leading as a Woman Business Owner in the Home Services Space</h2>As she has settled into franchise ownership, Nelson has leaned into the unique strengths she brings as a female entrepreneur. While the painting industry is historically male-dominated, many customers appreciate the unique perspective a woman brings to the table.“This business is actually kind of made for a woman to succeed. I think some women think, ‘Trades — oh, that’s not for me,’ but it’s really not true,” Nelson said. “People often consider women to be more particular and more meticulous, and women are great at building relationships. Whether it’s bringing in new clients or creating strong relationships with existing ones that will lead to referrals, I think women are naturally geared to recognize and nurture those opportunities.”Nelson also pointed out that, often, women are the ones bringing&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat</a> into the homes to do the project, and they’re the ones at home when the painters come. In fact, research shows women drive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/19/188975.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">70–80% of all consumer purchasing decisions</a>, making them a powerful force behind the home improvement choices families make.Nelson has a painter who is a woman, and many people specifically request her because it puts them at ease to have another woman in the home. No matter which team is on-site, though, Nelson is always sure to show up on the first day of a project to ensure everything gets off to a smooth start, and she’s easily accessible throughout the course of the project should a client want to call her and ask her to stop by.<h2>The Responsibility and Fulfillment of Ownership</h2>As she has grown the business, Nelson remains acutely aware of the reach and impact she has as an owner.“I hire painters. I have one of my daughters working for me. So one of the things that’s always in the back of my mind is that I have to do my best,” she said. “Not that I wouldn’t, but I have to do even better because I have a lot of people counting on me. Kind of like when you’re raising kids… There are a lot of people counting on you, and you have to think of them before thinking of yourself.”As a mom and stepmom to five kids, this approach is both familiar and fulfilling to Nelson. She has seen her children grow up, go off to college and start careers, and now, while she’s still their mother, they need her less.“Day-to-day, this is my new baby,” she said. “<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> is my child right now! That’s how I’ve treated it in my heart and mind, too. I nurture it all the time. Thankfully, I’m at a point in life where my kids are pretty self-sufficient, so it’s a good time in my life to have a business.”While Nelson recognizes the responsibility of franchise ownership, she’s just as quick to discuss the rewards.“If I’m going to have my own business, I’ve got to have fun with it, and I have fun with this,” she said. “You’ve got to make your own mark with it, and this just made sense to me because I like people, I like to beautify spaces, and I love to see things changed in a home or business. Before I found Fresh Coat, I didn’t know that owning a painting company was my passion, but it has become that. It’s fun; it excites me.”Looking toward the future, Nelson knows that her work with Fresh Coat today is setting the stage for a great opportunity for her family. With one daughter currently working in the business, and another who will soon graduate from college and has shown interest in joining the business, Fresh Coat Painters of Alamo Heights is only expanding its reach as a family-owned, women-led business.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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After over two decades in the corporate world, Nelson is leveraging her unique perspective to grow her painting franchise, leading in a new way and creating a lasting family legacy.

How Kimberly Nelson Is Painting a Path for the Next Generation of Women in Home Services With Fresh Coat Painters

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After a combined 27 years in food service distribution, Betsy and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-carleton-aa913236/">Alan Carleton</a> were familiar with the corporate scene, but the appeal of the corporate ladder was fading. The pair had become experts at navigating the demands of fast-paced, high-stakes work, but organizational shifts left them underwhelmed.“It got to the point where we got tired of the scene,” Alan said. “New owners would come in, buy our divisions out, and promise us the world. We all know how that goes.”This frustration became the catalyst for a life-changing pivot to&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the national painting franchise with over 190 units across the country. The Carletons found&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> “by accident,” but years later, the investment has turned into both a successful business and a family legacy defined by flexibility and partnership, providing a “safety net” and security that corporate life couldn’t.<h2>A Partnership Driven by Complementary Skill Sets</h2>The transition from employees to business owners required the Carletons to take a careful look at their individual strengths. Alan, a career salesman, knew he wouldn’t do well stuck behind a desk. Betsy, however, had spent her career as a food service coordinator, mastering the logistics and data that keep a business running smoothly — all from behind a desk.While Betsy originally stayed in the corporate world for benefits and stability, as the business grew, the two began to realize how her skills would benefit Fresh Coat.“His strength is my weakness, and my weakness is his strength,” Betsy said. “I take care of all the back-end books, the scheduling, the P&amp;Ls … All the things he’s not great at. He takes care of everything on the outside: operations, managing crews and taking care of customers.”With Alan’s “sell-anything” mindset, he knew he would need Betsy’s analytical eye to ensure the business would run smoothly.“I would go sell, sell, sell, but I didn’t pay much attention to the back end,” he said. “That’s when we decided Betsy would leave her position and take a leap of faith to work as a partnership.”<h2>The ‘Corporate’ Support Without a Fully Corporate Model</h2>While the Carletons knew they would work well together, they still had some apprehension about the transition from the corporate world to business ownership. For some first-time business owners, the lack of a roadmap can be detrimental. Fresh Coat offered structure through the franchise model without the bureaucracy the Carletons were looking to leave behind.“When Alan decided to do this, it was a really struggling economy,” Betsy said. “He researched and researched, and he just kept going back to Fresh Coat because it had more support. It had structure. With us never owning a company before, it was that safety net for us, and we really caught on to it.”As they’ve grown over the course of 12 years, the Carletons have consistently engaged with the support structures Fresh Coat offers. For example, in High Performance Groups, the Carletons engage with their fellow franchisees, talk through challenges and exchange ideas.“You have the best of both worlds,” Betsy said. “You’re self-employed, but you still have that accountability. Fresh Coat has your back.”<h2>A Family Affair and Legacy of Success</h2>The freedom and flexibility that define the Carletons’ success have to do with time and financial freedom, but the pair is also proud to be building a business alongside people they trust. Fresh Coat has been the backdrop to their family life for over a decade.Their son,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-carleton-4aa88ab9/">Josh</a>, has been a part of the journey since the very beginning. When Alan and Betsy launched Fresh Coat, Josh was in high school, and he was able to join the team through a work-study program. With this, he worked alongside painting teams to learn the trade, and he began to understand the craftsmanship and attention to detail necessary to deliver Fresh Coat-level quality. Now, he has grown into the role of project manager and represents the future of the family business.The family atmosphere in&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/buford/">Fresh Coat Painters of Buford</a> extends beyond blood relatives to long-standing professional relationships and community members. For example, Alan’s former manager from the corporate world joined the family franchise nearly a decade ago, and he’s now the sales manager.“Our sales manager used to be my sales manager in corporate America,” Alan said. “He hired me, and now he works for us. He’s been with us for about nine years, and we just let him do his thing because he’s like family. So, when I say it’s a family affair, I mean it’s a family affair. He’s a very big part of this.”By bringing people who share their values and work ethic into the fold, the Carletons have created a business culture and environment that feels truly personal. This level of trust allows Alan and Betsy to take a step back from the day-to-day grind of the business and rest assured that the operation they’ve built is in good hands.This structure has both fueled growth and provided emotional fulfillment that was missing in the corporate world, turning a business venture into a long-lasting legacy.“It has been a great ride,” Alan said. “It has given us a lifestyle that we were never able to have before. You have some ups and you have some downs, but overall, it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.”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 Alan and Betsy Carleton, Fresh Coat Painters logo

Alan and Betsy Carleton traded the uncertainty of their corporate food service careers for a painting franchise that allowed them to prioritize partnership and a long-term family legacy.

How This Family Left the Corporate World to Find Freedom and Flexibility With a Fresh Coat Franchise

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<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the 190+ unit residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, is aiming high this calendar year, targeting 200 franchise territories by the end of 2026. With a seasoned team guiding franchisees and a renewed focus on coaching, the brand aims to deepen support for local franchise owners while positioning itself for growth and stronger franchisee profitability.The groundwork was actually laid in 2025 as&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a> developed connections throughout a variety of sectors, including restaurants, schools, grocery stores and storage facilities. Such efforts were designed to broaden brand reach while creating additional opportunities for franchise owners.&nbsp;“We were able to see growth both in the number of territories and in the growth of the volume of our owners. So,&nbsp;we’re very optimistic about 2026,” said Fresh Coat Painters Brand President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hudson-80317444/">Lisa Hudson</a>. “We’ve been intentionally preparing our owners to invest in additional marketing and enter the first quarter with momentum, positioning them for a strong year ahead.”<h2>Empowering Franchise Owners</h2>A key component of Fresh Coat’s 2026 vision is helping franchisees sharpen leadership skills. At&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat’s</a> upcoming “Profit Rodeo” national convention this February in Nashville, workshops and expert-led sessions will focus on business planning, better management of P&amp;L statements and general operational efficiency, delivering elevated coaching support to franchise owners.“A core part of our vision is helping owners actively grow and strengthen their businesses,” Hudson said. “That focus extends beyond the national conference and carries through to the bi-weekly coaching calls our team holds with owners. Many franchisees may not have prior experience running a business or working directly with P&amp;L statements, which is why we’re placing greater emphasis on financial education moving forward, ensuring owners are confident, capable operators who achieve the profitability they’re aiming for.”<h2>Market Highlights and Opportunities</h2>Fresh Coat continues to see strong growth in Texas and Florida, where favorable climates support operations taking place year-round. Dallas, in particular, is open for new franchisees, while the East Coast, California, Denver and the Midwest remain strong markets as well. Florida’s peak season also complements northern markets, allowing franchisees to serve customers migrating south during the winter months.<h2>Technology and Support Systems</h2>Fresh Coat Painters uses its own technology platform, updates it each year and is taking a measured look at AI tools that could improve communication, support and day-to-day efficiency. But, while technology is an important tool, it’s ultimately the people behind the systems that set Fresh Coat Painters apart.&nbsp;“We’re excited that we should hit 200 territories, which is a huge milestone. We laid a lot of groundwork in 2025,” Hudson said. “We have a very seasoned team that’s consistently with our owners on the journey. We don’t bring someone in and just leave them. That’s something I’m really proud of.&nbsp;It sets us apart from some other brands.”As Fresh Coat Painters moves into 2026, the combination of strategic territorial growth, expanded commercial opportunities and even stronger support of local franchisees positions the brand to strengthen operations while delivering local owners a properly-supported business model that’s both profitable and sustainable.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>.

Fresh Coat Painters Brand President Lisa Hudson outlines the growth plans, commercial opportunities and enhanced coaching that can help local franchise owners boost profitability.

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ross-2646323/">Sarah Ross</a>, a franchise owner with&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the 190-plus-unit national painting franchise, initially made the leap to entrepreneurship in the early 20-teens in search of a more balanced, fulfilling career. However, leaving the world of corporate accounting brought her much more, including an opportunity and a platform through which she has changed the lives of others in her community.“The biggest rewarding point that I didn't expect was the ability to employ others,” she said. “I knew that was the model with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a>, but I didn’t realize how much some painters struggle. My teams are thankful that I can keep them busy and they’re not out trying to sell the next project every time something winds down. They’re skilled at what they do, and they just want to be respected, be busy and do their trade.”Through steady business growth, Ross has consistently scaled her operation, broadening her impact both in terms of the number of teams she’s been able to employ and the number of satisfied customers she has completed projects with.Notably, though, Ross has also remained engaged with members of her community, consistently completing&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/about-us/fresh-coat-cares/">Fresh Coat Cares</a> projects to support families and organizations in need throughout her community.In recent years, Ross and the Fresh Coat Painters of&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/marble-falls">Marble Falls</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/sw-austin/">Southwest Austin</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/hill-country/">Hill Country</a> teams have partnered with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cc4c.org/">CC4C</a>, an organization that supports families navigating the challenges of rare and undiagnosed diseases in children;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharingtheharvestkingsland.com/">Sharing the Harvest</a>, a Kingsland, Texas, food bank; and, most recently, she and her teams played a role in helping local families recover from the devastating July 4th floods.“We had the opportunity, through Fresh Coat Cares, to participate in a lot of that recovery effort,” Ross said. “Initially, it was just mucking out homes, which was going in and shoveling the mud out of these homes, which is hard to even fathom. We ended up mucking out several homes, and my team even came back to me and said, ‘Thank you for letting us have this day.’”Through the process of the recovery effort, Ross and her team connected with others involved in the recovery process and neighbors whose homes were impacted.Ross recalled a neighbor whose home had been carried by flood waters across the street. As teams were mucking out a home next door, this homeowner returned and placed a “For Rent” sign on the front door.“This house floated away and was resting against another house, but that was like the heart of the community right then,” she said. “Everyone needed a good laugh, and it was fun to be there. It was sad to see what all these individuals had lost, but we had an opportunity to see the recovery effort all the way through.”Though they originally planned to focus on mucking out homes in need of recovery, Ross and her team ended up being able to drywall and paint two separate homes, seeing the recovery effort through to completion.“It was very rewarding,” she said. “I’m appreciative that the Fresh Coat Cares program is around, and I’m appreciative of the community that I live in… that they quickly responded and gave us the opportunity to do this.”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;

image of  Sarah Ross Fresh Coat Painters franchisee owner

As she scales a successful painting franchise, Sarah Ross provides steady employment opportunities and consistently gives back to local organizations supporting those in need.

How Fresh Coat Helped Matthew Yocum Turn Corporate Experience Into Purpose-Driven Business Ownership

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