Grand Rapids Magazine: A Patriotic Painter

Saudin Hodzic's journey from a seventh-grader arriving in the United States to a successful franchise owner with Fresh Coat Painters exemplifies the American Dream. Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hodzic fled to America during the Yugoslav Wars and has since built a life grounded in resilience and hard work. His career in the hydraulics industry spanned nearly two decades before he realized his true passion lay in remodeling and painting, inspired by working alongside his father.

Now, as the proud owner of a Fresh Coat Painters franchise in Cascade, Michigan, Hodzic has turned his love for painting into a thriving business. He offers a wide range of services, including interior and exterior painting, popcorn ceiling removal, wallpaper application and removal, deck staining, and lime-washing fireplaces. Hodzic's dedication to quality and professionalism is evident in his approach to running a franchise, which he describes as "locally owned, nationally backed."

Reflecting on his life and career, Hodzic told Grand Rapids Magazine, “I had a bad childhood with the war. Civil war is never good. I love the American Dream. They don’t know what they have. I’ve been to Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Austria and Germany... I don’t think anything compares to America. What the United States offers you is limitless; it’s how much you want. If you ask me, you just have to believe. The sky's the limit. It’s all about how far you want to go.”

Hodzic's story is not just about his professional achievements but also his personal beliefs and values. He emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect, rejecting racism, and helping others when possible. His advice to others is clear: "Don’t be jealous of other people. Extend a hand if you can help. Life is too short to be mad about stupid stuff. If you have the opportunity to, grow." Through his business and personal philosophy, Hodzic continues to inspire others, embodying the spirit of perseverance and opportunity that defines the American Dream.

Read the original interview here.

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 170 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.