Fresh Coat

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-clark-75825843/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-painters-franchise-hendersonville-brian-clark-2729384" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brian Clark</a> didn’t grow up dreaming of owning a painting business, but after 16 years in the industry — and a career that took him from part-time work at Sherwin-Williams to leading multimillion-dollar projects in Nashville — it became clear that he was ready to build something of his own. A military veteran and lifelong Tennessean, Clark is preparing to launch his&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-painters-franchise-hendersonville-brian-clark-2729384" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters</a> franchise in&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/hendersonville/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-painters-franchise-hendersonville-brian-clark-2729384" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hendersonville</a>, serving clients throughout Sumner and Robertson Counties. For him, the business isn’t just a career move — it’s a personal commitment to his community and his family.“I’m as local as it gets,” Clark said. “I grew up here. My dad grew up in Greenbrier. I’ve got roots in this place. And now I’m bringing everything I’ve learned to serve the people I’ve grown up around.” Though he admits he once had a negative perception of franchising, seeing it as impersonal and corporate, his perspective changed after learning how&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> supports its franchise owners. “I’ve got a three-year-old daughter, and I want to build something lasting for her,” he said. “I’m not just doing this on my own — I’ve got the backing of a team that wants me to succeed.”For Clark, owning a Fresh Coat franchise means combining the trust and reliability of a national brand with the personal touch of a neighbor who truly understands the needs of the local community. With his deep painting experience, veteran background and commitment to customer service, he’s not just building a business — he’s building relationships, one project at a time.1851 Franchise sat down with Clark to discuss his journey from veteran to Fresh Coat franchise owner and why being a local, veteran-owned business matters. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Brian Clark: I'm a veteran, and I got into the painting industry through Sherwin-Williams. I started part-time, found out I was pretty good at it, and eventually moved my way up to full-time assistant manager and store manager. I stayed there about eight years, then went to the other side of the counter and started doing estimating for a local paint company in Nashville. I did that for about seven years, mostly focused on residential repaints.After that, I got into commercial work, doing operating plans and takeoffs for a couple of years. I've done some multifamily work along the way as well. All in, I’ve got around 16 years of experience in the painting industry.What I did in the military didn’t translate directly to the civilian world, so I had to find something new. Over time, I helped a lot of other people build successful painting businesses. One company I joined was doing $800,000 in revenue when I came on board, and when I left, they were around $3.4 to $3.5 million. I even mentored and trained an estimator who’s still there and doing great.Eventually, I realized that at 45 years old, with a family and a three-year-old daughter, it was time to take a big risk for a big reward. I figured if I was ever going to do it, now was the time.1851: How did you decide that franchising made sense for you?Clark: Since I’ve been doing estimating and project management for so long, I always kind of knew I wanted to own my own business. But estimating and running a company are two totally different things. I thought about going solo, but I knew I didn’t really know how to run a company from top to bottom.A good buddy of mine — who I served with — owns a Fresh Coat in Reidsville, Georgia. I picked his brain a little and realized that franchising might be the best route. Franchising provides systems, structure, and guidance for things I never would have even thought of. I still feel like I’m solo, but I’ve got people in my corner if I need them.I’ve known about Fresh Coat for a long time from my days at Sherwin-Williams and from bidding against them. Once I talked to my friend Bobby [Dees], I reached out and got the process going.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?Clark: Honestly, my perception was negative. I saw franchises as national entities that weren’t really local. I used to think they were like the Starbucks of painting — just rolling into town with no real connection to the community.But now that I’m on the other side of it, I want people to know I’m as local as it gets. I grew up in Nashville. My dad grew up in Greenbrier. I graduated from both high school and college here. Aside from my time in the military, I’ve always been here.So yes, I’m a franchisee, but I’m also your neighbor. And being part of a franchise means there are systems in place that help ensure the project gets done right. We’re not just some fly-by-night operation. If something goes wrong, there’s accountability. There’s a higher standard.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Clark: The support system. The onboarding coaches have been with me every step of the way. I was assigned a coach, and any time I have a question, they’re there. I’m not doing this alone.Fresh Coat was the quickest to respond, the most excited, and the most helpful from day one. They’ve thought of things I never would’ve considered. Everyone I talked to before and after joining the franchise has been completely supportive. I talked to a few other franchises, but I just kept coming back to Fresh Coat. I felt the most comfortable with them.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Clark: Right now, I just want to get this location up and running. I’ve got the estimating experience, the sales experience, and I’m learning the ownership side of things.Ultimately, I want to expand. The territories to the west and east of me are wide open. I’m also looking at Bowling Green, Kentucky. I’m closer to Kentucky than Nashville, so there’s potential there.But the main thing driving me is my daughter. She’s three years old, and I don’t want her to want for anything. I’m doing this for her. I may not be making a lot right now, but I’m laying the foundation for something bigger.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Clark: I’m a veteran. I’m local. I’m not just some guy showing up with a Fresh Coat logo — I’m from here. I have a family. I have a wife and a daughter. I’ve got 16 years of experience in this industry.When I’m in your home, I’m going to treat it the way I treat my own. You’re going to get the best advice and the best quality service. That’s what I bring to the table.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Have a support system. Make sure your family is on board. There’s going to be a temporary disruption in your personal life. You’re going to work a lot of hours. There’s going to be some neglect in terms of time with your family because the business takes up so much.If your support system isn’t all in, it’s going to make things harder. You don’t want to be constantly worried about whether your spouse is upset because you’re working late. That takes your focus away from the goal.Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even if you think it’s silly, just ask. Communication with your team and your family is key. But above all, that support system has to be there. This isn’t something you can do halfway.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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Fresh Coat Painters Franchise Opens in Hendersonville With Local Veteran Owner Brian Clark

1851 Franchise

Clark is building something bigger than a business in Hendersonville, Tennessee — a Fresh Coat franchise grounded in experience, service and commitment to his hometown.

From Military Service to Business Ownership: Brian Clark’s Fresh Start With Fresh Coat Painters

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fonsecaapr">Alex Fonseca</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a> of Muskegon, building a high-performing team has been crucial to business growth. As he has expanded, Fonseca has consistently focused on his team’s role in the business's broader trajectory, emphasizing culture and demeanor as well as more technical requirements such as accuracy and efficiency.“We get many of our customers through word of mouth,” he said. “So a customer being happy and telling their neighbors about us and our results… The painters who deliver that result are probably the most important people on our team.”<h2>Quality and Care as the Foundation</h2>What makes a “good team member,” for Fonseca, may be a bit more nuanced than expected.“Obviously, a very basic level would be someone coming in below the budget that we have for a project and being productive and efficient,” he said. “But for us, it’s just people who, when they show up, have a good presence about them.”In the home services space, a team's attitude is especially important, as they’re working in customers’ homes and often making significant changes to their biggest investment. Building teams that both make customers feel at ease and meet the quality expectations set for them lays a healthy foundation for Fonseca to further develop technically proficient painters.Shifting the definition of success from just speed and industry knowledge to a level of care, ability to build customer rapport, and potential for long-term value can be quite beneficial for the business.“Sometimes I would rather have a slightly slower painter who does a good job,” he said. “Customers are happy with that person and write reviews for them, and we’re going to get more jobs from those over time.”<h2>The Practical Approach To Building These Teams</h2>Since establishing these expectations, Fonseca has worked to develop a clear, actionable hiring and team development process. First and foremost, he focuses intently on hiring the right people, not just anyone who can do the job.“My initial thought was to hire people who have a lot of experience, but that’s when I realized that just because someone is a good painter doesn’t mean they’re a good person,” he said. “It’s really tough to teach someone how to be polite and mind their manners when they’re in someone’s home. We’ve been successful at hiring people based on their personalities and training them in the painting skills.”Fonseca doesn’t ignore the painting skills required to succeed as a part of the team by any means. He uses the resources available to him through the Painting Contractors Association and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> franchise system.“We’re a part of the PCA, and they put out a lot of material on how to train painters,” he said. “Fresh Coat also put together a painter advancement system. So we can place people in different categories based on their levels of expertise, and it shows them the skills they need to level up.”These tools allow Fonseca to hire and train effectively while also setting the stage for talent retention and increased profitability. As painters continue to learn and develop their skills, they can take on more complex, higher-paying jobs, boosting their earning potential and increasing revenue for the franchise.<h2>A Person-First Staffing Approach and Long-Term Vision</h2>As the scaffolding he has provided within his business supports the professional growth of his teams, Fonseca has also worked diligently to build and maintain a team that truly supports each other, collaborates naturally and celebrates one another’s wins.“Instead of seeing anything as a competition, we try to evaluate who is really great at something and pair them with someone else who is trying to develop that same skill,” he said. “Our painters are really open to giving each other feedback on the work that they do, and it comes from a place of love. They’re approaching it saying, ‘Hey, let me try to help you out.’”In addition to supporting painters’ professional development and advancement, Fonseca and his teams also celebrate one another’s personal successes.“I want my painters to enjoy their work, but I understand that they’re here to make money and support their families,” he said. “Understanding how work can be rewarding but also helps them meet their own personal goals encourages us to celebrate their wins outside of just work, too.”Over time, Fonseca has carefully and intentionally built a team that not only works well together but also brings the soft and technical skills that propel the business forward. Often, this requires a more disciplined approach and a true investment in team building rather than taking a “just hiring” approach, but the results are always worth the effort.“I’m willing to take longer to hire the right person rather than rushing to hire a bunch of people then realizing they’re not the right fit,” he said. “It’s important to try to envision, five years from now, what you want your company to look like. Who are the types of employees you want to have? And be intentional about hiring, supporting and developing those people now.”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;

Fresh Coat Painters franchise owner Alex Fonseca and President Lisa Hudson

Focusing on soft skills and professional development pathways as much as he emphasizes technical skill, Alex Fonseca has built and retained a thriving team of painters who power his business.

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MCALLEN, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/mcallen">Fresh Coat Painters of McAllen</a> has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office, as the 2026 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year for the Lower Rio Grande Valley District. Owner&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/why-this-army-veteran-chose-fresh-coat-franchise-ownership-as-his-next-mission-2720664#stories">Gilbert “Gil” Perez</a>, a U.S. Army veteran, first pursued franchise ownership following military retirement as he searched for a way to build a business of his own while doing valuable work in his own community.&nbsp;“I’m honored to receive this recognition from the Small Business Administration, not only for myself but for the teams and community members who have made it possible,” Perez said. “Hard work and service have always been a way of life for me. I took those values to the Army, and I still use them today with every&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat</a> project. Being named Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year is a testament to the fact that, when you keep your values front and center and commit yourself to your community, the reward is immeasurable.”Perez was selected from business owners across the district, which spans 14 Texas counties, for his leadership, dedication and influence as a small business owner. In addition to his own resilience in business, Perez is celebrated for the commitment he has shown to positively impacting the community.Over his time as a&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> franchise owner, Perez has served the McAllen community with quality, reliable painting services, and by thinking bigger, has been able to have a real impact beyond his organization. As a business owner, Perez is able to create opportunities for others, and he takes great pride in working alongside others who prioritize service and share his family-focused values. That commitment to service extends beyond his business, as Perez serves on the Board of Directors for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhporgv.com/">NHPO-RGV</a>, a professional organization dedicated to promoting enterprise and education for its members in partnership with the community.&nbsp;“After two decades of service, I was looking for another way to find purpose in my community,” Perez said. “Fresh Coat was my pathway, and I’m so proud of what I’ve built in McAllen. As a veteran, I know what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself, and business ownership has given me a platform to not only provide quality service but to become truly ingrained in the McAllen community, which has supported us every step of the way.”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.&nbsp;

image of freshcoat McAllen Named 2026 SBA Veteran-Owned Business of the Year

Following his service in the U.S. Army, Gil Perez pursued franchising with the national painting brand as a way to chase his dreams while serving the McAllen community.

Fresh Coat Painters of McAllen Named 2026 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office

From Military Service to Business Ownership: Brian Clark’s Fresh Start With Fresh Coat Painters

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