Brian Clark 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 Fresh Coat Painters franchise in Hendersonville, 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 Fresh Coat 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.