Fresh Coat

MUSKEGON, Mich. –&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/muskegon/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-painters-of-muskegon-gives-back-to-housing-assistance-organization-through-fresh-coat-cares-2727523" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters of Muskegon</a> is bringing new life to a local nonprofit organization through its&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/about-us/fresh-coat-cares/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-painters-of-muskegon-gives-back-to-housing-assistance-organization-through-fresh-coat-cares-2727523" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Cares</a> program, an initiative started by a Texas franchisee who desired to give back to fellow community members fighting cancer. Through Fresh Coat Cares, franchisees receive $500 in support from the franchisor to cover labor costs and $500 worth of materials from Sherwin Williams to contribute to the completion of projects done in partnership with local community-focused organizations.In Muskegon, owner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fonsecaapr/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-painters-of-muskegon-gives-back-to-housing-assistance-organization-through-fresh-coat-cares-2727523" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alex Fonseca</a> chose to give back to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solidrockhousing.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-painters-of-muskegon-gives-back-to-housing-assistance-organization-through-fresh-coat-cares-2727523" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Solid Rock Housing Support</a>, painting the exterior of one of the organization’s buildings that was in need of a refresh.“Solid Rock is an organization that takes donations — mostly construction materials, furniture and appliances — that are sold for a profit, and that profit is used to help local families remodel their homes or make necessary repairs,” Fonseca said. “Currently, they are focused on emergency services. There is a large segment of the community that is above the poverty line but cannot afford a housing-related emergency like an unexpected need to replace a heater. That’s where Solid Rock comes in.”By focusing on smaller projects that keep a home safe and functional, rather than building new housing from the ground up, Solid Rock can have a wider-reaching impact while still promoting housing security in the community.“I have been on the board of Solid Rock for about two years now. I was originally invited by a friend to get involved because there are a lot of ways we can benefit the nonprofit in our day-to-day work,” Fonseca said. “Often, when we’re painting houses, people are also doing some level of construction. If a customer tells us to throw away any outlet covers, lights or fans that we take down when painting a room, we can divert those items for them to benefit Solid Rock. We’re taking materials off the homeowners’ hands, keeping them out of the landfill and benefiting the community simultaneously.”Through his work with Solid Rock, Fonseca became aware of the organization’s need for an exterior refresh and jumped on the opportunity to complete his own Fresh Coat Cares project.“This is the first time we’re doing a Fresh Coat Cares project. We have support from the franchisor to do it every year, but it can be hard to get in touch with the right person or find an organization that needs this kind of help,” Fonseca said. “I’m really excited about this project, especially because I know the people and the families Solid Rock has helped.”In the weeks leading up to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters’</a> portion of the project, other volunteers tidied up around the building, removing brush and cleaning up chipping paint where possible. Then, in late August, the team at&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/muskegon/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-painters-of-muskegon-gives-back-to-housing-assistance-organization-through-fresh-coat-cares-2727523" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters of Muskegon</a> painted the exterior.“We are deeply honored to be selected for the Fresh Coat Cares program,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-alm-5099a1bb/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-coat-painters-of-muskegon-gives-back-to-housing-assistance-organization-through-fresh-coat-cares-2727523" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Erik Alm</a>, executive director of Solid Rock. “The transformation of our facility will enhance our mission of providing a safe and supportive environment for those seeking stability in their housing situation, and we’re excited to see how this new look will positively impact the people we serve. Thank you, Fresh Coat and Sherwin Williams!!”“After seeing the results of this Fresh Coat Cares project, I’m increasingly excited about the opportunity to complete similar projects in the future,” Fonseca said. “This is a program that we can participate in yearly, and I look forward to connecting with additional community organizations in the future. If there is a group with an office or other type of building that needs to be repainted, this would be a great opportunity. We’d love to get connected and make participation in a Fresh Coat Cares project an annual tradition for the team here in Muskegon.”ABOUT FRESH COAT PAINTERS OF MUSKEGON:Fresh Coat Painters of Muskegon, owned and operated by Alex Fonseca, has been serving the Muskegon community since 2020. As part of the nationally recognized, 190-plus-unit Fresh Coat Painters franchise, the Muskegon location is dedicated to providing top-quality residential and commercial painting services with a focus on professionalism and customer satisfaction. Leveraging the brand's proven, affordable business model, Fresh Coat Painters of Muskegon has quickly established itself as a trusted name in the local painting industry, committed to enhancing homes and businesses with excellence.

Fresh Coat Painters of Muskegon Gives Back To Housing Assistance Organization With Fresh Coat Cares

Fresh Coat Painters Franchise Owner Gives Back in Muskegon, MI

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Owner Alex Fonseca partnered with Sherwin Williams to donate supplies and labor to repaint the exterior of one of Solid Rock Housing Support’s locations.

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Fresh Coat Painters of Muskegon Gives Back To Housing Assistance Organization Through Fresh Coat Cares

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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.

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In the first quarter of 2026,&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a> awarded eight new franchise agreements and brought its network together for Profit Rodeo 2026, the brand’s annual conference in Nashville. Together, those milestones gave the 190-plus-unit painting franchise a busy start to the year.“I am so proud of the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> system and everyone throughout it for continuing to accelerate in an environment that is pushing many to tap the brakes,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hudson-80317444/">Lisa Hudson</a>, brand president. “Closing the first quarter with eight new franchise owners joining our system is a clear indicator that the Fresh Coat approach resonates and provides a clear pathway to success for entrepreneurs. This is only bolstered by the incredible cooperation of our owners and support teams, as shown at our National Conference in Nashville. We’re growing the right way, with owners who are committed to excellence for themselves and their peers, and the results are tangible.”<h2>The 2026 Profit Rodeo: Strategies and Workshops for Business Growth</h2>The Profit Rodeo gathered franchise owners, team members and vendor partners for three days of collaboration and celebration. With workshops on topics like “Assembling an A-Team,” project management and managing conflict, Fresh Coat owners developed valuable technical and leadership skills to help them foster excellence and lead their local markets.Educational sessions were anchored by the core philosophy that profit is not optional. Highlights included a specialized session on commercial painting and the bid-to-build process, along with a keynote address, “Mind Your Business,” from&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising</a> CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmurphyceo">Dan Murphy</a>.&nbsp;“We’ve consistently focused on how our franchise owners can refine their business strategies as needed to continue to thrive in any economic climate,” Hudson said. “This year, we leaned into the digital demands of the current market and looked at website dashboards and local search rankings to ensure our owners are visible and able to show up as the experts in their areas.”From workshops to panels, each session at the Profit Rodeo came back to the heart of the event: collaboration and mutual success. Through learning, discussion and connection with fellow owners, Fresh Coat franchisees gained valuable insights to support their success through 2026.<h2>Celebrating Top Performers</h2>The conference culminated with a dinner and awards ceremony, where the Fresh Coat team was able to celebrate over 30 franchise owners for outstanding results in 2025. In addition to financial performance, the awards recognized diverse paths to business ownership, impressive personal and professional growth, and the impact Fresh Coat owners have made as business leaders in their communities.This year’s recognitions included:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-denny-14a37422/">Brian Denny</a>, who won multiple awards as a top earner in the system.</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fonsecaapr">Alex Fonseca</a>, who was named Franchisee of the Year in celebration of a five-year growth journey.</li><li>Leah and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-boyle-0b45a141/">Pat Boyle</a>, who received the President’s Award for their dedication to their team and growth milestones.</li><li>Isabel Colera and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-berto-793a524b/">Diego Berto</a>, who were recognized as Brand Builders for their local marketing discipline and commitment to community service.</li><li>Jeff and Jenn Berry, who received the Rookie of the Year award after recording over strong sales during their first 12 months of operations, driven in large part by their grit and community-focused approach.</li></ul>“We’re all incredibly proud of this year’s honorees and the standard of excellence they continue to uphold throughout the Fresh Coat system,” Hudson said. “Seeing our owners reach these milestones, whether it’s seasoned owners or a pair of new owners hitting the ground running in their first year, is a testament to the heart of this network. As we grow in numbers, we’re also growing in strength and passion. We’re kicking off the second quarter with great energy, and I’m more excited than ever.”Fresh Coat enters the rest of 2026 with a productive first quarter behind it. With a focus on local impact and a business model grounded in discipline and personal service, the brand is continuing to grow even as the market shifts.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 Fresh Coat Painters team at 2026 Profit Rodeo

The national painting franchise awarded eight new franchise agreements and held its National Conference in Nashville during the first quarter.

Fresh Coat Painters of Muskegon Gives Back To Housing Assistance Organization Through Fresh Coat Cares

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