Fresh Coat Painters, the residential and commercial painting franchise, recently held its Franchise Advisory Committee (FAC) election, an essential event that underscores the value of franchisee involvement in the company’s direction. The FAC consists of a select group of franchisees from various regions who work collaboratively to enhance the franchise’s operations and strategic initiatives.
“Our franchisees nominate their peers, and an election is then held to select 10-12 individuals who we, at the corporate level, meet with quarterly and beyond to both listen and share,” said Lisa Hudson, brand president of Fresh Coat. “It’s about giving our franchisees a voice and ensuring we’re working together to help them grow their investment. The members of the FAC participate on a voluntary basis, and I’m so proud to see the dedication of these business owners as they commit their own time to support the growth of their fellow franchisees and that of the system as a whole.”
The FAC also plays a vital role in forming specialized committees focused on areas such as marketing, communication and commercial growth. Franchisees volunteer to participate in a committee of their choice, providing additional insights and recommendations to guide Fresh Coat’s development and decisions.
“As we are developing key initiatives or programs, we discuss it with this group and gain their feedback,” Hudson said. “We strive for a structured approach that ensures the voices of the business owners are heard and considered before a final plan is developed. This collaboration is critical to the success of our network.”
The recent FAC election marks a new chapter for the 2024-25 committee. According to Hudson, the inaugural meeting for the new group will be held at the end of October, where leadership roles like chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary will be established as the team begins working toward the next year's worth of advancements.
For franchisees, being a part of the FAC fosters a sense of community and collaboration, and it creates a space for owners to share experiences, challenges and successes amongst themselves.
“This is one of the reasons why the group is vital to the organization,” Hudson said. “The franchisees are in their communities building their businesses, and we need to hear their ideas and experiences. There is value in strategy and planning, and we have a skilled team of leaders within the Fresh Coat team that excel in this arena, but it’s crucial that we continue considering the perspectives and live experiences of the people who do this work day in and day out.”
Keeping communication open also allows professionals at all levels to learn more about industry trends, best practices and other techniques that have worked well in various markets, ensuring each owner is equipped with the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions.
The council’s influence and value is evident through the successes of its members. For example, Sarah Ross, owner of Fresh Coat of Southwest Austin and the outgoing chairperson of the FAC, recently won the President’s Award for her exceptional leadership, involvement and performance as a local owner.
“Sarah exemplifies the kind of franchise owner we like to welcome to the FAC,” Hudson said. “She’s a top-performing owner in our system, but she did not let the responsibilities associated with running her business in her best year yet overshadow her role on the FAC. She proactively reached out to other franchise owners to make sure they felt their voices were being heard, and she was a great communicator with our team, bridging any gap there may have been between franchisor and franchisees.”
Ross’s achievements not only reflect her dedication but also the collaborative spirit of the FAC, as members work together to elevate the entire franchise network.
The recent FAC election is a pivotal moment for Fresh Coat Painters and its franchisees. By actively participating in the council, franchisees have the opportunity to influence the future direction of the company, ensuring that their interests and concerns are prioritized.
Engaging with the FAC is a step toward enhancing individual businesses while fortifying the collective strength of the Fresh Coat brand. It’s a unique opportunity for franchisees to be at the forefront of decision-making processes that shape their future, and it reinforces the notion that together, they can achieve more.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info.