Since starting in 2004, Fresh Coat Painters, the 170-unit residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, has been appealing to entrepreneurs with a low-cost, high-margin business model that gives them the opportunity to stand out in the thriving painting industry. Now, after opening 30 new franchise locations last year, the brand is growing faster than ever and is well on its way to becoming an iconic brand. This year, the team has identified Florida as a top target market primed for further franchise growth.
“We know there is a lot of opportunity based on the population demographics and the high level of construction in the state,” said Fresh Coat VP of Sales Leo Haley. “We don’t currently have a high number of franchise owners in Florida, and it is a very large geographic area with plenty of availability.”
According to the 2020 census, Florida’s population has exceeded 22 million and is expected to grow to over 26 million by 2030. Florida is also one of the top states people are currently moving to, with five out of the 10 of the country’s most-moved-to cities. That is part of the reason why the number of new residential homes built last year rose 234% in Florida over the previous year.
“As you look at the country and population changes, Florida is one of those states that has really grown recently,” said Haley. “It is becoming a melting pot of individuals from around the world. When you mix that with the favorable factors Florida has, such as the weather, the lack of income tax, lower regulations, it is really an ideal business climate.”
In addition, Haley says Florida features a booming commercial construction industry that is full of opportunities. This year, nationwide commercial construction is expected to increase to a $946 billion industry, and Florida’s share of construction last year was $14.1 billion, up from $9.85 billion the year before.
“That is a huge increase from 2020 to 2021,” said Haley. “All of these newly constructed buildings, both residential and commercial, need painting services. Fresh Coat stands out with amazing customer service and a wide array of options that allow franchisees to take on residential, commercial and government projects.”
The Fresh Coat team has identified several specific growth markets in Florida, including Tampa-St. Pete, Lakeland, Cape Coral, Jacksonville, Miami and South Beach. So far this year, the brand has already sold three franchises in Florida, with another six currently in the pipeline.
Fresh Coat is emerging as a particularly hot franchise opportunity right now, Haley says, as several differentiators catch the attention of savvy entrepreneurs in Florida and across the rest of the country.
“We allow entrepreneurs to tap into two booming industries, residential and commercial painting, while also receiving access to national commercial accounts built into the business model for no extra charge,” said Haley.
The Fresh Coat brand’s goal is to drive more leads than franchisees can handle, compelling them to grow their staff and profits over time. Fresh Coat’s dedicated HQ marketing teams not only drive residential leads, but also provide access to National Accounts that are already signed, sealed and delivered. Franchisees simply provide the painters. The team will also vet commercial projects in a franchisee’s local area to help them bid and win lucrative painting jobs for stores, restaurants, businesses and medical offices.
Additionally, Haley says Fresh Coat focuses on providing all of the resources and support needed to thrive with the business, including access to industry-leading technology.
“We want to lead the way in innovation so franchisees don’t ever feel envious of any other brand’s software,” he said. “We want to be continually pushing the envelope and developing our tools.”
Another resource is the brand’s proprietary staffing systems that analyzes the skill-level and experience of prospective painters to help franchisees recruit and retain employees in an efficient way. “Especially with the current labor shortages, it is really important to bring that professionalism and ensure employees have the ability to follow a meaningful career path in the industry,” Haley said.
Fresh Coat’s operating costs are also significantly lower than competitors and their potential profits much higher, with a competitively low franchise fee, small branding and technology fees, royalty minimums and no training fees. Plus, the brand’s innovative Winner’s Circle Program allows franchise owners to earn back their franchise fee in full as they achieve certain milestones — possibly lowering the startup costs by $44,900.
“All together, these differentiators make us the most affordable painting franchise out there,” said Haley. “That is important because, at the end of the day, it allows you to scale and bring profitability quicker. Everyone who buys a franchise wants to be profitable.”
Now, as demand for home services booms following the COVID-19 pandemic, that potential for profitability is higher than ever. Fresh Coat’s systemwide sales increased by 44% year-over-year and saw six record-breaking sales months in 2021.
In Florida and beyond, Fresh Coat’s overall growth vision is simple: become an iconic brand.
“If you look at how franchises grow, once you get over the 125 mark, there tends to be massive growth up to 400 units,” said Tara Riley, president of Fresh Coat. “We are really feeling that momentum right now. Not only are franchisees scaling, but stronger people are joining our system, which gives us more leverage.”
Riley says the Fresh Coat brand hopes to add 50 new franchises by the end of the year, with the overall goal of hitting the 500-unit mark within the next five years. Fresh Coat franchisees don’t need to be painting experts or focused on reinventing the wheel, which is why the brand features a uniquely diverse group of franchisees, including veterans, women and those from underrepresented communities. Owners come from all types of industries and backgrounds, whether it be tech, consulting, teaching, manufacturing, construction, home improvement or working for the state.
“In order to be iconic, we need to be industry-leading in our customer service, our franchise system, our business model and our size,” Riley said. “In five years, we want to be the number-one painting company in the U.S. We know that means we have to find the right franchisees, help them grow profitable businesses and continue to expand our footprint. Now, as we achieve those goals faster than ever, the time has never been better to join the Fresh Coat team.”
The total investment required to start a Fresh Coat franchise ranges from $53,850 to $76,750, including the $44,900 franchise fee. For more information, visit: https://freshcoatfranchise.com/.
Fresh Coat
SPONSORED
With an attractive business climate, a booming population and a thriving construction industry, The Sunshine State is the perfect market for entrepreneurs looking to leverage Fresh Coat’s affordable and proven business model.
Since starting in 2004, Fresh Coat Painters, the 170-unit residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, has been appealing to entrepreneurs with a low-cost, high-margin business model that gives them the opportunity to stand out in the thriving painting industry. Now, after opening 30 new franchise locations last year, the brand is growing faster than ever and is well on its way to becoming an iconic brand. This year, the team has identified Florida as a top target market primed for further franchise growth.
“We know there is a lot of opportunity based on the population demographics and the high level of construction in the state,” said Fresh Coat VP of Sales Leo Haley. “We don’t currently have a high number of franchise owners in Florida, and it is a very large geographic area with plenty of availability.”
According to the 2020 census, Florida’s population has exceeded 22 million and is expected to grow to over 26 million by 2030. Florida is also one of the top states people are currently moving to, with five out of the 10 of the country’s most-moved-to cities. That is part of the reason why the number of new residential homes built last year rose 234% in Florida over the previous year.
“As you look at the country and population changes, Florida is one of those states that has really grown recently,” said Haley. “It is becoming a melting pot of individuals from around the world. When you mix that with the favorable factors Florida has, such as the weather, the lack of income tax, lower regulations, it is really an ideal business climate.”
In addition, Haley says Florida features a booming commercial construction industry that is full of opportunities. This year, nationwide commercial construction is expected to increase to a $946 billion industry, and Florida’s share of construction last year was $14.1 billion, up from $9.85 billion the year before.
“That is a huge increase from 2020 to 2021,” said Haley. “All of these newly constructed buildings, both residential and commercial, need painting services. Fresh Coat stands out with amazing customer service and a wide array of options that allow franchisees to take on residential, commercial and government projects.”
The Fresh Coat team has identified several specific growth markets in Florida, including Tampa-St. Pete, Lakeland, Cape Coral, Jacksonville, Miami and South Beach. So far this year, the brand has already sold three franchises in Florida, with another six currently in the pipeline.
Fresh Coat is emerging as a particularly hot franchise opportunity right now, Haley says, as several differentiators catch the attention of savvy entrepreneurs in Florida and across the rest of the country.
“We allow entrepreneurs to tap into two booming industries, residential and commercial painting, while also receiving access to national commercial accounts built into the business model for no extra charge,” said Haley.
The Fresh Coat brand’s goal is to drive more leads than franchisees can handle, compelling them to grow their staff and profits over time. Fresh Coat’s dedicated HQ marketing teams not only drive residential leads, but also provide access to National Accounts that are already signed, sealed and delivered. Franchisees simply provide the painters. The team will also vet commercial projects in a franchisee’s local area to help them bid and win lucrative painting jobs for stores, restaurants, businesses and medical offices.
Additionally, Haley says Fresh Coat focuses on providing all of the resources and support needed to thrive with the business, including access to industry-leading technology.
“We want to lead the way in innovation so franchisees don’t ever feel envious of any other brand’s software,” he said. “We want to be continually pushing the envelope and developing our tools.”
Another resource is the brand’s proprietary staffing systems that analyzes the skill-level and experience of prospective painters to help franchisees recruit and retain employees in an efficient way. “Especially with the current labor shortages, it is really important to bring that professionalism and ensure employees have the ability to follow a meaningful career path in the industry,” Haley said.
Fresh Coat’s operating costs are also significantly lower than competitors and their potential profits much higher, with a competitively low franchise fee, small branding and technology fees, royalty minimums and no training fees. Plus, the brand’s innovative Winner’s Circle Program allows franchise owners to earn back their franchise fee in full as they achieve certain milestones — possibly lowering the startup costs by $44,900.
“All together, these differentiators make us the most affordable painting franchise out there,” said Haley. “That is important because, at the end of the day, it allows you to scale and bring profitability quicker. Everyone who buys a franchise wants to be profitable.”
Now, as demand for home services booms following the COVID-19 pandemic, that potential for profitability is higher than ever. Fresh Coat’s systemwide sales increased by 44% year-over-year and saw six record-breaking sales months in 2021.
In Florida and beyond, Fresh Coat’s overall growth vision is simple: become an iconic brand.
“If you look at how franchises grow, once you get over the 125 mark, there tends to be massive growth up to 400 units,” said Tara Riley, president of Fresh Coat. “We are really feeling that momentum right now. Not only are franchisees scaling, but stronger people are joining our system, which gives us more leverage.”
Riley says the Fresh Coat brand hopes to add 50 new franchises by the end of the year, with the overall goal of hitting the 500-unit mark within the next five years. Fresh Coat franchisees don’t need to be painting experts or focused on reinventing the wheel, which is why the brand features a uniquely diverse group of franchisees, including veterans, women and those from underrepresented communities. Owners come from all types of industries and backgrounds, whether it be tech, consulting, teaching, manufacturing, construction, home improvement or working for the state.
“In order to be iconic, we need to be industry-leading in our customer service, our franchise system, our business model and our size,” Riley said. “In five years, we want to be the number-one painting company in the U.S. We know that means we have to find the right franchisees, help them grow profitable businesses and continue to expand our footprint. Now, as we achieve those goals faster than ever, the time has never been better to join the Fresh Coat team.”
The total investment required to start a Fresh Coat franchise ranges from $53,850 to $76,750, including the $44,900 franchise fee. For more information, visit: https://freshcoatfranchise.com/.
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