Fresh Coat

After 25 years in the logistics industry,&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/longmont/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-fedex-to-fresh-coat-why-this-former-logistics-operator-is-opening-a-painting-business-in-his-community-of-shrewsbury-massachusetts-2722643" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tim Stanley</a> was ready for a change. The fast-paced, high-stress environment of managing close to 30 trucks a day for FedEx Ground as an owner-operator had taken its toll, and he began searching for a new opportunity. With about 15 years left before retirement, Stanley decided to explore the more flexible painting industry, and soon discovered the&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-fedex-to-fresh-coat-why-this-former-logistics-operator-is-opening-a-painting-business-in-his-community-of-shrewsbury-massachusetts-2722643" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters&nbsp;</a>franchise. Now, Stanley is excited to bring the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat">Fresh Coat</a> brand to his community of Shrewsbury and is eager to expand the business throughout the area.&nbsp;Stanley, who has always been self-employed, recognized that a franchise could help him overcome the learning curve of entering a new industry. After researching various franchise concepts and putting in an inquiry with Fresh Coat Painters, Stanley was immediately drawn to the company due to their enthusiasm, support and training. He knew that this partnership would provide him with the knowledge and resources he needed to succeed in the painting industry.Since opening earlier this year, Stanley has found that the painting industry offers a much more relaxed pace compared to logistics, allowing him to take control of his own destiny. As he embarks on this new chapter of his career with Fresh Coat Painters, he is filled with excitement and optimism for the future. Leveraging the support and partnership of the franchise, he is determined to make his mark on the New England market and help other franchisees do the same.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Tim Stanley:&nbsp;About 25 years ago, I started a contract with FedEx Ground as an owner-operator. It was still a pretty small logistic company at that point and wasn’t at the massive scale it is today. That has been the majority of my career.&nbsp;By the end, during the pandemic, I was running close to 30 trucks a day. It was a very challenging position, and I decided I needed a change. I have about 15 years before retirement, and I wanted something that wasn’t so stressful.&nbsp;So, after giving it some thought, I determined the painting industry could be a great option. The pace of the painting industry allows you to breathe and you have more control over your own business and destiny. But since I didn’t know much about the industry, I knew I needed a franchisor behind me. I started researching franchise concepts and eventually came across Fresh Coat Painters.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?Stanley:&nbsp;When you come up with a plan to change career paths or start a business, you get to a point where you need to ask yourself how quickly you will be able to get it started. I’ve been self-employed my entire career, and I knew that if I did it on my own, it would take a lot of time. Franchising helps you out with the learning curve, which makes the process much faster.&nbsp;&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Stanley: It was all about the conversation I had with the leadership team. Their enthusiasm about where the brand was going, as well as the support and training that they offered, was very exciting.&nbsp;I remember I had a conversation with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tararileymba?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-fedex-to-fresh-coat-why-this-former-logistics-operator-is-opening-a-painting-business-in-his-community-of-shrewsbury-massachusetts-2722643" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">president Tara Riley</a> where she told me: “It takes a partnership to make this work.” That really stuck with me because she is exactly right. The brand can’t succeed unless I — and all other franchise owners — are succeeding in our local markets.&nbsp;They bring the knowledge and we bring the driving force.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Stanley: My main goal is to monopolize the New England market. Fresh Coat doesn’t have much of a market force here yet. I want to bring that to the table. As Fresh Coat grows and more owners come in, I also want to share my knowledge with them and put down the groundwork to grow the market share as big as we can.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Stanley: Anytime that you go into business for yourself, there is a risk involved. Being a franchisee does not take away that risk, but it does give you an opportunity to access more information and know-how. You don’t need to learn through trial by fire. I have people I can call if I get stuck. If I were to do it on my own, the risk is the same, but I don’t have anyone to call. If you want to build a brand, doing it on your own is going to require a much longer learning curve.&nbsp;Also, a lot of the smaller painting companies hit a cap on how big they can grow because there are only so many hours in the day. But franchises like Fresh Coat teach you how to scale beyond that point and take the business to the next level.&nbsp;

From FedEx to Fresh Coat: Why This Former Logistics Operator Is Opening a Painting Business in His Community of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

1851 Franchise

Tired of the high-stress environment of the logistics industry, Tim Stanley has taken control of his own destiny and built a lifestyle that works for him by franchising with Fresh Coat Painters. 

This brand page has been paid for by FRESH COAT. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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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

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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.

From FedEx to Fresh Coat: Why This Former Logistics Operator Is Opening a Painting Business in His Community of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

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