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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-mungkhalodom-57bba945?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-front-lines-to-frontline-business-how-this-franchisees-military-experience-catapulted-his-success-with-fresh-coat-2725999" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Darren Mungkhalodom's</a> military career took an unexpected turn when an injury cut short his dream of being an infantryman, but this setback was merely a prelude to a remarkable journey in the franchising world. Now, as a multi-unit franchise owner with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the industry-leading residential and commercial painting franchise with over 170 units, Mungkhalodom is on a whole new mission.<h2>A Soldier’s Journey to Entrepreneurship</h2>Mungkhalodom first joined the military in 2006 after being approached by a U.S. Army recruiter while working at a local liquor store.&nbsp;“I wanted to be a CIA field agent, but what enticed me was that the Army was offering a good amount of money,” said Mungkhalodom. “Long story short: I was deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. I was a covert MOS [military occupational specialty] and found myself on the frontline.”&nbsp;Mungkhalodom was injured while overseas, which put a halt on his plans to reach the CIA. Instead, he returned to the civilian world and started working as an advanced management trainee in the corporate world.“I was already strong on operations and sales because of those skill-sets you learn in the military,” said Mungkhalodom. “I was quick on my feet, ready for challenges. I also got my master’s degree in business during that time. After I graduated, I was tired of helping other people make their millions. I decided to jump both feet into opening my own business.”<h2>The Support and Structure to Succeed</h2>When Mungkhalodom decided to dive into entrepreneurship, franchising in the trade industry appeared as the logical step.&nbsp;“I wanted to invest in a model that had already proven successful,” he said. “Running a business is never going to be easy, I could see that from watching my bosses in the corporate world. I wanted to make sure my job would be providing a great service, not building a business model from scratch.”After exploring various options, Mungkhalodom narrowed it down to three painting franchises, and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/5-reasons-to-buy-fresh-coat-franchise-in-2023-2721635">Fresh Coat</a> emerged as the winner.&nbsp;“The structure and support at Fresh Coat were perfectly aligned with what I was seeking,” he said. “It felt like the right place to leverage my skills. I could see the support they provided.”So, Mungkhalodom signed on for two territories, eventually opening up his&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/rochester/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-front-lines-to-frontline-business-how-this-franchisees-military-experience-catapulted-his-success-with-fresh-coat-2725999" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rochester, New York, Fresh Coat</a> in 2018. Today, his operation brings in over $1 million in annual sales. “We had our best year last year, and this year is shaping up to be even better,” he said.<h2>The Veteran’s Edge in Franchising</h2>Mungkhalodom attributes much of his success to the values and discipline ingrained in him during his military service.&nbsp;“I didn't have much of a painting background, it was all operations,” he said. “The honesty and integrity I practiced in the military are now integral to my business ethos.&nbsp;This commitment has not only set his&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-front-lines-to-frontline-business-how-this-franchisees-military-experience-catapulted-his-success-with-fresh-coat-2725999" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat franchise</a> apart but also enabled him to mentor team members and help other entrepreneurs thrive. Mungkhalodom opened a second territory in Florida this year, which is managed by a previous employee of his.“My company culture is all about working with my employees as partners,” said Mungkhalodom. “I always knew this company was going to grow to a point that I couldn't sell it. So, I worked with a few team members to help me open the second location. That is going to be my strategy for growth moving forward. We want to open five to six territories one day”Mungkhalodom's leadership style is also deeply influenced by his military background. He understands the importance of identifying strengths and weaknesses within his team, fostering an environment where everyone can step up and lead when needed.&nbsp;“I know as an owner, I can't do everything myself — I tried, but when I do that it limits my growth,” said Mungkhalodom. “Just like in the military, we have a chain of command and a culture of mutual support and training.”Mungkhalodom’s journey from a soldier on the front lines to a successful Fresh Coat franchise owner is a testament to the way military skills can&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/why-fresh-coat-painters-is-a-perfect-franchise-fit-for-veterans-2724042">translate seamlessly</a> into the franchising world. With a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/why-fresh-coat-painters-invested-in-multiple-technology-upgrades-this-year-2719353">robust franchisee support infrastructure</a> and a proven business model, the Fresh Coat system is made up of several&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/why-this-army-veteran-chose-fresh-coat-franchise-ownership-as-his-next-mission-2720664#stories">veteran entrepreneurs</a>.“Overall, it was one of the best decisions I ever made,” said Mungkhalodom. “I don’t have to work for other people anymore. I brought the core values of the military to this business culture, both for customers and employees. Just like I am proud to be a veteran, I am proud to be a Fresh Coat owner.”For veterans considering a similar path, Mungkhalodom says the Fresh Coat Painters franchise model is an exciting opportunity waiting to be seized. The team is looking for passionate and qualified entrepreneurs in markets like Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont.For more information on franchising with Fresh Coat Painters, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=like-home-renovations-look-into-a-fresh-coat-painters-franchise-2723524">https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/inf</a>

Fresh Coat Painters: A Great Franchise for Veterans

1851 Franchise

The painting brand's in-depth support and structured business model offer a fertile ground for veterans to flourish as entrepreneurs.

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

From Front Lines to Frontline Business: How This Franchisee's Military Experience Catapulted His Success with Fresh Coat

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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.

Inside a High-Performance Fresh Coat Franchise: How This Owner Built a Team To Scale

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Former McDonald’s Technology Manager Opens Fresh Coat Painters Franchise to Beautify the Klein Community

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Keys to Team Retention for Fresh Coat Painters Franchisees

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Painting a New Life: Why This Seasoned Management Leader Walked Away From the Oil Industry to Scale a Fresh Coat Painters Franchise

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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

From Front Lines to Frontline Business: How This Franchisee's Military Experience Catapulted His Success with Fresh Coat

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