After nearly three decades behind the wheel and years in the corporate world, Ken and Angela Thompson were ready for a new chapter — one that would let them build generational wealth, tap into their entrepreneurial spirit and make a real impact in their community. The husband-and-wife duo recently launched Fresh Coat Painters of Iowa Colony, serving the greater Houston area and bringing professionalism, integrity and an experienced support system to a booming local market. With a deep understanding of what it takes to run a business and a desire to create something lasting for their five children, the Thompsons are ready to roll up their sleeves and paint a brighter future — one wall at a time.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Ken Thompson: Before Fresh Coat, I was a truck driver for 28 years. I also coached high school football for 10 years and basketball for 20 years. I even owned a cleaning business for nine years — so I’ve always been about building connections and delivering a service people can rely on. We relocated from Michigan to Houston two years ago, and now we’re excited to plant roots and grow something meaningful with Fresh Coat.

Angela Thompson: I’ve spent years in corporate America, including working in franchise administration. I’m now helping Ken full-time and excited to apply my master’s degree in management and leadership to running the backend of our business. We have five children — four boys and one daughter, ages 14 to 32 — and we’re building a legacy for them through this business.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Ken: Angela’s background really helped. She’s worked with franchises before, so she understood how the system works. I was exploring Amazon logistics businesses because of my 28 years in that field, but Fresh Coat offered a plug-and-play system that felt like a better fit.

Angela: We were looking for a home-based, service-based business that served a need in the community. Fresh Coat checked all the boxes. 

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?

Angela: Franchising is a great way to get into business — it cuts the learning curve significantly. Yes, there are fees, but the value is there. You get access to partnerships like Sherwin-Williams and backend systems that would take years to build on your own.

Ken: The support is everything. You’re not starting from scratch — you have proven guidelines, systems and resources. Those franchise fees pay for themselves when you see what’s included.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Angela: Fresh Coat is affordable, and the leadership team is experienced and supportive. It’s a well-established brand — especially here in Texas — and it’s still growing.

Ken: Brand recognition was a big factor. Fresh Coat has been around a long time in Texas, and the ongoing support — like weekly meetings — really shows they’re invested in your success.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Ken: I want us to grow and expand and be a trusted name in the community. I want people to know they can count on us for excellent service.

Angela: I’m focused on building local partnerships and becoming a go-to resource in the area. We want to establish strong referral relationships and make our presence known.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Angela: We’re building this business as a legacy for our family. With five children ranging in age from 14 to 32, we want this to be something they can grow with and maybe even take over one day. It’s about creating generational wealth and opportunities.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Ken: Talk to someone who understands franchising. It’s a great way to be your own boss without doing it alone. What you put into it is what you’ll get out. Learn everything you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Franchising opens doors you didn’t even know existed — and if you take it seriously, it can really change your life.

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.