At Fresh Coat Painters, we celebrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape our franchise owners and their impact on their communities. This Black History Month, we’re highlighting two exceptional business owners — LaMont Hampton of Fresh Coat Painters M.O.T and Fred Harrison of Fresh Coat Painters of Cincinnati East — who share their journeys, insights and the importance Black History Month holds for them, both personally and professionally.
Hampton’s path to owning a Fresh Coat Painters franchise was built on a strong foundation of hard work, experience and a deep-rooted passion for business. Growing up on the east side of Detroit, Hampton was inspired by a close family friend who owned a store. His early exposure to entrepreneurship — from working odd jobs to dabbling in real estate — ignited his desire to one day own a business.
After spending 25 years in various management roles at Sherwin-Williams, Hampton saw an opportunity to take control of his future. In 2018, he launched his first Fresh Coat Painters franchise. Just four years later, he expanded his business by purchasing a second territory in Maryland.
Reflecting on his journey, Hampton emphasized the importance of confidence, integrity and leadership — principles he instills in his son every morning. “Having the confidence to believe in yourself is key,” he said. “There will be dark moments, but trust your vision and work toward it every day.”
Harrison’s background in retail management and business coaching at Fresh Coat’s corporate office shaped his path as a business owner. He was drawn to the idea of controlling his own destiny, creating value for himself and giving back to his community.
Harrison has always sought to inspire others, especially through community engagement. In the past, he’s used his painting expertise to support local initiatives such as refreshing the entryway and foyer of Revolution Dance, a ballet company for young dancers.
For aspiring Black entrepreneurs, Fred emphasized the importance of doing due diligence, finding ways to disrupt the market and building a great business that stands on its own merits. “People may want to support you because you’re Black, but ultimately, your business should be great regardless,” he said. He also highlighted the value of strong mentorship and listening to experienced voices in the industry.
Both Hampton and Harrison share a deep appreciation for Black History Month, acknowledging the struggles and achievements of those who came before them.
For Hampton, Black history is essential, though he believes history as a whole should be inclusive and not limited to a single month. “It took so long to get where we are today,” he said. “Good for the country to acknowledge African Americans, but history is history — we’re all just human.”
Harrison sees Black History Month as a time to reflect on the resilience and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. “So many people have worked through difficult times to excel,” he said. “There’s still so much more to achieve.” He also highlighted the importance of small businesses in shaping communities and ensuring that voices are heard in the broader economic landscape.
Both business owners recognize that acknowledging Black History Month in business can be a delicate balance. However, they focus on education, supporting Black-owned businesses and fostering generational wealth.
For Hampton, Black History Month is a time to educate his son by visiting museums and reading books that tell the truth about history. “As an African-American male in the U.S., I want my son to see the world through an honest lens,” he said.
Harrison underscores the significance of supporting Black-owned businesses, stating that doing so allows for economic growth and leadership development within the Black community. “It creates generational wealth and paves the way for future leaders,” he said.
At Fresh Coat Painters, we’re proud to have leaders like LaMont Hampton and Fred Harrison in our franchise family — individuals who not only drive successful businesses but also inspire and uplift their communities. This Black History Month, we celebrate their stories and the invaluable contributions of Black entrepreneurs across the nation.
Read more about Fresh Coat Painters at https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat.
Fresh Coat
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Franchisees Hampton and Harrison share their entrepreneurial journeys, their insights on leadership and their perspectives on the significance of Black History Month in business.
At Fresh Coat Painters, we celebrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape our franchise owners and their impact on their communities. This Black History Month, we’re highlighting two exceptional business owners — LaMont Hampton of Fresh Coat Painters M.O.T and Fred Harrison of Fresh Coat Painters of Cincinnati East — who share their journeys, insights and the importance Black History Month holds for them, both personally and professionally.
Hampton’s path to owning a Fresh Coat Painters franchise was built on a strong foundation of hard work, experience and a deep-rooted passion for business. Growing up on the east side of Detroit, Hampton was inspired by a close family friend who owned a store. His early exposure to entrepreneurship — from working odd jobs to dabbling in real estate — ignited his desire to one day own a business.
After spending 25 years in various management roles at Sherwin-Williams, Hampton saw an opportunity to take control of his future. In 2018, he launched his first Fresh Coat Painters franchise. Just four years later, he expanded his business by purchasing a second territory in Maryland.
Reflecting on his journey, Hampton emphasized the importance of confidence, integrity and leadership — principles he instills in his son every morning. “Having the confidence to believe in yourself is key,” he said. “There will be dark moments, but trust your vision and work toward it every day.”
Harrison’s background in retail management and business coaching at Fresh Coat’s corporate office shaped his path as a business owner. He was drawn to the idea of controlling his own destiny, creating value for himself and giving back to his community.
Harrison has always sought to inspire others, especially through community engagement. In the past, he’s used his painting expertise to support local initiatives such as refreshing the entryway and foyer of Revolution Dance, a ballet company for young dancers.
For aspiring Black entrepreneurs, Fred emphasized the importance of doing due diligence, finding ways to disrupt the market and building a great business that stands on its own merits. “People may want to support you because you’re Black, but ultimately, your business should be great regardless,” he said. He also highlighted the value of strong mentorship and listening to experienced voices in the industry.
Both Hampton and Harrison share a deep appreciation for Black History Month, acknowledging the struggles and achievements of those who came before them.
For Hampton, Black history is essential, though he believes history as a whole should be inclusive and not limited to a single month. “It took so long to get where we are today,” he said. “Good for the country to acknowledge African Americans, but history is history — we’re all just human.”
Harrison sees Black History Month as a time to reflect on the resilience and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. “So many people have worked through difficult times to excel,” he said. “There’s still so much more to achieve.” He also highlighted the importance of small businesses in shaping communities and ensuring that voices are heard in the broader economic landscape.
Both business owners recognize that acknowledging Black History Month in business can be a delicate balance. However, they focus on education, supporting Black-owned businesses and fostering generational wealth.
For Hampton, Black History Month is a time to educate his son by visiting museums and reading books that tell the truth about history. “As an African-American male in the U.S., I want my son to see the world through an honest lens,” he said.
Harrison underscores the significance of supporting Black-owned businesses, stating that doing so allows for economic growth and leadership development within the Black community. “It creates generational wealth and paves the way for future leaders,” he said.
At Fresh Coat Painters, we’re proud to have leaders like LaMont Hampton and Fred Harrison in our franchise family — individuals who not only drive successful businesses but also inspire and uplift their communities. This Black History Month, we celebrate their stories and the invaluable contributions of Black entrepreneurs across the nation.
Read more about Fresh Coat Painters at https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat.
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