Multi-Unit TWO MEN & A TRUCK® Franchisee Expands Portfolio with Fresh Coat Painters in Chicago Suburbs

Brian Stern, the entrepreneur bringing residential and commercial painting franchise Fresh Coat Painters to Northwest Chicago, is no stranger to the world of franchising. From his beginnings as a frontline mover to becoming a multi-unit franchise owner of that same moving company, Stern's determination and business acumen is impressive. His latest venture, embracing the world of painting with Fresh Coat Painters, marks another significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.

Stern's affiliation with franchising has been transformative. Initially managing, then owning, gave him a deep appreciation for the risks and rewards of franchise ownership. His time with TWO MEN & A TRUCK® not only honed his business skills but also fueled his ambition to venture into new arenas. Fresh Coat Painters, with its low overhead, attractive margins and resonant core values, emerged as the perfect fit. 

Stern, a resident and active community member of Vernon Hills, emphasizes the importance of community involvement and giving back — principles that are integral to his business philosophy. Now, Stern hopes to leverage his existing relationships with homeowners, friends and family in the community to grow his Fresh Coat franchise, which is set to open in November 2023. 

1851 Franchise caught up with Stern to learn more about his background, his journey to Fresh Coat and his plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Stern: I have been with TWO MEN & A TRUCK for about 18 years. During this time, I've experienced nearly every role, starting as a frontline mover and eventually working my way up to becoming a multi-unit franchisee of eight locations. In an effort to diversify our portfolio along with our business partners, we sought to integrate a new venture that complemented the moving business. We were looking for an opportunity that shared a similar customer model, had low overhead and offered good margins, which naturally led us to explore the painting industry. 

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?

Stern: I have always embraced ownership in every aspect of what I managed. Becoming an actual owner presented an opportunity for me to directly reap the benefits and equity of the business I was acquiring. The primary difference in this transition was the increased level of risk involved. I have always harbored ambitions of owning my own business, and TWO MEN & A TRUCK provided an excellent pathway, offering guidance, knowledge and support necessary for becoming a successful business owner. This experience has been instrumental in leading me to where I am today, ready to expand my portfolio and delve into new industries and business models.

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

Stern: Fresh Coat's business model and their core values particularly resonated with us. We felt that we aligned well with what they were seeking in a franchisee, especially at a time when they are focused on growth and scaling. This alignment is something we are quite adept at handling, and it ultimately guided our decision to join Fresh Coat. 

TWO MEN & A TRUCK is a home service-based company that just happens to move furniture. We go into people’s homes, we solve a problem, we build teams, we learn a trade, etc. All of the same skills apply to Fresh Coat, we are just painting instead of moving. 

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

Stern: Our primary goal for the first year is to focus on building, training and maintaining a robust frontline staff, while simultaneously growing and recruiting a strong leadership team. We place a high emphasis on identifying individuals who are not only strong from an operational standpoint but also deeply invested in fostering community relationships and contributing back to the community — values that are extremely important to us.

Expanding our portfolio offers the distinct advantage of working with similar customer models and vendor needs. Many aspects of the business are relatable and familiar. This similarity allows us to build on the existing relationships we have, which are integral to developing our Fresh Coat platform. These connections are not just beneficial for building the business but are also crucial in supporting it long-term.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Stern: I am not just an investor. I live in Vernon Hills. I am a local. My family is a very big part of the community. Being involved, giving back — these are passions that drove us to Fresh Coat. We have an opportunity to open another business model and provide another great service to customers, friends and family. 

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

Stern: If you are looking for a good business model or something that is going to help you scale, Fresh Coat is a great choice. In terms of general advice, it is important to invest in something you really care about. It is a lot of work, so you need to have that passion. But remember that there will be a lot of people around you to support your efforts. Never be afraid to reach out and speak to a professional. They will get you through any challenges. 

For more information on franchising with Fresh Coat Painters, visit: https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info

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 170 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.