Entrepreneurs often turn to franchising because they're looking for a more accessible path to business ownership, one that provides a framework and the backing of an established brand. This is the baseline for any successful franchise model, but Fresh Coat Painters, the 190-plus-unit national painting franchise, has taken its investment in franchisees even further. Over the years, the franchisor has built relationships with other industry leaders and leveraged those connections to unlock opportunities for local owners. Most recently, this took the form of a two-day conference at Sherwin-Williams' new Cleveland headquarters, where Fresh Coat's High Performers group came together to discuss their businesses with peers and experts.
"In 2018, Fresh Coat formed a High Performers group that met biannually to share results and best practices for both consumer and financial growth," said Lisa Hudson, brand president. "Today, that has grown to two High Performers groups comprised of our top 20 franchise owners". Recently, the larger group of High Performers was guests of Sherwin-Williams in their new Cleveland offices, where they were able to take two days to focus on their business with peers and experts to take a deep dive into KPIs and how to leverage best practices."
The Sherwin-Williams Edge
Fresh Coat's relationship with Sherwin-Williams has grown over more than a decade, always working toward additional ways to empower Fresh Coat franchisees. Currently, Sherwin-Williams provides technical and product support, marketing assistance and opportunities to become even more integrated into the community.
“Having a strong partnership with Sherwin-Williams gives our franchise owners access to trusted products, reliable supply chains and the buying power of an established national brand,” said Katie Schoessel, VP of Marketing. “That accessibility helps owners source the materials they need to serve customers efficiently while benefiting from the expertise and support of an industry leader. Beyond the products themselves, this relationship gives our franchisees access to valuable vendor resources and opportunities that can strengthen their businesses and help them grow.”
The practical benefits of a partnership like this can make a meaningful difference in the business trajectory of a Fresh Coat owner, but the relationship also opens doors to less tangible benefits that can propel long-term franchisee success.
Sherwin-Williams also supports franchisee education and skill-building through regional and national coaching opportunities. These programs help Fresh Coat owners strengthen their business and operational skills, giving them an advantage over local, independent painters.
Sherwin-Williams' support for Fresh Coat franchisees extends to opportunities for owners to connect with fellow High Performers and learn from one another, adding to the resources available through the corporate partnership.
Collaboration to Drive Success Throughout the Fresh Coat System
The opportunity for peer coaching and transparent sharing can help franchise owners navigate hurdles and better understand goals and growth paths in their specific markets, allowing them to scale operations more quickly. With a uniquely supportive culture, Fresh Coat franchise owners do not see each other as competitors. Rather, each owner recognizes their role as both an independent business owner and a member of a larger, collaborative network in which, when one owner succeeds, the entire system is lifted up.
"Being surrounded by successful Fresh Coat owners who are willing to openly share their wins, their challenges and what they've learned along the way is incredibly valuable," one member of the High Performers group said of the conference with Sherwin-Williams. "I left the meeting with new ideas, a better understanding of my own business and even more excitement about where I am headed. This is what makes Fresh Coat special — we're all building our own businesses, but we don't have to build them alone."
A Franchise Model Built for Growth
By pairing a high-level strategic partnership with an active, supportive owner network, Fresh Coat provides a model in which franchisees never have to navigate business ownership alone. The backing of industry leader Sherwin-Williams and a culture of shared success give owners the tools, knowledge and support they need to create long-term success in their businesses.
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to pursue business ownership with an established framework behind them, Fresh Coat provides robust corporate resources and valuable industry connections, proving that, while they're in business for themselves, Fresh Coat franchisees are never truly by themselves.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info.