Fresh Coat

<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=us-territories-expansion-2025-2727843" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the rapidly growing 190-plus-unit painting franchise, is targeting several key markets in the U.S. as part of its robust expansion strategy. With a unique blend of residential and commercial painting services,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> is poised to meet growing demand in metro areas experiencing economic and housing booms as it prepares to reach the 200-territory mark next year.“We’re on track to open our 200th territory next year, but I’m also hopeful that we will be able to reach 225 in 2025,” said Brand President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hudson-80317444/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=us-territories-expansion-2025-2727843" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lisa Hudson</a>. “The housing market continues to be highly competitive resulting in homeowners caring for and renovating the spaces they already have rather than seeking new investments. This is just another boost to Fresh Coat’s already flexible model that allows owners to capture multiple revenue streams, but it positions us well to continue growing through the end of next year.”&nbsp;While there are opportunities for growth with Fresh Coat nationwide, Hudson highlighted a few key markets she hopes to develop in the coming months.<h3>Indianapolis: A Burgeoning Opportunity</h3>Indianapolis stands out as a prime target for Fresh Coat’s expansion, particularly due to its continuous population growth and thriving industries.&nbsp;"Indianapolis had experienced continuous growth with many families relocating to the market.&nbsp; We have a lot of people coming to the market for different reasons, whether it’s tech, sports or other booming sectors,” Hudson said. “The housing market here is following suit, and as families build or move into new homes, we’re seeing an increasing need for painting services."One of the city’s most appealing aspects is the high average income in areas like Hamilton County, providing franchisees with a solid customer base that embraces small businesses.&nbsp;"This is a perfect opportunity for someone to establish a strong business in a community that loves to support local entrepreneurs,” said Hudson. “The larger Indianapolis market can support four to five new territories, providing ample opportunity for owners to grow in the area.”<h3>The Midwest: A Hidden Gem</h3>St. Louis, Kansas City and Oklahoma City are other key targets for Fresh Coat, thanks to their stable housing market and central location.&nbsp;"These midwestern cities are a great area with both new and existing residential and commercial opportunities," Hudson said. "While we’ve seen tremendous growth in Florida, Texas and California, the Midwest has a lot of potential that remains untapped."While joining a market where Fresh Coat has already established itself does have its perks, Hudson notes that some entrepreneurs quite enjoy the opportunity to introduce a brand to their market."It’s nice to be the first in a territory because you can come in, introduce yourself and really make a name for yourself in the community," she said. “You still have the brand recognition, but you’re in total control of your reputation locally. This sense of ownership and local engagement can lead to long-term success as residents welcome and support new businesses.”Like Indianapolis, Hudson projects these markets could support four to five new territories each.<h3>San Diego: A West Coast Expansion</h3>On the West Coast, San Diego offers another kind of market potential. The city’s high cost of living and booming real estate market create a strong need for both residential upgrades and commercial maintenance, making it a promising location for new franchise owners. With year-round demand for services, San Diego franchisees can establish a steady stream of business from homeowners and commercial clients alike.With an established presence in California, San Diego Fresh Coat owners will be joining a group of successful franchise owners with whom they can collaborate and grow alongside while maintaining the safety and security of their own protected territory. In San Diego specifically, Fresh Coat is looking to add 5 new territories.<h3>Job Creation and Economic Impact</h3>Beyond growth in franchise units, Fresh Coat’s expansion has a direct impact on local job creation. Each new franchise brings employment opportunities for painters, project managers and administrative staff, contributing to the local economy.&nbsp;Hudson emphasizes that Fresh Coat’s blend of residential and commercial services helps create a versatile business model that thrives in both high-growth and stable markets.&nbsp;Fresh Coat strives to add many new franchise owners annually, and with protected territories ensuring franchisees don’t overlap, Fresh Coat's franchise owners can grow their businesses with confidence, knowing their local market is theirs to serve.As Fresh Coat continues its expansion across the U.S., the brand remains committed to helping franchisees succeed through robust support systems, strategic market selection and a strong community of owners. Whether in bustling metro areas like Indianapolis and St. Louis or growing markets like San Diego, Fresh Coat is setting the stage for franchise success and local economic impact.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 Franchise Targets Key U.S. Markets in 2025

1851 Franchise

With robust demand in metro areas, the painting franchise is focused on growth in Indianapolis, St. Louis, and San Diego, aiming to boost local economies through job and franchise opportunities.

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

Fresh Coat Targets 225 U.S. Markets for Expansion in 2025

us-territories-expansion-2025

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a Fresh Coat

Fresh Coat's National Accounts Program

Sherwin Willams Partnership

Learn

Visit Website

FRESH COAT

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

Multigenerational Contractor Seph Duggan Launches Fresh Coat Painters of Lakeland, Florida

How a Major Life Pivot Led This Military Spouse to Open a Fresh Coat Franchise in Melbourne, Florida

Fresh Coat Painters Eyes 200 Territories in 2026, Strengthens Franchisee Support

FRESH COAT MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT FRESH COAT

CONTACT FRESH COAT

facebook

instagram

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City Of Interest

State Of Interest

Do you have over $50k to invest in your business?

Own a Fresh Coat Franchise

Photo of kitchen space with wooden counters, navy blue cabinets, and white and gray backsplash

How Fresh Coat Franchisees Are Winning the Kitchen Market — Without the Remodel

cabinet-painting-franchise-growth

Photo of two Fresh Coat franchise owners wearing branded polos

How Fresh Coat Franchisees Scale Through Commercial and Multi-Family Projects

scale-painting-franchise-commercial-projects

Photo of TruBlue and Fresh Coat team members

Fresh Coat and TruBlue: How Sister Brand Partnerships Drive Franchise Success

fresh-coat-trublue-partnership-drives-franchise-success

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

mcallen-veteran-owned-business-award

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.

Fresh Coat Targets 225 U.S. Markets for Expansion in 2025

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS