Fresh Coat

Following a six year stint in the Army,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ_YXINPUDk&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-fresh-coat-painters-is-a-perfect-franchise-fit-for-veterans-2724042" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sean Cardell</a> was looking for something familiar he could return to. As someone who had painted houses regularly during his adolescence, he applied to work for a local&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-fresh-coat-painters-is-a-perfect-franchise-fit-for-veterans-2724042" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters</a> franchisee (another veteran) in Clarksville, Tennessee, but the military had taught him to never do something halfway — within four years, he owned the whole business.&nbsp; Today, as an Army veteran turned successful franchisee with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the industry-leading residential and commercial painting franchise with over 170 units, Cardell’s story underscores the potential that franchising holds for veterans, combining their military skills with the structure of a franchise model.<h2>A Soldier's Transition to Entrepreneurship</h2>Cardell served in the Army between 2006 and 2012, specializing in ammunition and explosives. Following his honorable discharge, he took a job working for a DoD contractor. Over those few years, Cardell kept in touch with the Fresh Coat franchise owner he had briefly worked for in Tennessee. When the opportunity presented itself to manage that particular franchise, Cardell took it.&nbsp;“After about two years, the previous owner came up to me and asked: Do you want to buy a franchise? You’ve been running this business for two years,” said Cardell. “At that point, the only role I hadn’t had was franchise owner.”&nbsp;Although Cardell had never considered becoming a small business owner, life had other plans. “That same year I got diagnosed with Diabetes,” he said. “That meant I couldn’t continue to go overseas and contract with the DOD. But where one door closes, another one opens. I decided to jump in.” Cardell officially signed on as a Fresh Coat franchise owner in 2018. In general, that transition from the disciplined world of the Army to the structured framework of Fresh Coat Painters was seamless.&nbsp;<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ_YXINPUDk"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><iframe src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&amp;api_key=fd3b6b3731f34f55ba1fe3&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DPQ_YXINPUDk" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></figure>“The Army really emphasizes the importance of SOPs —&nbsp;Standard Operating Procedures,” said Cardell. “With Fresh Coat, all those same proven processes are there. If you can follow a procedure and you are willing to listen and learn, you can do this. The military is the exact same way.”<h2>Veteran-Centric Support at Fresh Coat</h2>With a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/why-fresh-coat-painters-invested-in-multiple-technology-upgrades-this-year-2719353">robust franchisee support infrastructure</a> and a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/5-reasons-to-buy-fresh-coat-franchise-in-2023-2721635">proven business model</a>, the Fresh Coat system is made up of several&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/why-this-army-veteran-chose-fresh-coat-franchise-ownership-as-his-next-mission-2720664#stories">veteran entrepreneurs</a> like Cardell.“The Fresh Coat corporate team has really been there to support us every step of the way,” Cardell said. “My business coach is a Navy veteran himself, so we have that connection there. The team gives you the raw truth of what you need to do. You can get in the weeds. It creates a family environment among the franchise owners. Once you meet people that you can mesh with, it creates a circle that you can’t get elsewhere.”&nbsp;Now, Cardell’s Fresh Coat franchise isn’t just a business —&nbsp;it’s an extended veteran community. Many of his employees are veterans, and this shared background fosters camaraderie and mutual respect. Cardell even takes pride in having mentored some of his employees into joining the Army. Many return as veterans to continue working alongside him.Overall, Cardell says the last five years of franchise ownership have been incredibly rewarding. And in a true full circle moment, he just recently celebrated the signing of a DOD contract for the painting of a military base next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;“For me, it has been great to maintain this veteran community,” said Cardell. “We don’t have a lot of headaches, the kind that you would find in civilian life. It’s about camaraderie, understanding and working towards a shared goal.”For veterans considering a similar path, Cardell says the Fresh Coat Painters franchise model is an exciting opportunity waiting to be seized. The team is looking for passionate and qualified entrepreneurs in markets like Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont.For more information on franchising with Fresh Coat Painters, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=like-home-renovations-look-into-a-fresh-coat-painters-franchise-2723524">https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info</a>

Why Fresh Coat Painters Is a Perfect Franchise Fit for Veterans

1851 Franchise

There's a unique alignment between the discipline, teamwork,and leadership instilled in military personnel and the attributes required for successful franchising.

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

why-fresh-coat-painters-is-a-perfect-franchise-fit-for-veterans

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

After a career of more than 20 years in sales and staffing,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-nelson-1092a12a">Kimberly Nelson</a> decided to pursue a pivot and began exploring franchise opportunities. Now, she owns&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/alamo-heights/">Fresh Coat Painters of Alamo Heights</a> and is working to build generational wealth and a family legacy.“I’ve always wanted to do something for myself that I could build for the next generation,” Nelson said. “Growing up in a family business, with my mom owning an art gallery, I always had a creative drive, but I also wanted to make a tangible impact. Franchising felt like the best way to combine my experience and ambitions.”<h2>The Transition to Entrepreneurship</h2>Growing up in a family of “very capable women” and watching her mother run art galleries for nearly three decades, Nelson said she felt the common fears associated with business ownership but always knew, deep down, that she could succeed.“I think, when you’re starting your own business, there are always going to be fears… The financial fears and the question of whether you’re going to know what you’re doing,” she said. “For me, I knew I could really run a business for myself. And I always felt like I could because my mother did it. Most of my life, she was a single mom, and I saw how hard she worked.”“I didn’t have fear around whether I’d be able to do it, but I didn’t want to feel like I was a financial drain on my family,” she continued. “Thankfully, my husband has supported us until I reached cash-flow positive, and that phase of the journey was short-lived.”Even stepping into business ownership in a largely male-dominated field, as a woman, didn’t necessarily intimidate Nelson. Rather, she took the challenge head-on and focused on her own strengths and priorities.<h2>Leading as a Woman Business Owner in the Home Services Space</h2>As she has settled into franchise ownership, Nelson has leaned into the unique strengths she brings as a female entrepreneur. While the painting industry is historically male-dominated, many customers appreciate the unique perspective a woman brings to the table.“This business is actually kind of made for a woman to succeed. I think some women think, ‘Trades — oh, that’s not for me,’ but it’s really not true,” Nelson said. “People often consider women to be more particular and more meticulous, and women are great at building relationships. Whether it’s bringing in new clients or creating strong relationships with existing ones that will lead to referrals, I think women are naturally geared to recognize and nurture those opportunities.”Nelson also pointed out that, often, women are the ones bringing&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat</a> into the homes to do the project, and they’re the ones at home when the painters come. In fact, research shows women drive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/19/188975.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">70–80% of all consumer purchasing decisions</a>, making them a powerful force behind the home improvement choices families make.Nelson has a painter who is a woman, and many people specifically request her because it puts them at ease to have another woman in the home. No matter which team is on-site, though, Nelson is always sure to show up on the first day of a project to ensure everything gets off to a smooth start, and she’s easily accessible throughout the course of the project should a client want to call her and ask her to stop by.<h2>The Responsibility and Fulfillment of Ownership</h2>As she has grown the business, Nelson remains acutely aware of the reach and impact she has as an owner.“I hire painters. I have one of my daughters working for me. So one of the things that’s always in the back of my mind is that I have to do my best,” she said. “Not that I wouldn’t, but I have to do even better because I have a lot of people counting on me. Kind of like when you’re raising kids… There are a lot of people counting on you, and you have to think of them before thinking of yourself.”As a mom and stepmom to five kids, this approach is both familiar and fulfilling to Nelson. She has seen her children grow up, go off to college and start careers, and now, while she’s still their mother, they need her less.“Day-to-day, this is my new baby,” she said. “<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> is my child right now! That’s how I’ve treated it in my heart and mind, too. I nurture it all the time. Thankfully, I’m at a point in life where my kids are pretty self-sufficient, so it’s a good time in my life to have a business.”While Nelson recognizes the responsibility of franchise ownership, she’s just as quick to discuss the rewards.“If I’m going to have my own business, I’ve got to have fun with it, and I have fun with this,” she said. “You’ve got to make your own mark with it, and this just made sense to me because I like people, I like to beautify spaces, and I love to see things changed in a home or business. Before I found Fresh Coat, I didn’t know that owning a painting company was my passion, but it has become that. It’s fun; it excites me.”Looking toward the future, Nelson knows that her work with Fresh Coat today is setting the stage for a great opportunity for her family. With one daughter currently working in the business, and another who will soon graduate from college and has shown interest in joining the business, Fresh Coat Painters of Alamo Heights is only expanding its reach as a family-owned, women-led business.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;

Photo of Fresh Coat franchise owner Kimberly Nelson

After over two decades in the corporate world, Nelson is leveraging her unique perspective to grow her painting franchise, leading in a new way and creating a lasting family legacy.

How Kimberly Nelson Is Painting a Path for the Next Generation of Women in Home Services With Fresh Coat Painters

woman-led-franchise-success

Transitioning from a steady corporate role to franchise ownership can feel like a big leap. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandler-register-5326a5150">Chandler Register</a>, a former Sherwin-Williams manager and current owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/cumming/">Fresh Coat Painters of Alpharetta and Cumming</a>, it was a calculated risk. Before becoming a franchise owner, Register experienced the strict demands of corporate roles, especially in one of Sherwin-Williams’ top-performing markets.“Sherwin-Williams managers in Atlanta are committed to working 48 hours per week, so it’s essentially a six-day-a-week job,” Register said. “You’re kind of stuck in the store, which I didn’t love. I like to go out and talk with people.”<h2>Expertise and Connection Built In-Store</h2>However, these 48 weekly hours spent in the store did allow Register to make meaningful connections, one of which ultimately led to the&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat</a> pivot. He was approached by the previous owner of the Cumming territory, who was looking to transition out. Having seen the business from the supplier side, he was curious. And after spending some time with the previous owner, experiencing the day-to-day demands firsthand, Register saw the transition as a calculated risk that he was ready to take.“I already had a leg up because&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> is a partner of Sherwin-Williams; we really only use Sherwin-Williams products,” he said. “I could talk for days about what one product does versus the other, and I knew the ins and outs of the products. That, combined with my management experience, made me confident.”Register officially took over the Fresh Coat operation a couple of years ago, and he has grown steadily ever since.As he has expanded, Register has begun to build his team, making his first hire last spring. Coincidentally, this person was also in a managerial role at Sherwin-Williams before transitioning to Fresh Coat.&nbsp;“I probably sped up the onboarding process by about double the time by choosing someone who already had the knowledge of the paints,” Register said. “I didn’t have to teach him that, which was a huge benefit for sure.”<h2>The Flexibility of Franchise Ownership</h2>While existing product knowledge has served Register well, another key motivator for the transition was the autonomy that comes with being his own boss. After years of strict corporate schedules and experience at a desk job before Sherwin-Williams, Register was ready for a lifestyle shift.The shift from a mandatory 48-hour work week to the ability to set his own schedule and create flexibility throughout the week was a major benefit for Register, but the leadership autonomy that business ownership provided was another key perk.“My two biggest things are probably setting your own schedule and the freedom to do what you want with your products and business,” Register said. “You don’t have people over you saying, ‘That’s a great idea, but we can’t do it because of X, Y and Z.’ You’re your own boss. Obviously, Fresh Coat has guidelines that you have to abide by, but the freedom in general is great. Not just from a time aspect, but decision-making, too.”<h2>Scaling Toward the Future</h2>Since taking over the business, Register has seen consistent year-over-year growth. Starting as an owner-operator in his first year, Register added an estimator and nearly doubled revenue in the second year. Now, he’s focused on a long-term plan to reach $1.5 to $2 million in annual revenue, leveraging opportunities with larger commercial projects to draw in additional revenue.“We always have a consistent plan to grow, and we’ve grown every single year,” he said. “We’re already off to a pretty good start.”Looking toward the future, Register remains optimistic, highlighting the resiliency of the industry. Unlike industries and corporate roles that may be drastically impacted by accelerated innovation timelines and the use of artificial intelligence, the painting industry remains human-centric and quite stable.“Painting is recession-proof in that it’s something that always needs to be done,” he said. “It’s not something I see getting taken over by AI. You’re always going to have someone who needs to apply the paint. With painting in general, the only thing that will happen is technology will continue to enhance the process, not take it over.”For others looking to make the leap to business ownership with a high-performing, recession-resistant model, Register highlights that growth requires stepping away from total security. While the risk is real, the reward of ownership and freedom is, too.“It seems scary at first. There may be times where your account might not be where you want it to be because of an unexpected snowstorm, for example,” he said. “It’s just one of those things where you have to find solutions. When you can get through hiccups like that, it’s a pretty successful model. So, take the calculated risk.”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;

Photo of Fresh Coat franchisee Chandler Register

After one of Chandler Register’s regular customers mentioned he was looking to exit his painting franchise, Register took a “calculated risk” and has seen steady business growth since.

Former Sherwin-Williams Manager Transitions to Entrepreneurship With Fresh Coat Franchise

franchise-success-sherwin-williams

For nearly a decade,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-luttrell-00299326/">David Luttrell</a> served as a production manager of a custom apparel company, watching the organization grow from a single garage to three production facilities. While the growth was fulfilling, he found himself looking for something more and ultimately came to invest in&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the national painting franchise.“I like having some kind of stake and ownership in the decision-making process,” he said. “I just got tired of working in that business and wanted to do something different.”Though he had a strong background in graphic design, art and production management, he ended up finding his way to the home services space through careful due diligence during his franchise selection process.<h2>A Top-Down, Bottom-Up Approach</h2>When Luttrell began researching potential franchise opportunities, he didn’t just look at the numbers. While those were important, he did a thorough analysis of each company he vetted, using what he calls a “top-down, bottom-up” approach.“Look at how the process is from the top down,” he said. “What are the processes? What are the structures that corporate provides? Do they have national branding? Do they have systems and formulas?”Once the corporate structure is clear, he said, it’s time to change your perspective. “Look at it from the bottom up,” he said. “Where do I find my laborers? Where do I find my crew? Am I the one that’s actually going to be painting?”From there, once the business model has been evaluated from both angles, Luttrell recommends looking deeper into what your specific role will look like.<h2>Am I Buying a Business or a Job?</h2>One of Luttrell’s biggest hesitations early on, and one his partner shared, was the fear of buying a job rather than a true business. He did not want to spend his days climbing ladders; he was interested in an investment that would position him to lead and scale.&nbsp;A piece of advice that he received during the validation process lent some clarity. An existing owner said, “Look, if you’re painting, there’s a problem. You’re a business owner, not a painter.”This distinction, combined with the additional support the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> model would offer, was a deciding factor in choosing Fresh Coat over an independent business venture. The more he learned about Fresh Coat, the more he realized the support offered by the franchisor would decrease the learning curve and provide a stronger foundation than “just buying a white van and slapping ‘Dave’s Painting’ on the side of it.”Fresh Coat’s support system was especially vital as Luttrell began expanding into the commercial space. While residential projects present great opportunities, especially during the “busy season,” commercial partnerships provide larger ticket sizes, economies of scale and additional stability in the residential off-season.<h2>The Human Element of Fresh Coat</h2>While support systems and a clear pathway to scale are crucial to long-term success, Luttrell has found additional fulfillment in the more personal, community-focused aspects of the franchise. By staying active in his local Chamber of Commerce, he’s able to keep his finger on the pulse of new developments in the area and partner with other local businesses preparing to open in the community for commercial projects.As an owner, Luttrell has also played a crucial role in transforming neighbors’ homes. For example, he completed a project for a woman who was moving into her late parents’ home. After a full renovation, the team put the finishing touch — a hand-painted piece of art by the client’s grandmother — on the project.“She got all teary,” he said. “That was probably one of the most rewarding projects. Helping other people has really been a key. I get to know people. I get to see their family, and I pet their dog … They really welcome us into their homes.”<h2>Luttrell’s Growth Trajectory and Insights for Others Considering a Similar Pathway</h2>For Luttrell, the transition to Fresh Coat has been a lateral move financially, but it has provided a major lift in quality of life. He controls the workflow, schedule and culture, and he knows that as he works, he’s building something for himself and his community.In this vein, he encourages prospective franchisees to consider their decision carefully. Income replacement is important, but thinking long term is even better.“You’re not buying a business for next year,” he said. “You’re buying a business for five, 10 years down the road.”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;

image of David Luttrel Fresh Coat Franchisee

Former production manager David Luttrell explains how he vetted franchise systems, avoided simply buying himself a job, and found long-term potential in the Fresh Coat model.

How One Fresh Coat Franchisee Turned Production Experience Into Ownership

fresh-coat-painters-franchise-owner-advice-insights

Since launching his&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a> franchise in 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-boden-79717ba0/">Matt Boden</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/tampa">Fresh Coat Painters of Tampa</a>, has become deeply ingrained in his community. After a decades-long career in the restaurant space, Boden made the leap to franchise ownership, but he brought the hospitality spirit with him. As he has scaled, this has proven to be a valuable approach.&nbsp;“Having a business that will give you great financial backing and a chance to give back to the community is huge,” Boden said. “I want to be part of my territory and part of my community. I want this to be long-lasting; I don’t want to just be a drop in the bucket. I want to make an impact as much as possible.”&nbsp;<h2>The Mechanics of Scaling the Franchise</h2>To move from restaurants to home services and begin scaling requires clear processes and well-developed support structures.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> offers both.At launch, Boden already had big plans to add 10 to 15 team members to the organization with a longer-term goal of potentially investing in additional territories. To achieve this, Boden follows the Fresh Coat system closely, leveraging the processes that have already been proven to work and calling on support teams as necessary. Understanding and making the most of the resources available to you is crucial for growth. At the local level, Boden takes a similar approach.“Having the processes to scale and the team around you to grow to a certain level is very important,” he said. “You will never know the capabilities of your team unless you push them. As long as you're continuing to push your team in a better way and get them in a better position to help you grow, that's the only way you can scale this business.”For Boden, this “push” is about providing opportunities and consistent professional development, not overworking teams. Drawing from his years in the restaurant business, Boden takes a coaching approach to mentor employees while ensuring the quality remains consistent, even as the volume of work increases.Systems are just part of the equation, though. Boden also recognizes the crucial role the community plays in his success.<h2>The Importance of Community in Franchising</h2>While Boden is dedicated to the Fresh Coat model and coaching successful teams, he emphasizes the value of looking beyond the franchise organization to set the stage for scale. In each local community, the success of the franchise is largely supported by the residents of that very community.&nbsp;“I chose Fresh Coat because of the sense of community with other owners, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that as I grew my own business,” he said. “And having the opportunity with&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/about-us/fresh-coat-cares/">Fresh Coat Cares</a> was a huge benefit, too, because I can give back to the community and really be a part of it.”When franchisees keep this fact at the forefront of their vision from the early days, they’re naturally positioned for success.“It’s an opportunity to be invested in the community that gives you so much by purchasing paint projects,” Boden said. “We’re leaving our legacy inside our own community.”As Boden has grown, he has taken this mentality a step further, completing Fresh Coat Cares projects that benefit his fellow community members. Through networking events, Boden was connected with the&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalpcf.org/">National Pediatric Cancer Foundation</a>. As a cancer survivor himself, he connected with the team on a higher level, and they began discussing opportunities for collaboration.“We got to repaint the room of a little girl who was going through chemotherapy for almost seven years,” Boden said. “We got to see her face when she came home from school, and that big smile and then grabbing her big old teddy bear and just kind of walking in, and getting that warm feeling. Having that be a part of her life is something that's tremendous.”Boden’s commitment to philanthropy recently earned him the title of Philanthropist of the Year in Tampa Bay, which he views as just a byproduct of doing the right thing. Being celebrated for giving back is a perk, but for Boden, it all comes back to supporting those who support him: “Again, it's a chance for us to give back to the community that's so awesome that gives to us every day,” he said.While he has quantitative goals, Boden isn’t just looking to see how large the business can get. He wants to make sure that growth serves a higher purpose. By the end of his fifth year, he aims to have additional territories and established commercial teams in place, a trajectory that was shaped by both Boden’s hard work and the contributions of the Fresh Coat team, his local team members and his community members.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;

Photo of Fresh Coat team member painting window

Matt Boden, owner of Fresh Coat Painters of Tampa, emphasizes the value of team and community members in addition to the structure offered by the franchisor.

How Fresh Coat Painters Franchisees Build Their Teams and Scale Their Businesses

how-to-scale

After a combined 27 years in food service distribution, Betsy and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-carleton-aa913236/">Alan Carleton</a> were familiar with the corporate scene, but the appeal of the corporate ladder was fading. The pair had become experts at navigating the demands of fast-paced, high-stakes work, but organizational shifts left them underwhelmed.“It got to the point where we got tired of the scene,” Alan said. “New owners would come in, buy our divisions out, and promise us the world. We all know how that goes.”This frustration became the catalyst for a life-changing pivot to&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the national painting franchise with over 190 units across the country. The Carletons found&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> “by accident,” but years later, the investment has turned into both a successful business and a family legacy defined by flexibility and partnership, providing a “safety net” and security that corporate life couldn’t.<h2>A Partnership Driven by Complementary Skill Sets</h2>The transition from employees to business owners required the Carletons to take a careful look at their individual strengths. Alan, a career salesman, knew he wouldn’t do well stuck behind a desk. Betsy, however, had spent her career as a food service coordinator, mastering the logistics and data that keep a business running smoothly — all from behind a desk.While Betsy originally stayed in the corporate world for benefits and stability, as the business grew, the two began to realize how her skills would benefit Fresh Coat.“His strength is my weakness, and my weakness is his strength,” Betsy said. “I take care of all the back-end books, the scheduling, the P&amp;Ls … All the things he’s not great at. He takes care of everything on the outside: operations, managing crews and taking care of customers.”With Alan’s “sell-anything” mindset, he knew he would need Betsy’s analytical eye to ensure the business would run smoothly.“I would go sell, sell, sell, but I didn’t pay much attention to the back end,” he said. “That’s when we decided Betsy would leave her position and take a leap of faith to work as a partnership.”<h2>The ‘Corporate’ Support Without a Fully Corporate Model</h2>While the Carletons knew they would work well together, they still had some apprehension about the transition from the corporate world to business ownership. For some first-time business owners, the lack of a roadmap can be detrimental. Fresh Coat offered structure through the franchise model without the bureaucracy the Carletons were looking to leave behind.“When Alan decided to do this, it was a really struggling economy,” Betsy said. “He researched and researched, and he just kept going back to Fresh Coat because it had more support. It had structure. With us never owning a company before, it was that safety net for us, and we really caught on to it.”As they’ve grown over the course of 12 years, the Carletons have consistently engaged with the support structures Fresh Coat offers. For example, in High Performance Groups, the Carletons engage with their fellow franchisees, talk through challenges and exchange ideas.“You have the best of both worlds,” Betsy said. “You’re self-employed, but you still have that accountability. Fresh Coat has your back.”<h2>A Family Affair and Legacy of Success</h2>The freedom and flexibility that define the Carletons’ success have to do with time and financial freedom, but the pair is also proud to be building a business alongside people they trust. Fresh Coat has been the backdrop to their family life for over a decade.Their son,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-carleton-4aa88ab9/">Josh</a>, has been a part of the journey since the very beginning. When Alan and Betsy launched Fresh Coat, Josh was in high school, and he was able to join the team through a work-study program. With this, he worked alongside painting teams to learn the trade, and he began to understand the craftsmanship and attention to detail necessary to deliver Fresh Coat-level quality. Now, he has grown into the role of project manager and represents the future of the family business.The family atmosphere in&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/buford/">Fresh Coat Painters of Buford</a> extends beyond blood relatives to long-standing professional relationships and community members. For example, Alan’s former manager from the corporate world joined the family franchise nearly a decade ago, and he’s now the sales manager.“Our sales manager used to be my sales manager in corporate America,” Alan said. “He hired me, and now he works for us. He’s been with us for about nine years, and we just let him do his thing because he’s like family. So, when I say it’s a family affair, I mean it’s a family affair. He’s a very big part of this.”By bringing people who share their values and work ethic into the fold, the Carletons have created a business culture and environment that feels truly personal. This level of trust allows Alan and Betsy to take a step back from the day-to-day grind of the business and rest assured that the operation they’ve built is in good hands.This structure has both fueled growth and provided emotional fulfillment that was missing in the corporate world, turning a business venture into a long-lasting legacy.“It has been a great ride,” Alan said. “It has given us a lifestyle that we were never able to have before. You have some ups and you have some downs, but overall, it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.”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;

Photo of Alan and Betsy Carleton, Fresh Coat Painters logo

Alan and Betsy Carleton traded the uncertainty of their corporate food service careers for a painting franchise that allowed them to prioritize partnership and a long-term family legacy.

How This Family Left the Corporate World to Find Freedom and Flexibility With a Fresh Coat Franchise

franchise-success-story-carleton

<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the 190+ unit residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, is aiming high this calendar year, targeting 200 franchise territories by the end of 2026. With a seasoned team guiding franchisees and a renewed focus on coaching, the brand aims to deepen support for local franchise owners while positioning itself for growth and stronger franchisee profitability.The groundwork was actually laid in 2025 as&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a> developed connections throughout a variety of sectors, including restaurants, schools, grocery stores and storage facilities. Such efforts were designed to broaden brand reach while creating additional opportunities for franchise owners.&nbsp;“We were able to see growth both in the number of territories and in the growth of the volume of our owners. So,&nbsp;we’re very optimistic about 2026,” said Fresh Coat Painters Brand President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hudson-80317444/">Lisa Hudson</a>. “We’ve been intentionally preparing our owners to invest in additional marketing and enter the first quarter with momentum, positioning them for a strong year ahead.”<h2>Empowering Franchise Owners</h2>A key component of Fresh Coat’s 2026 vision is helping franchisees sharpen leadership skills. At&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat’s</a> upcoming “Profit Rodeo” national convention this February in Nashville, workshops and expert-led sessions will focus on business planning, better management of P&amp;L statements and general operational efficiency, delivering elevated coaching support to franchise owners.“A core part of our vision is helping owners actively grow and strengthen their businesses,” Hudson said. “That focus extends beyond the national conference and carries through to the bi-weekly coaching calls our team holds with owners. Many franchisees may not have prior experience running a business or working directly with P&amp;L statements, which is why we’re placing greater emphasis on financial education moving forward, ensuring owners are confident, capable operators who achieve the profitability they’re aiming for.”<h2>Market Highlights and Opportunities</h2>Fresh Coat continues to see strong growth in Texas and Florida, where favorable climates support operations taking place year-round. Dallas, in particular, is open for new franchisees, while the East Coast, California, Denver and the Midwest remain strong markets as well. Florida’s peak season also complements northern markets, allowing franchisees to serve customers migrating south during the winter months.<h2>Technology and Support Systems</h2>Fresh Coat Painters uses its own technology platform, updates it each year and is taking a measured look at AI tools that could improve communication, support and day-to-day efficiency. But, while technology is an important tool, it’s ultimately the people behind the systems that set Fresh Coat Painters apart.&nbsp;“We’re excited that we should hit 200 territories, which is a huge milestone. We laid a lot of groundwork in 2025,” Hudson said. “We have a very seasoned team that’s consistently with our owners on the journey. We don’t bring someone in and just leave them. That’s something I’m really proud of.&nbsp;It sets us apart from some other brands.”As Fresh Coat Painters moves into 2026, the combination of strategic territorial growth, expanded commercial opportunities and even stronger support of local franchisees positions the brand to strengthen operations while delivering local owners a properly-supported business model that’s both profitable and sustainable.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>.

Fresh Coat Painters Brand President Lisa Hudson outlines the growth plans, commercial opportunities and enhanced coaching that can help local franchise owners boost profitability.

Why Fresh Coat Painters Is a Perfect Franchise Fit for Veterans

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS