Fresh Coat

In industries traditionally dominated by men, women are breaking barriers, proving that leadership, innovation and success are without bounds. The home services sector is a prime space for women looking to do just this, and&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=women-lead-the-charge-2727400" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the 170-plus-unit painting franchise, is transforming how women can thrive as business owners.As the demand for professional painting services continues to grow,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat</a> is empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs, including a rising number of women who are running successful businesses and reshaping what it means to be successful owners in a traditionally male field.<h3>Turning Passion Into Profit</h3>After 20 years of steady work in the insurance industry,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-burgh-47a32117a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=women-lead-the-charge-2727400" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jennifer Burgh</a> began looking for her next opportunity. As she contemplated, she weighed the risk of staying complacent with the risk of doing something new, all the while consistently visiting her daughter in Arizona. During one trip, Burgh dove into the in-flight reading materials and found herself in a franchise deep dive.“I thought, ‘I have money. I can buy a business,’” she said. “I was looking at ads and ended up tearing a page out and taking it home. I put it in my nightstand to look into later and quickly got in touch with some franchise professionals.”After exploring several options in the home services space, Burgh found her way to Fresh Coat. She met with the leadership team, reaffirmed her interest in the business and launched&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/monrovia/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=women-lead-the-charge-2727400" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat of Monrovia</a> in 2019. Over the past five years, Burgh has noted the satisfaction she finds in completing projects. In the insurance world, the sales cycle can feel never-ending as teams are consistently prepping for next year’s coverage. With Fresh Coat, she can close a deal, complete the project and admire the work.“With this, you go in and — no matter how big or small the project is — you get it done,” Burgh said. “Not only are you accomplished, but people are happy and you can move on to the next project that will make more people happy. That’s a great feeling.”As she has grown her business, Burgh has become an important part of her community, contributing to annual charitable events and taking part in major projects with national brands.“We recently completed a project in a large Harley Davidson dealership,” she said. “Harley Davidson has rebranded themselves with new logos and color schemes, and we recently completed a third phase of the interior of the 30,000 square-foot building. Given the logistics of doing such a large building and the pride associated with working with such an iconic brand, this has definitely been one of my biggest accomplishments as an entrepreneur.”<h3>A Leap of Faith and New Career</h3>Fresh Coat gave Mandy Mundh, who had no prior business ownership experience, an opportunity to support her family’s dreams while building a new, exciting career of her own.Mundh is from Toronto. During the pandemic, her contract as a project manager came to an end, and her husband was working in insurance, which he could do from almost anywhere.“It was January of 2022, and I remember my husband came home one day and said, ‘What about moving to Florida?’” Mundh said. “This was something we’d always wanted to do. We wanted to move from Toronto, but we never really took that risk because we didn’t know if we would be able to get a job or what would happen. We used to dream big. Our kids were young and adaptable, so without hesitation, I said, ‘We have nothing to lose. Let’s see if we can get the visa to go to Florida.’” Mundh explained that, at the time, she was completely fine with staying in Toronto if the visa did not come through, but the E-2 visa was a viable option for entrepreneurs. Through their research, Mundh and her husband found Fresh Coat and began the process to invest and relocate.&nbsp;Two years ago, the family moved to the Tampa area, and Mundh launched her&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/brandon-valrico/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=women-lead-the-charge-2727400" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">woman-owned Fresh Coat franchise</a>. As she has grown, Mundh said she has seen just how grateful clients are to work with a friendly, communicative business owner, and she is largely fueled by the positive feedback she receives as proof that she is making a real impact in the community.“Right now, I still consider myself new in the game, but when clients are happy with their results and even leave really heartfelt reviews, it’s like a breath of fresh air,” she said. “It’s really nice to know that my clients are happy because that’s my passion. I want them to be 100% satisfied with their home, and to know we’ve delivered on that satisfies my soul.”For anyone looking to take a similar leap, Mundh says to face your fears.“Before we even thought of coming to Florida, I was wondering if I would be a stay-at-home mom forever or what I would do with my life. Thinking of moving to Florida, away from all of my friends and family in Toronto, to open this business — I was very scared,” she said. “It was hard, but knowing that my kids look at me and know I’m a businesswoman, and that my clients are happy … It just makes me want to do it 10 times over. Face your fears! It’s hard, but you can make it happen.”<h3>Connecting More Deeply With the Community</h3>A numbers person,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ross-2646323/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=women-lead-the-charge-2727400" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sarah Ross</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/sw-austin/about-us/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=women-lead-the-charge-2727400" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat of Southwest Austin</a>, understood quite clearly that franchising could be a great fit for her when she began considering options beyond the corporate world.“I got burnt out sitting behind a desk. I needed to do something else, but it had to be something with flexibility,” Ross said. “I wanted to get out into the community and see others rather than just working with numbers all day long. I wanted to own my own business, but I was risk averse. I’m a numbers person, and I knew I’d need coaching on all the other aspects of the business. That’s why I started looking at franchising.”Ross said although she knew painting was a male-dominated industry, Fresh Coat seemed like a fit.“It felt like a process I could manage,” she said. “It is a male-dominated industry, but I feel like it can attract women because of our attention to detail. Sometimes you’ll see a little bit of shock when a woman shows up to the job, But I can use my attention to detail, reliability and strong communication to stand out.”In addition to connecting with the community through high-quality service, Ross has also found unexpected fulfillment in the ability to employ painting teams.“The biggest rewarding point that I didn't expect was the ability to employ others,” she said. “I knew that was the model with Fresh Coat, but I didn’t realize how much some painters struggle. My teams are thankful that I can keep them busy and they’re not out trying to sell the next project every time something winds down. They’re skilled at what they do, and they just want to be respected, be busy and do their trade.”Looking toward the future, Ross continues to stay involved in the community, both within her business and beyond it noting, “My upcoming goal is to hit $3 million. I want to push for my teams to achieve that.<h3>A Strong Opportunity in a High-Demand Industry</h3><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-this-canadian-is-following-the-american-dream-with-her-new-fresh-coat-painting-franchise-in-sarasota-florida-2723152#stories">Amy Wasserman</a>, who owns&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/siesta-key/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=women-lead-the-charge-2727400" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat of Sarasota, Florida</a>, felt a strong connection to the brand and its values shortly after she learned of it. While Wasserman had prior experience renovating her own home in Canada and experience in a family-owned company that did some painting, it was never her primary focus.“After COVID, I realized that the home services industry was full of those essential services that people always need. There’s always going to be a need for painting, no matter what happens in the economy,” Wasserman said. “That was part of what made me want to own a painting company. When I came across Fresh Coat, I really connected with the brand and what it stands for. Everything about the high levels of customer service really personified who I am and my background — I’ve always been in customer service. I wanted a company that really prides itself on that as a way of doing business, and that certainly made Fresh Coat stand out.”Since launching, Wasserman has consistently grown and networked, breaking into the commercial industry and building a plan for steady ongoing growth.“I truly believe that a lot of clients actually view women owners and project managers as a valued asset in our industry,” she said. “If you believe you can do it and are willing to take the time and effort necessary to train and educate yourself, I think you can do it. Any woman can do it!”Each of these women has redefined what it means to lead, not just by growing profitable businesses but by enriching their communities and setting new standards of excellence in quality and service. As more women continue to step into leadership and ownership roles in the home services industry, their influence will continue to expand, paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs.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 Celebrates Women Owners in the System

1851 Franchise

The painting franchise has welcomed many powerful women into its system. In honor of American Business Women's Day, Fresh Coat celebrates some of its top women owners.

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

Women Lead the Charge in Fresh Coat Franchise Success

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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.

Inside a High-Performance Fresh Coat Franchise: How This Owner Built a Team To Scale

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Former McDonald’s Technology Manager Opens Fresh Coat Painters Franchise to Beautify the Klein Community

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Keys to Team Retention for Fresh Coat Painters Franchisees

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Painting a New Life: Why This Seasoned Management Leader Walked Away From the Oil Industry to Scale a Fresh Coat Painters Franchise

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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

Women Lead the Charge in Fresh Coat Franchise Success

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