Fresh Coat

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-gallier-714147102?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=young-parents-chart-a-colorful-course-for-the-future-with-fresh-coat-painters-franchise-2725889" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jared</a> and Lauren Gallier, two new franchisees bringing the painting franchise&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a> to South Denver, have had a busy year. Not only are they gearing up for their first entrepreneurial venture, but they also recently celebrated the birth of their second daughter last summer. Fueled by the desire for more flexibility and family time, the duo are thrilled to be getting their residential and commercial painting business up and running.&nbsp; “We welcomed our second baby in August, right in the midst of this whole franchising process,” said Lauren. “Our kids are only going to be young for so long, so we wanted to dive in early. If not now — when are you going to do it? This can really change our lives and really grow into something we can put our stamp on.” Before venturing into franchising, Jared had a career in HR technology, working for various companies, including American Airlines, which led them to move to Colorado after the birth of their first child. Lauren, on the other hand, has been involved in software sales. Despite their successful careers, the Galliers yearned for the freedom and benefits of owning a business. “We were really grinding away in our 9-to-5s, but we wanted more flexibility and those perks of being our own business owners,” said Lauren. “We knew it would allow us more time to spend with family.”<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=young-parents-chart-a-colorful-course-for-the-future-with-fresh-coat-painters-franchise-2725889" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fresh Coat Painters</a> stood out to them among other franchises due to its flexible business model, which does not restrict franchisees to using subcontractors or W2 employees exclusively. Additionally, the brand's low startup costs, a dedicated division for commercial work and a supportive system from the franchisor level, including the provision of commercial leads, were key factors in their decision.Their ambition with Fresh Coat Painters is driven by a desire for financial and job security, aiming to provide a stable and enriching environment for their family. Jared and Lauren's goals extend beyond personal gain; they aspire to contribute to their community by creating jobs and potentially expanding their business to include more territories and diversify into other home services.&nbsp;1851 Franchise spoke with the Galliers to learn more about their stories, their journey to franchising and their plans for the future.&nbsp; 1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Jared: I’ve been working in HR technology. I’ve done that for several companies across various roles. I used to work for American Airlines, for example. My wife and I met in Texas and got married there. After the birth of our first child, we decided to move to Colorado.Lauren: I’m in software sales. We were really grinding away in our 9-to-5s, but we really wanted the flexibility and perks of being our own business owners. We knew it would allow us more time to spend with family.&nbsp; 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?Lauren: Starting something from scratch was never in the cards for us. We had looked at buying a business outright, but because neither of us had owned a business in the past, we knew franchising was the right way to go. You get that experience behind you. You can dip your toes in the water with proven processes that work.&nbsp; Jared: We were looking at businesses that were for sale and were connected to a different franchise. After that, we started learning more about the model and it put franchising on our radar. You are really getting a headstart. In my opinion, it is a step above starting your own business from scratch.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Jared: We started doing research and we realized there were a ton of options out there. We narrowed it down from home services into painting, and then narrowed it down to two or three different companies.&nbsp; After weighing the options, Fresh Coat had the strongest business model — they don’t pigeonhole you into only using subcontractors or W2 employees. You have flexibility with your workforce. Also, the start-up costs were lower than the competitors. They were also the only franchise that I spoke to with a specific division at the franchisor level related to commercial work. They have a built-in process to go after commercial accounts and they provide those leads to you.&nbsp; At the franchisor level, they also have a ton of experience with painting and the franchising industry. The support system was a step above the rest.Lauren:&nbsp;The simplicity of the model also appealed to us. They weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel. The most successful franchises are the ones that are doing something that everyone needs really well. We thought there was an opportunity in our community to stand out both in residential and commercial painting. In a state like Colorado, Fresh Coat can really fill a big gap. 1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Jared: It's all about financial security and job security. We started this with the intention of Lauren getting out of the workforce to be a stay-at-home mom with our two girls. Long-term, we want to grow the business and provide jobs for the community. This is something that we can build together as a family, and hopefully expand to even more territories down the road.&nbsp;Lauren:&nbsp;This is really just the beginning. Growth is the name of the game, and we hope to expand into other home service verticals as well.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Lauren: We welcomed our second baby in August, right in the midst of this whole franchising process. Our kids are only going to be young for so long, so we wanted to dive in early. If not now — when are you going to do it? This can really change our lives and really grow into something we can put our stamp on. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of this to dive in. There is no time like the present.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Lauren: For young people who want to start, it doesn’t have to be a huge capital investment. It is more about taking a leap of faith. That is what holds a lot of people back.&nbsp; 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>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. &nbsp;

Fresh Coat Painters Franchise in South Denver, Colorado

1851 Franchise

Jared and Lauren Gallier, who recently celebrated the birth of their second daughter, are opening the painting business in pursuit of more flexibility and family time.

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

Young Parents Chart a Colorful Course for the Future with Fresh Coat Painters Franchise

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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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1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of James Burkhart and Fresh Coat Painters

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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

Young Parents Chart a Colorful Course for the Future with Fresh Coat Painters Franchise

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