Global Entrepreneur Builds New Business and New Life With Fresh Coat Painters

Ramiro Figueroa’s career has spanned continents, industries and ventures, from developing financial services initiatives to managing construction companies and international expansion projects in the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico and Latin America to pursuing his MBA and other post graduate degrees in the US and Switzerland. After decades of experience in global business, Ramiro sought to channel his entrepreneurial spirit into a venture that would provide stability and growth for his family in the United States. His search led him to Fresh Coat* Painters, a leading residential and commercial painting franchise, where he found a proven business model and a supportive network to help him succeed in a competitive industry.

Now based in Montgomery County, Texas, Ramiro is building a business rooted in discipline, honesty, efficiency, value added proposition, customer service and his deep knowledge and expertise of residential and commercial painting, construction, remodeling, housing development and commercial expansion.

Figueroa took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Figueroa: I’ve been in business for over 25 years. I’m originally from Mexico, but I’ve lived abroad most of my life — in the U.S., Canada and other 10 countries in Europe and Latin America, thanks to school, sports, work and business opportunities. I grew up in competitive sports, played the pro tennis tour for 3 years which led me to an athletic scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin and ran 2 tennis camps in New York & Boston. I speak four languages, English, Spanish, French and Italian, and have always been interested in cross-cultural communications and management, fostering valuable long term global business relationships and ventures.

After my tennis career, my global path took me to work in various international corporate roles, including Lloyds Bank in London, IBM in the US and Mapfre Insurance in Spain among other multinational companies. I earned my Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona, and another master’s degree in international business from the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Afterwards, I became an international business consultant, developing and establishing global expansion projects for different companies in diverse sectors and industries across the US, Europe and South America.

Eventually, I returned to Mexico to run my family’s construction holding company, which managed five businesses in civil engineering, residential and commercial development, and real estate. I’ve been in the construction sector for 20 years.

When I came to Houston, I identified the strong construction and residential development market and realized the painting business stood out as a solid and constant sector. I began searching for partnerships and franchises, ultimately finding Fresh Coat. I liked their methodology and business model, which offered me a way to learn and get established in the U.S. construction industry while understanding the local market dynamics.

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?

Figueroa: Before this, I had prior experience in franchising in 2008. I bought a sales management and business consulting franchise from a former graduate school professor and famous coaching personality, but it never took shape and eventually disappeared. Looking back I realized I bought the hype of the brand name, didn’t do enough research at the time and ended up disappointed — it wasn’t what I thought it would be. That experience taught me the importance of being methodical and extensive research when evaluating franchises and business models.

Now, I see franchising as a great way to establish a business, either for first-time or experienced business owners. It provides a structured methodology and proven business model that allows you to accelerate the learning curve and business implementation to build a foundation for growth. 

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Figueroa: I considered several franchises and narrowed it down to Fresh Coat because I liked their business model, marketing strategy and strong relationship with franchisees. Their approach aligned with my goals while leveraging their established framework to shorten the learning curve.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Figueroa: This business is both a professional and personal opportunity for me. My goal is to successfully establish my residential and commercial painting business in Montgomery County, which will allow me to grow within the regional construction industry. Eventually, I want to expand my territory to cover more of North Houston.

This is not just a business. It’s a life plan for me and my family.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Figueroa: I’ve always been driven by my global experiences and entrepreneurial spirit. My background in sports and business has instilled discipline, strong work ethic and relentless desire to grow and succeed, which I apply to everything I do.

I consider myself a very social, friendly, energetic and charismatic person and believe in the value of people, not just with my friends but also clients and other people I come across with. Always open to learn, listen, discover and explore.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Figueroa: Go for it. Franchising is a great way to start a business or diversify your income streams. Whether it’s your first, second or 100th business opportunity, the structured methodology of a franchise helps you learn how to establish and operate a business effectively.

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.