Local Paint Expert Launches His Own Painting Business After 16 Years in the Industry

Joe Martinta worked for other painting companies for over 16 years. After working his way up the corporate ladder, he realized that he could be putting his painting industry knowledge to use by opening his own business. On September 1, Martinta officially opened the Cyprus and Northwest Houston locations of Fresh Coat* Painters.

Martinta is looking forward to reentering the market that he knew well as a project manager for other companies. He already has plans to grow his business to create more jobs in the community. Martinta is looking forward to bringing a premium paint service to the Cyprus and Northwest Houston areas.

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

Joe Martinta: I’ve been in the painting industry for over 16 years. I worked as a salesperson and a project manager for other painting companies. I was on a path to becoming a general manager at the other companies, but I realized that the work I would be doing as a GM was something I could do for myself. That’s when I began thinking about business ownership. Owning a franchise just made sense to me. With a franchise, I would be getting the brand recognition I wouldn’t have by opening a painting business on my own. The background support and business model paired with my experience in the industry are a perfect combination.

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?

Martinta: I had the perception that franchising would make business ownership a bit easier, especially in the beginning. You have to overcome many hurdles as a business owner, and with a franchise, I don’t have to go through that alone. You feel more secure while launching your business.

1851: What makes you stand out as business owners in your local community?

Martinta: I think that my experience in the industry will stand out. Many businesses don’t have that level of experience going into an industry. I also think that the level of service we provide is unmatched. I know that my team will go above and beyond on every project.

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

Martinta: I used to work for a competitor of Fresh Coat. They were actually my biggest competitor. I knew the market share that Fresh Coat held and how fast they were growing compared to other businesses. I’m most excited to be a part of that growth and be a business owner. I’m hitting the ground running.

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

Martinta: Right now, I’m running the office and management side of the business by myself. In the next year or two, I want to grow enough to hire an estimator and a project manager, as well as more painters.

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

Martinta: I’m a very tenacious person. I believe that there is no failure until you just stop trying. I try to be the best at anything I do, and I run my business with that mindset. Because I’m so meticulous in everything I do, I make sure that every project we take on is completed to the high standards we set for ourselves.

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

Martinta: Do your research on the market that you are going into. Make sure the market has the clients you are looking for and know how to market yourself to those people.