A decade into owning my franchise, I’ve scaled it into a multi-million-dollar business while supporting both my community and the national community of Fresh Coat franchisees.
When I started my Fresh Coat Painters franchise a decade ago, I was interested in breaking free from the traditional nine-to-five, but I realized that business ownership also offered something deeper. I wanted independence. Having witnessed my grandmothers’ dependence on the men in their lives and having watched my mother begin to break this pattern for me, I wanted to carry that on.
My mother wasn’t an entrepreneur, but I saw the effort she put forth to earn what she did without a formal education. She worked very hard to be able to help me go to school, and I wanted to make something out of that. As a woman, I didn’t want to be dependent on anyone else to provide my way of life, and that went so far as not wanting to work for another person or company as a way to provide for myself.
So, when I began to feel burnt out after 11 years in accounting, sitting behind a desk and crunching numbers with minimal human interaction, the franchise model appealed to me. It was an opportunity to pursue that independence, but it also appealed to my risk-averse nature. I’m a numbers person, so I loved the idea of having a structured system to follow.
Entering the male-dominated painting industry as a woman entrepreneur had its challenges, but I also came to realize that it came with unique advantages, too. One of the greatest strengths I continue to leverage in my business is my attention to detail, and I’ve learned that bringing more women onto the team has further strengthened our attention to detail and ability to serve our clients. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that many people will actually call us because they see me as the face of the business. They’re excited to work with a woman-owned local business.
Navigating these dynamics while growing the business has been an interesting journey. We follow the rule of threes to understand when and how to grow: we should be able to answer calls within three rings, provide quotes within three days and start projects within three weeks. If we don’t have the capacity to do this, it’s time to bring on more team members. This framework has guided our scaling decisions and supported my growth to where I am today with three estimators and multiple crews to maintain the highest quality standards.
When we take the step to hire an estimator, I focus intently on training them on our culture and making sure they’re a great fit. When people call me for an estimate, then hear that I’m sending out a male estimator when they see us as a woman-owned business, I often have to reach out and manage expectations, communicating, “This estimator has been with me for three years. I know who I’m sending, and you can completely trust them to represent us and be safe in your home.”
Through intentional growth, I’ve been able to scale the business from $300,000 to $2.8 million, and I hope to hit $3 million this year. In addition to the fulfillment and pride I feel regarding building this business for myself, Fresh Coat has also allowed me to have an even bigger impact than I initially expected. One especially rewarding aspect of the business is the way that I’ve been able to provide stable employment for painters who previously struggled with job security. Many lived paycheck to paycheck, constantly searching for their next project. Now, they can focus on their craft while we handle the business side; it benefits everyone. Seeing their appreciation for the respect we show them and the stability Fresh Coat offers has been very fulfilling.
I’ve also been able to widen my reach, impacting others throughout my local community and the Fresh Coat franchise system. Our Fresh Coat Cares projects have become some of the most meaningful aspects of my entrepreneurial journey, allowing me to partner with local organizations that support families in need.
One of our most impactful partnerships has been with CC4C, an organization that supports families navigating the challenges of rare and undiagnosed diseases in children. Working with these families through Fresh Coat Cares has shown me just how meaningful a seemingly simple change in environment can be. During difficult times, transforming a child’s bedroom with fresh paint can bring some much-needed joy. We’ve also focused on painting rooms for siblings of these children with serious medical conditions, who often feel overlooked as the family focuses on supporting the ill child through treatment.
Beyond my own community, I’ve been able to have an impact on franchise owners across the country through my involvement with Fresh Coat’s Franchise Advisory Council. As a part of the FAC, I help represent fellow franchise owners’ perspectives and concerns, working in conjunction with the franchisor to support the continued growth of the system in a way that benefits everyone. It’s a two-way communication street; we provide feedback on potential roadblocks or challenges while gaining insight into the franchisor’s strategic direction. Representing my fellow owners in this environment ensures we all have a seat at the table during these conversations.
My journey with Fresh Coat has shown me just how powerful the franchise model can be. It’s not just about financial growth — though we’ve certainly seen that — but about the impact we’ve made along the way. From supporting families to giving back to our community, I’ve seen firsthand how a thriving business can uplift others. And as a woman in business, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved by staying focused, working hard and believing in what’s possible.