Feb 24 2011
Little Rock, Ark., natives Chris and Julie Wilkins officially will launch their new Fresh Coat Painting franchise this weekend during the 57th Annual Home Show sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock.
For Chris Wilkins, 37, Fresh Coat is a continuation of his entrepreneurial endeavors, as he already co-owns another business and is looking forward to building a successful business with his wife.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to work together toward mutual goals,” he said. “We both want to be free and independent of having to work for someone else.”
Self-employment was a natural for Chris, as he held “all kinds of jobs” from high school through college and beyond. Among them were telemarketing, restaurant work, factory work, printing, cold-calling, sales, and air-conditioning/heating. He started his own business, also a franchise, in 2007 doing auto detailing work.
Julie Wilkins, 36, came to the decision to buy her own business after years of working as a nurse – first as a traveling nurse throughout the country filling in where there were nursing shortages and now working as an oncology nurse.
As the mother of two, ages 2 and 3, she wanted more control over her time and the opportunity to build something that would last for years to come.
“Chris and I were looking for something to start and create together,” she said. “We wanted something we could hand down to them. We’re making a legacy for them.”
The Wilkinses knew they wanted to buy a franchise, Chris said, because the business plan is “all thought out.” However, they evaluated at least 10 to 12 different franchise companies before deciding to go with Fresh Coat Painting.
“We were looking for low start-up and low overhead,” Chris said, noting that Fresh Coat also allowed for them to start operations with an office inside their home. “After meeting with the team and learning more about the organization, we thought it was a no-brainer.”
Indeed, the support they have received thus far and will continue to receive as their business grows is the main reason they chose Fresh Coat, he said.
“Other companies just throw all this stuff at you and take your money,” Chris said. “At Fresh Coat, everybody is there to help, and Greg (Platz) is very hands-on in making us successful.”
Platz, operations manager for Fresh Coat, said that helping franchisees succeed is a company imperative. Part of that directive is offering them assistance through several client assistance programs such as the Paint Now-Pay Later financing program and the Automatic Touch-Up program for business owners.
Both Chris and Julie say they are “excited” to be starting their company. Julie plans to continue her work as a nurse, doing the books and assisting with managing the new business, eventually transitioning into more of the operations.
Chris will promote his new business, making contacts and hiring personnel. And, as is the principle established by Fresh Coat, he won’t be doing any painting.
He’s fine with that, he said, because the only painting he has ever done has been in his own home.
“I’m not a painter. I know how to do it, but I AM NOT a painter,” he said with a chuckle, noting he will direct a team of professionals, including his customer service managers who supervise experienced painters.
Professionalism and service are the keys to success, he said, adding that he knows he’ll face competition in the Little Rock area.
“But there’s so much room for a good painting company,” he said. “Even though we’re new to the market, Fresh Coat has a great reputation, and we’re happy to be part of the organization.”
Source: http://www.freshcoatpainters.com/