Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) May 23, 2012

Fresh Coat Painters is bringing its professional services to Chicagos North Shore with the launch of Fred Alsens franchise to serve Winnetka, Evanston, Northbrook, Highland Park and their surrounding communities.

For Alsen, the franchise proved to be the ideal complement to his already successful interior design business. Indeed, he said, it seemed the Universe presented Fresh Coat to him.

I was interested in finding a business that would provide me with cash flow and a steady income that would not require me to learn a whole new set of skills or pull me away from the clients who have come to depend on me, he said. Suddenly it seemed like every time I looked at Facebook or LinkedIn or virtually anywhere else, the Fresh Coat name would just pop up. I didnt go looking for it; it seemed to find me.

Everything truly came together when Alsen met Dan Craig, a third-generation painter who was considering starting his own business. Now, Craig serves as Alsens senior project manager.

His grandfather, father and uncle are all painters, Alsen said. And Dan has mastered those skills. He wasnt really interested in the business side of things, yet he knew hed have to learn it. But painting is his passion. He likes to paint, and hes extremely good at it. I like the business side of things, and as for painting, I understand it, but I dont have the patience to be any good at it. Its an art to paint and to do it right. Im glad to be in a position to allow wonderful painters to do what they do best.

Bernie Brozek, president of Fresh Coat Painters, said such situations are common.

Weve found that many painters appreciate our business model because they can focus on the painting without having to deal with sales and marketing. And, most importantly, our clients benefit, too, he said. Our structure is such that owners promote and grow their businesses while the client service managers and experienced painters complete quality work on time and on budget. And all those people work for the same company, so clients know theyll get the best expertise all along the way.

That level of professionalism was pivotal to Alsens decision to buy his franchise.

I love that we use only employees, never subcontractors, Alsen said. Throughout my career Ive been on jobs where subcontractors were used, and its not always a good situation. Clients dont necessarily know whos in their house. Fresh Coat gets that its about client service, being friendly, listening, and being flexible to address each clients needs. I know that starting a business often involves a long process to make it work. With Fresh Coat, I felt all the elements were already in place to make it work.

Brozek said that helping owners succeed is of paramount importance to the company. Fred comes to us with extensive business experience, so our goal is to enhance that knowledge and support him with top-notch marketing, training and resource materials.

Alsen appreciated that solid foundation.

We have so much competition in this area, I knew that I would need to have a great business plan and a specific vision, he said. I had a great training class with people from other parts of the country. And, having access to other franchisees in the system as well as the corporate connections also helps me to feel more confident. Our consistency of service all across the franchise combined with our flexibility for our specific clients makes for a great marriage. Everyone is different, and everyone wants different things, so I feel Im part of a much larger team that ensures each client gets exactly what he or she wants. I like being part of that team.

Brozek said helping owners address the needs of clients is the basis for many of the corporate programs such as its 24/7 call center, proprietary EPIC estimating system, Paint Now-Pay Later same-as-cash financing, Automatic Touch-Up for businesses, and fund-raising opportunities for charities.

The EPIC system already has proved impressive to one client, Alsen said.

She had arranged for multiple quotes, and I was the last one of the day, he said. When I told her that I could give her a price an actual price, not an estimate before I left, she was quite impressed. That certainly adds more professionalism to the interaction.

To learn more or to arrange a free, on-site quote for residential or commercial projects in Winnetka, Evanston, Northbrook, Highland Park and their surrounding communities along the North Shore of Chicago, call Alsen at 847-999-0037 or visit http://www.freshcoatnorthshore.com.

Founded in 2004 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Fresh Coat Painters provides services for residential, commercial and governmental customers in more than 100 major cities across the United States and Canada. Fresh Coat is part of the International Franchise Association, the Small Business Associations Franchise Registry, VetFran and Minority Fran. For more information, call 866-708-9355 or visit http://www.freshcoatpaintersfranchise.com.