In yet another example of innovative, diversified career building, Stephen Forbes went from his position as senior director of operations for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina to become the owner/operator of FreshCoat Painters. “I have always felt that most home service industries do not provide a professional level of service,” says Forbes. “People work hard for their money and want to know that, when they do invest in their homes, their money is well spent.”
As homeowners opt to remain in their homes and improve them instead of trying to sell in an bad real estate market, repainting the house, inside and out, is a way to both upgrade and add value for a future sale.
FreshCoat Painters is a national company that emerged in 2004 and now services about 100 major cities across the country. Stephen Forbes recently opened FreshCoat in the greater Upstate area. Forbes feels confident his new business will take off. “It was quite a challenge getting this company up and running. I knew that it was not going to be easy,” he says. “One thing that I am very pleased about is the quality of individuals I have hired. It is truly a pleasure watching a professional painter work. The company employs painting crews, does not outsource them or use sub contractors.”
Forbes adds, “FreshCoat brings a level of professionalism and service that is unsurpassed. The painting industry has always had a ‘fly by night’ reputation. Because of our level of quality, we attract the best painters in the area. All of our painters are U.S. citizens and go through background checks. FreshCoat also offers 12 months at 0% financing, a 24/7 call center, free estimates and firm quotes.”
Forbes goes on to say, “The thing that attracted me to this business model is that it is geared toward providing professionalism and quality at an affordable price. Our state-of-the-art estimating software makes sure we are not over/under ordering paint or padding the costs to allow for slow labor. When we give you an estimate, we will never exceed that estimate. We will leave the customer with a great experience.”
As his venture gains strength and customers, Forbes says he hopes to become the area’s leader in residential and commercial painting, “I also want this business to play a big part in helping this community by getting involved in charitable and fundraising opportunities whenever possible. I would like to team up with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity to help those who are less fortunate.”