From engineering in Houston to dabbling in real estate, Andrew Hughes has landed in Augusta with a paintbrush in his hand as the new owner of a Fresh Coat Painters franchise.
In the beginning, he followed in his father’s footsteps working in Houston’s oil and gas industries. As an engineer, Hughes designed Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that were used underwater. When Covid hit, much of that work dried up. He traveled north to Plant Vogtle in 2018 for an opportunity.
“My family and I fell in love with Augusta and in 2020, we moved back. While I enjoyed mentoring team members at Vogtle, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted long-term. I had also worked in real estate for a few years, and it taught me to listen to what clients wanted,” Hughes explained.
Earlier this year, he was able to match his skill sets with a franchise opportunity. Fresh Coat Painters started in 2004 and now has 130 franchisees. It’s part of a growing industry expected to reach $1 trillion by 2026 and even in market downturns, the demand for home and commercial painting remains high.
Hughes opened his Fresh Coat Painters of Augusta business last month. For now, he is subcontracting residential and commercial jobs, but is looking to hire permanent employees.
“It’s helpful that the Fresh Coat Painters parent company offer leads, marketing, and other resources. As for hiring employees, I give them two or three projects and if it’s a good fit for them and for me, then, I would bring them on board.”
One of those projects might include painting the bathroom in Hughes’ own home which doesn’t need it, but it’s a good starting place to determine a prospective employee’s ability.
“This business is perfect for me as far as understanding a client’s vision and listening to their needs. The process energizes me.”
Aside from providing a fresh coat of paint where it’s needed, Hughes envisions giving back to the community whenever possible. He recently sponsored Augusta’s biggest pickleball tournament. Fresh Coat Painters of Augusta is also sponsoring a Father’s Day drawing for a $500 painting project.
For more information visit their website, and Facebook page or contact Hughes at ahughes@freshcoatpainters.com or 713-814-8367.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
