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James Burkhart does not believe in being second best, and the Bastrop-based entrepreneur has plans to spread his new business across Central Texas.
Burkhart started Fresh Coat Painters of Bastrop & San Marcos earlier this year. The Fresh Coat franchise is based out of Cincinnati, where he went for training in December before opening his branch.
“Anything with a brush, we can get it taken care of,” Burkhart said.
Burkhart’s work covers both home and commercial buildings, including interior and exterior projects across three counties — Bastrop, Caldwell and Hays, which Burkhart is a native of. He said his territory runs from Bastrop to Lockhart and San Marcos, and includes Elgin.
Burkhart began working for Seton Medical Center after graduating high school, climbing up to management before leaving after 15 years.
“About five years ago, I wanted something different and went out to the oil field in West Texas,” Burkhart said.
But time away from his home in Bastrop, which includes a wife and infant daughter, inspired Burkhart to look for employment options close to home, he said. This is where Fresh Coat Painters came in.
“I’m growing the company. Sales is a big part of it,” Burkhart said. “I want to keep money in my employees’ pockets.”
Burkhart said he lives by the motto of his new franchise — painting done right.
“We’re going to treat your house like it’s our own,” he said. “We’re not going to cut corners and we’ll do things right.”
Burkhart’s plans to expand his business while helping people in the process. He is currently adding on more clients.
“I have no interest in being second place. I want to have more business and more territories where it’ll run itself,” Burkhart said. “I want to keep it growing. The best part of this business is you get to help people.”
