Fresh Start Maintenance
A Company Driven by Perseverance, Faith, and Determination to Not Only Survive, but to Be the Best.
Fresh Start Maintenance is founded
Fresh Start Maintenance is founded by Nicholas Petrino as a modest two-man operation with a single truck and trailer, based in Lantana, Florida. Guided by a friend's company that helped him learn the ropes, Mr. Petrino launches the business in a classic "sink or swim" environment. As with any new venture in its earliest days, smooth operations are essential. Unbeknownst to him, however, a determined vandal was already watching closely — setting the stage for years of targeted attacks.
Relocation to Boynton Beach
Fresh Start Maintenance Inc. relocates to a storage yard in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Every tire slashed
Vandals sneak into the yard and slash every tire on the truck and trailer.
Break-in and stolen equipment
Burglars pried open the storage yard gate, cut the locks on the trailer, and stole a neighboring trailer before proceeding to take all of the equipment—none of which had yet been insured. The incident made headlines across major local news outlets in Palm Beach County, including CBS 12. Shortly afterward, malicious emails were sent to clients falsely claiming the company was out of business and urging them to find a new landscaping provider. Mr. Petrino immediately financed an entirely new set of equipment—despite still being obligated to cover the note on the stolen equipment—and kept the business moving forward.
The attacks turn personal
Trespassers enter Mr. Petrino's personal residence at night, slash trees, and pour a tree-killing chemical on them.
Truck sabotaged
On the first day back after the New Year's holiday, vandals infiltrated the yard and cut the wiring harness, hydraulics, and brake lines on the company's only truck, then poured brown sugar into the fuel tank. He then used emergency funds to rent a replacement truck in order to keep operations running while the damaged vehicle was under repair.
Relocation to West Palm Beach
Fresh Start Maintenance Inc. relocates to West Palm Beach, Florida.
Move to Lake Worth Beach
The company moves again—this time to Lake Worth Beach, Florida.
Two trucks set on fire
By this time, the company had grown from a single truck and trailer to a fleet of three. In the middle of the night, vandals broke into the storage yard and deliberately set fire to two of the three trucks in an apparent attempt to destroy the business entirely. Fortunately, they overlooked the third truck parked at the far end of the facility. Undeterred, Mr. Petrino refused to abandon the enterprise. Motivated by his responsibility to his family and to the families of his employees, he quickly regrouped, acquired replacement trucks, and restored operations within four days. One week later, Fresh Start Maintenance Inc. relocated to a new storage facility in Lake Worth Beach.
Converters stolen & eviction
On March 14, 2021, catalytic converters were stolen from all three trucks. That same day, the landlord issued an eviction notice, citing concerns over "bad press." The following day, a Craigslist advertisement appeared claiming the company was selling catalytic converters—an apparent attempt to undermine the credibility of the vandalism reports. A few days later, a second Craigslist advertisement stated that Mr. Petrino was selling the business, generating widespread concern among employees and clients.
The truth comes out
Faced with the suspicious and relentless nature of these attacks, Mr. Petrino carefully leaks false information to the individual he suspects. The strategy works. The person responsible for years of vandalism and theft is identified as the same friend who had originally helped him start the company. Although the evidence is insufficient for a criminal conviction, the truth is clear. After cutting all ties with the competing landscaping company, the attacks stop completely. The experience becomes a hard but lasting lesson: sometimes the person closest to you can be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
First office opens — 19 employees
Fresh Start Maintenance Inc. opens its first office location in Lake Worth Beach, Florida—a major milestone achieved with a team of 19 employees.
A new home in Palm Springs
The company relocates to a larger facility in Palm Springs, Florida, designed to support future growth in both operations and administration. This move marks the true turning point that would propel Fresh Start toward becoming an industry leader. Our Pastor, our Operations Manager, and our mentor "Storman Norman" delivered a unifying Welcome Speech.
Rapid expansion
Throughout these years, the company expands rapidly—growing from 23 employees to more than 65, with an average increase of approximately 15 team members each year. Multiple truck-and-trailer setups are added, and service offerings are significantly broadened.
Administrative personnel are hired to assist Mr. Petrino with the expansion. These key individuals not only lead the company in his absence but also ensure that continued growth is driven by calculated investments and by consistently placing employee welfare first — true to the company's founding belief that when employees are properly cared for, clients are cared for as well.
A self-sustaining leader
Fresh Start Maintenance Inc. continues to raise the bar as a leading force in South Florida. The company has expanded its service reach from Palm Beach County northward into Martin County and southward into Broward County. This year has been defined by remarkable growth as Fresh Start has evolved into a fully self-sustaining enterprise with boundless opportunities ahead.
We take immense pride in our beginnings, the challenges we have overcome, and the exceptional team whose dedication ensures the company not only remains strong but continues to thrive and expand. Our presence is firmly established. Our team members are valued and empowered. The services we provide consistently exceed expectations. And the company stands healthier and more vibrant than ever. We are Fresh Start!
