When Hunter returned to Pensacola after a decade of military service, there was one thing he knew he wanted to do: build something of his own that would reflect the same grit and precision that had defined his years in uniform. What started as concrete restoration work has since evolved into Freedom Coast Epoxy, a business transforming residential and commercial floors across the Florida Panhandle into high-end, long-lasting surfaces.
From the Frontlines to the Floor
When Hunter returned to Pensacola after a decade of military service, there was one thing he knew he wanted to do: build something of his own that would reflect the same grit and precision that had defined his years in uniform. What started as concrete restoration work has since evolved into Freedom Coast Epoxy, a business transforming residential and commercial floors across the Florida Panhandle into high-end, long-lasting surfaces.
Hunter is a Pensacola, FL native, and grew up playing sports, which helped shape his work ethic and competitiveness at an early age. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the Army as a mortarman, eventually earning deployments to Afghanistan and South Korea and completing his Associate’s degree through American Military University. The military instilled in him qualities that can still be seen every day on the job: discipline, resilience, and an almost obsessive attention to detail.
In 2023, after retiring from the Army, Hunter moved his family back home to Pensacola. Entrepreneurship had always been on his radar, and transitioning out of the military gave him the push he needed to finally build something of his own. He launched Lock-Tite Solutions LLC, working as an independent contractor for a home builder, taking on concrete restoration projects—patching, stucco, staining porches and driveways, and epoxying—across the region from Pensacola to Freeport.
It was through that work that he discovered a genuine passion for epoxy finishes. He saw the potential not just in the durability, but also in the ability to completely transform a space. That discovery led him to launch Freedom Coast Epoxy, where his mission is simple: combine craftsmanship with reliability to give customers floors that look great and stand the test of time.
Finding the Right Support
Hunter first became aware of the Florida SBDC at UWF through a family connection. Someone close to him had already seen firsthand how impactful the SBDC’s guidance could be for small business owners. When he began his own entrepreneurial journey, connecting with the SBDC felt like a natural next step.
Working with consultant Lori Brock and the team, Hunter gained access to the kind of practical, experienced guidance that’s hard to find on your own. The SBDC helped him develop a solid business plan, work through financing and loan options, and sharpen his marketing approach, all at no cost.
“It’s not just information,” Hunter says. “The SBDC takes the time to really understand your business and help you make practical, informed decisions. That relationship has given me more confidence as an entrepreneur. It’s like having an experienced advisor in your corner who genuinely wants to see your business succeed.”
A Foundation Built to Last
Today, Freedom Coast Epoxy is growing steadily, delivering high-quality epoxy floor finishes to homeowners and businesses throughout Pensacola and surrounding areas. For Hunter, the work is more than a trade, it’s an extension of the values he carried out of the military and into civilian life.
His advice to other small business owners is straightforward: “Your reputation and word-of-mouth will carry you further than anything else if you stay committed to doing things the right way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or use resources that are available to you. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own, and having the right guidance can save you a lot of time and mistakes along the way.”
To learn more about Freedom Coast Epoxy and their services, visit freedomcoastepoxy.com and follow them on social media.
Ready to start your own entrepreneurial journey? Connect with the Florida SBDC at UWF for comprehensive support at no cost. Our experienced team provides the same guidance that helps local business owners turn their vision into a reality.