Growing up in Centralia Illinois to a poor family, Fred left home at an early age and only completed up to the 8th grade. After leaving home he joined the USAF and spent time serving on Guam during the post WWII era. He married his wife Diana and began painting just as his father and grandfather had done.
After moving to Florida and working for other contractors, his wife encouraged him to go out on his own and in 1970, the business was launched out of his carport in Lake Worth Florida. After starting Talbot, he proceeded to participate in the major development projects in Florida during the 70’s and 80’s. Positioning the company as one of the premier new construction painting companies in South Florida and establishing an enduring reputation of quality, honesty, and punctuality.