Veterans who are thriving in the franchise world
Monday, June 8, 2009 at 08:22PM A few weeks ago, I wrote that more than 1,366 franchises have been sold to military veterans. I wanted to hear a few personal stories so we asked a couple of our clients to tell us about military veterans who were doing well with franchising. We were flooded with responses. Here are the first few; check them out:
1. Rafael Marrero - US Army
Franchise: Jan-Pro
Franchise Business: Commercial cleaning
Military Background: Last assignment was as the NBC NCO (nuclear, biological, and chemical non-commissioned officer) with the 3rd Battalion of the 5th Special Forces Group
After leaving the military, I started working as an Auditor with the Department of State Audit in Tennessee. Then I took a position as a Revenue Agent with the IRS in Atlanta, GA. While talking with some cleaning staff, I find out about commercial janitorial franchises. Having been used to performing my own research, I did my homework and studied a couple of franchise opportunities. After my due diligence, I decided to go with Jan-Pro, and this is a decision which I don’t regret. My very first check was a little over $300.Now my average monthly check for gross sales is $50,000. Thanks, Jan-Pro!!
2. Bob Tuck - US Army
Franchise: Mr. Appliance
Franchise Business: Appliance repair
Military Background: E-4
My franchise with Mr. Appliance® has helped me provide for my family like I never would have been able to do working for someone else. Mr. Appliance helped me with planning and guidance, it gave someone who wouldn’t have been able to be successful in business the opportunity to succeed.
3. Mike Moritz – US Navy
Franchise: Rainbow International
Franchise Business: Restoration and cleaning
Military Background: E-4
Guys getting out of the military have an excellent opportunity with a Rainbow International® Restoration & Cleaning franchise instead of working at a dead-end job. It’s easy to save money when you are in the military to save up for a franchise with the sign-up bonuses. I like that the colors of my van are red, white, and blue and that my franchise has given me the opportunity to own and run one of the most thought-out and ethical businesses that I have seen.
4. Mike Anderson – US Navy
Franchise: Aire Serv
Franchise Business: Heating and air conditioning
Military Background: Lieutenant; went in enlisted, then went to the academy
I was in Corporate America and wanted a change. The defined infrastructure was fantastic in my Aire Serv® Heating & Air Conditioning franchise. I like the structure and established systems and procedures that my franchise provides. I also like the independence I have by owning my franchise. A lot of people in the military like me have gained technical skills which can be practiced into a franchise.
5. Al Barras – US Air Force
Franchise: Glass Doctor
Franchise Business: Auto windshields, home and business glass doors and windows
Military Background: E-7
One of the main things that brought me to Glass Doctor® was the code of values. They are very similar to the military code of conduct, and I lived and breathed them every day. It was amazing to find a company that shared those with me. Franchising is the way to go if you are looking to start your own business. They have done all of the leg work for you. I like the freedom to set my own hours, the ability to grow my company with my hard work, and knowing that I’m improving my business by my hard work.
6. Brian Heckman – US Army
Franchise: Home Helpers/Direct Link franchise in Stark County, Ohio
Franchise Business: Home Helpers provides care and companionship services for seniors, new mothers, working parents, and others. Direct Link is an in-home emergency monitoring system.
Military Background: Corporal
During my 4-year term of service, I served in Operation Desert Storm. My unit, the 2nd Armored Division, and a Marine division, were charged with liberating Kuwait City, Kuwait. I earned my Corporal stripes during Operation Desert Storm for my leadership ability. I was up for the sergeant board, but I decided to leave the military to pursue my education. Since leaving the United States Army, I completed a BA in Management degree from Malone University.
My wife, Damey, and I are very excited about purchasing an existing Home Helpers and Direct Link franchise in January 2009. Damey, has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 10 years and enjoys caring for others.
I feel that owning this franchise will enable me to assist my fellow Veterans. I feel that my military, college education, and business experience will insure that we're a successful franchise and business. We've used these experiences and knowledge to increase our billable hours from an average of 551 per week in 2008 to approximately 840 hours per week so far in 2009. We look forward to continuing to grow and providing this service for our community.