Posts Tagged ‘Veterans’

Why Veterans Should Enter into the Franchise Market

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

When a veteran is leaving the military service or retiring, perhaps the last thing on their mind is buying a franchise. But why not? Veterans are pre-equipped to succeed in the franchise market!

The U.S. military ingrains in each of their disciplined members a set of ordered principles. Veterans have had extensive training in following procedures and systematic rules. They have also already identified their specialty through the Military Occupation Specialty training.

Veterans have access to more advantageous loans, credit and discounted franchise costs. The idea of moving to reach an opportunity does not scare most veterans either, as they are used to traveling.

There are many companies who are willing to facilitate a veteran’s transition, like Recruit Military. The multi-day programs offered to those transitioning out of the military invite speakers from many different brands to come and speak. Another opportunity is to learn entrepreneurship and job-hunting skills.

One of the International Franchise Association’s most successful programs is called VetFran. This program was founded by the late Don Dwyer Sr., founder of The Dwyer Group, to help guide those returning home to what is next in life for them.

When a franchise participates in this, they provide discounts to veterans acquiring a franchise in their company. There is a list of all participating franchise companies on VetFran.com. Nearly 400 franchisors have taken advantage of the program. Since tracking began in 2002, more than 1,700 veterans have purchased a franchise through the program.

A veteran may also find franchise opportunities at events like the West Coast Franchise Expo in November, which offers a Franchising 101 for Veterans session.

With these resources available, veterans may easily see the benefits and advantages to beginning their own franchise.

Retired Armed Forces Find a Fit with The Dwyer Group

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

The Dwyer Group has been ranked one of the top 50 franchises for military veterans.  The “best” franchises for military veterans were determined by 3 different variables: the overall program offered to the veterans, the percentage of veterans among existing franchisees, and the percentage of veterans among the companies senior management.

Mr. Rooter President, Mary Thompson, was one of only two companies in the top 50 to actually be a veteran herself.  Thompson credits her success to the experience she gained serving as a Marine Corps officer.

There are many reasons veterans are a natural fit into franchising.  They have a fierce work ethic, and will keep going even when the going gets tough.  They are known for being self-disciplined, possess the ability to focus and block out distractions.  Lastly, they have been conditioned to follow directions and adhere to systems.

This combination allows them to overcome the difficult times the franchise goes through, remain focused and dedicated to running a successful business, and they are able to follow the franchises’ time-proven system without costly deviations which is pivotal to their success.

Another reason the Dwyer Group’s franchises were appealing to veterans is the Vetfran program.  The Vetfran program offers veterans a 25% discount on initial territory purchases and other vendor incentives for those who qualify.  The program was established by The Dwyer Group’s founder Don Dwyer to benefit honorably discharged vets after the gulf war.  Since then 360 and veterans are involved in the program and over 1,200 veterans have acquired their own franchise.  It is The Dwyer Group’s way of giving back and thanking veterans for their service and sacrifices.