Aaron White trails on the success of Marine Corps training

A major differentiator between a solo entrepreneur who builds a business from scratch and a franchisee is a knack for comfortably operating under someone else’s model.  When the pen hits the paper, it’s understood that the new franchisee will independently run their business, so long as they also abide by guidelines. It is this ability to perform within a system while making business savvy decisions that has contributed to MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes* franchisee Aaron White’s success. For the Marine Corps veteran, being a member of a franchise has been the perfect fit for his goals and skills. “Although I gained leadership skills while I was in the Marine Corps, I still liked the idea of having a big brother,” he said. “I needed the structure in my life, which is why I got into franchising.” White was an active Marine for six years after enlisting immediately out of high school. During this time, he was awarded two Naval Achievement Medals, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding performance. White continued this streak of success throughout his career and into MOOYAH. Based on the performance of his restaurants in Denton, Allen and Richardson, Texas, and his operation of MOOYAH’s only food truck, White was awarded the burger chain’s Franchisee of the Year in 2013. The Texan joined MOOYAH in the brand’s early days after spotting a billboard outside his office window announcing its inaugural opening in Plano, Texas. White was hooked after visiting the brand’s inaugural restaurant on its opening day. “I realized that I needed to be in restaurants; I enjoy working with people too much,” he said, which is why the veteran left his desk job for a franchise opportunity. In addition to its delicious burgers, MOOYAH, a 55-plus-unit chain, was named in USA Today’s Top 50 Franchises for Military Veterans in 2013, and earned a No. 8 ranking in Fast Casual Magazine’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Currently, while successfully running three franchises and being a father of three, White is also the Director on the Executive Board of Carry the Load. The veteran-based non-profit organization raises money to donate to other veteran-based charities. The mission of the organization is to bring meaning back to Memorial Day through a 20 hour and 14 minute walk, which White has committed to walking the entire route of for three consecutive years. Evidently, White’s inherent drive and focus has allowed him to thrive in all areas of his life. “The best way to explain the top lessons learned as a Marine is through a phrase that we were taught to live by: Prior planning prevents poor performance – the Six P’s,” he said. “I live by that in my day-to-day life.”