10 Reasons Why Veterans Should Consider Franchising

For veterans who have retired from service and are looking for the next step in life, the options can seem endless and overwhelming. But for those seeking an entrepreneurial path, one avenue that particularly suits former military service members is franchising.

Franchising provides a beneficial opportunity for veterans to utilize their skills, discipline, and experience while building a lasting legacy for themselves and their families. With this in mind, we’ve curated a list of 10 reasons why veterans should consider franchising as the next venture in their lives.

Vision

There’s no question that veterans possess a strong sense of vision, drive and purpose that’s really honed during their military service. Franchising offers an opportunity to channel that vision into building a successful business. Veterans can choose a franchise that aligns with their values and goals, allowing them to create a meaningful and fulfilling career path. One such example of a veteran-focused franchise network with a vision is JDog Brands, which owns and operates JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care. JDog is the largest veteran franchise in the nation. Not only was the brand founded by a veteran, but its primary mission is to reduce the overall veteran unemployment rate.

Training and Skills 

Veterans are well-trained individuals, equipped with valuable skills acquired during their military service. Their leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability skills can be directly applied to business ownership. 

Certain skills learned in the military can directly transfer to franchise ownership. For example, veterans have to be quick thinkers at a moment’s notice for the betterment of the team. Similarly, being open to change is essential for franchisees to make necessary adjustments when faced with challenges. Collaboration and teamwork skills are also invaluable for franchisees as they work closely with their franchisors to implement essential changes throughout the life span of the business. 

These skills prove beneficial when managing a team, particularly when dealing with new staff, adapting training techniques to suit employees’ learning styles and fostering a collaborative environment within the team. A healthy dose of competitiveness among businesses and other franchisees can drive profitability and overall success rates too.

Leadership

Veterans understand the importance of surrounding themselves with a strong and cohesive team. Business leaders also need to possess leadership qualities necessary to inspire and motivate their employees, create a positive work environment, and ultimately, drive the success of their franchise. 

Being able to manage any size team of employees is incredibly important to maintain a level of quality in work and service to customers while maintaining good rapport with employees as well. For example, a military staff sergeant’s responsibilities include developing, maintaining and using a soldier’s full range of potential, in addition to training and enforcing military standards. Being able to implement these same skills as a franchisee will help build a strong team of employees and create an environment of success.

Support System

Many franchise networks offer an invaluable support system for first-time business owners venturing into the world of franchising. This support system extends to veterans as well who, while serving, find themselves surrounded by fellow soldiers and commanders who will be new to the unique obstacles they may face and need support during difficult times. Franchisors also play a crucial role in offering ongoing support, mentorship and guidance to ensure that new franchise owners and operators have access to a network of experienced professionals who thoroughly understand the challenges they may encounter.

Proven Business Model

Starting a business from scratch can be an intimidating task, but joining a franchise network allows just about anyone, including veterans, to benefit from an established and proven business model. Most franchisors have already figured out what does and doesn’t work, identified best practices, and refined their operations. Because veterans are already trained to follow orders and routines, joining a franchise system and adhering to a franchise’s rules and regulations shouldn’t seem too unfamiliar.

Camaraderie

Military camaraderie can boost morale, unit cohesion and dedication to a team. Similarly, franchises can also provide veterans with a sense of camaraderie. Not only does franchising provide an avenue for veterans to meet like-minded franchisees in their network, but it also offers a way to interact and get to know their local community on a more personal level. Building a good rapport with other franchisees who are in the same boat can be beneficial to your business as you work through problems or issues other franchisees are working through or have experienced in the past.

Work Ethic

Veterans are known for their strong work ethic and dedication. They know how to wake up early, work hard and follow orders to get things done. Operating a franchise requires the same level of commitment and discipline. Veterans’ work ethic serves as a solid foundation for managing the day-to-day operations of a franchise and driving its success. Members of the military are all too familiar with the required dedication it takes to rise in the ranks and become successful military members. This is not dissimilar to the hard work it takes to become successful as a franchise owner, including the months leading up to opening and a never-ending list of tasks.  

Building a Legacy

By owning a franchise, veterans can create a business that can be passed down to future generations, providing financial security and a sense of pride in the accomplishments achieved as a business owner.

Financial Incentives

Many franchisors offer military discounts on the initial investment, making franchising more accessible and affordable for veterans. Brands such as FASTSIGNS, The UPS Store, Dream Vacations and Anytime Fitness are just a few examples of franchises that provide military discounts. Financial incentives like these can help alleviate the burden of startup costs and make franchise ownership an appealing endeavor for veterans.

Personal Growth

Lastly, franchising offers veterans an opportunity for personal growth and development. Veterans know that interpersonal communication, making sound and timely decisions, leading by example, being dependable, and being disciplined can pave the way to success within the military. These same skills can drive success outside of the military in the entrepreneurial world. 

Lasting Impressions

Franchising can provide a solid opportunity for veterans transitioning from military service into the business world. By considering franchising, veterans can leverage their experiences and skill sets to create successful businesses while making a positive and lasting impact on their communities.