Bronze Star Recipient Follows Dream of Owning a Franchise Business with Son

Tampa resident Larry Colley spent a 22-year career in the United States Army, serving in the Gulf War and Somalia. A Bronze Star recipient, he spent most of his Army career leading, teaching and mentoring soldiers. After he completed his military duty, he worked in various jobs, but none of those career experiences left him feeling fulfilled. Since he was a boy, Colley and his father talked about owning their own business, but his military service put that dream on hold. With his father’s recent passing, he realized he couldn’t afford to wait any longer to start building a business that he could share with his sons. Colley began researching franchise opportunities and came across The Dwyer Group, the holding company of seven service-based franchise organizations: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter®, Rainbow International® and The Grounds Guys™. Colley immediately connected with the company’s commitment to military and its traditional values, and applied to become a franchise owner of Aire Serv, a global franchise organization providing installation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and indoor air quality systems. After being approved, he traveled to Aire Serv world headquarters in Waco, Texas to go through extensive training. Once open, Colley will be joined by his son who is currently deployment with the 25th infantry division in Afghanistan. “Being approved to own an Aire Serv franchise is an honor, and I will work hard alongside my son to represent their good name,” said Larry Colley, who will open in Riverview, FL. “We will follow their Code of Values and treat our customers, community and employees with respect and kindness. It will be our priority to hire other veterans and put their dedication and work ethic to use for shared success.” In addition to being a recipient of the Bronze Star, Larry received the following medals/achievements (Achievement Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 Bronze Service Stars), Humanitarian Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer’s Professional Medal, United Nations Medal, Saudi Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and many others. “Encouraging military veterans like Larry Colley to join our franchise system is very important to the entire Aire Serv franchise team because they follow proven systems , take the initiative to improve their operation and thrive on striving toward a mission,” said Doyle James, president of Aire Serv LLC. “In fact, of all The Dwyer Group brands, Aire Serv has the most military veterans turned franchise owners, by way of the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran), a program offering franchising financial incentives to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.” --Greg Avdoian