How 27 Years in the Navy Prepared This Veteran for Success With Caring Transitions

For Noel Cajudo, retiring from the Navy after 27 years of service didn’t mean slowing down. Instead, it ignited a desire to continue giving back to his community in a meaningful way. His journey from a career in the military to becoming a Caring Transitions franchise owner is a testament to the enduring drive of veterans to serve others.

“I signed up for the Navy when I was 19 because I had no direction or goals,” Cajudo said. “I enlisted for three years to get the GI Bill and then planned to return to school. But during those three years, I met supervisors and officers who saw my potential, and I kept getting promoted. Eventually, I was recommended to become a naval officer, and that led to 27 years of service.”

After retiring in 2015, Cajudo found himself restless. He started volunteering at a nonprofit organization, Friends of the Sun City Library, where he helped raise funds and develop operating procedures. But soon, his wife suggested he find something more substantial, as his volunteer work became almost a full-time job.

That’s when Cajudo discovered Caring Transitions at a career fair. “It resonated with us because we were caring for my parents and mother-in-law at home,” he said. “As veterans, many of us are at that stage where we're taking care of both our kids and our aging parents. My parents and my mother-in-law were living with me, so we had firsthand experience with that. We prayed about it for over seven months to make sure it was the right decision, and it kept feeling right.”

In January 2018, Cajudo and his wife, Rydell, took the leap and opened their Caring Transitions franchise in Menifee, California.

A Veteran’s Skillset Translates to Franchising

Overall, Cajudo says his military background has been invaluable in his success as a franchise owner. “Being a 27-year Navy veteran, you need to be cool-headed, flexible and slow to react in a crisis,” Cajudo said. “People can panic in business a lot, so being able to stay calm and make methodical decisions is crucial.”

He adds that many of the skills he developed in the Navy — troubleshooting, crisis management and standard operating procedures — prepared him for the challenges of running a business. “In the Navy, I dealt with crises daily, which helped me handle customer issues and business challenges. Staying level-headed and not reacting immediately are important traits I carried over,” he said.

Cajudo also sees a strong connection between the structure of franchising and the process-oriented mindset of veterans. “A lot of us in the military are very process-oriented, so we really need something to abide by,” he said. “Caring Transitions provided that structure, and their training was very key. It made the transition easier for me.”

A Heart for Service

Beyond the operational side of the business, it’s the personal impact that has resonated most with Cajudo. 

“A lot of veterans have a heart for service,” said Cajudo. “When we’re on deployments, we do a lot of volunteering and community work, and that helps with the transition to a post-military career. Veterans want to give back.”

He’s also passionate about giving back to the veteran community. “We partner with nonprofits that support the military as well,” he said, emphasizing that service continues to be a central theme in his life.

Advice for Fellow Veterans

At the end of the day, Cajudo believes that franchising can be a perfect fit for veterans. “The great thing about franchising is the standard operating procedures, which veterans are used to,” he  said. “There’s a binder that tells you everything you need to do to succeed. You have to put in the work, learn the system and be on the ground, but the structure is there to support you.”

Cajudo also emphasizes the importance of doing your due diligence. “Once you do the research, you’ll see how rewarding it is to help out the community, employ local residents, and partner with other businesses,” he said.

Ultimately, it’s the heart for service that drives veterans like Cajudo to succeed in franchising. “The country has taken good care of us — we’ve received education, pensions — and now most veterans want to return that favor by staying engaged and giving back,” he said. “The success or failure of a business depends on that veteran’s commitment."

For Cajudo, Caring Transitions has provided the perfect avenue to continue serving others while building a successful business.

For more information on franchising with Caring Transitions, visit: https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/.