Colorado Springs Business Journal: Veterans Find Success with Franchising

As veterans transition out of service and into civilian life, many leverage their leadership skills into business ownership in a proven franchise system.

With the support and guidance of a corporate team, established brand recognition and scalable growth, franchising has long offered veterans an opportunity to be their own boss without starting from scratch.

With a large veteran population in Colorado Springs, transitioning servicemen and women often look for opportunities to stay in the community, and with a proven track record of success with veteran franchisees, Mosquito Joe is looking to develop in the area.

“Our location in northern Colorado is doing very well and was started by a veteran franchisee,” CEO Kevin Wilson said to the publication. “Most veterans make good franchisees because we give them a roadmap. They know how to follow a plan and execute.”

With a lower risk financially and a structure already in place, Mosquito Joe has grown to 22 veteran franchisees and this year was ranked as a top franchise system for veteran owners.

“I tell them, ‘You’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself,’” he said. “They will have our support. We develop the system, products and marketing materials — it’s like business in a box.”

That business model is also what appealed to Colorado Springs resident and recent franchisee Douglas Paul of Hand & Stone.

Retiring after serving 27 years in the military, Paul opened his spa in July after a year of planning. Although challenging, he had support from the brand's corporate team. A spa and the wellness industry was new to Douglas, but he saw a demand in the community firsthand.

“While deployed in Kabul, Afghanistan, I noticed a lot of soldiers utilizing spa and massage services on a few bases to relieve anxiety and stress,” Paul said to the reporter, “I’ve been a big believer in massage for natural relief and muscle body issues.”

Many franchise company's actually seek out and incentivize veteran owners because of their commitment to the model and leadership acumen. To other military-men and women looking to get into the business world, Paul encourages them to take advantage of opportunities specifically for the veteran community.

“When people transition from the military, it can be stressful getting a business up and running,” he said. “[But] owning a franchise or your own business provides a freedom that you won’t get going to work for another company.”

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