1851

Veteran Franchisee:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-vaughn-a920a270/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-brian-vaughn-handels-homemade-ice-cream-2726467" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brian Vaughn</a>Franchise:&nbsp;<a href="https://handelsicecream.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-brian-vaughn-handels-homemade-ice-cream-2726467" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream</a>1851 Franchise talked with Brian Vaughn about his journey in franchising with Handel’s, his accomplishments in the industry and the advice he has for other veterans interested in venturing into franchising.“I was just a regular guy growing up, always trying to find something to do to hustle. I cut everybody's grass and sold Coke bottles and aluminum cans. When I was a little older, I started fixing bicycles to make money,” said Vaughn.His childhood entrepreneurial tendencies never quite left him, and after 20 years of service with the Army, Vaughn decided to chase his childhood dreams.“I thought, ‘Why not?’ It’s been almost 50 years since my little dream of owning a business back in my bicycle days,” he said. “So I put my name in. And then by the grace of God, I was selected to be a franchisee.”Watch the interview above or on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLsiPXVkTZk&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-brian-vaughn-handels-homemade-ice-cream-2726467" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>.A transcript of the interview is provided below. It has been edited for clarity, style and brevity.1851 Franchise: Let's start by hearing a little bit about your background. How does military service play into your history and what was the journey from military to entrepreneurship?Brian Vaughn:&nbsp;I can make a long story short. I'm just a regular guy from Gaston, Alabama, the youngest of 10 in a large family. Growing up, I was always hustling, cutting grass, selling Coke bottles and aluminum cans and fixing bicycles. My first official business was fixing bicycles at 12 years old. I always wanted to be a business owner. After high school, where I played various sports and won state championships, I got a football scholarship to Austin Peay State University. There, I joined the Army ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation. I served in the United States Army for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2002. I then worked with the federal government in Huntsville, Alabama, for nearly 12 years. In October, I saw a franchise opportunity with Handel’s, and by the grace of God, I was selected to be a franchisee. It's almost like a 50-year-old dream from my bicycle days coming true.1851: How did your military service prepare you for success in franchising?Vaughn: The discipline and high standards in the military prepared me well. Our military is the best in the world, and we maintain a simple, high-quality process. Handel’s ensures high-quality products, which is crucial for our guests and provides a great return for franchisees.1851: What's your favorite thing about Handel’s as a brand?Vaughn: There's a lot to love. People are always happy when they come to Handel’s. We've been making and selling fresh, handmade ice cream since 1945, using the same recipe from our founders. We use the finest ingredients, like real Oreo cookies, and make everything from scratch. Customers know they're getting premium ice cream, and I love building relationships with them and seeing their smiles.1851: What are you most proud of in your franchise journey so far?Vaughn:&nbsp;I'm proud of how involved my family is in the franchise. My wife Carolyn handles payroll and ordering supplies. My two sons are certified ice cream makers, and my daughter is a shift lead. We also have a network of 140 locations across 14 states, allowing us to share ideas and improve our operations.1851: What advice would you give to other veterans considering transitioning to franchising?Vaughn:&nbsp;I'd advise them to look for a franchise with a supportive corporate staff. The support from our corporate team at Handles made us feel comfortable and confident. The franchise system allows creative entrepreneurs to optimize and improve the business continuously. It’s a great opportunity.To learn more about opportunities for veterans in franchising, check out these related 1851 Franchise stories:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/veterans-and-franchising-make-the-perfect-combination-2724723#stories">Veterans and Franchising Make the Perfect Combination</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/low-cost-franchises-offer-veterans-a-pathway-to-entrepreneurial-success-2725549">Low-Cost Franchises Offer Veterans a Pathway to Entrepreneurial Success</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-this-marine-corps-veteran-chose-voodoo-brewing-co-as-his-first-post-military-venture-2726244#featured">Why This Marine Corps Veteran Chose Voodoo Brewing Co. As His First Post-Military Venture</a></li></ul>

Brian Vaughn's Journey with Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

1851 Franchise

Brian Vaughn has always had the mind of a business owner. After 20 years of service, this veteran finally pursued his dream of business ownership as a Handel’s franchisee.

Military Veterans Who Became Great Franchisees: Brian Vaughn - Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-brian-vaughn-handels-homemade-ice-cream

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Technology Piece - CTO Nick Fontenot - May 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Builds the Future of Franchising With Tech-First Strategy

crust-pizza-co-technology-nick-fontenot-cto

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

paris-baguettes-recipe-for-expansion-leadership-community-and-a-vision-for-1000-cafes-by-2030

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Franchisee Spotlight with Billy and Anita Clark and Seniors Helping Seniors

Heart and Purpose: Couple Launch Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise in Northern Arizona

heart-and-purpose-couple-launch-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-in-northern-arizona

Fitness Premier

Fitness Premier Welcomes Franchisee Back to the Industry With New Pontiac, Illinois Location

fitness-premier-welcomes-franchisee-back-to-the-industry-with-new-pontiac-illinois-location

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Home Service Ally Ranked No. 70 on Entrepreneur’s Top Low-Cost Franchises for 2025 List

trublue-home-service-ally-ranked-no-70-on-entrepreneurs-top-low-cost-franchises-for-2025-list

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Franchisee Spotlight with Armando Cordova and Jorge Molina with Crust Pizza Co. Logo

Texas-Sized Ambition: How a Shared Dream Turned Into Three Crust Pizza Co. Locations

crust-pizza-co-armando-cordova-jorge-molina-georgetown-launch

Health Care Professional in the Non-Profit Space Brings TruBlue to North Pittsburgh

health-care-professional-in-the-non-profit-space-brings-trublue-to-north-pittsburgh

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

Military Veterans Who Became Great Franchisees: Brian Vaughn - Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS