Franchisee Stories
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.
Veteran Franchisee: Brian Vaughn
Franchise: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
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 YouTube.
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: 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: 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: 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:
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