1851

Veteran Franchisee:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmuirjr/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-david-muir-footprints-floors-2726336" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">David Muir</a>Franchise:&nbsp;<a href="https://footprintsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-david-muir-footprints-floors-2726336" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Footprints Floors*</a><a href="https://1851franchise.com/footprints-floors-franchise-provides-hope-for-a-veteran-to-support-his-son-with-down-syndrome-upon-retirement-and-beyond-2725816">Muir</a>'s career has been remarkably diverse, spanning roles from a machine gunner in the Virginia National Guard to a PE teacher, chef and staffing industry expert. For the past 17 years, he has dedicated himself to assisting veterans in transitioning to civilian careers as the senior vice president of Easterseals' Veteran Staffing Network. Now, he has decided to venture into franchising with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/footprintsfloors/info">Footprints Floors</a>.1851 Franchise talked with Muir about his journey in franchising, his accomplishments in the industry and the advice he has for other veterans interested in venturing into franchising.“I had been recommending franchising as a solution to hundreds and hundreds of veterans over the years, so I figured I’d take a look at it,” said Muir. “I found this opportunity with Footprints Floors and I couldn’t be more excited about it.”Watch the interview above or on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rata1NUeA4&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-david-muir-footprints-floors-2726336" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>.The transcript below has been edited for style, brevity and clarity.1851 Franchise: Can you tell us about your background and journey from the military to entrepreneurship?David Muir:&nbsp;I enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard on my 17th birthday and served from 1989 to 1995, during which I was never deployed. After leaving the military, I pursued a culinary career, wrote a job search curriculum, redesigned the TAP program for the Department of Labor and ran a veteran staffing network for a major nonprofit for 11 years. Eventually, I decided to explore franchising, which I had recommended to many veterans, and found a great opportunity with Footprints Floors.1851: How did your military experience prepare you for franchising?Muir:&nbsp;Veterans are exceptional candidates for franchising because we are accustomed to following detailed instructions and executing to standards, much like in the military where we have manuals for everything. A successful franchise has a proven playbook that can be replicated, which aligns well with military training.1851: What is your favorite thing about Footprints Floors?Muir:&nbsp;The camaraderie within the group is fantastic. I signed my franchise agreement just before the National Conference, allowing me to meet many franchisees and experience the strong sense of teamwork and support. The corporate support is genuine and creates a family-like atmosphere, which is very encouraging.1851: What are you most proud of in your franchise journey so far?Muir:&nbsp;We're about to get started after completing the process of obtaining an SBA loan, which involves a lot of paperwork. I'm excited to have all the paperwork in place and am just waiting for the final approval to open my doors.1851: What advice would you give to other veterans considering franchising?Muir: Do your due diligence. There are many franchise opportunities, so ensure the one you choose aligns with your interests and values. Talk to other franchisees. They can provide candid insights about their experiences, including the good and bad aspects. Assess your need for autonomy and support. Consider how much independence and support you need, and choose a franchise that fits those needs. For example, Footprints Floors has a strong support infrastructure, which was appealing to me.For more stories about successful veteran franchisees, check out these other interviews on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-this-military-veteran-chose-to-franchise-with-voodoo-brewing-co-2725962#stories">Why This Military Veteran Chose to Franchise With Voodoo Brewing Co.</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/utah-veteran-franchisee-wants-to-help-people-and-pay-it-forward-through-trublue-home-service-ally-2725884#stories">Utah Veteran Franchisee Wants to ‘Help People and Pay It Forward’ Through TruBlue Home Service Ally</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/veteran-becomes-a-business-owner-with-pool-scouts-franchise-2724390#stories">Veteran Becomes a Business Owner With Pool Scouts* Franchise</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/how-this-veteran-franchise-owner-is-bringing-military-precision-to-uwrg-2724310#stories">How This Veteran Franchise Owner Is Bringing Military Precision to UWRG</a></li></ul>

Footprints Floors Franchisee Transitions From Military Service

1851 Franchise

National Guard veteran David Muir discusses his journey into the franchising industry and offers advice for other veteran franchisees.

Military Veterans Who Became Great Franchisees: David Muir - Footprints Floors

military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-david-muir-footprints-floors

Melting Pot

photo of an iphone showing a melting pot tiktok ad

How Melting Pot’s Digital Innovation Drives Franchisee Success

how-melting-pots-digital-innovation-drives-franchisee-success

Senior Care Authority

Why Senior Care Authority Is a Great Franchise Option for a Family Business

why-senior-care-authority-is-a-great-franchise-option-for-a-family-business

Children's Lighthouse

How To Get Financed To Open a Children’s Lighthouse Franchise

how-to-get-financed-to-open-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchise

Beansquad

How BeanSquad Transforms Franchise Financial Management for The UPS Store Operators

how-beansquad-transforms-franchise-financial-management-for-the-ups-store-operators

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Former Landscaping Entrepreneur Finds New Passion in Growing With Layne’s Chicken Fingers Franchise

former-landscaping-entrepreneur-finds-new-passion-in-growing-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-franchise

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

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Proposed Tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China Could Reshape U.S. Franchising Landscape

proposed-tariffs-on-mexico-canada-and-china-could-reshape-us-franchising-landscape

DeepSeek - Is DeepSeek Coming for Your Franchise? - Editorial - 1851 Franchise

Editorial: Is DeepSeek Coming for Your Franchise? 

is-deepseek-coming-for-your-franchise

1851 Agg - Empower Brands 6 Franchises Named to FBR's 2025 Top Franchises List - 1851 Franchise

Empower Brands Celebrates Six Franchises Named to Franchise Business Review’s 2025 Top Franchises List

empower-brands-celebrates-six-franchises-named-to-franchise-business-reviews-2025-top-franchises-list

DOJ FTC Antitrust Guidelines - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

DOJ and FTC Issue New Antitrust Guidelines with Implications for Franchising

doj-and-ftc-issue-new-antitrust-guidelines-with-implications-for-franchising

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Navy Supply Officer Purchases Right at Home Franchise in Virginia Beach 

navy-supply-officer-purchases-right-at-home-franchise-in-virginia-beach

Newlyweds Open Paris Baguette Franchise to Serve Up Fresh Baked Goods in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania

Newlyweds Open Paris Baguette Franchise to Serve Up Fresh Baked Goods and Community Spirit in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania

newlyweds-open-paris-baguette-franchise-to-serve-up-fresh-baked-goods-and-community-spirit-in-upper-dublin-pennsylvania

Lucas Hamm Brings Compassionate Care to Eagan, Minnesota with Right at Home Franchise

lucas-hamm-brings-compassionate-care-to-eagan-minnesota-with-right-at-home-franchise

Right at Home Comes to Long Beach, Driven by Franchisee’s Personal Experience in Caregiving

right-at-home-comes-to-long-beach-driven-by-franchisees-personal-experience-in-caregiving

Military Veterans Who Became Great Franchisees: David Muir - Footprints Floors

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS