1851

Veteran Franchisee:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckohio/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-michael-king-school-of-rock-2726465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michael King</a>Franchise:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.schoolofrock.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-michael-king-school-of-rock-2726465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">School of Rock</a>1851 Franchise talked with Michael King about his franchising journey with School of Rock, his accomplishments in the industry and the advice he has for other veterans interested in venturing into franchising.“Out of high school, I joined the Navy and landed in San Diego, California. While I was there, I started taking guitar lessons just to take my mind off of being homesick,” he said. “If I didn't join the military, I wouldn't ever have pursued music lessons. And I think those two decisions led me to where I am now with being the owner of a School of Rock franchise.”Watch the interview above or on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE1-vwajNz0&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-michael-king-school-of-rock-2726465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">YouTube.</a>The transcript below has been edited for clarity, style and brevity.1851 Franchise: Can you share a bit about your background and how military service influenced your journey to entrepreneurship?Michael King: I grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. After high school, I joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. During my time in the Navy, I took guitar lessons to combat homesickness, which eventually led me to a passion for music. This path brought me to Columbus, Ohio, where I now own a School of Rock franchise.1851: How did your military experience prepare you for your role in franchising?King:&nbsp;Joining the military and taking music lessons were pivotal decisions that influenced my current path. The structure and discipline from the military, combined with my passion for music, made owning a School of Rock franchise a natural fit. This franchise allows me to merge my love for music with business, providing a rewarding environment for both students and myself.1851: How long did you serve in the military?King: I served for four years, from 1989 to 1992.1851: What drew you to the School of Rock franchise specifically?King: I discovered School of Rock while researching veteran-friendly franchises. The concept of not just teaching music lessons, but also emphasizing playing in a band and performing on stage, really resonated with me. It’s about developing life skills through music — teamwork, preparation, confidence — which extend far beyond the musical aspect.1851: What are you most proud of in your franchise journey so far?King:&nbsp;We’ve been open for almost five years now. Building a business from scratch and assembling a great team has been incredibly rewarding. Despite opening just six months before the pandemic, we navigated through challenging times and have grown stronger. I'm proud of the impact we’ve had on the community and the dedication of our staff.1851: What advice would you give to other veterans considering franchising?King: Franchising offers a support system where you’re not alone — you have a proven business model to follow, but still need to put in the effort to make it work. My advice is to find a franchise that aligns with your passion. This alignment makes the hard work feel more rewarding, both personally and professionally.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>

From Navy Veteran to Successful School of Rock Franchise Owner

1851 Franchise

Michael King discovered his love of music when he took guitar lessons to combat homesickness while in the Navy. Now, he enjoys instilling life skills through music in children in Gahanna, Ohio. 

Military Veterans Who Became Great Franchisees: Michael King — School of Rock

military-veterans-who-became-great-franchisees-michael-king-school-of-rock

Right at Home

Right at Home Expanding In-Home Care Services in Wausau, Wisconsin 

right-at-home-expanding-in-home-care-services-in-wausau-wisconsin

The Growth Coach

Top 5 Reasons To Invest in The Growth Coach Franchise

top-5-reasons-to-invest-in-the-growth-coach-franchise

Caring Transitions

Planning Today for Peace Tomorrow: Caring Transitions on the Importance of Estate Planning

planning-today-for-peace-tomorrow-caring-transitions-on-the-importance-of-estate-planning

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Onigilly Franchise - Target Market - San Diego - 1851 Franchise

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen Franchise Sets Sights on San Diego Expansion

onigilly-franchise-san-diego-restaurant-expansion

ServiceMaster Restore

Liberty Restoration Group Renews Proud Partnership with Lindenwood University Athletics

liberty-restoration-group-renews-proud-partnership-with-lindenwood-university-athletics

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 Development Website Builder

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

Slim Chickens Opens R&D Center at World Headquarters To Drive Menu Innovation

slim-chickens-rd-center-fayetteville

Nearly 40% of Americans Are Eating Out Less as High Prices Redefine Dining Habits

nearly-40-of-americans-are-eating-out-less-as-high-prices-redefine-dining-habits

Authority Brands Enters Q4 with Record Momentum

Authority Brands Enters Q4 with Record Momentum, Surpassing 200 New Franchise Owners in the First 10 Months of 2025

authority-brands-enters-q4-with-record-momentum-surpassing-200-new-franchise-owners-in-the-first-10-months-of-2025

Franchises, work-life balance, millennials in franchising, millennials work-life balance

The Best Franchises for Millennials Wanting Work-Life Balance

best-franchises-millennials-work-life-balance

Photo of Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza franchisee Lily Wilford

Entrepreneur: This 18-Year-Old Saved Babysitting Money for College — Then Decided to Buy a Business Instead

18-year-old-franchise-owner-lily-wilford

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

image of michael panos and michel panos, owners of mellow mushroom in Atlanta

The Panos Family’s Role in Preserving Mellow Mushroom’s Character — and Expanding in Atlanta

mellow-mushroom-franchise-panos-restaurant-group-metro-atlanta

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Ron Taylor and SweatHouz logo

From Edible Arrangements Leader to Wellness Entrepreneur: Ron Taylor's $53 Million Franchise Journey

ron-taylor-edible-arrangements-sweathouz-franchise-journey

image of matthew yocum from freshcoat painting franchisee in marin county california

How Fresh Coat Helped Matthew Yocum Turn Corporate Experience Into Purpose-Driven Business Ownership

fresh-coat-franchise-marin-county

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

Military Veterans Who Became Great Franchisees: Michael King — School of Rock

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS