Partnerships Between Veterans and Franchises Continue to Thrive

Meet Raymond Patrick, a 27-year U.S. Army veteran and now one of Wing Zone’s newest franchisees. If his story sounds familiar, it’s because you can’t turn around in the franchising industry without meeting a former servicemember.

This begs the question: Just what is it about franchising that attracts veterans?

In the case of Wing Zone, Patrick said it was the food itself.

“I believed it was a great product,” he was quoted as saying by My San Antonio. Patrick told the source he fell in love with the brand when he was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Interestingly, Patrick was turned down by both Papa John’s Pizza and Marco’s Pizza as a franchisee – their loss. If the trend of veterans becoming involved with franchising has taught us anything, it’s that these men and women are ideal franchisee candidates.

First and foremost, brands receive business owners who are proven leaders and also understand the importance of strictly following a plan.

“He’s a guy that crosses his T’s and dots his I’s,” Matt Friedman, Wing Zone CEO and co-founder, told My San Antonio. “He’s a very detail-oriented person [AND] he’s a very positive person.”

The perks of awarding franchisee contracts to veterans have been recognized by organizations like the International Franchise Association (IFA) for a long time. The IFA launched its Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran) in 2002.

“With a franchise, you have a proven system in place, with training and operating procedures, so what’s left is execution,” Kevin Blanchard, a former marine and VetFran program manager, previously told The Wall Street Journal. “The military teaches the same approach that leads to success in franchising — putting systems in place and then following procedures precisely.”

The Journal reported that, as of Nov. 2014, nearly 1 in 7 franchises were owned by veterans.

Some brands are doing more than just opening their doors to servicemembers - they’re trying to attract them with special incentives.

Take GYMGUYZ, a leading in-home personal training company that partnered with VetFran to offer veterans who join the brand a $5,000 discount.

“It is with extreme pride that we are now able to provide a monetary incentive for those who have served our country, while providing them an opportunity to help them transition into business ownership,” Josh York, founder and CEO of GYMGUYZ, said in a statement. “Potential franchisees can rely on our strong brand foundation and proven business structure for ensured long-term success; and be part of a business that is fulfilling and allows veterans to continue making a positive impact on our country.”

Perhaps that’s the answer to the question. Veterans are attracted to franchising not just because the business model suits their particular skills, but because the franchise industry has shown its appreciation for these men and women and what they can do.