Top Franchise Brands for Veterans: Authority Brands

Authority Brands has positioned itself as a top franchise network for veterans by creating opportunities across multiple essential service industries while backing franchisees with training and a built-in network of owners. The company operates a broad portfolio of home service brands, including America’s Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, DoodyCalls, DRYmedic, Homewatch CareGivers, The Junkluggers, Lawn Squad, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad Plus, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Screenmobile, STOP Restoration and Woofie’s.

The franchisor participates in the VetFran Program through the International Franchise Association, offering discounts on franchise fees and territory fees for honorably discharged veterans in the United States and Canada. This is one of the reasons that 42 active military members and veterans became Authority Brands franchise owners in 2025 alone.

Authority Brands’ commitment to veterans has earned it industry recognition. In 2025, America’s Swimming Pool Company, The Cleaning Authority, Homewatch CareGivers, The Junkluggers, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Screenmobile and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning were all named to Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises for Veterans list. Mosquito Squad Plus was also recognized by Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans.

Why Veterans Fit Naturally Into Franchising With Authority Brands

Mosquito Squad Plus franchisee Luke Cain felt that franchising provided a pathway into entrepreneurship after years of service in the Marines and the intelligence field.

“I really wanted to do things on my own and beat my own path, but after two decades of being around the government world, I didn’t have the experience to start something on my own,” Cain said. “I didn’t even know what ROI was. I didn’t know the business side of it.”

Cain purchased a Mosquito Squad territory in Augusta, Georgia, in 2015 after encouragement from a fellow franchise owner. Over time, he grew into multiple territories and helped revitalize another struggling location. He credits much of that success to the leadership approach he developed in the Marines. That mentality also helped him scale the business while becoming involved in franchisee leadership initiatives, like the Franchise Advisory Council.

“In the Marines, you lead by example,” Cain said. “Any task my team is doing, I’ve done myself already. My favorite part definitely is the relationship with the other owners. I can call them my friends.”

Franchising also gave Cain flexibility and more time with his family, which he had long wanted after years of government service. “I have a lot more time with my kids now,” he said. “I coach my kids’ football team, go on all the field trips and holiday meals at school. That was one of my reasons for franchising.”

Veterans Bring Leadership and Accountability to Franchise Ownership

Mister Sparky franchise owner Bryan Martinez was medically discharged from the Air Force following two tours in Afghanistan. Initially unsure about what came next, Martinez entered the electrical trade through his father-in-law’s business before eventually helping scale the San Antonio-based Mister Sparky operation into a significantly larger company.

“When [my wife] and I stepped in to lead the Mister Sparky business, we set ambitious goals for growth,” Martinez said. “We’ve since expanded revenue by over 1,000%, with no signs of slowing down.”

Martinez believes the military prepared him for franchise leadership because of the emphasis on systems and accountability. He also believes Authority Brands creates an environment where owners genuinely want each other to succeed.

“One of the biggest differences I made when I came in was applying the lessons I learned in the military — organization, accountability and culture,” he said. “Everybody from the top down really cares about you. Everybody is willing to help everyone succeed.”

That kind of collaboration is especially valuable in home services franchising, where operational experience can vary greatly between owners. Martinez says the ability to learn directly from experienced operators across the system has been one of the most important benefits of franchising.

“Being able to pick up the phone and talk to someone who’s running the kind of business you aspire to have — and have them actually help you get there — is invaluable,” Martinez said. “You can’t put a price on learning from an owner who’s been in business for 30 years and built a $60 million operation.”

Essential Services Create Long-Term Opportunity

Another reason Authority Brands continues attracting veterans is the stability of the industries it operates within. The company’s portfolio spans recurring and recession-resistant service categories including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, restoration, lawn care, senior care, pest control, pet care and home cleaning.

Many of these businesses also provide scalable operational models that appeal to veterans looking to build teams and grow multi-unit operations over time. The processes within franchising can help accelerate the learning curve that comes with being a first-time entrepreneur.

“If you go into it, go into it fully,” Cain said. “Do what is put in place. There’s a reason it’s a franchise. Don’t try to do it your own way. There are other owners doing the same thing — take that wealth of knowledge and use those processes. You also have to put in the time.”

Authority Brands has built a reputation as a strong business opportunity for military-connected owners. Between veteran incentives, essential service categories and a collaborative franchise culture, the company has created an environment where veterans can apply the leadership skills they developed in the military while building businesses of their own.

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