Veterans in Franchising: Joe Cowern of Batteries Plus Bulbs

For Batteries Plus Bulbs franchisee Joe Cowern, a knack for fixing things runs in the family. Prior to opening his Batteries Plus Bulbs location alongside his father, who is a former electrical engineer and veteran himself, Cowern served as an aviation technician in the U.S. Navy for seven years.

Recently, 1851 spoke with Cowern to learn a bit about how his time in the military helped pave the way for success with his current Batteries Plus Bulbs franchise.

1851: Why did you decide to join the military?

Cowern: My father served and my brother served and to keep that family tradition alive, I did too. Best thing I ever did.

1851: What was the most valuable thing your military experience taught you?

Cowern: Respect and integrity.

1851: How did your military service prepare you for franchising?

Cowern: While serving in the Navy, I was trained extensively as a technician to repair just about anything electronic along with a drive to do a job properly and to completion.

1851: What is it about Batteries Plus Bulbs that attracted you to the brand?

Cowern: We have become a mobile society that constantly needs mobile power, which equates to batteries. Batteries + Bulbs fit that criteria.

1851: What advice would you give to veterans who are looking to get into franchising?

Cowern: Just go for it. Carryover that go-to-it attitude and the attention to detail from the military and you will go far here.

1851: What does franchising mean to you?

Cowern: Franchising means being your own boss, but having the support behind you for all the things you may not have time for. They do a lot of the legwork for you because there are never enough hours in the day.

1851: What would you like to achieve in franchising within the next 5 years? In 10?

Cowern: I want to continue providing the high-quality service that we have given to people over the last six years. We pride ourselves on making sure every customer leaves with a solution, whether that is a product or a service. I also want to continue growing our sales. I also am looking at expanding to be a multi-store owner in the future