WIN for America Seeks Victories for Veterans

In early 2011, WIN Home Inspection executives were reviewing their franchisee statistics and discovered that about one fourth of system franchisees were military veterans.  WIN then began crafting plans to develop a veteran franchisee program.  In 2011, on Veterans Day, WIN launched their “WIN For America” program that partnered with the International Franchise Association and VetFran. WIN for America’s number one attraction to veteran franchisees is their promise to waive all or part of the franchise fee for qualified veterans.  However, the company makes veterans who are applying for a franchise go through a rigorous information training process.  Candidates have to complete a market analysis, build a three year operating platform, provide an essay outlining their qualifications and be interviewed and reviewed by a committee of existing veteran franchisees. During the six week process period, candidates also have weekly accountability calls with the WIN development team. [caption id="attachment_8496" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Steve Wadlington"][/caption] Steve Wadlington, president of WIN Home Inspection since 2007 explains, “We put them through a very long process, but it’s good for them.  They may learn a lot about the business and realize it’s not for them; our training and information process allows them to learn about small business in general.  We hope that what they learn from WIN, even if they don’t stay with us, will help them in their reentry into civilian life.” Wadlington had worked for a competitor company to WIN before accepting his position in 2007.  He met Thomas and Dianne Knapp, founders of WIN, while working together on licensure lobbying efforts.  As the company grew, the Knapps invited Wadlington to join their team. When asked why military veterans do so well with WIN for America, Wadlington explains, “Frankly, there was a correlation between veterans and those that really followed the plan. Also, WIN allows them to have a fair amount of freedom.  They like being able to control their own destiny.” WIN For America has three goals –to reward veterans that have risked their lives to serve their country, to give them the opportunity to own their own business and to be a positive life changing event for veterans. James Price, a Texas Army National Guard veteran, was the first franchisee to be granted WIN’s Gold Package Award.  James partnered with his wife, Jessica, to open their WIN franchise in Lubbock, Texas.   The Prices have been with WIN for a little over a year now and are doing very well.  They are looking to hire additional inspectors to keep up with the demand in services they face. WIN Home Inspection has been awarded the 2013 Military Friendly Franchise award by G.I. Magazine and the International Franchise Association (IFA).  As of May of 2013, 34.1 percent of WIN Home Inspection franchisees are military veterans.