Veterans have made significant contributions to the world of franchising. Franchise consulting expert Mike Halpern, owner of Franchise Freeway, a FranServe affiliate, was asked about his experience with clients who are veterans.
How frequently do you work with veteran clients?
I work with veterans all the time. Veterans are very active in the franchising industry. Many of the clients I’ve placed over the years have military backgrounds. In fact, many of our franchisor partners employ veterans on their corporate executive and support teams in leadership, training and support roles.
Veterans are driven and do what it takes to get the job done. In franchising, this mindset aligns with many top franchisee performers. The franchisor provides the playbook, but it’s up to the franchise owner to execute the mission. Veterans have been battle tested and are cool under pressure. Business ownership can be unpredictable and requires problem solving and collaboration. These are skills that veterans often bring to the table.
Why do veterans make good franchise owners?
Veterans make great franchise owners because they thrive operating within franchise systems. Once a veteran has the franchisor’s playbook in hand, they execute it well. Think guardrails instead of train tracks. They also operate with precision within teams. Both the franchisor’s support team and the cohort of franchise owners collaborate to make their franchises better.
Do you do any specific marketing and/or outreach to veterans?
Veterans are proud of their service to our country, and most list their previous experience on LinkedIn, so I’m aware of their military service before a franchise discovery call. It’s important to understand where they’ve been and what they’ve accomplished as servant leaders, and many of those skills transfer well into franchise ownership.
Do veterans tend to gravitate to specific franchise sectors?
Veterans operate franchises in all segments of franchising. They tend to excel when leadership is paramount to their franchise model’s success. I have placed veterans who have been successful franchise solopreneurs, but most of the veteran clients I work with strive to build a team they can lead to multi-unit or multi-territory growth. Some specific sector examples include restoration, commercial cleaning, home services, automotive, education and senior care. If team building and leadership are involved, then veterans are almost always a fit.
Are there particular brands who target veterans?
Many of our Franchisor partners specifically seek out and incentivize veterans to join their franchise system. The IFA’s VetFran program is a great resource for military veterans seeking franchise ownership opportunities. They provide funding resources and access to franchise brands that offer discounts to veterans. Fun facts: 60% of our franchise portfolio participates in VetFran, and 14% of all franchises are veteran-owned!
What advice or resources do you share with veteran clients?
It’s never too early to learn about franchise ownership. Even active-duty service members have contacted me to learn about timelines and funding strategies so they can decide whether they want to own a franchise after completing their service obligations. Veterans often use a combination of savings, financing and other funding sources to become first-time franchise owners.
Nancy E. Williams