Leaving military service can be a challenging and uncertain time, especially when it comes to navigating your next career move. It’s common to feel unsure about the right direction as you transition into civilian life.
When exploring career options, you may find yourself torn between two desires. On one hand, you might enjoy the idea of making your own decisions and having control over your future. On the other hand, you may still value the discipline and structure that the military provided. Fortunately, owning a business can offer the perfect balance of both worlds. As a business owner, you have the freedom to steer your own course, but you're not completely on your own.
Franchising, for example, allows you to build and grow your own business with the support of an established system, proven processes, and a network of fellow franchisees who understand the unique challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Let's explore why franchises are particularly well-suited for veterans and how to identify truly Veteran-friendly opportunities.
Why Franchises Are a Great Option for Veterans
The leadership and teamwork skills inherent to military service transfer exceptionally well to franchise ownership. Franchises provide a built-in support system that can help ease the transition to civilian entrepreneurship. They offer a structured business model with well-defined procedures, coupled with the freedom to build your business in the way you want - choosing a location, defining the rate of growth, and determining if and when to hire employees.
However, not all franchises are created equal. Franchisors frequently seek out Veterans due to their leadership skills, discipline, and ability to follow proven systems, but are they really walking the walk?
How To Identify Veteran-Friendly Franchise Opportunities
Finding a franchise that aligns with your values is crucial, but how do you spot those that are truly Veteran-friendly? Here’s how to identify the best Veteran-friendly franchise opportunities:
Established Reputation with Veterans
Take the time to thoroughly research your franchise options. Start by reaching out to the company and asking how many of their franchise owners are Veterans. Request contact information for several of them so you can hear firsthand about their experiences. Positive feedback from Veteran franchisees is a strong indicator of the company's reputation and its ability to support Veterans effectively.
It’s also important to look for external recognition and awards. Industry rankings like the 2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Top Franchises for Veterans can provide valuable insights, especially when a franchise has received notable accolades such as:
- Entrepreneur Franchise 500
- Franchise Business Review Top 200 Franchises
- Franchise Business Review Top Franchises Satisfaction Award in 2024
- Franchise Business Review Most Profitable Franchises
These distinctions show that the franchise is not only well-regarded but also dedicated to helping its franchisees thrive.
Proven Track Record of Supporting Veterans
One key indicator of a company’s commitment to Veterans is whether they hire Veterans within their leadership team. For example, Lou Schager, CFE, joined the Neighborly® team after attending the U.S. Naval Academy and serving until 2016. Today, he is the President of Mosquito Joe®.
A company’s support for Veterans should also have a long-standing history. Neighborly, for instance, has been dedicated to veteran support since 1991, when founder Don Dwyer Sr. launched the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, known as VetFran. This program was designed to provide Veterans and their spouses with access to franchising opportunities. Neighborly continues to champion VetFran, helping military personnel smoothly transition to civilian entrepreneurship through franchising opportunities.
Veteran Discounts and Incentives
Understanding the costs and fees associated with franchise ownership is essential, as well as any available financing options. Many Veteran-friendly franchises offer financial incentives such as discounted franchise fees or reduced royalty rates, helping to significantly lower startup costs and make franchise ownership more accessible for Veterans.
Since the founding of VetFran, Neighborly has awarded more than $2.4 million in discounts to over 400 Veteran franchise owners. In fact, Neighborly franchises have become so desirable to veterans that, as of May 2023, more than 150 Veterans had opened a Neighborly franchise in the preceding three years alone!
Benefits of Neighborly’s Veteran-Friendly Franchises
At Neighborly, our commitment to veterans is deeply rooted in our history, dating back to our founding as the Dwyer Group in 1981, through the creation of VetFran, and until today. We deeply value the discipline, leadership, and commitment that veterans like you bring to our franchise network.
Neighborly franchise opportunities give you a structured pathway similar to your military service, comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a supportive network of franchise owners that encourages camaraderie and shared experiences.
Unparalleled Franchise Support
Our team is here to support you from the first step. Whether or not you ultimately move forward with a Neighborly brand, we provide numerous resources to help you, such as our Franchise Ownership Guide. Once you’ve read the guide, we encourage you to:
- Speak with a Franchise Developer for your area to jointly explore if one of our brands would be a mutually beneficial opportunity. You can do this by scheduling a call or completing our contact form.
- Further your research with your Franchise Developer for more exploration and discovery, including a territory analysis and discussions with existing franchise owners.
- Visit company headquarters for a “Meet the Team Day” for a snapshot of our business model and comprehensive questions and answers sessions.
- Conduct due diligence, select a financing option if needed, and sign an agreement.
Once you’ve signed the agreement, you’ll be supported by a Sure Start Consultant and Franchise Business Coach, and that support continues through the life of your business.
Our comprehensive start-up and ongoing franchise training and tools for success include the following:
- Mentorship from dedicated coaches
- Field training programs with experienced brand owners
- Team training support, from online training modules to certification guidance
- Regional training events
- National conferences
- Sales and technology training
- Efficient software for scheduling, billing, and more
- Integrated marketing strategies
- Preferred vendor discounts
- Employee recruiting and onboarding platform
- And so much more!
Most importantly, take advantage of the exclusive benefits we offer service personnel through VetFran. Ask about it when you contact our team!
Explore Neighborly’s Veteran-Friendly Franchises
At Neighborly, we're committed to serving those who have served. We understand the unique skills and experiences you bring to the table as a Veteran, and we're here to help you leverage those strengths in your new career as a franchise owner.
Learn more about how Neighborly supports Veterans like you and take the first step towards your new entrepreneurial journey today.
