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Neighborly® Brands Shine: Best Franchises for Veterans Recognized

Neighborly® Brands Shine: Best Franchises for Veterans Recognized
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Neighborly is proud to highlight the Award Winners of the "Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Top Franchises for Veterans," which offer exceptional opportunities for Veterans to leverage their military skills in the business world.

Neighborly is honored to celebrate the national recognition earned by many of our franchise brands, reflecting our commitment to supporting Veterans and their families in business ownership.

This year, thirteen Neighborly brands have been ranked among the “Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Top Franchises for Veterans,” highlighting the strength and diversity of our network. These accolades reinforce our brands—including Aire Serv®, HouseMaster Home Inspections®, The Grounds Guys®, Glass Doctor®, Molly Maid®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Handyman®, Mr. Rooter Plumbing®, Precision Garage Door Service®, ShelfGenie®, Rainbow Restoration®, and Real Property Management®—as premier choices for Veterans and their families seeking to leverage their skills and leadership in thriving franchise environments.

Our commitment to excellence is further validated by recent honors from Franchise Business Review, with several Neighborly brands being named to the 2026 Top Franchises for Veterans, affirming that Neighborly's family of brands continues to lead the home services sector—offering Veterans proven opportunities, strong support, and the tools to succeed as franchise owners.

Transitioning from the Military to Franchise Ownership

Each year, we celebrate Veterans Day, but throughout the year, our nation’s military Veterans are forging new lives as entrepreneurs. Some choose to own a business right after leaving the military, while others find employment but eventually decide the corporate culture isn’t the right fit for them. Franchise ownership can be a strong fit for Veteran entrepreneurs because military experience often builds leadership, work ethic, discipline, and technical skills that transfer well to running a small business.

“I would recommend that Veterans consider a Neighborly franchise because of the support you will garner and the family feeling you have."

Lee Droog - Owner of Mr. Electric of Cary & Chapel Hill, NC | Veteran

Many choose to buy and manage a franchise because it enables them to utilize their skills while continuing meaningful work. By owning and running a business, Veterans can utilize leadership skills, create job opportunities, contribute to their communities, and continue leading a life of service. This matters for Veterans looking for a civilian career that fits better after military service, while allowing them to build a business around their strengths and long-term goals.

Among the 2026 "Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Top Franchises for Veterans,” thirteen Neighborly brands are ranked:

  • Aire Serv® delivers essential HVAC repair and maintenance services, perfect for Veterans who are looking to continue vital service to their communities.
  • HouseMaster Home Inspections®  provides professional home inspection services, emphasizing attention to detail and clear communication.
  • The Grounds Guys® provide full-service lawn care and landscaping for both residential and commercial properties, including mowing, fertilization, and maintenance.
  • Glass Doctor® specializes in glass repair and replacement, which requires precision and expertise from many Veterans.
  • Molly Maid® provides reliable home cleaning services, promoting a sense of order and cleanliness.
  • Mr. Appliance® delivers top-notch appliance repair services, combining technical skills with customer service.
  • Mr. Electric® focuses on electrical services, perfect for those with a knack for problem-solving.
  • Mr. Handyman® offers a wide range of home maintenance and repair services, relying on versatility and adaptability.
  • Mr. Rooter Plumbing® provides expert plumbing services, ensuring smooth and efficient water and drainage systems.
  • Precision Garage Door Service® specializes in garage door repair and installation, requiring mechanical aptitude.
  • ShelfGenie®  offers custom pull-out shelving solutions, helping homeowners improve organization and accessibility in their kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms.
  • Rainbow Restoration® offers restoration and cleaning services, helping communities recover from disasters.
  • Real Property Management provides a variety of property management services for residential and commercial customers. 

About This Award Recognition

Entrepreneur®’s Top Franchises for Veterans ranking recognizes franchise systems evaluated on factors such as incentives for Veterans, Veteran ownership within their networks, military representation on leadership teams, and overall Franchise 500 scores. Those scores assess costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. The recognition highlights the support available to Veterans pursuing business ownership, but Veterans also bring valuable strengths of their own: experience leading teams, navigating challenges, and working toward a shared mission, all of which can translate well to franchise leadership.

We are extremely proud of this prestigious recognition, and Neighborly is dedicated to supporting Veterans as they transition from military service to franchise ownership, providing training, resources, and ongoing guidance to help them apply their leadership skills to business ownership and service to their communities.

Neighborly Resources Makes Entrepreneurship Easier for Military Veterans

In addition to their impressive performance in the "Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Top Franchises for Veterans," 

Neighborly is steadfast in its support for Veterans and their families as they transition into entrepreneurship, helping them embark on successful, fulfilling new careers as franchise owners. Many franchisors also offer Veteran incentive discounts through VetFran, a International Franchise Association program, which Neighborly is a proud founding member of. Those franchise fee discounts often help qualified Veterans reduce upfront costs. Established in 1991 to assist Veterans, VetFran now includes over 630 franchise systems offering Veteran incentives. More than 4,000 Veterans have become franchisees through VetFran, which can make participating franchise companies more attractive to Veteran entrepreneurs evaluating options. As you compare brands, weigh the support resources that come with the opportunity alongside any discounts, since some guidance and business training can also help military spouses, not just Veterans.

Interested in Exploring Franchise Ownership with Neighborly Brands?

Service takes many forms, and the skills, discipline, and leadership it cultivates can open doors far beyond the initial path. For Veterans, franchise ownership with support from organizations like Neighborly transforms military experience into thriving businesses, community impact, and lasting legacies.

But the lesson extends to everyone: dedication, resilience, and a mission-driven mindset can guide anyone toward opportunities that create purpose, inspire others, and strengthen communities.

By embracing the possibilities beyond service—whether in the military, public service, or any committed endeavor—we can all contribute to a stronger economy, vibrant neighborhoods, and a brighter future for our nation.

 

FAQs About Veteran Franchise Ownership

  1. How do military skills translate to franchise ownership?

    A: Veterans bring leadership, discipline, resilience, and a mission-first mindset to every challenge. These qualities make them well-suited to manage franchises, handle operational responsibilities, and grow successful businesses. Programs like VetFran and partnerships with organizations like Neighborly provide the support and training needed to turn military experience into business success.

  2. How does Neighborly support Veterans in franchising?

    A: Neighborly has a long-standing commitment to Veteran entrepreneurship through initiatives like VetFran. 

    They offer financial incentives, training programs, ongoing mentorship, and a supportive franchise network, and many franchise brands offer mentorship programs specifically for Veterans to help them succeed in business while continuing to make a positive impact in their communities.


  3. What is VetFran, and how does it work with Neighborly?

    A: VetFran is a program of the International Franchise Association (IFA) Foundation that helps Veterans explore franchise opportunities through education, resources, and financial incentives offered by participating brands. Founded in 1991 by Neighborly founder and Veteran Don Dwyer Sr., the program reflects Neighborly’s longstanding dedication to supporting those who have served. Today, participating Neighborly® brands offer franchise fee discounts to eligible Veterans, and the program includes financial incentives and support during the startup process, along with training and ongoing support for franchise owners. Candidates can connect with the franchise development team to learn about available incentives and eligibility requirements for their preferred brand, and some participating brands may also extend qualifying benefits to family members, where applicable.
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