Why This Veteran Chose Mr. Appliance to Take His Business to the Next Level

When Nathan Burkholder left the military in 2012, he carried with him the discipline, work ethic, and drive that had shaped his years of service.

But like many Veterans stepping back into civilian life, he wasn’t quite sure where those strengths would take him next. He started out working as a mechanic at an automotive dealership—a temporary stop while he figured out his long-term plan. That clarity came a few years later, when he launched his own appliance repair business.

For a while, things were working well. The business grew steadily, and Nathan hired a small team to keep up with demand. But growth also brought new challenges. “I went from being profitable and working reasonable hours to not being as profitable—and working really, really hard,” he recalls. Something had to change.

Nathan first learned about Mr. Appliance ^® and Neighborly ^® while looking for ways to run his business more effectively. What caught his attention wasn’t just the brand—it was the structure, the systems, and the people behind it.

“Neighborly is an amazing company,” he says today. “I would recommend it to anyone ready to take their business to the next level or be part of something bigger than themselves.”

For Nathan, joining Mr. Appliance, a brand under the Neighborly umbrella, in 2016 felt like the missing piece. He finally had access to tools and resources he had never had as an independent owner: proven systems, industry-leading software, and direct guidance from franchise business coaches who understood the appliance repair space inside and out.

But the biggest value came from the people—especially other franchise owners. “I could really learn and grow as an owner and not just a technician,” Nathan explains. “That was huge for me.”

By plugging into the Mr. Appliance network, Nathan gained practical best practices, mentorship, and a sense of community that reminded him of the camaraderie he had missed from the military. Instead of feeling like he had to solve every problem alone, he now had a team of peers and experts ready to help him succeed.

Looking back, joining the Neighborly family was a turning point. Nathan didn’t just gain support; he gained confidence. His business became more scalable, more sustainable, and more aligned with the life he wanted to build.

For Veterans, independent owners, or anyone seeking a path to grow, Nathan’s message is clear: “If you’re ready to step into something bigger and unlock your business’s potential, there’s no better place to be.”