Yarusso, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, Helps Other Veterans Enter Franchising Through VetFran Program
Despite his arsenal of accomplishments, Ralph Yarusso is likely the most humble person you’ll ever know. After serving in the U.S. Air Force as part of the C-141 aircrew, he became a successful multi-unit franchise owner and held executive positions at several leading brands. He also served as chair of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program and now continues his impactful work as a franchise consultant. He’s a devoted father of six and has spent years as a youth and high school lacrosse and football coach.
Throughout his life of leadership and service, Yarusso has impacted countless lives — but for him, it’s all in a day’s work. “I simply enjoy coaching people and seeing them succeed. I wish I had a consultant/mentor when I got started,” he says. After leaving the Air Force in 1985, Yarusso earned a flight dispatcher license and worked at LaGuardia Airport in New York. When faced with a potential move to Houston, he looked for other options.
“My wife was expecting our first child, and we really did not want to move away from family,” he says. That’s when his father-in-law, a Carvel franchisee, introduced him to franchising. He invested in the Meineke franchise and was thrilled with the opportunity, especially without having mechanical skills. “I’m the worst mechanic in the world! Even after owning 15 locations and becoming COO of Meineke, I’m still the last person you want working on your car,” he jokes.
Yarusso says his military training prepared him for franchising. “You need discipline to run a business and follow a franchisor’s system,” he says. “The leadership skills I gained in the military were also key in building teams and treating customers with respect.”
Now, as a franchise consultant, Yarusso uses his 40 years of experience to help others become franchise owners. “Helping people on their journey and advising them on risks makes it all worth it.”
Helping Veterans Through VetFran
Yarusso is passionate about supporting veterans through the IFA’s VetFran program, which has a three-pronged approach towards assisting veterans: education, advocacy and engagement. “The committee is constantly looking for ways to educate veterans as they begin their search,” he says. “They currently offer a quarterly webinar open to all veterans and family members.”
For veterans interested in franchising, Yarusso recommends starting at VetFran.org. “VetFran has created many opportunities for veterans. It’s a win-win. Franchisors love to provide significant discounts for those who have served, and suppliers are happy to establish programs that help vets in the quest for business ownership.”
Q&A: Ralph Yarusso, VetFran
Here, Yarusso defines what leadership means to him, explains why he loves franchising and more.
Helping people on the journey and advising them on the risks makes it all worth it.
1. What does leadership mean to you?
Being able to lead a group of people or an organization is both an art and a passion. I believe in servant leadership. For me, it’s always worked best to provide my teams with the tools they need to accomplish their goals. This empowers them and helps create a positive culture throughout the organization.
2. What is your favorite mantra or motto?
Be accountable for your actions and always work with integrity and responsibility. If you do this, success will naturally follow.
3. What is your greatest career accomplishment?
I’ve been very fortunate throughout my career and have achieved several things I’m proud of. Being selected as Meineke’s Franchisee of the Year and recognized by both the franchisor and the IFA is definitely one of the biggest highlights.
4. Why do you love franchising?
There are so many things I love about franchising, but the relationships are probably the most important to me. It always amazes me how people in the franchising world are willing to help each other and share best practices.
5. How did your military experience shape your path into franchising?
Well, for starters, I was able to enjoy a VetFran discount on my first license! Further, I believe that the military afforded me the discipline I needed to run the business and follow the play book from the franchisor.
6. Who do you admire in franchising?
This one is easy — Ken Walker, former CEO of Driven Brands and past chair of the IFA. Back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Meineke was involved in a massive lawsuit that not only crippled growth but also divided the franchisees. It was like a civil war. Ken was hired to fix it, and while it took years, he was magnificent in getting it done.
Visit VetFran’s website for more information.
