In your experience, how does franchising fuel veteran jobs?
The veteran entrepreneurs that make up our system are some of the most hardworking, determined and passionate franchise owners. One of the biggest challenges for many veterans is returning home from service and adjusting to civilian life. While others have gone on to establish careers and families, coming home for a vet can bring obstacles. However, we’ve seen a positive correlation between veterans and franchising success here at Authority Brands. Many of the attributes that help veterans excel within the military also make them ideal franchisees—including following a proven system with a set of rules. The world of franchising uniquely marries entrepreneurship and the discipline needed to execute on a proven plan.
Authority Brands is primarily comprised of service brands. What makes a service opportunity a good investment for veterans?
Veterans are resourceful as they’ve obtained an array of critical skills throughout their service that can be applied to their daily lives as civilians and into their professional careers. For example, one of our America’s Swimming Pool Company franchisees, Brandon Grigsby, who owns the location in Port St. Lucie, FL, was eager to find a new career that provided flexibility for better work-life balance. Becoming his own boss was an easy transition, as he works under a brand that fits his lifestyle and allows him to weave in skill sets he adopted from his time serving in the United States Navy. With service concepts that cover a variety of trades such as plumbing, electricity, HVAC, cleaning, and more—the offerings allow veterans to monetize their already established skills and professional experiences.
What kind of support does Authority Brands offer to veterans?
Authority Brands has always recognized that veterans are some of the most successful and best qualified prospective franchisees. We wholeheartedly respect the strength of military veterans and have established a business model which offers unlimited tools and resources for veterans who are seeking success and purpose in the franchising industry. Each of our brands participate in the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program that provides military veterans with special incentives and assistance to open a franchise. As a franchisor, we strive to offer military veterans the most comprehensive support and also offer financial incentives to help them launch their business. Additionally, Authority Brands has an established network of existing veteran franchise owners throughout our system which allows new franchisees to build relationships and exchange advice and best practices with fellow vets turned entrepreneurs.
What advice do you have for veterans currently looking into opening a franchise of their own?
Identify your passion. Whether that’s helping others through service or tapping into an industry that excites you, your purpose will be one of the key components that fuel your ability to approach your new business endeavor with the dedication and eagerness needed for success. As a franchisor, we are committed to making sure our franchisees are set up for success.
Mike Pearce is Chief Development Officer (CDO) for Authority Brands which includes the business brands One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Mister Sparky Electric, America’s Swimming Pool Co., Mosquito Squad, Homewatch CareGivers and The Cleaning Authority.