Five Star Franchising Offers Veterans Strong Support and Community
Franchising has long been a great fit for veterans because it offers structure, teamwork, leadership and a clear mission — things that are already familiar from military life. Veterans are trained to follow systems and stay calm under pressure. Those skills often translate naturally into business ownership.
According to IFA’s VetFran, veterans make up about 7% of the U.S. population but 14% of franchise owners. Veteran entrepreneurs also have a major impact on the economy. The SBA Office of Advocacy reported that veterans are the majority owners of more than 1.6 million businesses, employing nearly 3.2 million workers.
Through Five Star Franchising, the men and women featured below have found a new way to serve. They traded their uniforms for business ownership, but kept the same sense of purpose and commitment to others. Today, they are leading teams and building stronger communities through their local home services businesses.
Five Star Franchising gives them the backing of a growing platform with proven franchise brands. Under that umbrella, franchise owners have access to training and a network that understands the value of service. For these veterans, franchising offers a new mission, a supportive team and, in many cases, a new family. Meet some of the veterans continuing their mission through Five Star Franchising.
Nathan Grundy, Mosquito Shield Franchise
Army veteran Nathan Grundy brings decades of leadership and discipline from his military service to his role as a Mosquito Shield franchise owner in Appleton and the Fox Valley, Wis. After serving from 1996 to 2022 — including combat tours in Iraq and high-level security assignments at the Pentagon — Grundy transitioned to business ownership, purchasing his Mosquito Shield territories while still on active duty. He quickly grew his customer base and now plans to expand into Green Bay. Grundy credits his military training and adherence to systems for his success and says the Mosquito Shield team feels like “an extension of my family.”
Fabio Salas, Five Star Bath Solutions Franchise
After more than two decades in the U.S. Marine Corps, Fabio Salas launched a new mission in business ownership with Five Star Bath Solutions of San Diego. Drawing on his extensive experience in leadership, logistics and time management, Salas built a thriving remodeling business after opening in June 2023. He takes pride in delivering exceptional results for customers while providing steady employment for more than 10 team members. Salas calls his experience with the franchise “fantastic,” praising its strong support network and sense of community. When he’s not running his business, he and his wife (above) enjoy hiking and racing together across California.
Todd Tyler, 1-800-Packouts Franchise
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and building a career in restoration, Todd Tyler launched 1-800-Packouts of San Diego in January 2021, helping families and businesses recover and restore belongings after disasters like fires or floods. He began with a small team and has built one of the brand’s top-performing locations with more than 25 team members. Celebrated for his leadership and mentorship across the network, Tyler says the greatest reward comes from helping his team and community grow stronger and build better lives every day.
Tom Clapham, Gotcha Covered Franchise
Army veteran Tom Clapham brings resilience, leadership and calm under pressure gained from his eight years of military service to his role as owner of Gotcha Covered of Durham and Chapel Hill, N.C., which he opened in March 2024. Clapham found his path to franchising when he met a franchise broker at a military job fair. The introduction opened his eyes to the breadth and potential of home services franchising. He was drawn to Gotcha Covered for its low startup cost, veteran discount and strong corporate support. The franchise specializes in custom window treatments — blinds, shades, shutters and draperies designed to match any home’s style. Clapham says the business combines flexibility for family time with purpose and growth, creating a foundation for long-term success.
Rebecca Eggers, Card My Yard Franchise
For Rebecca Eggers, becoming a Card My Yard franchise owner in Fairfax, Va., was a twist of fate. After serving in the U.S. Army, she was nearing retirement when she saw a Facebook post about the opportunity — one she had noticed years earlier but wasn’t yet ready to pursue. This time, she took the leap and went all in. Since taking over the business in 2024, Eggers has found joy in spreading cheer through personalized yard greetings and connecting with a creative, supportive network of fellow owners. The flexible business allows her to stay active in her community and spend more time with her family.
Victoria White, Bio-One Franchise
With a 23-year U.S. Army career behind her, Victoria White has carried her sense of mission and service into her role as franchise owner of Bio-One of Havre de Grace, Md. Her years leading soldiers and serving at the White House Communications Agency taught her to stay calm under pressure, think strategically and complete complex missions — skills that now guide her in leading her trauma and hoarding remediation franchise. White approaches each situation with compassion and precision, helping families reclaim peace, dignity and safety in their homes. She says Bio-One has given her a renewed sense of purpose and the opportunity to keep serving others.
For more information, visit Five Star Franchising’s website.
