Column from Homeland Magazine ‘Franchise Dreams – Veterans Make Great Entrepreneurs’
Written by Doug Dwyer
President & CSO of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
It’s no secret that I have a passion for veterans in franchising. This passion partly comes from my father (USAF Ret.), who was the founder of the Dwyer Group (now Neighborly) and served as Chairman of the IFA (International Franchise Association). As a former veteran, he founded an organization called VetFran to support veterans returning from the Gulf War transitioning to the civilian economy.
Today, VetFran includes over 600 franchise brands offering financial incentives, education, and support to veterans interested in franchise ownership and/or a career path in franchising. In fact, the VetFran program is increasing in popularity. Franchisors who are looking to grow and expand are increasingly more aware of how important veterans can be to their success, and with the help and encouragement of the VetFran initiative, they are actively looking for veterans like you!
Why are so many franchise brands interested in Military Veterans? Although veterans make up only about 7% of the population, they account for a whopping 14% of all franchisees in America. They’re more likely to hire other vets and spread the opportunity, prosperity, and job creation that has made franchising one of the fastest growing sectors of the US economy.
VetFran’s mission is to continue to grow these numbers and continue to connect talented and patriotic veterans with so much to offer with franchise business ownership opportunities. With over 600 franchise brands participating with VetFran, military veterans can expect significant veteran discounts from their initial franchise fees. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is one of these brands. If you meet the qualifications to purchase a DreamMaker franchise and are honorably discharged, we offer a 20% discount off the initial franchise fee. Find out more about the resources and brands available through VetFran at www.Vetfran.org.
Another organization that helps military veterans explore entrepreneurship opportunities (including franchising) is ZeroMils. Founded by veterans for veterans, their mission is to create military thriving cultures and communities. ZeroMils works with several military non-profits to help connect veterans and their spouses with entrepreneurial, franchising, and employment opportunities. They offer numerous resources including educational webinars and face-to-face events to help the military community thrive. Find out more about ZeroMils at www.Zeromils.com .
A recent VetFran survey showed that a whopping 99% of surveyed franchisors think that veterans are a good fit as employees within their company, while an equally impressive 97% say that veterans make excellent franchisees. 70% have brought on a veteran franchisee or corporate employee in the last year alone!
The franchise business model allows military veterans to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. Veterans emerge from service with strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of teams; both are great skills to launch and grow a franchise business. Organizations like VetFran and ZeroMils recognize that franchising can be a fantastic option for transitioning veterans, and offer numerous resources to those who are interested in entrepreneurial opportunities.
