Column from Homeland Magazine ‘Franchise Dreams – Veterans Make Great Entrepreneurs‘
Written by Doug Dwyer
President & CSO of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
Have you ever considered franchising as you transition from military service? Do you think your skills may not transfer? Do you think direct business experience is the most important factor? Think again.
I’ve been in franchising for over 35 years. In my experience, veterans are some of the best franchise owners. By leveraging their unique skills, experiences, and values from military service; veterans can excel as franchise business owners and make valuable contributions to their communities.
Here are some of the unique characteristics that make veterans great franchise owners:
Leadership Skills: Veterans often possess strong leadership skills developed through their military service, which can be invaluable when managing a franchise business and leading a team of employees.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Military experience fosters a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Veterans can leverage these skills to build cohesive and efficient teams within their franchise.
Process-oriented: Franchising offers proven processes and systems. Veterans tend to maximize detailed processes for marketing, sales, hiring, technology, production, and financial systems.
Discipline and Work Ethic: Veterans are known for their discipline, work ethic, and ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. These qualities can translate well to the demands of running a franchise business, especially during challenging times.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Military training hones veterans’ problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and resilience. These skills are essential for navigating the complexities of business ownership and overcoming obstacles that may arise.
Attention to Detail: Military training emphasizes attention to detail and adherence to standard operating procedures. Veterans can apply this meticulous approach to ensure compliance with franchise guidelines and deliver high-quality services to homeowners.
Resourcefulness: Military service often requires veterans to be resourceful and innovative in finding solutions to challenges with limited resources. The better franchise organizations provide peer groups where franchisees can exchange ideas and best practices.
Integrity and Trustworthiness: Veterans are typically held to high standards of integrity and trustworthiness in their military roles. These values can enhance the reputation and credibility of a franchise business, fostering trust among homeowners and employees.
At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, we offer prospective franchisees the opportunity to own a kitchen, bath, and interior remodeling business. Over half of our franchisees joined us with little to no experience in business or remodeling. Like other franchisors, we can teach marketing, sales, design, project management, and financials; however, the best franchisees are ones who match our DreamMaker culture and follow our proven processes and systems. I truly believe that Veterans have the innate characteristics to perform at a high level in franchising.
As you transition from the service to civilian life, I encourage you to explore franchise opportunities. You have so many valuable skills, character traits, and the leadership experience to succeed.
