Here are some strategic maneuvers to maximize your chances of success:
Utilize Existing Intelligence
Resources abound for veterans looking for opportunities to lead their own team in the civilian world, most of them cost you only your time.
- The International Franchise Association (IFA) website is filled with educational information that provides basic information about franchising.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) regional offices offer free seminars on starting and running a successful small business.
- Through a partnership with the SBA, leading universities and state economic development agencies, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) help guide entrepreneurial hopefuls and
existing business owners.
Take Early Inventory of Your Finances
It’s never too early to assess your balance sheet, determine your monthly budget, evaluate your credit score and review your financial assets. Armed
with this information, you’ll be better prepared to evaluate your options and take full advantage of various programs aimed at assisting veterans
with funding a new adventure.
VetFran is an IFA sponsored program that provides targeted access to information
about opportunities in franchising to our nation’s veterans and their spouses. Their “toolkit’ includes much of the financial information needed
to get started on a sensible budget.
Meet Successful Veterans in Franchising
One of the most strategic ways to learn about franchise life after serving our country is to talk with others who’ve walked in your shoes - veterans
who are starting, growing and running their own franchises. Here are a few recent examples of veterans who worked with our team to find their perfect
business opportunity.
Robert Parrish served as an Audio Visual Field Technician for the U.S. Army. His training led to a successful technology-focused corporate career.
When I first met Robert and his wife Lisa, they were looking for their next chapter. Having raised their children and wanting more time to spend
with six grandchildren, Robert decided it was time to lead his own team but initially didn’t consider franchising is
More Than Just French Fries.
“My wife and I jokingly looked at restaurants, but after learning there are so many options outside of fast food, we broadened our scope and chose
a franchise that fit our family perfectly.” I helped them explore, evaluate and choose an international franchise brand in the apparel, sign and
promotional products industry. The excitement is building as they are finalizing build-out plans for their new Cumming, GA Instant Imprints location.
Robert knows the drive to succeed and leadership skills he honed during his military training will serve him well as a franchise owner.
“Veterans have that ‘I’m in charge’ mentality. They understand the steps to execute their mission and they follow it precisely,” says Robert. But
it’s not just about following marching orders. The military instills a high drive to succeed beyond expectations that translates into the generation
of ideas for process efficiency and innovative solutions to everyday operational challenges.
“In the military, you’re trained to have a certain mindset; see the positives and the opportunities in everything and get after it.”
For 15 years, U.S. Army National Guard veteran Bo Crawford set his sights on one day owning his own business. “I had the desire to be my own boss and
be ULTIMATELY and TRULY the owner”, Bo explained.
“I decided to buy into a franchise quite simply because I didn't have any original ideas to create on my own or start my own business, so franchising to me was the best option to open my own business.”
In early 2017, he
officially opened his own kids haircuts
franchise in Tucker, Georgia. Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids is even offering holiday specials like five haircuts for the price of two! Bo’s
business is not only growing, it’s become a
powerful vehicle to change lives in his community.
Pull in Tactical Experts
Robert Parrish suggests veterans don’t try to explore this terrain on their own. You need to take the experts with you in the foxhole. I happen to
know one veteran and multi-brand franchise owner who has been in that foxhole with me from the start - my Dad and Vietnam War veteran, Phil Kuban.
After his service, he returned to climb the corporate career but later chose to venture into business brokerage and franchise consulting. Today,
one of Phil’s passions is
educating veterans about the many parallels between franchise ownership and military service. “As franchisees, just like being in the military, franchisees work together
as a unified force to grow the brand and get the job done. No one is a lone ranger.”
If you or a veteran you know are looking for the bridge to more financial independence and the freedom that comes with business ownership, Bo Crawford
suggests the time is now. He advises fellow veterans to “be confident in yourself and don’t be afraid to take the chance and invest in yourself.”
Want to explore a bridge to financial freedom and independence at the helm of your own business? Our local franchise experts can help at no cost to
you.
Reach out to our team today.