v e t e r a n s s u ppl e m e n t
FRANCHISEE IN ACTION: Doug Toler | Storm Guard Franchisee
Why Franchising is THE Best Business Opportunity for Veterans Doug Toler, a United States Military Veteran turned Storm Guard franchisee, shares his story and the valuable lessons that he learned while in service that have helped him to succeed within the franchise industry. Toler served in the first Gulf War before returning home and now owns and operates the largest Storm Guard franchise on the east coast.
My Credentials Ever since I was a child, I knew that I wanted to join the military and serve my country. I grew up in Arlington, Virginia, a suburb of Washington D.C. My parents were involved with the government so I was constantly surrounded by and involved in conversations about our country. Wanting to branch out in terms of my career path, I looked elsewhere to try and make a difference within my community while also following in my parents’ footsteps. By the time I made it to high school, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wanted to join the military. I decided to join the ROTC program offered as an elective class for the last two years of high school. During my senior year, I decided to join the United States Marine Corps to be one of the “Few and Proud”. My mother was less inclined, but with 62 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
some encouragement and a blessing from my father we agreed I would try to become a Marine. In speaking with my recruiter, the Harrier program looked amazingly cool. I was eager to join the Marine Corps, and one day work with these exceptional aircraft. Six months later, they paused the program so I explored other options with the recruiter. After a long conversation, we came across the “LAV” Light Armored Vehicle. The promotional videos immediately sparked my interest and I knew that if flying harriers was no longer an option, this was my new path for my service. The recruiter expressed that they were starting a Light Armored Infantry Company at USMC Quantico Base, located in Virginia. I was ecstatic because the base was close to home and I knew that this was my purpose. After I graduated high school, I went to boot camp in Paris Island
SC. I went from Bootcamp to an Army base in Rural Maryland where the LAV training would begin. Upon completing my training, I was stationed at Quantico where I continued to learn everything from important leadership skills, maintenance on vehicles, and the will to never quit. On December 25th 1990, I was deployed to the Gulf War. The month leading up to and during battle is truly where I learned the leadership skills and devotion that I have today. When I went to the Gulf War, our captain was a true leader. He knew how to command a group of Marines with both heart and strength. His selfless attitude and Lead by example to others while under major stress inspired me to adopt a similar leadership style in my own ventures. Once the first Gulf War was over, I knew that the skills I learned while in the military would be applicable to a future career.
