Page 47
Veterans in Franchising june 2020
www.franchisingusamagazine.com
assisted living locators franchise ideal career move for veterans
empowerment to do it all
business owner and active military member
franchising advice from a national guard veteran
why military personnel and family-friendly franchise concepts make a great fit Franchising USA
Leadership. Teamwork. Executing SOPs. Connecting veterans with education, resources and opportunities at vetfran.org
Franchising USA
Page 49
V e t e r a n s i n F r a n c h i s i n g S u ppl e m e n t june 2020 Our Veterans in Franchising special supplement has become a regular feature of Franchising USA. To share your story in the next issue, please contact Vikki Bradbury, Publisher Phone: 778 426 2446 Email: vikki@cgbpublishing.com
Contents 50 Cover Story: Assisted Living Locators
54 Profile: Franchising Advice from a National
Franchise – Ideal Career Move for Veterans
Guard Veteran
56 Have Your Say: Empowerment to Do it All -
57 Have Your Say: Why Military Personnel and
Business Owner and Active Military Member
Family-Friendly Concepts Make a Great Fit
Franchising USA
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nchisi ng
cover story: Assisted Living Locators
Assisted living locators franchise ideal career move for veterans
For those looking to transition out of the military and into business ownership, Scottsdale, AZ- based Assisted Living Locators offers the support veterans need to go into business for themselves. Franchise owner Jasilika Davidson, herself a veteran Supply Specialist with the South Carolina National Guard, says joining Assisted Living Locators has been fantastic. “This is the best decision I’ve ever made for my career as a veteran,” she said during a recent interview from Columbus, OH, where her franchise is based. Veterans have the level of discipline required to be business owners, Davidson says, and Assisted Living Locators provides the support veterans need to get started in the senior care industry.
Franchise owner Jasilika Davidson, herself a veteran Supply Specialist with the South Carolina National Guard, says joining Assisted Living Locators has been fantastic. “This is the best decision I’ve ever made for my career as a veteran.”
Franchising USA
The franchise owner recalled that in basic training, everyone had a “battle buddy” and with Assisted Living Locators, the other franchisees act as battle buddies for one another because they are always pushing each other to perform better and brainstorming new ideas to improve their businesses. Franchisees are also given a blueprint to follow for success, making it easier to run the business.
“People often join the military because they want to give back in some way, Davidson noted, and giving back is exactly what they do with Assisted Living Locators. Giving back to seniors was an important consideration for Davidson when she and her husband were looking for a business opportunity.”
People often join the military because they want to give back in some way, Davidson noted, and giving back is exactly what they do with Assisted Living Locators. Giving back to seniors was an important consideration for Davidson when she and her husband were looking for a business opportunity. A franchise recruiter told Davidson’s husband about the opportunity and he passed it along to her. At first, she was skeptical. “I didn’t even know there was anything like this that existed,” she said. But, after researching it and meeting with the franchise, she knew it was the right fit for her. Davidson and her husband started the process of researching and buying their franchise in November of 2018 and by February of 2019, they had purchased it and started their training in Arizona.
Perfect Fit Assisted Living Locators basically act as agents who connect families with senior care facilities. Families contact the
company and explain what type of facility their elderly family member needs. Then, the company’s assisted living consultants -the franchisees -- go through their database of local assisted living facilities to find the best match for the senior in need. The franchisees walk the families through the process of comparing facilities and make a recommendation to the family, who are ultimately the ones who choose the facility. The service is free for the families, with the franchisee getting paid by the facilities when a senior is matched with them and moves in. Currently, the business has 140 franchises in 36 states and the District of Columbia. It is this level of caring and compassion for seniors that drew Davidson to the company. She was partially raised by her godmother, who is now in her 80s and is living with dementia and needs the type of care that Assisted Living Locators helps people to find for their loved ones. The fit was perfect for her.
After many consultations and weeks of comprehensive training, Davidson and her husband opened their franchise, but the support didn’t end there. They had regular weekly business coaching sessions for four months after their five-day onsite training in Scottsdale, AZ. After initial training, they receive a two-day onsite visit in their franchise territory by the Director of Corporate Training, followed by regular weekly follow up calls. The new franchisees also have access to corporate meetings and weekly company sponsored webinars to complete their transition to the profession.
Supporting Seniors The support that Assisted Living Locators offers to seniors doesn’t stop once they have found an appropriate home for them. The company is dedicated to helping seniors beyond that, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic when many seniors are feeling increased isolation. The company had a franchisee in Connecticut who donated cash and 35
Franchising USA
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nchisi ng
Page 51
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nchisi ng
cover story: Assisted Living Locators
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Tim Hodge, a senior care advisor for Assisted Living Locators in San Antonio, T
“Assisted Living Locators had a franchisee in Connecticut who donated cash and 35 iPads to help connect seniors with their families who they could not see in person during this time.” - Angela Olea, Assisted Living Locators CEO
iPads to help connect seniors with their families who they could not see in person during this time, Assisted Living Locators CEO Angela Olea said. Another franchisee in Omaha, NB, had gathered volunteers to decorate the outside of seniors facilities for Easter. Davidson herself visited a number of senior facilities in her community and delivered roses for Mother’s Day.
Supporting Veterans Olea also outlined how Assisted Living Locators is doing its part to honor veterans during the pandemic.
Franchising USA
“Our veterans, no matter how much time they spend in uniform, devote some or all of their lives looking out for us. It’s time we help take care of them,” Olea said. “This Memorial Day, large services and gatherings will not be possible, but the true meaning of this day lives on through the contributions of our senior care advisors, many who are veterans.” Retired U.S. Army Colonel Tim Hodge, franchisee and senior care advisor for Assisted Living Locators in San Antonio, TX, is a member of the “Defense Gang,” a group of retired colonels who attend the funerals of homeless veterans.
Dustin Baker, a senior care advisor for Assisted Living Locators East Valley and an Iraq veteran, has supplied over a thousand N-95 masks to protect healthcare
Dustin Baker, franchisee and senior care advisor for Assisted Living Locators East Valley and an Iraq veteran, has supplied over a thousand N-95 masks to protect healthcare workers in veterans’ homes and senior living properties. Davidson also does her part to honor the veterans she helps. Last Veterans Day, for example, she brought the veterans in her community cakes with “Happy Veterans Day” to show appreciation for them. It’s this spirit of giving back to veterans and seniors in general that drew Davidson to Assisted Living Locators. The level of support and guidance offered by the franchise makes it an ideal fit for anyone who is looking to transition out of the military and enter a business that gives back to the community. www.assistedlivinglocatorsfranchise.com
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nchisi ng
have your say: Carol Vaillancourt | JDog Junk Removal & Hauling
Franchising adv
from a National Guard Vet turned junk removal fra “Junk removal might be what I do, but that’s not what pulled me into the JDog franchise system. Rather, I was drawn to the opportunity by the mission behind the work.”
the opportunity by the mission behind the work.
Veterans serving Veterans
When we meet someone for the first time, we usually find out within the first five minutes of conversation what the other person does for a living. We’ve been trained to ask people what they do, but a more profound question to ask would be, “Why do you do it?” The “why” will almost always spark a more interesting conversation and a deeper connection to the person you’re speaking with. As the owner of a JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchise, I’m often asked if owning a junk removal business was something I aspired to. The answer is a resounding no. Junk removal might be what I do, but that’s not what pulled me into the JDog franchise system. Rather, I was drawn to
Franchising USA
JDog Junk Removal & Hauling promotes business ownership by Military Veterans and Military family members. As a Veteran myself — 16 years (and counting) as a soldier, currently serving as a Logistics Officer for the Army National Guard — I love that their mission is to reduce the Veteran unemployment rate. I began working for a franchise owner who showed me how he empowered Veterans through meaningful employment. With our shared military background and appreciation for standard operating procedures, we built a community and a camaraderie that mirrored what we each had when we served. We also had the opportunity to preserve the environment by keeping up to 80% of what we collected out of landfills. Through this diversion, we provided Veterans and others in need with valuable household goods or clothing they couldn’t otherwise afford. In my mind we were winning on all fronts — earning a living, helping the environment, serving Veterans, and contributing to the less privileged among us. Talk about purpose. After learning the ropes for a few years, I decided to start my own franchise, opening up a new territory in Ocean City,
Maryland. In just over six months of business, we’ve found charities to partner with, including Atlantic General Hospital, the ReStore, and Coastal Hospice. And we’re hoping to hire more Veterans to our crew. For me, the Veteran mission and environmental focus of JDog was a natural fit, and as a franchise owner, I’m promoting that purpose every day. But there are a lot of good franchise models out there to consider. The takeaway is to find a mission you’re passionate about and to serve with purpose. Then, it won’t feel like work.
Finding a business model that works for you Franchising offers several benefits and advantages over starting an independent business. When considering franchising, it’s important to research the various organizations and franchise models. Some franchises offer a strict structure where no matter the location, you offer the exact same product. For example, you can expect your McDonald’s hamburger to taste the same in Maryland as it does in California. Other franchises are less rigid, providing a loose framework and guidelines to work from. Only you know what would work best with your background, education, knowledge, and lifestyle.
vice
teran nchisee If you have ever heard the saying, “every business is a marketing business,” franchises are winning at this. The brand recognition you have the moment you open your franchise doors puts you immediately ahead of an independent company. Additionally, the support and training you receive from the franchisor may prevent costly mistakes many business owners make in their first years in business. Funding and sourcing equipment are a major pain point for many new businesses, but as a franchise owner you may have access to these resources based on your affiliation with the franchise. You’ll also benefit from the network of other franchise owners you can collaborate with and learn from as you run your business.
“For me, the Veteran mission and environmental focus of JDog was a natural fit, and as a franchise owner, I’m promoting that purpose every day.”
Advice from someone who’s been there My biggest piece of advice as you explore the franchising world is to not box yourself into an industry. Junk removal was never on my radar. My education and background didn’t lead directly to it, yet I’ve found so much fulfillment and success in this career. At the end of the day, what you do is not as important as why you do it. We all need to make a living and feel good about how we do that. I’m proud to say I own a JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchise, and I’m living proof that anyone can be successful in any business. Carol Vaillancourt is the owner of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Ocean City, MD and a Logistics Officer for the Army National Guard. www.jdogjunkremoval.com
Franchising USA
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nchisi ng
Page 55
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nchisi ng
profile: Mosquito Squad
Empowerment to do it all:
Business Owner and Active Military Member Being in business for yourself leads to endless opportunities and Capricia Turner can do it all. Finding a worklife balance especially with two careers can be difficult, but many, including Capricia have found a way to make it work. With a seasonal franchise, this veteran continues her role in active duty and quality family time. Since owning a Mosquito Squad franchise, Turner found a way to work for herself, but not by herself, and make time for all that she loves to do.
Transition into Business A 20 year old veteran and active duty Air Force member for the National Guard, Capricia Turner first joined the Air Force in 2000 with her husband joining soon after in 2001. Capricia’s husband, Ethan Turner, is also an active duty Air Force member who serves as an Aeronautical Guard. Used to serving the nation through their active duty, the husband and wife duo decided they wanted to mirror the same efforts in their local community, so they went on a quest to find a business that could do just that. Together they decided to
Franchising USA
get started with a new career business for themselves by opening a Mosquito Squad franchise in Indianapolis, IN. The couple saw the attraction that Mosquito Squad franchising brought to the table through the company’s tools and community network that are put in place to support new small business owners along their journey. Capricia was also drawn to the similarities between being a franchisee and in the military. With both careers being run on being part of a team and great support, the new business owner was easily able to adapt to the structured system of the franchise world. Switching gears to focus on her business career, Capricia opened Mosquito Squad of Indianapolis in 2013 where she owns the greater Indianapolis market. Prior to opening her franchise, Capricia helped soldiers prepare for deployment and find jobs in her local communities. With her Master’s in Business Administration in general business, 29-year-old Capricia was ready to take on being her own boss. Ethan joined as well to support her business and owns 49 percent of the company. When opening the franchise, Capricia had two daughters – one who was three months old at the time and the other who was one year old.
Mosquito Squad, Turner was deployed in 2018 to Afghanistan while the company was left in capable hands, as Ethan helped run the business. Loving the seasonality of the mosquito control business, Capricia found balance between raising her kids, running a business and maintaining her status in active duty. Being able to empower her kids by being a female business owner, as well as an active military member, her desire to show her young daughters that being the boss is possible has motivated her to build her Mosquito Squad business. Capricia is setting the bar high as to what an individual is capable of achieving and has been successful at growing her Mosquito Squad franchise from one location to three and now serves 1,100 customers with 14 staff.
You Can Do It All
Franchising fits perfectly for a veteran as it provides structure with operation manuals to guide franchisees to run their own business. The flexibility of the franchise allows Capricia to be able to do five to six weeks a year on active duty with the National Guard. Capricia recognizes the parallel amongst both the franchising and military careers and contributes the strong system and high expectations she’s set for her technicians to her success with Mosquito Squad.
This veteran continues to wear more than one hat with juggling being a mother, Army National Guard member, business owner and so much more. After just a couple of years of being in business with
Capricia see the corporate staff as her greatest and most valuable employee. As a franchisee paying for franchise fees, she has access to multiple resources that can be utilized for the business to continue
“With a seasonal franchise, this veteran continues her role in active duty and quality family time. Since owning a Mosquito Squad franchise, Turner found a way to work for herself, but not by herself, and make time for all that she loves to do.�
to advance each step of the way. With franchising opportunities comes business models, marketing tools, a network of other franchisees to collaborate with and so much more. As an individual that prefers structure, she sees this as a great investment to guide the small business. She believes that others running a business from on their own pay much more for external support and not get the same results. Finding what she loves to do and implementing it in the next project she sets her eyes on has led to two career paths that Capricia has learned to juggle. Mosquito Squad has supplied their franchisees with a system to succeed and the flexibility to fit their lifestyles. Celebrating seven years of franchising with Mosquito Squad, Capricia continues to take the opportunities and flourish with growth. www.mosquitosquad.com
Franchising USA
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nchisi ng
Page 57
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nchisi ng
have your say: Taher Taher | Kona Ice
Why Military Personnel and Family-Friendly Franchise Concepts Make a Great Fit
Taher Taher (middle)
Franchising USA
Thomas Edison once said, “Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning –” a mantra I’ve leaned into on many occasions during my career. Having been an active duty member of the United States Air Force for the majority of my adult life, I’ve always known that planning ahead is imperative to success.
for my life after the military – and during it. In May of 2016, I opened my first Kona Ice Truck in Buffalo, New York, where my family is originally from. Since I am stationed in Alabama, I manage Kona Ice of South Buffalo remotely with the help of my friends and family who are in New York. Although my family and I would like to move back to New York after my retirement, the rapid success of the Buffalo truck inspired me to open my second truck – Kona Ice of Northeast Montgomery – in Alabama in December 2016.
As a family man and owner of two shavedice trucks, I feel prepared to enter my postmilitary career path. But my confidence wasn’t built overnight – it took research, planning and finding the right fit to make it happen.
This summer, I will be retiring after 20 years in the military. Closing this chapter of my life is daunting, but already having three years of successful business ownership under my belt has made me excited for the next phase of my life – a feat I would not have accomplished without the proper planning all those years ago.
Setting Yourself Up For Success
Why Kona?
In 2013, I came to terms with the fact that my time with the military would eventually come to a close. It’s always been a fear of mine to feel lost and misguided once I retire, and to combat this, I began researching businesses I could get involved in years before my anticipated retirement. As a father to three young boys, I was determined to secure a post-military career that would both accommodate the skill set I had collected during my years in the Air Force as well as support my family. My mission focused and highly motivated attitude led me straight to franchise concepts, as franchising is often an excellent fit for active military personnel and veterans who are searching for their next career path. After three years of thorough research, I concluded that the family-friendly philanthropic food truck franchise Kona Ice would be the perfect fit
Similar to the military, an established franchisor like Kona Ice has proven processes in place in order to lead their team to success. This appreciation for following procedures and approaching tasks systematically is a main reason why veterans are able to smoothly transition from their military background into franchising. For me, a family-friendly concept with proven systems like Kona Ice is the perfect fit. The trucks are a staple within each community the brand serves, attracting fans with the familiar sound of Calypso music and the colorful design of the truck. What’s more, Kona Ice allows me to give back to my community through philanthropy – an aspect of the franchise that I was immediately drawn to. Through neighborhood events, I am able to donate a portion of my profits to local schools, sports team, community organizations
“It’s always been a fear of mine to feel lost and misguided once I retire, and to combat this, I began researching businesses I could get involved in years before my anticipated retirement.”
“As a family man and owner of two shaved-ice trucks, I feel prepared to enter my post-military career path. But my confidence wasn’t built overnight – it took research, planning and finding the right fit to make it happen.” and nonprofits. As a soon-to-be veteran, the thought of bringing smiles to my neighborhood one cup of shaved ice at a time makes me feel like I am still impacting my country in a positive way. However, Kona Ice also provides a refreshing change from the intensity of the military because of its simple business model. As a franchisee, I have the flexibility to choose which hours I work and the events I attend, allowing me to have more time to spend with my family. Even while working, I get the opportunity to engage with community members of all ages and bring joy to my neighborhood with every turn my truck makes. After the military, it is comforting to work with a fun, lighthearted concept like Kona Ice.
Looking Ahead As I approach retirement, I am grateful for the core values and strong work ethic that being a part of the Air Force has instilled in me. My experiences have taught me to not be afraid for the future, but to welcome it with open arms. My sons have always been eager to tell their friends that their father serves in the Air Force, and it’s great to see their enthusiasm. However, it’s encouraging to see that they’re twice as thrilled to tell their friends that their dad drives around town in a Calypso-themed shaved ice truck. Taher Taher is an active duty member of the United States Air Force and the owner of Kona Ice of South Buffalo and Kona Ice of Northeast Montgomery. He currently resides in Montgomery with his wife and three sons.
Franchising USA
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nchisi ng
Page 59
NOBODY GETS TO THE TOP BY ACCIDENT! We advise many of the top franchise owners in the world. You can get acces to the very same resources that build their empires at no cost!
Contact George Knauf to Start Building Your Empire TODAY! www.MyPerfectFranchise.com Franchising USA