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Veterans in Franchising DECEMBER 2017
www.franchisingusamagazine.com
10 RESOLUTIONS VETERANS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A FRANCHISE IN 2018
TOP FRANCHISES FOR VETERANS ADVICE ON WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR NEXT FRANCHISE Franchising USA
SAME DRIVE. DIFFERENT BATTLEFIELD. TAKE THE NEXT STEP > VETFRAN.COM OFFERING FINANCIAL SUPPORT, TRAINING & MENTORSHIP Veterans interested in franchising can take their skills learned in the military to successfully own and develop small businesses. Learn more and support veterans in franchising at www.vetfran.com.
• 650 franchise companies participating • 151,000 veterans and their spouses found careers in the franchise industry • 5,100 veteran franchise owners
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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 D EC e m b e r 2 0 1 7 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 On the Cover
40 Advice on What to Look for in Your Next Franchise
News and Expert Advice
44 10 Resolutions Veterans Should Consider Before Buying a Franchise in 2018
40 From Air National Guard to Raw Juices: Advice on What to Look for in Your Next Franchise
46 Top Franchises for Veterans
Top Franchises for Veterans 46 Window Genie 47 FirstLight Home Care
Philip Palmer, Franchise Owner, Juice It Up!
42 Operation Homefront and Outback Steakhouse Launch ‘At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve’ Campaign Operation Homefront 44 10 Resolutions Veterans Should Consider Before Buying a Franchise in 2018 Jim Mingey, Founder and Managing Director,
Veterans Business Services
48 9Round 49 sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt Franchising USA
Veterans in Franchising
Philip Palmer, Franchise Owner of Juice It Up!
From Air National Guard to Raw Juices:
Advice on What to Look for in Your Next Franchise
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“Find a true partner in an industry that excites you; your chances of succeeding are far greater with an industry you’re personally passionate about.”
After ten tremendous years in the Air National Guard, I had the unique opportunity to jump right into the franchise industry. I joined my wife and her family in managing an already successful business portfolio of fast food burger restaurants in 2008. After effectively building and managing their existing franchise, I knew it was time for a new challenge and a fresh start to help shape my portfolio positively. It was then, with the support of my wife and two children, that we decided to start over, move to a new state and begin a new franchising adventure. My family is my world and I wanted to make sure that the brand my wife and I chose to grow with, not only was the best business decision, but represented our family’s evolving values. After thoughtful consideration we chose Juice It Up!, a family brand, built on values, quality products and hard work.
After a lucrative career in the Air National Guard, when did you know that you wanted to join your wife in the franchising industry? After spending over a decade in the Air National Guard, I gained much more than I anticipated, including invaluable experiences that taught me discipline, commitment and loyalty. When I had the pleasure of joining my wife’s existing family business, I realized that my military experiences could translate into franchising. It was also during this time I learned first-hand how to run a very successful organization, as well as develop a desire to own and operate my own business. After I left the military, I wanted a career
that allowed me to spend more time with my family and promote healthy living. Owning a franchise has allowed me to be a life and business partner with my wife, as well as provide for my family, and we’re ready to take on a new industry that resonates with the vibrant and active lifestyle we want for our family.
Why did you ultimately choose to franchise with Juice It Up!? Once my wife and I made the decision to move on from our previous venture, it took us a while to put our finger on the right franchising opportunity for us, and also for our family. Truthfully, there are many incredible opportunities around the United States for people who want to be successful in the franchising industry. However, once we met the corporate team at Juice It Up! and learned more about the brand, and experienced their raw juice and hand-crafted smoothies for ourselves, we immediately knew this was not only an industry we wanted to franchise in, but a team we wanted to be a part of. It was a smart business decision on our end to take advantage of the real estate team that Juice It Up! offers to its franchisees, and together we were able to determine the perfect market. Backed by the Juice It Up! team and their extensive market research, I was able to claim a territory that will be not just new and exciting to the brand, but it’s a new area where there’s a real need for a raw juice and smoothie concept within its community. What really solidified our franchise selection was the opportunity to take advantage of the VetFran program, which offers a deep discount of 60% off the franchise fee. In addition, it gave us the tools and the ability to not only own one location, but allowed me and my family to build a portfolio by essentially giving us the opportunity to purchase three stores for the price of two. This unparalleled discount has made it possible to grow and
Philip Palmer
build a prosperous family business for my wife and my children.
What advice would you give to Veterans who are looking to enter the franchising industry? Find a true partner in an industry that excites you; your chances of succeeding are far greater with an industry you’re personally passionate about. I felt recognized as a true partner in the business, and have received a continuous line of support from the beginning of the journey throughout the life of the business. The military teaches you how to plan, strategically and tactically, operate and implement a plan. Owning a business is very similar, except with a franchise, they give you the plan to succeed. You just have to execute. The great thing is, all of the skills and experience I learned from the military have translated into my franchise career. I’m hopeful to instill this same sense of team within my stores and with my employees, by making sure everyone I employ knows there’s a support system behind them, always. After ten impactful years of service, Philip Palmer retired from the Air National Guard in 2008. Upon his retirement, he joined his wife and her family in the franchising industry, managing several fast food burger giants. This past year, Philip Palmer and his family started fresh in Orlando, by signing a franchise agreement for three Juice It Up! locations. www.juiceitup.com
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Veterans in Franchising
O p eration H omef ront
Operation Homefront and Outback Steakhouse Launch
‘At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve’ Campaign Operation Homefront and Outback Steakhouse announced a new partnership to recognize, welcome, and serve military families in their communities throughout the year. It started on Veterans Day. The “At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve” campaign will engage customers through a variety of activities that will raise funds and awareness for Operation Homefront’s mission and programs, including the Critical Financial Assistance program to support the urgent needs of military families struggling with rent and mortgage payments, home and car repairs, food, groceries, utilities and more. The year-long campaign will support military and veteran families who face challenges as they transition to civilian life in the communities they have worked hard to protect, while offering great meals and experiences honoring their service. “Our nation’s men and women in uniform make sacrifices every day to serve and protect our freedom. Outback is proud to partner with Operation Homefront and support our nation’s military, veterans and their families through the ‘At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve’ campaign,” said Gina Collins, Chief Marketing Officer, Outback Steakhouse. “We recognize their service and share a commitment to
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the communities they have worked so hard to protect.”
building strong, stable, and secure military families.” Since first opening in Tampa in 1988, Outback has been a proud supporter of America’s military and veterans and continues to provide them with a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and fun experience in their community. Outback is now working closely with Operation Homefront to help deliver essential programs that will address the critical needs of military families across the country. The “At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve” campaign will offer Outback customers the opportunity to enjoy delicious offerings and demonstrate their support for military families through purchases at their local Outback restaurant. “Operation Homefront is very excited to partner with Outback Steakhouse and their customers to help America’s military families,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. “The entire Outback team shares our continuing commitment to our veterans and military families and their support will allow us to deliver the programs and services this very special group of our fellow citizens needs so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in
The campaign will support military and veteran families, including junior- and mid-grade enlisted service members (E1-E6) and all post-9/11 wounded, ill or injured service members with medical documentation on injury and discharged with honorable service within the past seven years. Together, Outback Steakhouse and Operation Homefront are making a difference at every meal.
About Operation Homefront Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America’s military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.org.
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Veterans in Franchising
Jim Mingey, Founder & Managing Director, VBS
10 Resolutions Veterans Should Consider Before Buying a Franchise in 2018 Happy Holidays to all Veteran Entrepreneurs Everywhere!
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type of business? Will they support your decision given what think about your faults, personal history and people skills? And if your still have doubts, take a personality test to better understand how your traits might affect the success of a franchise.
Resolve to only commit to an opportunity which will stoke your passion and will “get you out bed in morning” to face the tests of the day. Examine your strengths and weaknesses and commit to improve any general skills sets needed before you go forward with any challenge.
Jim Mingey
When putting together New Year’s resolutions for 2018, most people assess where they are now and make commitments to improve where possible. When the items on your list are personal like losing weight, stopping risky behaviors or improving your mental health you might have some reasonable control over the outcomes. If your resolution is to improve your financial future through self-employment or buying a franchise, then people, places and things beyond
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your current knowledge or maybe even your own understanding of your own personality may need detailed assessment and investigation.
10 resolutions a veteran should consider making before committing to buy a franchise in 2018:
1
Resolve to assess whether “you” are compatible with your idea for acquisition of a franchise. Ask your family and friends what they honestly think about your personality and whether its suited for the rigors of daily operation or ownership for the franchise selected. Do they believe you can consistently manage that
3
Resolve to realistically examine your access to capital for a franchise before spending considerable due diligence time on the opportunity. Check out both debt and equity availability to you for the entire capitalization needed for the venture. Estimate how long it will take to get the cash available and assess how long it will last. What’s your backup to the backup for your financial plan.
4
Resolve to research whether you qualify for subsidies provided by the Veterans Administration for VRE Self-Employment training benefits. Resolve to ask your potential franchisor whether they can itemize training costs that could be reimbursed to you for your franchise acquisition if you qualify.
“Resolve to research whether you qualify for subsidies provided by the Veterans Administration for VRE SelfEmployment training benefits.”
5
Resolve to read the entire Federal Disclosure Document (FDD) on any selected franchise before proceeding. Resolve to read it again and again and make notes on what you don’t understand. Resolve to talk to at least six of the franchises listed in the FDD to ask questions about locations, marketing, operations and training assistance.
Oh, and 11: Have fun and good luck in 2018!
Resolve to consider becoming an actual employee at one of your existing target franchise locations to get firsthand knowledge of the day-to-day operations.
Jim participated in the EBV Program at Purdue University, has been a mentor at American Corporate Partners, developed the first approved franchise acquisition training program for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program at Veterans Administration, and was instrumental in forming the first equity fund in the United States exclusively for veteran owned small businesses and franchises. Jim and his wife, Nancy, live in Oregon City, Oregon.
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consultant who will “partner” with you to help you find the best compatible opportunity. That relationship should spell out whether they will offer to compare similar opportunities even if they might not earn a fee if you select one of them. The arrangement should also spell out whether the consultant will share their financial benefits they receive from the franchisor. This is not always possible, but a Veteran should at least ask.
Resolve to explore the effectiveness of current technology used in the franchise and the future commitments by the franchisor to continually improve their competitive position in their select market.
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Resolve to ask for help to build a strong “mentoring team” for the beginning, middle and end of your business goal. Veterans have extraordinary access to mentors who can help you understand the requirements and nuances of your business plans. There are accountants, lawyers, franchisees, social media experts and other consultants who will commit to varying levels of upfront mentoring for Veteran entrepreneurs. Resolve to only develop a business relationship with a franchise
9
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Resolve to reach out to support institutions like ACP-USA.org; SCORE (in your market), SBDC (in your market) VBOC (in your market), Patriot Bootcamp, Bunker Innovations and other Veteran focused incubators to customize your mentoring support. Check out VETToCEO and Boot to Business at EBV at Syracuse University.
VBS Founder and Managing Director, Jim Mingey, is a decorated Vietnam veteran raised from a proud military background. An entrepreneur for more than 35 years, Jim can relate on a personal level to the needs of the veteran small businessperson, and possesses the practical knowledge to implement his experience in today’s market.
www.veteransbusinessservices.us
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Veterans in Franchising
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Veterans in Franchising
TO P FR A NCH ISES FO R V E T ER A NS
Window Genie Named a Top Franchise for Veterans by Franchise Business Review Independent Research Data Shows Veteran Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with Company’s Performance Window Genie was identified by independent franchisee satisfaction research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being one of the Top 100 franchises to qualify for its 2017 Top Franchises for Veterans list. To identify the top brands, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months of data from approximately 25,000 veteran franchise owners representing over 250 brands regarding their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend them to others. Window Genie ranchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity. “The reality is that two-thirds of the thousands of franchise opportunities available today are simply average or below average opportunities,” said Eric Stites, founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review. “That’s the whole reason we do what we do, which is help prospective franchisees understand which franchises are the top opportunities based on the actual performance and satisfaction of franchise owners. The 100 companies named in this year’s report received the highest ratings from the veterans that own them on our independent satisfaction survey.” Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full description of the 2017 Top Franchises for Veterans.
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ABOUT WINDOW GENIE Window Genie, founded in 1994, is a nationally ranked mobile window cleaning service franchise offering residential and light commercial window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and more. Recognized as one of the fastest growing franchise systems in North America, Window Genie has grown to more than 120 franchise partners operating in 31 states. In 2016, Window Genie became a subsidiary company of Dwyer Group®, a service-based franchise organization. windowgeniefranchise.com
FirstLight Home Care Recognized as a Top 100 Franchise for Veterans by Franchise Business Review Leading non-medical home care franchise listed by Franchise Business Review as a top franchise for veterans FirstLight Home Care, a leading national provider of non-medical home care, was listed by Franchise Business Review as one of the Top 100 Franchises for Veterans in 2017. The list features award-winning franchises whose veteran franchisees have shown a high level of satisfaction with the business, considering factors such as training and support, leadership, and financial opportunity. “This recognition is really special to us as it is purely based on feedback from our veteran franchisees,” said Jeff Bevis, CEO of FirstLight Home Care. “We have great respect for veterans and we found that veterans make outstanding franchise owners. They are focused on being servant leaders, and with the booming senior care industry, the skills and life experience that veterans have are a tremendous advantage. We believe strongly in making it even easier for veterans and their spouses to become franchise owners, or to find employment.” FirstLight offers a franchise fee discount of $10,000 for veterans, which is approximately 25 percent less than the regular franchise fee. FirstLight regularly attends and presents at regional and national events that are created to assist transitioning veterans to highlight opportunities that exist within the franchise industry for veterans and their spouses. Bevis also serves as vice chair of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran committee to help provide access and opportunities in both employment and franchising for veterans and their spouses. This ranking closely follows Entrepreneur Magazine’s recent
recognition of FirstLight as one of the top Franchise 500 companies for veterans based on veteran incentives and support of veteran franchisees. The company also received the highest ranking from the IFA’s VetFran committee based on veteran discount, clean audit reports, and the history and size of the business. Other prestigious awards that FirstLight recently received include a ranking on Franchise Times’ Top 200+ list for the fifth year in a row, a ranking on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list for the third year in a row, and a ranking on Entrepreneur’s 2017 Franchise 500 list. Complete results of Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans 2017 can be found at https:// franchisebusinessreview.com/topfranchises-veterans-2017/. For more information about FirstLight Home Care’s franchise opportunities, visit www. firstlightfranchise.com.
About FirstLight Home Care FirstLight Home Care is a top rated non-medical home care provider with a network of offices that provides 93,000 hours per week in care for more than 4,300 clients in over 33 states. The company has created a new standard in home care by combining best practices with innovative approaches to make them an emerging market leader in a rapidly-growing industry. Companion and personal care services can be provided at private residences, assisted living and retirement communities, nursing homes, adult-family homes or group homes. Clients include seniors, new mothers, individuals recovering from surgery, adults with disabilities and anyone who might just need a little extra care or assistance. Visit www.firstlighthomecare.com to learn more.
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Veterans in Franchising
TO P FR A NCH ISES FO R V E T ER A NS
sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt Named a Top Franchise for Veterans by Entrepreneur Magazine sweetFrog is Proud to Celebrate Veterans in November as They’re Recognized on Veterans Day and Throughout National Veterans and Military Families Month incentive, the number of veteranowned units, how veteran franchisees are attracted to and support by each company, and how each company scored in the 2017 Franchise 500 ranking. sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt’s position on the ranking is a testament to the company’s efforts to support veterans in their pursuit of the American Dream.
sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt, the nation’s leading frozen yogurt chain, proudly announces its ranking by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of 2017’s Top U.S. Franchises for Veterans. sweetFrog ranked #23 on the list because of the stellar programs and incentives the company makes available to help veterans become franchise business owners. This distinction comes on the heels of President Donald Trump issuing two key proclamations honoring veterans throughout November – one confirming November 11, 2017 as Veterans Day and another establishing November as National veterans Military Families Month. sweetFrog is a firm advocate of our nation’s military, providing special treats and programs throughout the entire year – such as the Veteran Awareness Program sweetFrog’s Director of Franchise Marketing & Development, Shemar Pucel, launched two years ago to educate transitioning veterans on the opportunities available for them. The company also doubles the VetFran discount in November to give aspiring entrepreneurs who served our country 50% off the franchise fee and offers instore discounts throughout the month to service members and their families.
armed forces to serve and protect this great country of ours,” says Galleher. “sweetFrog has the utmost respect for our nation’s active duty and veterans. We recognize our token of appreciation can in no way repay them for their daily sacrifice. We at sweetFrog are committed to honor our veterans through service and programs designed to help veterans make a smooth transition into a post-military career with us as successful business owners.” Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur, says sweetFrog is one of 150 franchisors who earned this important distinction.
sweetFrog’s CEO, Patrick Galleher, says it’s this commitment to education and families that makes sweetFrog the nation’s leading frozen yogurt chain for veterans.
“Veterans often make ideal franchisees, thanks to their strong leadership skills and abilities to work inside complex systems,” says Feifer. “We’re proud to highlight the franchisors that best connect with and support veterans, as they pursue the opportunity to own their own business.”
“We’re thankful and grateful for the men and women who made the brave decision to wear a uniform of the
To determine the Top Franchises for Veterans ranking, Entrepreneur analyzed each company’s veteran
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The Entrepreneur Magazine distinction is one of many accolades sweetFrog has recently won due to their unwavering dedication to fueling the success of their franchise owners. Others include: • sweetFrog is #318 on Franchise Times Top 200+ list of the country’s top franchises based on sales growth. • sweetFrog landed at #42 on Entrepreneur’s 2017 Top New Franchises list. • The Daily Meal named sweetFrog America’s #1 Frozen Yogurt Shop. • And just this month, sweetFrog was determined to be #5 on FranchiseRankings.com Top 30 Ice Cream, Yogurt & Smoothie Franchises. To view sweetFrog in the full listing, visit entrepreneur.com/franchises/ topfranchiseveterans. The list can also be seen in the November issue of Entrepreneur, available now on newsstands. To learn more about sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt franchise opportunities, as well as acquisitions and re-brands, please visit sweetfrog.com/franchise.
9ROUND RANKED AS A TOP FRANCHISE FOR VETERANS 9Round offers a special discount and financing options to Veterans Entrepreneur magazine recently ranked 9Round #45 on its annual Top Franchises for Veterans list. This list ranks the top 150 franchises that offer incentives and other programs to help veterans become franchisees. 9Round, in addition to offering low start-up costs, provides veteran-friendly financing options and 15 percent off the initial franchisee fee for U.S. veterans.
site trainer that motivates members through a circuit of nine stations, three minutes each. Stations are packed with cardio, weight training, abdominal exercises, and authentic boxing moves on upper cut speed bags. A real boxing bell starts the workout, another warns the station is ending and a third to signal the end. Full body workouts are changed daily to keep members mentally and physically engaged.
“At 9Round, we believe veterans are ideal franchisee candidates because they are confident, disciplined, highly motivated and work well under pressure,” said Shannon Hudson, founder and CEO, 9Round. “We offer amazing opportunities for veterans interested in starting their own business and becoming successful entrepreneurs.”
To view 9Round in the full Entrepreneur Magazine listing, visit https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise/ topfranchiseveterans#.
To date, 9Round operates more than 590 locations in 40 US states and 13 countries. Of these 9Round franchises, more than 100 are owned by veterans. Joshuah Ackiss, veteran and 9Round owner in Virginia, added “My wife and I chose 9Round because we both have a passion for helping others and 9Round allows us to do that. The discipline and drive the military instilled in me has made it easy to transition into the 9Round system and to help motivate others to reach their goals of being healthier.” Developed nine years ago by Hudson, the former IKF Light Middleweight Kickboxing Champion of the World, 9Round has made a name for itself around the globe with its energetic 30-minute workouts. Each 9Round workout includes an on-
For more information about owning a 9Round franchise, visit www.9Round.com/fitness-franchises. About 9Round Founded in 2008 by professional kickboxer Shannon Hudson and his wife, Heather, 9Round is a specialized fitness center that brings kickboxing fitness training to the average person in a convenient, affordable, 30-minute, full body circuit format. The program is developed around a proprietary and copyrighted system of nine challenging workout stations developed by Shannon himself. Today, there are more than 590 9Round clubs open and operating throughout 40 states and 13 countries. For more information, please visit www.9round.com.
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