v e t e r a n s s u ppl e m e n t
fOCUS: Ultra Pool Care Squad
The Case for Veterans and First-responders-
key traits why these highlytargeted groups enjoy success as a franchisee Thanks to their unique background, veterans and firstresponders possess the ideal mindset for successful franchise business ownership. Veterans and first responders are primed to succeed in business, given the transferable skills learned by being on the front lines. These fields stress the importance of leadership, following set procedures and protocol and operating with integrity – traits that are crucial to ensure business success. Franchising provides a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that is often missed by veterans and former first responders after retirement. Service-based franchises, such as Ultra Pool Care Squad, a pool and spa service franchise founded by Explore Industries, a worldwide fiberglass pool and pool cover manufacturer, appeal even more to these groups given their ability to work “in the trenches” and be hands-on with their work. With Ultra Pool Care Squad, we communicate to veterans and firstresponders across different channels about why our brand, service and culture is the right professional fit for their personal experience and skillset. 74 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
Here are three key traits veterans and first responders possess that primes them to succeed in a franchise system:
1Mission Focused:
Veterans and first responders are all about execution and owning a problem to ensure it gets fixed. They jump right in to handle the task at hand and have the integrity to see it through – to “complete their mission.” Veterans and first responders have dual skillsets of following a specified process or chain of command, while at the same time being tasked with executing and “storming the hill.” Throughout their careers, they have been tasked with taking initiative, while also following a set system and protocols to ensure their success. Much like a soldier is ready to respond at a moment’s notice to any challenge, a franchise owner must be prepared, knowledgeable and flexible in day-to-day operations, while still maintaining processes and procedures. This is crucial for a franchise business like Ultra Pool Care Squad. We have a set process for franchisees to follow to ensure compliance in all our territories, but unpredictable events can happen while they are on a job site. It is important in those situations that they are able to take initiative and solve a problem without relying on our set protocol.
Amy Lawhorne is the Chief Operations Officer of Ultra Pool Care Squad, and the former Chief Operating Officer of Authority Brands and Vice President of Outdoor Living Brands.
2Thrive In the Trenches:
So much of the work our franchisees and employees do involves being hands-on in solving a problem. Most first responders and active members of the Armed Forces do not do their job behind a desk – they are used to being out in the field and on the road, working with teammates to get a job done. And with a home service franchise, it requires a unique combination of individual entrepreneurship, organizational structure and the personal discipline to
