Military Transition News – September/October 2014, Franchise issue by CivilianJobs.com, publisher of Military Transition News

FRANCHISE ISSUE: INVESTING IN YOU CivilianJOBS.com’s

The Essential Military-to-Civilian Transition Resource September - October 2014

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Finding Success in Franchising by Heidi Lynn Russell Contributing Editor

t was 2002, and Andrew Wilson - then, an Army First Lieutenant - sat in a tent in Afghanistan, listening to the rumble of artillery. During that rare moment of downtime in a war zone, he decided to thumb through a Fortune magazine. What this platoon leader found in its pages altered his post-military career trajectory, catapulting him into a highly profitable business venture: franchise ownership. He’d stumbled onto an article about 1-800-Got-Junk, a franchise corporation founded by Brian Scudamore of Vancouver, Canada. Wilson went on to making his first million by sifting through other people’s junk. “It caught my imagination,” he recalls. “I started looking at the money I’d save if I didn’t go to graduate school. I had three kids

and thought it might be better to invest in something I could make money at.” Last year, Wilson sold his 1-800-Got-Junk franchise and bought into another one (also launched by Scudamore). This one is a moving company called You Move Me. He owns two operations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla. This newest venture, which he has been running for about 18 months, already has earned nearly a million dollars in revenue. Many other veterans are also finding their calling in franchising. The International Franchise Association reported that 4,314 veterans were franchise business owners in 2012. That number went up 20 percent in 2013, to 5,192 veterans. But don’t assume that big money from franchising is a finger-snapping, immediate result. Wilson and others who have had this level of success use specific strategies that have given them an extra edge.

Here are a few of their secrets, plus what you need to know about deciding whether franchising is right for you. Fly under the radar. Seek franchise opportunities that aren’t obvious to everybody else. Wilson liked Scudamore’s vision to shake up negative public perception of “junkyard dealers” with 1-800-GotJunk. “I wanted to work with a franchise that professionalizes an industry that a lot of people stereotype and that would focus on the customer experience,” Wilson says. The corporation eventually became a household name in many cities, as it was featured on A&E’s Hoarders, and even received a nod from Oprah. Later, when Scudamore shifted gears to start You Move Me, Wilson was again inspired by Scudamore’s goal to add a professional sheen to the gritty moving profession. “You Move Me changes moving

with clean and shiny trucks and guys with uniforms. Our customers don’t expect the best, and our goal is to provide the best. We bring them coffee before the move and a house plant as a gift after the move. We are really trying to be more customer-centric, not just a truck with four wheels,” he says. Scudamore says You Move Me is a “green” opportunity and wide open to veterans. Currently, he has 34 franchisees, but more are available. “I think anyone in contact with our business loves that we take something ordinary and make it exceptional. It can be a stressful business for the franchisee, but we make it less stressful. We make it fun,” he says. Another veteran who found a way to think outside the box is Jerry Flanagan, who served in the continues page 4

Training businesses to succeed: A career with Crestcom Provided by our sponsor

restcom International, headquartered in a beautiful, campus-like setting near Denver, Colo. and the Colorado Rockies, has emerged as a world leader in providing cutting-edge training solutions. Crestcom Franchisees market and deliver training in the areas of sales, management and leadership skills. Crestcom programs emphasize involvement, participation, teamwork and specific action planning at every session. They represent an innovative departure from traditional training methodology. Perhaps the most

impressive thing about Crestcom training is that it works with all sizes of organizations, from small local companies to multi-national giants. Each month, thousands of business professionals across six continents participate in Crestcom Bullet Proof® Manager training programs. Crestcom’s proprietary training is improving the way businesses motivate, communicate and help managers succeed. Businesses turn to Crestcom to help transform managers into leaders and generate real business results. The Bullet Proof® Manager training session is a monthly business forum where managers

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Managers from 75% of Fortune Magazine’s “Most Admired Companies” have participated in the Bullet Proof® Manager training. More than 98% of clients have said Crestcom training equaled or continues page 6

Former P&G Chairman Robert McDonald, CPT (Ret.) U.S. Army Sworn in as VA Secretary On July 30, Robert McDonald, CPT (Ret.) U.S. Army and former President, CEO and Chairman of Procter & Gamble, one of the largest companies in the world, was sworn as the new head of the Department of Veterans Affairs. McDonald is a West Point Grad who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. He primarily served in the 82nd Airborne Division completing his qualifications for Airborne, Ranger, Jungle, Arctic and Desert Warfare, Jumpmaster, Expert Infantry and Senior Parachutist. He served five years, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal. In October of last year, McDonald took time out of his busy schedule to offer advice and guidance to transitioning military via this publication. When asked, “What contributions does a veteran make to their civilian employer?”, McDonald responded, “Veterans provide responsible leadership. What is more important than caring for the life of another? The military provides opportunities for responsible leadership at a young age. Capture those accomplishments on your resume, and sell your future employer on your ability to provide that responsible leadership.” McDonald’s entire interview can be found online at Bit.ly/ VAinMTN.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Transition Talk: Political Animal ....................page 3

Finance: Funding Your Dream ....................page 7

Career Coach’s Corner: The Boss of Me ......... page 15

Job Fairs: Military-Friendly Companies ..... page 18

Transitioning A to Z What’s Your Q and R? ................page 19

NEWS

Sep/Oct 2014

Boots to Business by Janet Farley Contributing Writer

ot everyone is cut out to work for someone else. Some of us would prefer to work for ourselves. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), although veterans represent only six percent of the population, they actually own 13.5 percent of small businesses in the United States. This statistic is likely to rise given the state of the U.S. job market as many in uniform (and many married to one) find themselves unceremoniously out of a paycheck in the coming months or as service members simply find themselves at that transition point in their careers. If self-employment is something that you or your transitioning spouse is contemplating, you should be aware of a relatively new program offered by the SBA that can help you do it more effectively. Boots to Business (boots2business.org) is an entrepreneurial education initiative that helps transitioning service members fully evaluate the feasibility and next steps involved in self-employment. You first learn about the program within the framework of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) where you watch a short introductory video. Afterward, you can participate in a two-day elective course

called Introduction to Entrepreneurship. Finally, you can opt to enroll in an eightweek, instructor-led online class called Foundations of Entrepreneurship, often dubbed the “mini MBA.” The program is available free of charge to transitioning and retiring service members and their family members. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the two-day elective course, Introduction to Entrepreneurship. In this presentation conducted by two incredibly knowledgeable professors from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF), I learned quite a bit about the entrepreneurial process itself, including the basic steps of the process: • • • • • •

Identify the opportunity Develop the concept Determine the required resources Acquire the necessary resources Implement and manage Harvest the venture

• •

•

• • •

Here are some other cool things I learned: • Veterans are highly successful entrepreneurs. • Now is a great time to start a veteranowned business. • There are various paths to business ownership, including creating a

• • •

new venture, purchasing an existing business, franchising, starting/taking over a family business or participating in an employee to ownership plan. If your idea is good and you have the passion to make it a reality, you can usually secure funding. Once you have a business and find yourself competing with other business, realize that no one wins in a price war. It’s more important to talk to other people and get their thoughts on your ideas than to worry about whether or not others will steal your ideas. Multiple revenue drivers (ways to bring in income from your business) are important. If you only have one, you won’t last. You have to completely understand the finances of your business. Have good relationships with your banker, your lawyer and your accountant. Customers are the most important part of your business. It’s crucial that you select the correct legal entity for your business. A business plan is needed not only for funding purposes, but for your own visionary ones, as well. Network intelligently. If you ask

someone for money, you will only get advice. If you ask someone for advice, you may get funding at some point. • Small business ownership is not for everyone. In addition to the opportunity to learn from experts who have navigated the selfemployment waters, this particular TAP offering gives you something more: It puts you in a classroom, virtual or not, with other service members and their families who have similar interests and often unique experiences to add to the discussion. The generated synergy alone is worth it. In short, Boots to Business is a great program to take if you’re thinking about going into business for yourself now or later. Even if you discover that self-employment isn’t right for you, it’s well worth the 16 hours of classroom time. Find out more through your TAP or read more about it online at http://www.sba.gov/offices/ headquarters/ovbd/resources/160511. Janet Farley is a career strategist, a workplace consultant and the author of The Military Spouse’s Guide to Employment: Smart Job Choices for Mobile Lifestyles (Impact Publications, 2013) and Quick Military Transition Guide: Seven Steps to Landing a Civilian Job (Jist Inc., 2013). She blogs at Life’s Too Short to Hate Your Job.

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Transition Talk Publisher Managing Editor Art Director Associate Editor Contributing Editors Director of Technology Executive Consultant Consultant Consultant Account Representative Account Representative Account Representative Account Representative Account Representative

Jake Hutchings Kathy Scott Alec Trapheagen Anthony Morris Janet Farley Heidi Lynn Russell Tom Wolfe Don Nowak Marla Smith Brett Comerford Jim Irwin Stephanie Brinkley Tucker Harrell Garrett Reed Dan Rinaldi Keiley Vickers

Military Transition News is published by: CivilianJobs.com 1825 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Suite 300 Kennesaw, GA 30144 1-866-801-4418 Reproduction or use without permission of any editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. The inclusion of advertising is considered a service to our readers and is not an endorsement of products or advertising claims. Opinions expressed in articles are the opinions of the contributors and do not necessarily express the opinions of Military Transition News or its staff. Subscription rate: $12 per year (6 issues). To subscribe, call 1-866-801-4418. ©2007-2014 Civilian Jobs, LLC. All rights reserved. Military Transition News and CivilianJobs.com are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI), the largest military-focused placement firm in the U.S.

by Mike Arsenault Vice President of Candidate Services

Bradley-Morris answers questions from transitioning military job seekers.

I was in an interview recently and the conversation veered toward politics. It was awkward and I had no idea how to respond. I looked it up and it doesn’t appear to be illegal to discuss my political views, but I felt uncomfortable. I have two questions: First, how should I stop the conversation from continuing without hurting my chances for a job; and second, if I’m offered the job, should I say, “No”?

A: You are correct. A person’s political views are not legally

prohibited from being discussed during an interview. Granted, it can be awkward and perhaps inappropriate. There are 10 categories that are prohibited by state and federal laws from being discussed or asked during a job interview. They are: • Age • Race/Color/National Origin • Credit Rating or Economic Status • Religious Affiliation or Beliefs • Citizenship • Sex • Arrest and Conviction • Disability • Height and Weight • Military Discharge Status

I completely understand your instinct not to engage in any political conversation. Those are discussions you probably can’t win and your experience and skills might get lost amidst your personal political opinions. If pressed on a particular issue, a tactic you could try might be along the lines of, “Truthfully, I really didn’t have much time while the military to focus on politics and the various viewpoints on different issues. I was more focused on taking care of my people and getting things done.” Hopefully, you will find a way to steer the conversation back to what really matters during an interview - your skills and experiences as it relates to the position in question. If your interview included significant inquiries into your political beliefs and you are subsequently offered the position, you need to determine how you see yourself fitting in with the company’s culture and/or working for someone who may have strong political views. Is this person your direct supervisor or not? Do you otherwise feel at home with the other members of the team that you’ve met? Are the views espoused by the person indicative of the surrounding community as a whole? You shouldn’t discount the job just because there is someone who likes to talk politics, but you do need to consider whether the culture of the company and perhaps the community is a fit for you. Mike Arsenault is Vice President of Candidate Services at military placement firm Bradley-Morris, Inc. He can be reached at (800) 330-4950 ext. 2105 or by email at marsenault (at) bradley-morris.com.

Front top right photo credit: U.S. Navy photo by Rick Naystatt/Released.

Read this issue online now at Online.MilitaryTransitionNews.com

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4 “Finding Success in Franchising” continued from page 1 Army from 1987 to 1989 and also the National Guard in the early 1990s. After he exited the service, Flanagan worked in retail. But when the economy worsened, so did his business. He knew that to survive in the recession, he’d have to find another option. “My goal was to build a small business with a service that doesn’t go away and accelerates when the economy is down,” he explains. So Flanagan started J Dog Junk Removal in March 2011 with one “model business” in Wayne, Penn. Then he branched out to offer that model as a franchise, selling his first two in June and July 2013. In July 2014, Flanagan re-formed his operation into a new company with an equity firm, Julip Run Capital. Their goal is to sell 400 franchises, and so far, they’ve sold four in six states. The business model is patterned after USAA’s, so that only military members, veterans and their family members can own franchises. “I could see the unemployment rate for veterans was really high, and felt like if I could do anything and include veterans coming back from wars, then I would find something to get them involved with, too. I built the model, and it started clicking,” he says. Have a clear understanding of the amount of capital required to open, operate and excel in the business. Your No. 1 challenge will be undercapitalization, says Kevin Blanchard, project coordinator at the International Franchise

NEWS Association (IFA). Franchise fees normally range between $40,000-$50,000, depending on the franchise business, Blanchard says. But there’s hope for veterans: Find out if the franchise is a participant in the Franchise Association’s VetFran program. VetFran helps returning service members access franchise opportunities through training, financial assistance and industry support. More than 650 VetFran member companies offer discounts to veterans. They can be viewed at http://www.franchise.org/VeteranFranchise.aspx. Keep in mind that some banks are less likely to lend small business loans for small amounts, Blanchard says. Veterans may also want to research micro lending institutions. “These are normally non-profit state organizations that provide smaller loans to veterans for start-up capital,” he says. The Small Business Administration also has veteran-specific loans. The latest update on these loans can be found at: http://www.sba. gov/community/blogs/business-loan-perksmilitary-veterans-2014. There are also Small Business Development Companies that waive loan fees for veterans, which can be found at: http://nadco.site-ym.com/?page=vetloan. Wilson says it was “a hard slog” for him, even though he did everything right. Scudamore gave him half of his franchise for free through the VetFran program, and Wilson had saved in advance for startup costs. “I thought I had a lot of money, but I never dreamed how much it would cost to start. You have to buy the franchise. Then I had to buy vehicles. I had a family that had to live and thrive, and I had no income right away. You’ll reinvest all the money you’re making

over the first two or three years. Take a strong look at your working capital so that you can provide for your lifestyle for a year or two. We worked hard and made it happen,” he says. Also, keep a lookout for companies that offer special incentives on top of the VetFran program. CruiseOne has a contest, in which five free franchises are awarded to veterans who provide a business plan on how they want to run their businesses, says Tim Courtney, vice president of franchise development and ambassador of veteran affairs. The contest, in its third year, receives 300-500 plans annually, which all senior management teams read. It begins each Memorial Day, and winners are announced on Veterans Day. The company also reduces its franchise fee by 40 percent during the contest months. Many veterans opt to take the discount to get started immediately rather than wait for the contest results.

Contest winner Army Master Sergeant Grant Springer, who will be retiring this year, started up his CruiseOne franchise in November 2013. “We made profit, because we haven’t had to pay into the franchise fee due to the contest,” he says.

Sep/Oct 2014 Study the Franchise Disclosure Document. “They are set up identical, whether it’s Dunkin’ Donuts or CruiseOne,” Courtney says. “Item by item, you can compare competitors: which one has a higher royalty, which one has different operating schedules. You can pick them apart. Don’t be rushed. Don’t be sold. If you’re being sold the franchise, something is wrong. If a deal is too good to be true, take a pause. Always call franchisees that are operating in the system and find out if they’d do it again, and make sure the franchise you’re looking at doesn’t have a high failure rate.” Find a family-friendly franchise. Springer chose CruiseOne because it’s a home-based business with little overhead, and his wife was able to start it, even though he was still on active duty. “How it works for us is, I do all of the marketing and the business side. My wife does the travel agent side. She’s the expert on where to go and does the reviews. She has put a lot of effort into being the face of it, dealing with the client. She’s there day to day. That’s how we’re able to balance it while I’m still in the military,” he says. He adds that a home-based franchise is great for military spouses. “My wife is a big part of it with me. Every time I move, she has to change jobs. This is the kind of business I can take with me. When we retire and move, she can continue with the same clients and work, and there will be no loss of work time for her. It’s a great opportunity for military folks,” he says. Heidi Lynn Russell writes about employment and business issues.

Sep/Oct 2014

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“Training businesses to succeed: A career with Crestcom” continued from page 1 exceeded their expectations. In terms of an entrepreneurship opportunity, Crestcom is a great one. The business is recognized as a Bond’s Top 100 Franchise. Training and Support for Franchisees The company assists Franchisees in a variety of ways. First, Crestcom provides eight days of initial training for prospective Franchisees. In order to become a Crestcom Franchisee, candidates must successfully complete Crestcom’s initial training program where they will receive personalized instruction on how to manage, market and operate a Crestcom business. During the initial training, prospective Franchisees will typically have an opportunity to spend three days with an existing Franchisee learning the sales and marketing process as well as attend a monthly Crestcom Bullet Proof® Manager training session, then participate in three days of classroom training at Crestcom’s headquarters in Denver. Crestcom provides Franchisees with state-of-the-art training and marketing materials. The company has also developed a comprehensive Training and Procedures Manual and video presentations and scripts of various steps of the Crestcom sales process. In addition, Crestcom will pay 50% of a franchise candidate’s round trip airfare to attend both field training and initial training in Denver.

Franchise Candidates possess these qualities: • Sales Skills • Communication Skills • Management Skills • Ability to develop relationships and build trust • Commitment to succeed Crestcom also hosts an annual International Meeting. In addition to improving skills and sharing best practices, the International Meeting provides a forum for celebrating outstanding results and honoring top producers. What’s your next step? If you have exceptional talent and drive and if you have the desire to be your own boss and own your own business, owning a Crestcom franchise just might be the special opportunity you have been looking for. Call Charles Parsons at 303-515-3925 for more information, or email at Charles.parsons@ crestcom.com. You can also visit www. crestcomfranchise.com.

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Entrepreneurial Resources for Transitioning Military by Ashley Feinstein Financial Writer

here are numerous benefits and programs available to transitioning military looking to start their own business or purchase a franchise. While funding a new business or franchise can be a large investment, by maximizing the financial and program benefits offered, you can make the transition much more smooth and seamless. Transitioning military have the excellent training, experience and leadership necessary to start and run successful businesses. Here are some programs that can help you get started. The SBA’s Veteran Business Outreach Centers are a great resource for entrepreneurs The Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP) is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, mentoring and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting their own business. The SBA includes 16 organizations that participate in this cooperative agreement and serve as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC). Centers provide prebusiness plan workshops, business plan preparation, comprehensive feasibility analysis, entrepreneurial training and counseling, mentorship, and assistance and training in international trade, franchising, internet marketing and accounting.

(IFA) VetFran program helps returning service members access franchise opportunities through training, financial assistance and industry support. VetFran has grown to include more than 580 franchise systems that voluntarily offer financial incentives and mentoring to prospective veteran franchise small business owners. VetFran offers a free toolkit that includes a Franchising 101 online course, finance assessment, workbook for prospective franchise owners and partner links. U.S. military veterans can also access the VetFran Mentor Network and get advice and mentorship from experienced franchise professionals. The IFA Educational Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation have also established the VetFran Business Grant Fund with the purpose of assisting veterans who have been awarded a franchise through the IFA VetFran program by providing financial grants for business development, education, training and technical assistance. The fund will provide financial grants of up to $10,000 per grant to qualified VetFran franchisees and candidates. To qualify, candidates must be franchisees of a franchise company participating in the VetFran program. Candidates must have received an honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. military or Coast Guard.

The SBA Express Loan Program offers significant financing benefits to transitioning military Through the end of September 2014, the SBA has waived the upfront borrower fee to zero for all veteran loans authorized under the SBA Express Loan Program. The program supports loans of up to $350,000. Additionally, through the end of the fiscal year, fees on all loans of up to $150,000 are also set to zero. Another positive feature of the Express Loan Program is that it has an accelerated turnaround period for SBA review. Potential borrowers receive a response to their applications within 36 hours. With the quick turnaround, simple process and easy-to-use line of credit, it’s the SBA’s most popular loan. Since the program began, it has also been one of the most popular methods for getting capital into the hands of veteran borrowers. For more programs and resources, financing information and other resources, the SBA’s Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business Guide is a great resource.

Other financing options for entrepreneurs There are ways to finance a franchise or small business other than taking out loans. Some choose to use credit cards, savings, home equity, retirement accounts or borrow money from friends and family. If you have all the financing you need from your own savings, investments and separation pay to start your business and run it until you break even, you can self-finance the purchase. Make sure to weigh financial and emotional costs of tying up your own money versus the cost of another type of financing such as a loan. Credit cards typically have high interest rates and can be the most expensive form of debt, so they are often not recommended unless there’s an emergency. Home equity financing was a popular method prior to the real estate market crash but is a viable option if you have a significant amount of equity in your home. If you or your spouse have money in a 401(k) or similar retirement account, the government will allow you to borrow from that account, tax- and interest-free, for the purchase of a business. Even better, as you pay back the loan from the earnings on your business, you are paying yourself. You can also use a combination of sources to acquire a franchise or start a business.

IFA’s VetFran helps transitioning military buy and run a successful franchise The International Franchise Association’s

The National Veterans Small Business Engagement brings networking to the next level

services combined with SCORE’s mentoring program in order to help accelerate the ability of veterans and their families to start and succeed as small business owners. With an array of financing, mentorship, training and networking opportunities, combined with the excellent training and leadership expertise gained from the military, transitioning military have a unique advantage when starting a new business or purchasing and running a franchise. Maximize the services and benefits available to you to launch your new career in the civilian world with great success.

The National Veterans Small Business Engagement (NVSBE) connects VeteranOwned Small Businesses (VOSBs) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), other federal agencies and commercial Procurement Decision Makers (PDMs) on an annual basis. The event helps entrepreneurs - especially veterans - grow and win more business by providing multiple opportunities for scheduled networking with key PDMs including networking roundtables, learning sessions led by federal and industry experts and dining with decision-makers. Each event also hosts thousands of exhibitors and corporate representatives available to provide an in-depth look at various products and services.

Ashley Feinstein graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in finance. Find her online at KnowingYourWorth.com

The SCORE Foundation Veteran Fast Launch Initiative accelerates small business success The SCORE Foundation offers the “Veteran Fast Launch” initiative. This program includes free software and

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Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities

Instruction, Inspiration – and a Path to Business Ownership by Jane Weber Brubaker Contributing Writer

fter winning the coveted mirror ball trophy in 2011 as champion of Season 13 of Dancing with the Stars, J.R. Martinez became the face of veterans returning from combat with disabilities. But just a few years earlier, his rise to fame was anything but a sure thing. Martinez credits his participation in a program called Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities for putting him on the path to success. “It did wonders for me,” Martinez says. Featured in a 2013 60 Minutes segment titled “Succeeding as Civilians,” Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) is a yearlong program available for free to post-9/11 veterans with servicerelated disabilities who have a desire to start a business. The program is offered through a consortium of eight universities: Syracuse University, University of California, Los Angeles, Florida State University, Texas A&M, Purdue, University of Connecticut, Louisiana State University and Cornell. It is funded entirely through private donations, and all instructors donate their time. Opportunity Knocks Martinez’s story began in 2003. Less than a month after being deployed to Iraq, his Humvee hit a roadside bomb and he nearly lost his life. It took him 34 months and 33 surgeries to recover from the burns that covered 34 percent of his body. While still at the hospital, he began to share his story with others who were dealing with combatrelated injuries. The hope he was able to offer his brothers and sisters in arms gave him a plan for his future: to become a motivational speaker and share his experiences of triumphing over adversity. But how do you take an idea and turn it into a business? Back home in Georgia in 2008, Martinez, now medically discharged from the Army,

was struggling to get his motivational speaking career off the ground. “I was completely confused,” he says. “I was 24 years old and I was having a really difficult time understanding how to market myself, how to package myself, how to convince schools and businesses to allow me to come into their facility and speak.” One day he got a call from Dr. Randy Blass at Florida State University. Blass was about to launch FSU’s first EBV class and needed a speaker. “I explained the concept to J.R.,” Blass says. After hearing about the program, Martinez told him he didn’t want to just speak. He wanted to enroll in EBV himself. Blass’s friend Dr. Mike Haynie founded EBV at Syracuse University in 2007. Haynie’s last active duty assignment was as an instructor at the Air Force Academy, where he met Blass, also an instructor at the Academy. Less than a week after being discharged, Haynie came to Syracuse as a professor of entrepreneurship. “In [Haynie’s] research, he kept coming across prior military service as a strong indicator for not only likelihood to start a business, but likelihood to succeed in that business,” says Jared Lyon, EBV’s national program manager. Haynie also found that people with disabilities have a strong propensity to become successful entrepreneurs. “If you combine those two subsets - veterans with service-connected disabilities - you’ve got a group by statistics alone that are more likely than their civilian counterparts to start businesses and succeed in those businesses,” Lyon says. EBV graduates have lived up to Dr. Haynie’s research predictions. More than 800 veterans have now graduated from the program. To date, 70 percent have started businesses, and 92 percent are still in business. Participants come from all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Germany. Finding Common Ground The program is divided into three phases. Each class of 20-25 veterans begins by taking

a month-long online course. Classes may be made up of individuals whose backgrounds and education levels are extremely varied, and the online component serves to get everyone on the same page. Phase 2 is the heart of the program, the nine-day, in-person bootcamp at one of the eight sponsoring universities. Relating his experience at FSU, Martinez says, “It made me realize I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t the only one who was confused and frustrated.” Describing his week, he says, “It’s a literally a crash course. You’re getting all four years of business school crammed into a few days.” The last phase of the program is 12 months of ongoing support that connects prospective entrepreneurs with industry-related mentors, helping them continue to shape and solidify their business concepts and identify and overcome barriers to entry. During this phase, EBV also provides probono business services including logo design, website design and hosting, tax, legal and accounting services. The application process for entry into the program is rigorous and competitive: 25 percent of applicants are accepted. “Prior education is not a deciding factor,” Lyon says. “It’s that fire in the belly for entrepreneurship, that desire, come Hell or high water, whether or not I’m accepted into EBV, I’m going to start a business.” EBV empowers veterans with disabilities to take control of their lives through business ownership. It also helps other veterans by providing employment opportunities. “The cool thing about this program is that you get a vet who opens up a business, that vet understands how the military community works, and now they hire another vet,” Martinez says. “You help close the gap of that unemployment ratio that exists among the military that is very high.” Is entrepreneurship for you? For further information about EBV and how to apply, visit vets.syr.edu/ebv.

Koax Corp. engineers and manufactures high quality coaxial (tube-in-tube) heat exchangers that are used in water source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, water chillers, food processing equipment, laser chillers, biomedical equipment, and other watercooled air-conditioning and heating equipment. Visit us at climatemaster.com or email dmcknight@koax.com or skinder@climatemaster.com to learn about our career opportunities.

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Sep/Oct 2014

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Thank You For Your Service! Founded in 1950, Southeastern Freight Lines is one of the largest less-than-truckload carriers in the nation. With an outstanding reputation across the South for service excellence, outstanding customer satisfaction and for valuing our associates completely, Southeastern Freight Lines continually seeks qualified candidates to join our growing team. We are always looking to attract the best and brightest talent in the industry. We have 81 locations in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia

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Veterans & Eaton: A Powerful Combination innovative ideas and better decisions for our company and our customers. In the U.S., one way we add to this diverse set of perspectives and skills is by tapping into the talent pool of our military professionals.”

any of us have been in professional situations where the importance of ensuring that operations run efficiently and steadily - “keeping the lights on,” if you will - was stressed. In corporate America, there aren’t many companies that do a better job of literally “keeping the lights on” than Eaton, a power management company with approximately 101,000 employees and 2013 sales of $22.0 billion. And what’s more, Eaton - a 2014 Most Valuable Employer (MVE) for Military®- also knows the value of targeting and hiring veterans to help them accomplish this mission. “At Eaton, we know that the single most important ingredient in our success is our people,” said George Bernloehr, senior military talent acquisition consultant, with Eaton. “We recognize that individual differences and unique perspectives lead to

From the U.S. Armed Forces to Eaton Eaton’s Core Values and Philosophy Respect, Integrity, Learning Agility and Safety - resemble the core values of the military, making for an easier transition to civilian life and allowing veterans to have pride in their employer, like they have pride from serving our country. Veterans perform a variety of team roles for Eaton, from operations to sales to customer service. Four Eaton employees with military backgrounds are profiled below. David is a former Warfare Officer with the U.S. Navy now working as a Plant Manager in Maryland. One thing that drew him to Eaton was Eaton’s culture. “Even though I was not familiar with Eaton prior to my job search, each employee’s passion, excitement and sense of pride for working at Eaton was evident in my conversations with the team. Having experienced the same sense of pride and ownership while serving in the military, I was comforted and excited to find a similar culture within Eaton. These interactions made a tremendous first impression on me and sparked my interest to learn more about Eaton.”

One of the main reasons Erik, a former Security Forces Officer with the U.S. Air Force who is currently participating in Eaton’s Global Leadership Development Program, joined Eaton was because of the emphasis and clear importance Eaton and its people place on the value of the experience of a military veteran. “A lot of companies claim to be military friendly but, in my experience, Eaton was far above the competition in relaying this message to military veterans. The senior leaders I interviewed with made it clear that they understood the value of military experience, making my decision to join Eaton that much easier.” Priscilla is a former Battalion Operations Officer with the U.S. Army who now serves as a Customer Service Manager in Scoresby, Australia. As she was transitioning out of the military, she met some of Eaton’s senior leaders and learned about the opportunities available during interviews. “I learned that, working within Eaton, you could grow horizontally as well as vertically, which is an aspect that is similar to the military. You don’t have to stay in the same role your entire career unless that is something you choose.” Peter joined Eaton as a Project Manager in Pennsylvania after serving as a Sergeant, Aircraft Administrations / Enlisted Aircrew / Aerial Observer with the U.S. Marine Corps. In this role, he is responsible for the ultimate success of

day-to-day activities within the business. Eaton’s philosophy is what appealed to Peter. “Eaton is an organization that is focused on the wellbeing of the employee and safety, performing business soundly and ethically. I truly enjoy each day here and I look forward to many more in the future.” For those who can picture themselves “keeping the lights on” as part of the Eaton team, there are several ways to learn more about the company: • Visit http://eaton-veterans.jobs/ to search for open positions using your military job title or code, or by location or function • Connect with Eaton at a military job fair. Check http://bit.ly/eatonveterans for a current list of events they will be attending. • Introduce yourself to their military recruiters by sending an email with your branch of service, rank and availability date to military@eaton.com

Build your career with Eaton, and build power management solutions that keep the world moving more efficiently, reliably and safely.

If you are searching for a career with a company that values the training and experience that veterans bring, then Eaton is your ideal company. Military professionals at Eaton are part of an organization that focuses on providing power management solutions to global customers while doing business right.

Search and apply at www.eaton.com/MilitaryCareers Eaton is a global power management company. We help customers manage power, so buildings, airplanes, trucks, cars, machinery and entire businesses can do more while consuming less energy. As an integrated global company, we are unified in our commitment to powering business worldwide. Eaton is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer: M/F/V/D.

Sep/Oct 2014

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opportunities to get involved and offers tips to help veterans make a successful transition to civilian life. CivilianJobs.com is featured on the WHRO website along with these tips for veterans attending a job fair: 1. Show up with a positive attitude. 2. Do research on your industries of choice. 3. Make sure your résumé stands out and it is geared for a specific position versus a general résumé. 4. Save company literature and business cards for follow-up and future employment search activities.

N E W

By deploying on-air, online and on-theground assets, WHRO and other local stations can share the stories of veterans and their families and bring local communities together to provide support and solutions where needed. “Americans will connect to these powerful stories of courage, commitment and sacrifice. They will see the veterans as people who have so much to contribute as they return to civilian life. And once they hear and see these stories, they will be compelled to respond through their local public media stations to work with local business and veterans organizations, faith based and community groups,” said Pat Harrison, CPB President and CEO.

Read this issue online now at Online.MilitaryTransitionNews.com

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s service members transition out of the military, readjusting to civilian life can present significant challenges. For many veterans, the transition is filled with complicated and confusing challenges. Some feel isolated and alone. Some struggle to find or hold a job. Many say they feel they just don’t fit in. Located in southeastern Virginia and forming the southern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads is home to the world’s largest naval base as well as Air Force and Coast Guard facilities. A hub of U.S. military activity, nearly one-fourth of the nation’s active-duty military personnel is stationed in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. As the launching place for so many service members and the leaving place of so many families, the region has long had a commitment to supporting veterans and military families. With support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), WHRO in Hampton Roads joins public media stations from across the country to launch Veterans Coming Home, a national public media effort to support veterans in making the transition to a healthy and productive civilian life. Through compelling national TV and radio programming, public media celebrates and honors veterans’ service and shares the stories of their challenges and triumphs. WHRO is pairing strong, national on-air content with locally relevant programming and services that can help address the needs of veterans in Hampton Roads. The station is working with community partners such as CivilianJobs.com to better coordinate and publicize local services for veterans, facilitate dialogue about local issues and solutions and connect more veterans with resources and support. Visit WHRO’s website, whro.org/veterans, to learn more about national and local efforts. The website presents inspiring stories, connects veterans to resources, shares

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Sep/Oct 2014

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The Boss of Me Eight Things to Factor in When Considering Self-Employment

career coach’s corner by Tom Wolfe Career Coach and Contributing Editor

uring a recent career coaching session with Charles P., an Army Major who was about to retire, I asked him what he would really like to do in his civilian career. He said that figuring out the answer to that question was his biggest stumbling block. That is not uncommon for people in his situation, so I asked him the same question, but in a different way. I said, “OK, forget about the titles and instead just give me the elements or characteristics of what you would be good at and what would make you happy.” He smiled and said, “That’s easy, Tom. I want to control my destiny, sink or swim on my own merits. Call my own shots. Get my hands dirty. Work hard and get paid for it. Not have to relocate, and be home most nights for dinner.” I said, “Charles, have you thought about going into business for yourself?” Perhaps your skills and needs and wants are similar to those of Charles’. Is selfemployment a good choice for you? Maybe yes, maybe no. Self-employment offers many advantages. You get to call the shots. Decide where you want to live. Wear what you want to wear. Associate with people and products that matter to you. Determine your own working hours. Hire and fire as needed and according to your standards. Reap the rewards of your success. The appeal of self-employment is understandable. But be careful - although you may have a clear view of the tip of the iceberg, you also need to take a look below the waterline. Here are eight factors to consider as you learn more about this type of employment.

1. Risk According to the Small Business Administration, more than 70 percent of self-employment business ventures fail in the first two years. Can you afford the risk? 2. Accountability There will be a big scoreboard up there with your name on it. The numbers next to your name are your numbers. Nobody can take credit for your success, and nobody will cover up your failure. 3. Financing/cash flow/credit Starting your own business requires seed money. Do you have it? If you have to borrow it, how is your credit rating? Some franchising opportunities require an upfront investment of $5,000 to $100,000. Many business failures can be attributed to running out of cash in the first year. 4. Time off How important are vacation days, holidays and sick days to you? Have you been using those 30 days of annual leave? Being off work on those federal holidays is kind of nice. Guess what? Self-employment often means no vacation, no holidays and no weekends. This can be true until your business is well-established and you can leave the keys with trusted employees when you’re out of town. 5. Working hours Yes, your military experience has conditioned you to work 12-14-hour days. Were you thinking about cutting back a little? Forget it. Being your own boss is a 24/7 endeavor. 6. Employees Will you need them? As much as you relish the thought of not having a boss, do you really want to be one? If so, how many employees and what kind of talent will you need? Will you be able to find them? Most business owners will tell you that their No. 1 problem is finding and retaining good employees.

7. Preparation Although your management expertise may be impressive in the areas of personnel, administration and material resources, you probably have little or no direct business management experience. You’re used to the bottom line called “readiness” or “war fighting,” but you will succeed or fail in business based on a bottom line called “profit?” Do you know how to write a business plan, specifically one that will pass muster with a lending officer or a franchisor? Have you taken an accounting course? You may need professional guidance from accountants and lawyers. Are those fees in your budget? 8. Paychecks How much will you make? When you work for yourself, you pay yourself last. Pay your overhead, service your debt, pay your employees, and give the federal, state, and local government their shares, and you get anything that remains. Considering all of the above, why do people choose self-employment? Independence, self-determination, the lifestyle associated with picking where you want to live or perhaps working out of your home, the possibility of earning a living by doing something about which you are passionate - these are just a few of the reasons. In addition to weighing these pluses and minuses, you should also consider your current status - back to the Army Major I mentioned earlier. He will soon retire with 22 years of service and receive a monthly pension. He and his wife are empty nesters now that their two children are no longer living at home. She has a degree in accounting and has worked outside the home throughout his career, mostly in retail sales and as an accounts payable/receivable clerk. Other than a small credit card balance and a car loan, they are debt-free. They have been able to save some money and maintain an excellent credit rating. In addition to being a self-proclaimed “motor head,” he spent most of his career, both enlisted and

officer time, in vehicle maintenance. This supports his interest in either opening a truck maintenance facility or becoming a franchisee for Jiffy Lube, Express Lube or AAMCO. His situation appears perfect for the self-employment option. How does yours compare? Although I dedicate a chapter of my book, Out of Uniform, to this subject, I recommend you gather additional information and guidance as well. In addition to the resources I have listed below, do yourself a favor - get out in the field and talk to franchise operators, especially those who also happen to be veterans. Where to start? That’s easy just take a look at the companies that are featured or that advertise in this issue of MTN. They already understand veterans and their circumstances. •

The Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov

•

Franchise America: www. franchise-america.com

•

International Franchise Association: www.franchise.org

•

American Association of HomeBased Businesses: www.allbusiness.com

•

USA Home Business: www.usahomebusiness.com

•

Home Based Business.com: www.home-based-business.com

•

Small Time Operator: How to Start Your Own Business, Keep Your Books, Pay Your Taxes, and Stay Out of Trouble (paperback, 13th edition), by Bernard B. Kamoroff

Tom Wolfe is the author of Out of Uniform: Your Guide to a Successful Military-to-Civilian Career Transition (www.out-of-uniform.com).

Read this issue online now at Online.MilitaryTransitionNews.com

NEWS

Sep/Oct 2014

Perfect Business for Military Veterans

Veteran Finds Profits with Pirtek Franchise by Heidi Lynn Russell Contributing Editor

“The military taught me many valuable life skills that I apply to my business, including my work ethic and leadership skills. In order to run a successful business, you must have an outstanding relationship with your team and customers.”

elling hydraulic and pneumatic hoses to businesses wasn’t even on Jim Lager’s radar. The Army veteran, who exited in 1992 as a Specialist, was successful already as the owner of five Snap-on Tools franchise operations in Dallas, TX. But in 2010, he segued to a different franchise – Pirtek. The company boasts nearly 400 units in 23 countries around the world and has more than 30 years of experience in the hydraulic and pneumatic hose-replacement space. “I drug my feet for about six months before making the switch,” Lager says. “It doesn’t jump out at you, because it’s not McDonald’s. And at the time, it was 2010. Banks weren’t lending back then,” he recalls. “I had a challenge there. I had to mortgage Snap-on to get into Pirtek. It was a matter of holding on to my safety net. It was a little bit scary.” But things took off. Lager did more than a million dollars in revenue his first year out and $2 million the second year. Today, Lager owns two Pirtek franchises and is in the process of building his third. Lager cautions that his results are uncommon; usually new franchisees in the Pirtek system make about $300,000 to $400,000 the first year. That said, military veterans who qualify would do well to start their foray into franchising with Pirtek because of profit potential, he says. “It’s an amazing first franchise for a veteran,” he says. Here are a few more things Lager suggests about getting your start, whether it’s Pirtek or another operation: 1. Believe in the product and believe the service you can provide. “I believe I’m giving my customers a value, even if I’m charging them more, because I’m selling the customer a service,” Lager says. “I certainly had no dream of selling hydraulic hoses. But I feel like I’m serving my customers. You can’t buy my customer service anywhere.” 2. Invest in yourself before you invest in a franchise. “Owning a business is not a cheap investment,” Lager says. So he went for his college degree first, and then he invested in Snap-on Tools Once he had a strong business footing, he was able to take off with Pirtek years later. He hit higher profit margins much faster than other new franchisees within the corporation. Transitioning service members

may also be able to learn business basics with a program such as “Boots to Business” (boots2business.org). 3. Investigate financing options if you don’t have the cash. “When you come out of the military, very few people are wealthy. Not just anyone can come out and throw themselves into a franchise,” Lager says, adding that he was in that situation, too. “What a lot of franchises are doing is providing financing in-house. They have their own finance company so that it can be a relatively cheap investment for you initially.” And check to see whether the franchisor is a participant in the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program, which may offer even more discounts to veterans in franchise fees. 4. If you’re a born salesperson, you’ll go far. “Sales are in my blood,” Lager says. “If I’m trying to sell you something, you won’t feel like I tried to sell you something. You’re going to love me, because I will become your friend first. I won’t sell something I don’t believe in.” Pirtek has a business-to-business sales model, which can be a more complex transaction but with a higher revenue volume per sale, because you’re selling to corporations and not individuals. However, applying Lager’s approach is effective, no matter what type of franchise you choose, he says. “Business don’t necessarily have to buy hydraulic hoses from Pirtek, but we build relationships and give them reasons to like our service better,” he says. Heidi Lynn Russell writes about employment and business issues.

-Jim Lager, Owner PIRTEK Love Field & Meacham – Dallas, TX PIRTEK franchises provide hydraulic hose repair, replacement and maintenance services. PIRTEK owners manage a team of certified technicians, a sales-and-service headquarters, and a PIRTEK fleet that provides on-site repairs and emergency services. • The Leaders in On-site Hydraulic Hose Replacement • Nearly 400 Franchise Locations in 23 Countries • International Franchise of the Year • Providing a Unique Solution to the Diverse Industrial Marketplace We participate in the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (commonly referred to as “Vet Fran”), offering honorably discharged veterans a discounted franchise fee.

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Sep/Oct 2014

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Sep/Oct 2014

Job Fair Calendar Date: Location: Sponsor:

September 10, 2014 Ft. Knox Employer Day 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 70 Pershing Dr., Bldg. 1378, POC: Frank Johnston (502) 624-2627

Date: September 10, 2014 Location: Ft. Campbell, KY Job Fair 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 1610 101st Airborne Division Rd. (Cole Park Commons) Sponsor: POC: hrc.tagd.acapcomm@gmail.com Date: September 10, 2014 Location: Ft. Rucker Employer Day 10 a.m. - 2p.m., 4502 Andrews Ave. Sponsor: POC: hrc.tagd.acapcomm@gmail.com Date: Location: Sponsor:

September 16, 2014 Ft. Stewart, GA ACAP & ACS Spring Career Fair - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Club Stewart, 1020 Hero Rd., Bldg. 405 POC: CivilianJobs.com (866) 801-4418

Date: September 17, 2014 Location: Ft. Meade, Fall Community Fair 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Club Meade, 6600 Mapes Rd. Sponsor: POC: hrc.tagd.acapcomm@gmail.com Date: Location: Sponsor:

September 25, 2014 DC National Guard Armory 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 2001 East Capitol St. SE POC: Janet Giles, Jobzone, www.JobZoneOnline.com Janet.Giles@JobZoneOnline.com (434) 263-5102 or (540) 226-1473

Date: October 7, 2014 Location: Ft. Gordon - 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. U.S. Army Reserve Center, Bldg. 14401 15th St. Sponsor: POC: hrc.tagd.acapcomm@gmail.com Date: Location: Sponsor:

October 8, 2014 Ft. Benning, GA 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Benning Conference Center POC: CivilianJobs.com (866) 801-4418

Date: Location: Sponsor:

October 8, 2014 Ft. Knox Employer Day 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 70 Pershing Dr., Bldg. 1378 POC: Frank Johnston (502) 624-2627

Date: October 9, 2014 Location: Ft. Leonard Wood 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Nutter Field House, Iowa Ave., Bldg. 1067 Sponsor: POC: hrc.tagd.acapcomm@gmail.com

Date: Location: Sponsor:

October 14, 2014 Ft. Benning, GA 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Benning Conference Center POC: CivilianJobs.com (866) 801-4418

Date: Location: Sponsor:

October 21, 2014 Camp Pendleton, CA 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Pacific Views Event Ctr. (formerly South Mesa Club) POC: CivilianJobs.com (866) 801-4418

Date: Location: Sponsor:

October 22, 2014 Ft. Lee, VA - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Regimental Club and HideAway, Bldg. 2609 C Ave. POC: Janet Giles, Jobzone www.JobZoneOnline.com Janet.Giles@JobZoneOnline.com (434) 263-5102 or (540) 226-1473

Date: Location: Sponsor:

October 23, 2014 Andrews AFB, MD - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. TOP 3 JOB FAIR 1889 Arnold Avenue POC: Janet Giles, Jobzone www.JobZoneOnline.com Janet.Giles@JobZoneOnline.com (434) 263-5102 or (540) 226-1473

Date: October 28, 2014 Location: Ft. Rucker NCO Association Job Fair - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Landing Sponsor: POC: hrc.tagd.acapcomm@gmail.com Date: Location: Sponsor:

October 29, 2014 Ft. Bragg, NC - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ft. Bragg Club POC: CivilianJobs.com (866) 801-4418

Date: Location: Sponsor:

November 18, 2014 Redstone Arsenal, AL 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bldg. 130 Golf Course Rd. POC: CivilianJobs.com (866) 801-4418

Date: November 18, 2014 Location: Ft. Huachuca ACAP/ACES Career Fair - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. MURR Community Center Bldg. 51301 Sponsor: POC: hrc.tagd.acapcomm@gmail.com Date: Location: Sponsor:

November 18, 2014 Patuxent River NAS MD 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. / Bay District Vol. Fire Dept. Social Hall, 46900 S. Shangri-La Drive POC: Janet Giles, Jobzone www.JobZoneOnline.com Janet.Giles@JobZoneOnline.com (434) 263-5102 or (540) 226-1473

For more job fair dates and locations, go to CivilianJobs.com

Join CivilianJobs.com on...

Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI) is the largest military-focused recruiting firm in the U.S. that for over 20 years has specialized in placing prior military job seekers with Fortune 1000 companies.

CivilianJobs.com helps military-friendly companies who actively recruit candidates from the military by offering cost-effective and customized solutions to meet their hiring needs.

NEWS Military Transition News is a bi-monthly publication providing military job seekers with relevant career and transition advice. It is distributed in print and online to over 500 military bases.

MilitaryResumes.com provides professional resume writing and consulting services for transitioning military, veterans, and their spouses seeking a civilian or federal career.

Essential Events and Travel, Inc. provides expert event planning services for corporate events and meetings. We excel in managing specialized events.

HireMilitaryBlog.com is a blog dedicated to educating and assisting employers (HR Recruiters) with sourcing and hiring candidates with prior-military experience.

MilitaryTransition.com is a blog devoted to providing transition assistance information and tools to service members transitioning from the military to a civilian career.

LARGEST MILITARY FOOTPRINT

Sep/Oct 2014

Transitioning A to Z: “Q” and “R”

In the upcoming issues of Military Transition News, we will be listing everything a service member needs to know about transitioning, from A to Z. by Military Transition News Staff This month, we tackle “Q” and “R”.

“Q”: Quick, Query, Quell Transitioning out of the military is not something that you might think of as Quick or rapid, but by the time your exit date arrives, it will seem as though it went by in a flash. Setting a timeline for each step is extremely important and requires immense discipline. Remember to Query everything. Don’t assume that you should know all the answers. Be careful to communicate plans with your spouse and family, ensuring to Quell any fears or anxiety. Moving is one of life’s most stressful events. Don’t let it get the better of you, physically or emotionally. Be

NEWS

prepared to separate from the military and make sure your family is in on the plan.

“R”: Relax, Regroup, Remind There is something freeing about starting a new life. It can be equally unnerving. Relax. Looking for a job is something nearly everyone in the civilian world has done. As a member of the military, you understand how to create a strategy that will work to accomplish a set goal. You understand that some plans will require you to Regroup before you go after your target again. Remind yourself that nothing is impossible and that as a member of the U.S. Military, you are sought by thousands of America’s top corporations, many with veterans at their helm. Relax. You got this.

NOW HIRING Worthington Industries Manufacturing Positions at Our Columbus Steel and Cylinders Locations If you’re a responsible, hardworking individual looking for a full-time manufacturing opportunity to build an engaging career, Worthington Industries is for you. Voted a 2013 Top Workplace in Columbus, Worthington operates on a people-first philosophy rooted in the Golden Rule.

Worthington Offers: Competitive pay, plus shift premiums if you work an off shift A generous benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K and Profit Sharing Access to our onsite Fitness Center, Medical Center, Pharmacy and Barber Shops

Apply Today

Freedom isn’t free, but your college education can be. In recognition of selfless service since September 11, 2001, Lipscomb University, located in Nashville, Tenn., participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program at the highest level. More important, we recognize that military members who began their educations in the service are in possession of a wonderful resource upon which to build the rest of their lives and the lives of their families. Leverage that important asset to get your college degree, and in some cases, your master’s degree, at no cost at Lipscomb. Choose from more than 75 areas of study, including accounting, business, counseling and psychology, education, exercise and nutrition science, and theology. In addition, Lipscomb established The Charlie Daniels Scholarship for Heroes to honor country music legend Charlie Daniels and his tireless efforts on behalf of the nation’s military, including an annual concert on campus to build the fund. This scholarship provides financial assistance for those not eligible for Yellow Ribbon. At Lipscomb, you’ll find classes are smaller, professors offer more personal, one-on-one attention, and there is a dedicated Veteran Services Office that is ready to support and assist you during your transition to student life and help you prepare for the next chapter of your life.

In short, when you’re ready for this all-important next step, we’re ready for you.

Complete an application online at www.worthingtonindustries.com or in person at Worthington Industries Truck Entrance located at 905 Dearborn Drive in Columbus, Ohio.

www.lipscomb.edu/veterans 615.966.5176 or 615.966.1013

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. VET-14-010 - Military Transition 1/2 Page Ad.indd 1

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10.125 in.

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Sep/Oct 2014

13.5 in.

Look ahead at your finances before you leave the military behind.

When you someday leave the military, most of your life will change â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in particular, your finances. How will your cost of living change? How far will your civilian pay go in different locations? Our online Separation Assessment Tool can provide answers, quickly showing you how leaving the military will likely affect your finances.

Use the Separation Assessment Tool usaa.com/leavingthemilitary Or call 800-531-8272 for more information. Membership and product eligibility and underwriting restrictions apply and are subject to change. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement. ÂŠ 2014 USAA. 205137-0514

Sep/Oct 2014

NEWS

Do you want to be in charge of your own future and be your own boss? Do you enjoy working outside? StoneMakers Academy can help you easily attain these goals. StoneMakers has developed innovative ways to build and install water features, retaining walls, fire pits and outdoor living areas in half the time as traditional methods.

For more information call Mark E. Spear at (603) 556-7670

There is no cost to go through training for qualified veterans and StoneMakers provides a grant to cover lodging and travel expenses for each new independent contractor. Once licensed and certified you can install StoneMakers outdoor living features anywhere in the country.

Sep/Oct 2014

NEWS

Top Five Things to Consider when Choosing to Start a Cleaning Business started with a minimum investment along with no previous experience.

Provided by our sponsor

ou’ve given your all for this country and now it’s time to focus on your future. For many, they’ll seek out employment opportunities in the workforce or put their efforts toward a college degree. For others, the appeal of working for themselves and forging their own path in business is their dream. For those entrepreneurs, investing in a franchise is certainly an option worth considering. But what franchise is right for you? The “right” franchise can take on many different meanings. Maybe it’s a franchise in a field that you have previous experience? Maybe it’s something that you are passionate about? Or, maybe it’s in an industry that is completely new to you but one that offers stability and endless opportunities. Jani-King, a leader in the commercial cleaningindustry,mayjust present the perfect solution; an opportunity to be your own boss, have the support of industry experts and get

1. Is this the right business for me? Commercial cleaning services are a $100 billion dollar industry projected to grow by more than 5% in the next three years alone. Owning a franchise that is part of a structured franchisor program is a great way to stay profitable in a time of economic uncertainty; with low overhead, consistent demand and high opportunities for growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a professional cleaning specialist will be the fastest growing occupation in the next ten years, reaffirming the potential expansion of the industry and related professions. 2. Franchise management vs. independent ownership? Owning an independent business and owning an established franchise are both viable ways to start a cleaning business; however franchise ownership offers considerable advantages that help foster longterm success. Franchise owners benefit from the company’s reputation and reliability, along with their growing base of satisfied customers. Many of the best franchisors support franchisees by offering operational training, business development coaching, marketing support, technical support and industry/technology trend information all

without having to take on the high collateral and liability associated with independent ownership. 3. Residential vs. Commercial cleaning services? When choosing to start a cleaning business, the two most common choices are residential or commercial cleaning services. Both have key advantages; residential cleaning may be easier to start, but commercial cleaning offers a greater opportunity for profit and success. The commercial cleaning sector includes hotels, hospitals, offices, stadiums, restaurants, retail centers, manufacturing facilities and so much more; a much wider range of cleaning services than residential. 4. What about customers? While the potential benefits of commercial cleaning services are unrivaled, the task of securing customers within this market may seem daunting to those first getting started. Good franchisors will be there to help with a foundation built upon a history of toplevel programs. Owning a franchise under an established brand such as Jani-King opens your business to a network of industry partners who trust and rely on the continued professionalism of franchisees. Another benefit of a good franchise system is that they should have a program in place to secure the cleaning contracts and then offer those to their local franchisees. If the franchisee wants

to do their own account sales, the franchisor should also have a training program and marketing materials. 5. What services will be provided? There are a variety of services that commercial cleaning businesses provide and it is important to decide which areas to focus on before getting started. Floor care services, such as carpet cleaning, are exceedingly popular for commercial clients as well as exterior services such as window washing. Many franchisees specialize in scheduled maintenance cleaning for their regular customers as well. Solidifying your area of expertise will allow you to gain greater clout in the industry and further establish your brand image as a highly regarded franchise owner. You don’t have to be an expert – an understanding of these five aspects combined with an entrepreneurial drive and dedication to success are great steps to starting your own commercial cleaning business. To learn more about franchise ownership and how to start a cleaning business with Jani-King, visit their website at www.janiking.com.

THE OPPORTUNITY right for you

Visualize yourself as a leader. Imagine the opportunity to own your own business and reach your personal goals. As a Jani-King franchise owner, you’ll receive initial and ongoing training, administrative support, operational assistance and so much more that will help you grow your very own commercial cleaning business. This is an industry that is in high-demand. From hotels to stadiums, from offices to hospitals and more, every commercial property needs to be cleaned. Your military experience has prepared you for success. Let Jani-King deliver you the opportunity.

(757) 424-7701 | www.janiking.com

Franchise Opportunity

Sep/Oct 2014

NEWS Igniting Workplace Enthusiasm

“Best for Vets Franchises” – Military Times

Where America’s military Connects With Civilian Careers

Become a player in the exploding business education market by joining a worldwide, highly recognized brand, with unsurpassed franchise development and support systems. If you have a command or sales background and the ability to invest in your future, look into this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Territories Available in Montana and Western Massachusetts

Veterans Receive 50% Off Franchise Fee www.dalecarnegie.com/veterans

EmployErs

Job sEEkErs

CivilianJobs.com is more than a great place to post your resume. Your skills are valuable and marketable, and we provide you with the best methods to pursue military-friendly companies including via our job board and military job fairs.

We are Transition and Business Coaches who make a positive difference in the lives of veterans. We provide an education and discovery experience for those wanting to take control of their destiny. To learn more about Veteran2Entrepreneur, call us at 888.896.9444 or email at mthornton@esourcecoach.com

If you are seeking to recruit / source military talent, let CivilianJobs.com design a staffing solution to fit your needs: • Contract Recruiting • RPO • Per Hire or Contingency • “IQ” Talent • Military Base Newspaper/ Employer Advertising • Military Job Fairs • Military Job Board

The leading career resource for the military community.

1-866-801-4418 Founded by military veterans with years of experience in placing military candidates in new careers.

Sep/Oct 2014

NEWS

We’re looking for Veterans to join our band of Restaurant Owners. We appreciate what you’ve done for us. Here’s what we can do for you: • $0 franchise fee on first restaurant • 2.5% discount on royalty payments for first 12 months*

Opportunities available in the Midwest. • $300,000 liquid assets required to start

Come grow with us. timhortons.com/franchise

This advertisement is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. An offer can only be extended by prospectus. *Other incentives apply under our operator agreement offering.

Tim Hortons USA Inc. 4150 Tuller Road, Suite 236, Dublin 43017 MN Reg # 6441