Author Archives: Thomas

4 Transitional Careers for Air Force Veterans

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4 Transitional Careers for Air Force Veterans

If you are entering the Air Force, think about the type of career you would like to pursue when you finish your commitment. Some fields offer higher-paying jobs than others, so choose your specialty carefully. The Air Force is an excellent way to get free training and work experience that you can take with you into civilian life.

Healthcare

There is always a demand for qualified medical professionals, especially as the population continues to age. Medical careers require extensive training if you are going the civilian route. The Air Force can provide this training at no cost and give you hands-on experience with the latest medical technology. You will also have the opportunity to choose a specialized position within the field of medicine, such as allergist, nurse, lab specialist or physical therapist.

Aviation Engineering

The aviation engineering industry offers various careers for ex-Air Force personnel, such as aircraft engineer, civil engineer, service technician or safety inspector. Aircraft engineers and service technicians design and maintain aircraft to ensure passenger safety. Civil engineers work on the systems in and around the airport, such as runway lighting, parking areas and baggage carousels. After your commitment ends, you may already have the necessary work experience to qualify for FAA certification in your desired field.

Commercial Pilot

Commercial airlines often recruit from the Air Force because they know their pilots will be well-trained when they exit the service. Flying 747s and other commercial aircraft will seem much easier after you have mastered fighter jets. You should already have the required amount of flight hours for a trainee pilot job by the time you exit the Air Force. You can also choose to work as a flight school instructor if you do not want to fly full-time.

Information Technology

You will have an opportunity to work with state-of-the-art computer and electronic equipment in the Air Force. When you exit the service, you will have specialized experience that is in high demand in the civilian world, including work with audio-visual systems and radar systems at airports. However, a potential employer may still ask you to become certified as a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate, VMware Certified Professional or Certified Information Systems Security Professional as a prerequisite for the job. Your past security clearance may also open up additional opportunities to work on classified projects. The salary you will receive depends on the type of job you choose. IT support for a small office will pay far less than a programming job on a new government project.

Remembering 9/11 & Our Veterans

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In Indianapolis this morning, AMVETS held an event they coined ‘Veterans Stand Down.’ This was the 10th annual event where homeless veterans were invited to come in and receive goods and services. The organization gave out hygiene items, food and clothing.

“We are here to support our veterans,” said Ralanda Whitaker of the American Legion. “They have supported us and defended us so it’s time we supported and take care of them. Especially today of all days, it’s important to remember the people that have defended us and protected us and we need to take care of them.”

Today we remember all those affected by the terrible occurrences 13 years ago today, and to all of those who have sacrificed to preserve our freedom in this nation.

To read the full article, check it out out here.

Traits of Effective Military Veteran Franchisees

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We all know that franchisors actively seek veteran franchisees due to the complimentary characteristics of being both a business owner and a military veteran. Military vets have excellent leadership skills, an ability to take initiative, the skill of adaptability in difficult situations, confidence… the list goes on and on. So how does a franchise business owner determine the best ways to bring outstanding military veterans into their organizations? Amit Y. Kleinberger, CEO of Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, offers some advice on this in this month’s of Franchising World.

Kleinberger offers traits of highly effective veteran franchisees. Here are our favorite ones from his piece:

1. A Higher Purpose
A veteran is someone who believes in a higher purpose of the work they are doing and going above and beyond to provide that “greater good.”  Instead of getting lost in personal goals and objectives, veterans are more likely to yearn to assist others and make a difference in the respective communities they serve.

2. Dedication
Military professionals endure difficulties day in and day out. Hard work is a necessity in any successful business, and outstanding military veterans will push themselves to obtain the unreachable.

3.Teamwork
Cohesion within any organization is crucial to its longevity and success in the industry. Military veterans quickly learn the value of teamwork and how to work well with others. This skill is essential in any work environment – and particularly when you are operating a business.

4. Accountability
Military professionals are used to following a certain structure, and for an organization this means preserved resources and time. Veterans are comfortable with holding themselves accountable for certain responsibilities.

5. Technologically Savvy
Many businesses these days do not even come close to possessing the same technological capabilities as that of the military. The US military offers outstanding hands-on training in many fields, including up-to-date technology.

What traits would you say make a veteran a highly effective franchisee? Leave thoughts below!

A Detour for A WW II Military Vet

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Photo from Today.com

Here at Veterans Franchise, we love to see our military vets receive gratitude from their community members. This week in San Jose, California, Joe Bell, a World War II veteran, came outside of his home to cheer on runners for an annual 408K charity race. Bell was dressed in his military uniform clapping and waving as the runners passed by. The event benefited the Pat Tillman Foundation, which provides scholarships to military veterans and their spouses.

As runners passed by Bell and noticed him cheering them on, they began to head over to where he sat on his front lawn to shake his hand and thank him for his service. The military veteran, now 95 years old, smiled and shook each runner’s hand who left the street to come greet Bell on his front lawn.

What acts of gratitude and kindness have you seen in your own community for military veterans? Leave your comments below!

 

 

 

 

Maui Wowi Franchise Targets Texas for Expansion

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Maui Wowi is dedicated to providing business opportunities for our military veterans. The franchise continues to expand, and is taking on Texas this year.

Maui Wowi reported that they will target Texas as a market for big growth. This development announcement stems from the success of the franchisees currently operating in the Greater Houston area and throughout Texas.

To kick off the company’s expansion efforts, Maui Wowi will exhibit at Booth #230 at one of its most successful event venues, Reliant Park, for the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Franchise Expo South in Houston, February 6–8. Houston franchisees and directors of regional support Rob and Jean McLean will spearhead franchise development expansion in the market. The company is currently seeking new franchise partners throughout the Houston area to add brick-and-mortar locations or mobile units.

“As newly minted members of the franchise support team in Houston, we’re looking forward to connecting with potential franchisees at the expo and introducing them to the ‘Aloha Spirit’ and flexible business models that Maui Wowi offers,” says Jean McLean. “Sharing our franchise insight and personal experiences with the company at the expo will be a catalyst for further development in Houston and on a larger scale throughout Texas.”

The McLeans bring with them experience from their record-setting sales using their mobile cart business at the Reliant Stadium. To date, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2013 was the McLeans’ biggest event yet. Twenty-one days, 2.5 million people, eight Maui Wowi mobile carts, and thousands of smoothies sold, the McLeans says, “We did a good portion of our sales for the whole year in just those three weeks. It was wild.”

They plan to bring that same energy and appetite for success to the stadium yet again. Justin Livingston, Vice president of business development at Maui Wowi, and Adam Benshoof, development manager, will also join them at the expo to discuss the franchise opportunity with attendees.

“After successful events year after year at Reliant Park and throughout Texas, buzz is beginning to build about Maui Wowi in the market,” Livingston says. “There’s a huge demand for healthy beverage options in Houston, especially at heavily attended events, and we’re eager to partner with entrepreneurs involved in the community who want a fun, rewarding and flexible career.”

To augment the company’s growth, Maui Wowi is seeking passionate franchisees with the resources and capacity to create and manage a franchise investment opportunity in the fast-casual or event business. Maui Wowi offers four business models for prospective franchisees interested in a low-cost start up with scalability potential, including Ka’anapali mobile carts, catering units, kiosks, and brick-and-mortar stores. Depending on the format, start-up costs range between $75,000 and $300,000.

 

Information on this article was first listed on QSR, and can be found here.

Franchise Profile: Johnny Rockets

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Johnny Rockets was founded on a simple belief: everyone deserves a place to escape from today’s complicated world and experience good food, fun, and friendliness. And people are talking. Johnny Rockets just won the Nation’s Restaurant News Hot Concepts Award.

This All-American Franchise Opportunity was founded June 6th, 1986 on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Johnny Rockets offers classic all-American food, fun and friendliness around the globe.

The iconic brand’s delicious fare, timeless décor, lively music, dancing servers, and bright, sparkling atmosphere appeals to all ages.  Additionally, their flexible business models lend themselves to a variety of footprints and operating options.

All American Favorites
Johnny Rockets serves a variety of popular menu options that include juicy hamburgers, hand-dipped malts and shakes, American fries (served with their signature ketchup smiley face), and classic sandwiches.

Rockin’ The World
Johnny Rockets currently operates approximately 300 restaurants in 31 states and 18 countries, with 3,000 employees worldwide and annual system sales in excess of $300 million.  The company is in an aggressive expansion mode, with a strategic focus on continued domestic and international growth.

A Great Business Opportunity
Johnny Rocket’s Restaurant Support Center is there to help you, every step of the way.  They provide guidance and assistance in all of the following areas:

  • Franchise Communications
  • Marketing & Promotional Design
  • Purchasing
  • Management Training, Opening/Ongoing Support
  • Nutritional engineering of products to meet regulations

Are you interested in this business opportunity? If so, you can learn so here: http://www.veteransfranchise.com/franchise/Johnny-Rockets

5 Business Lessons Military Veteran Franchisees Have For You

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I recently read a great article on Entrepreneur.com (find here) about veterans currently in the franchising industry. The veterans interviewed give advice about the lessons they’ve learned in the military and the way in which those lessons translate to their business. Here of some of my favorites:

1. YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Amit Kleinberger, the CEP of Menchie’s, a frozen yogurt franchise, discusses how the military shaped his unique leadership style. He says that “Often what I explain to people is that the military is considered by many as the finest institution in the world for leadership because it really places people in tough situations. When you’re in combat in tough situations, people don’t follow you because you tell them to follow you, they follow you because they believe who you are.”
2. YOUR ABILITY TO TAKE INTIATIVE
While in the military there is a very set way of doing things; there are also opportunities for taking initiative and making decisions within those boundaries. Gordon Logan, the founder of Sports Clips, comments that “You can’t always call home to get instructions when you’re in a combat situation or a stressful situation. Those same skills transfer quite readily to franchising.”

3. PLANNING AND THEN BEING WILLING TO CHANGE THE PLAN
This is a crucial skill that the military teaches. Adaptability is important in any job, including the franchising industry. Veterans learn how to set goals, and execute the plan during their service, but just as with any plan in life, things are going to go wrong, and you will have to be flexible.

4. TAKING A LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE
It’s a crucial skill, in the military and in business, to while paying attention to details of the task at hand, not losing sight of the main objective. Jenna Bazdaric, a tropical smoothie owner in Poughkeepsie, NY, says “In the military you learn to manage a lot of things at one time because there are a lot of moving parts involved in missions… As an owner-operator, I have to know what’s going on on a day-to-day basis but also keep my eye on the bigger picture.”

5. CONFIDENCE IS KEY
Vinay Chadha, a Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies owner in San Diego, CA says “One of the most important traits I developed while in the military is confidence. What I found was that nothing is out of reach as long as you work hard, continually feed your mind with knowledge, and know yourself and what you are capable of nothing can get in the way of your goals.” When you trust yourself and your abilities, you are a whole lot more likely to succeed.

What lessons have you learned in the military that translate to your business skills? Share your lessons in our comments section below!

Coffee and Smoothie Franchise Offers Vet Discount This Month

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With Veteran’s Day quickly approaching, Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a gourmet Hawaiian coffee and fresh fruit smoothie franchise, is continuing their efforts to support veterans by offering a “double discount” during the months of November and December. The franchise, which already offers a 10 percent year-round discount off the franchise fee for those who have served any branch of the military, is now offering a 20 percent discount.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian is a member of the IFA Vet Fran Program, SBA’s Small Business Development Program, and has been named a Military Friendly Franchise by G.I. Jobs for the past four years in a row. The company takes pride in offering opportunities to those who have served our country.

Maui Wowi is present as vendors at various military events throughout the year, including at several military air shows and U.S. Coast Guard Festivals. Their commitment to showing support for military vets, plus awesome coffee, definitely makes them stand out as an excellent business opportunity.

Finding Purpose in Work: Why Healthcare Franchises are A Good Fit for Military Vets

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What is that we all want out of our jobs, our lives? I think most would agree that above all, we just want to be happy, and for others around us to be happy too.  But how do we obtain a higher level of happiness?  This becomes an even greater question when we factor in jobs and money. What are the key components to being happy in a job setting?

I would argue, above all, that we all crave a sense of purpose. We all want to have purposeful, meaningful experiences. For me, it’s what makes life worth living.

Many jobs can provide you with a sense of purpose; and with a positive enough mindset, you can find your purpose in any job.  I should mention when I say “purpose”, I’m not referring to your role at work. I’m referring to that I’m-doing-something-good-for-the-world-and-the-people-in-it  feeling.

There has recently been a trend in veterans investing in healthcare and home care franchises. Often veterans, after returning home from serving our country, struggle with finding a job that continues to give them a fulfilling, “purposeful life” feeling.  The healthcare industry is a noble work field. On a day to day basis, a health facility’s goal is to heal the sick and care for the elderly. If that doesn’t help kick in your higher sense of purpose feelings, I’m not sure what will.

Franchises like Touching Hearts at Home, an in-home senior care facility are a great option for veterans looking for meaningful work. Touching Hearts at Home specifically offers a 10% discount off the franchise fee to veterans and spouses of veterans. Touching Hearts at Home emphasizes that enriching the lives of the people they serve is their passion. Suzanne Desfosses-Gilliam, a Touching Hearts at Home franchise owner, also speaks of the franchise’s benefits, “In addition to the wonderful support that I’ve received from the corporate office, I’m also very excited to be able to work with the other franchises. They’ve reached our have been very open for me to call and ask them anything. They’ve all gone through the process and are invested in making my franchise as successful as theirs.” The beauty of franchises like Touching Hearts at Home is that they provide a foundation for veterans to build up from. Additionally, the service that healthcare and home care franchises provide is both meaningful and purposeful.

Are you a veteran seeking purpose and happiness in your current career? I’d love to hear your comments below.

A Children’s Character Development Program Offers Discount to Veterans

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Team Makers, a Washington DC based company, provides parents and schools with a wide assortment of entertaining and dynamic team-building programming and activities for children. Specialized in building life skills through games that are both fun and cooperative, Team Makers helps children between the ages 5 to 12 learn how to become great teammates and future leaders.

The company Mad Science, the world’s leader in science education and entertainment, created the franchise Team Makers as a way to combat bullying, in addition to building both leadership and problem solving skills. CEO of Mad Science, Ariel Shlien, says that “Having a positive impact in the community has always been a core value that we’ve embraced. With the addition of Team Makers, we believe we can offer another financially rewarding franchise that ultimately makes a difference in the lives of children in our society.” Team Makers offers a space for school age children to meet for birthday parties, in-class workshops, after-school programs and summer camps, as well as special children-centric community events.

What’s even cooler about the program is that all veterans receive a 20% discount off the franchise fee. As a company that values teamwork, problem solving, and communication skills, it goes without saying that Team Makers’ principles fall right in line with those who have served in our country’s military.

Is there a Team Makers in your community? Franchise opportunities with Team Makers are available in all 50 states!