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Insights from CEO Dave Schwartz on Thanking Our Veterans

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One of the biggest questions we get from our customers is why we’re so committed to helping veterans start the next stage of their lives as business owners. Some of the reasons are obvious: I mean, if you’ve navigated our site even a little bit, I’m sure you’ve seen us post about how military veterans make the perfect fit for the franchising model. But, did you know that our commitment to military veterans runs even deeper than that? 

When CEO Dave Schwartz founded VeteransFranchise.com, he didn’t just do so because he knew veterans made great franchisees. He did so because if there’s one thing Dave knows, it’s franchising: and he has a special soft spot for military veterans. To him, starting VeteransFranchise.com was the best way he could think of to give back to the brave men and women to whom we owe our freedom. The way he saw it, they’ve served us all in more ways than we can count… this was the least he could do to serve them back. 

In fact, Dave has always had a certain soft spot for military veterans ever since he was a little boy. Growing up, one of Dave’s greatest inspirations was his best friend’s dad, Ross Glatzer: a successful CEO and Vietnam veteran. His two philosophies?

  1. Pay significant attention to detail &
  2. Never take anything for granted

Young Dave took this philosophy to heart and adopted the same philosophy in his own life. Another one of Dave’s greatest inspirations was his grandmother, who also had a soft spot for military veterans and made sure to impart on her grandson the importance of always thanking them for their service, even if it means going out of your way to do so. “We’d be going for a walk and she’d see someone with a veterans hat on or something, and she would literally turn around and walk like two blocks to catch up with them just to stop and thank them for their service,” Dave recalled, “that really stuck with me.”

So nowadays, Dave always makes a point to go out of his way to thank a veteran every chance he gets. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gained a much greater appreciation for their service and their sacrifices,” Dave explained, “especially WWII veterans, since there are so few of them left. What they’ve sacrificed for our country, what those sacrifices provide for us every day… they deserve to know how much their sacrifice truly means, and I feel honored every time I get a chance to learn a piece of their stories.”

One regret that always sticks with him, Dave described, was one day a couple of years back. He was coming out of Costco with arms full of groceries in famously-hot Charleston, SC, and was in a rush for whatever reason. He happened to see a man walk by with a WWII veteran hat on, and he was in such a rush that he didn’t stop to say hello. 

“It might sound stupid, but it’s seriously one of my biggest regrets and it really sticks with me,” Dave explained. “I mean, I can’t believe I was so selfish. I wish I knew who that man was, I wish I’d gotten a chance to hear his story… I was literally in my car driving away and I KNEW I should’ve gone back, but I didn’t. And I regret it to this day.” he said. 

“And I think this applies not just to our veterans, but to people in general: just take the time. I mean, what’s a couple of minutes out of your day? It’s such an easy thing to do, just stopping to say hello: in fact, it’s the absolute least you can do,” Dave said. “This also applies to being truly PRESENT in life. You may have a day that’s all mapped out; you may be the busiest person in the world. But in order to be truly present, you can always make time. Sometimes it’s the little things that can really make the biggest difference.”

Memorial Day Tribute to the Veterans in Our Families

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Happy Memorial Day from your friends at VeteransFranchise.com In observance of this special day and in honor of all those who’ve served, we wanted to do something a little different this year.

We asked each of our team members to tell us about any veterans in their lives in an attempt to share as many stories of these courageous individuals as possible. So, without further ado: meet the veterans that are extra near and dear to our hearts here at VeteransFranchise.com

Aldred Leon Millman

June’s grandfather, the late Aldred Leon Millman (1919-2019) served in the United States Army as a pilot during World War II. During his time in service and throughout his personal life, he was involved in theatre and was the leader of a big band orchestra. Mr. Millman is survived by four sons, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

We thank you for your service, Mr. Millman!

Captain James L.D. Monroe

Reeves’ grandfather, James aka “Capn Jim” Monroe, served in the United States Navy Supply Corps for 30 years, providing supply and logistics support for several US Navy ships. Throughout his time of service, Captain Jim was stationed on the U.S.S. Fletcher as a junior electronics supply officer. He also served on the famed U.S.S. Kitty Hawk as a supply officer during the Vietnam War. Lastly, Jim was stationed on the U.S.S. Saipan, also as a supply officer, before his retirement.

We thank you for your service, Capn Jim!

Colonel Clinton D. Summerfield

Reeves’ grandfather, Colonel Clint Summerfield, was drafted into the United States Air Force in 1962. He then went into officer training school and, following his graduation, did his first tour in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Following this, Colonel Summerfield returned stateside and was stationed at the Pentagon, where he worked for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force as the Legislative Liaison. His job as Liaison was to work closely with those on Capitol Hill and, as his job title suggests, acted as the liaison between the USAF and Congress. As his career progressed, he spent time working with the United States Foreign Services Committee, the Colonels Group, and did two tours at the Military Personnel Center. He then went on to complete a second tour at the Pentagon, this time assigned to the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. In this role, he served as the Secretary of the Air Staff Board and was in charge of budget allocation for the entire USAF. When asked to reflect on his time spent in the USAF, Clint had this to say:

“Being drafted turned out to be a wonderful experience because, in the military, you get to work with an incredibly diverse group of people from all different backgrounds and from all over the world. For me especially, it was an incredible opportunity to get out and explore the world, being that I was just a boy who grew up in a small town in Wyoming. It was an experience that I never would’ve had if I’d just stayed in my hometown and my military service has given me a unique insight on people and on life.”

We thank you for your service, Colonel Summerfield! 

Captain Vanessa Summerfield

Reeves’ grandmother, Vanessa Summerfield, enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Behavioral Health Technician from 1974-1977, retiring from the army as an E4 rank. Vanessa then went on to serve in the United States Air Force, joining in 1981 and rising to the rank of Captain by the time she retired in 1993. Vanessa’s first assignment in the Air Force was at MWR Headquarters, where she piloted the Air Force Family Daycare Program. She worked in this role for several years before the Air Force sent her to Georgetown Law School to complete her J.D. After her graduation from Georgetown in 1987, Vanessa then served as a JAG Officer, also known as a Judge Advocate General, until her retirement from the USAF in 1993. When asked to reflect on her time spent in the armed forces, Vanessa had this to say: 

“Five of my siblings followed me into one kind of service or another, so it makes me proud to know that my service inspired them to do the same.” 

We thank you for your service, Captain Summerfield! 

Colonel McGinn

Reeves’ great-grandfather, Colonel McGinn, served in the United States Army from 1941-1968. During his time of service, Colonel McGinn was stationed in the Philippines and the Aleutian Islands during the Korean War, for which he earned a bronze star. He was also stationed in Panama twice, as well as Puerto Rico. He later served as Nuclear Inspector General for all of Europe in the early 1960s and was stationed in the Dominican Republic, later serving as Nuclear Liaison to Spain and various other Spanish-speaking countries due to his fluency in Spanish.

We thank you for your service, Colonel McGinn!

If you have any stories of a special veteran in your life that you’d like to highlight, feel free to send them our way! We’d love to feature as many stories as possible: not just on Memorial Day, but every day.

The Many Benefits Of Franchising

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Franchising is practiced in many business establishments today. With franchising, the franchisor generally licenses its trademarks and business modus operandi to the franchisee. This is done in exchange for a recurring payment from the franchisee which may be a percentage of gross sales or gross profits and annual fees. Businesses working as a franchise arrangement are referred to as chain stores, franchises or franchise outlets.

The advantage of franchising lies in the fact that the franchisor is still in command of the financial part of the business. The franchisee only pays the franchising fees and other commitments while the assets are controlled by the company. Moreover, with franchising, the franchisor provides trained employees for the franchise. In fact, if required, they will also provide the necessary training to the employees, wherein the franchisees save in training costs.

When entering into a franchise agreement, it is necessary for the franchisee to pay some capital amount as a security deposit to the franchisor. With this payment, the franchisee runs the franchise with the needed dedication as they will not want to lose the capital sum to the franchisor. As the company would have already had a good standing in the market and allots franchises just to expand, there is not much of a hassle in getting customers, and business to the franchise.

Franchising helps in the growth of a business as there are no limits to the number of franchises to a company. It is in fact much easier to open franchises of a company than branches of a business as the cost involved is much lower. Moreover, the franchisee receives franchise fees, franchise royalty, better lease options, discounts on equipment and raw materials and discounts from vendors. So they basically have more money to run the franchise than an individually owned company or companies.

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!

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.