Yesterday, our offices were visited by the Live 5 News crew and reporter Nicole Johnson as they covered a story on why franchises are recruiting veterans. Local veteran-turned-franchisee, Anthony Brown, was also part of the story.
As the interview was filmed in our offices, I was able to see and hear how important small business ownership has been to Anthony. Consequently, Anthony reminded me how sacred the American Dream is.
While his service ended in 1991, Brown was still confronted by fears of unemployment after 12 years of military service. This same issue waits on our shores for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with the added unfortunate reality that the economic recovery remains tepid and slow.
Thankfully, VetFran and the 400+ franchise systems involved are doing what they can to make it possible for veterans to move forward with their civilian lives as small business owners. I felt a sting of pride knowing that a company I work for, despite not being a franchise, is doing what it can to connect veterans with opportunities and their own version of the American Dream.