When I left the military, I knew one thing for sure: I wasn’t cut out for a traditional corporate job.
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. Even while serving, I found myself thinking about investments, business ideas, and ways to create something of my own. The structure of the military was something I respected and appreciated, but I also knew that eventually I wanted more freedom to build, create, and lead on my own terms.
That journey eventually led me to franchising and opening my location with Ideal Siding in San Marcos, Texas in July 2024. But like many veterans, the path from military service to business ownership wasn’t something I had mapped out from the start.
The Military Gave Me the Blueprint
I served in the U.S. Air Force from 2003 to 2007 and spent four years stationed in Germany. After active duty, I spent time in the reserves while attending Texas State University, graduating in 2013.
My role in the Air Force was in logistics, coordinating aircraft operations, making sure planes were loaded, unloaded, and running efficiently. It required oversight, planning, and communication. In many ways, I think of it like conducting an orchestra. You’re not playing every instrument yourself, but you’re responsible for making sure everything works together.
As a franchise owner, I see my role the same way: building the plan, assembling the right team, and making sure everything runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Discovering Franchising
Interestingly, franchising wasn’t something I had seriously considered early on.
Like a lot of people with entrepreneurial ambitions, I assumed starting from scratch was the only real path. Before getting into franchising, I was involved in real estate and construction projects, including rental homes and some general contracting work.
Through those experiences, I learned a lot but I also saw the risks and complexity that can come with building everything yourself. While researching different business opportunities, I started looking into franchising and was surprised by what I found. The success rates were strong compared to many independent startups, and the structure offered a balance between independence and support.
Ideal Siding stood out to me for a few reasons.
First, the entry cost was manageable compared to many franchise systems. Second, the business model itself was straightforward and focused. And third, the work largely happens on the exterior of homes, which simplifies operations in a lot of ways.
But more than anything, what convinced me was the people. In any business, the right partners and team members make all the difference.
The Power of the Right Crew
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned, both in the military and in business, is that you’re only as strong as the people around you.
Finding the right crew took time, but once we clicked, everything started to move faster. Communication is everything. If your team talks, problems get solved quickly. If they don’t, small issues turn into big ones.
Recently we landed our largest project yet, an apartment complex that will take three to four months to complete. Moments like that are incredibly motivating. They remind you why you took the leap in the first place.
Because the truth is, entrepreneurship has its ups and downs. When things are slow, it’s easy to question yourself. But those wins keep you pushing forward.
Advice for Veterans Considering Franchising
For veterans thinking about starting a business or entering franchising, my biggest piece of advice is simple: find a mentor.
There are people who have already walked the path you’re considering. Seek them out. Learn from them. Volunteer to help. Ask questions. Put yourself in environments where you can absorb as much knowledge as possible.
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and other entrepreneurs who were willing to share their experiences and guidance. Having someone who’s “a few steps ahead” can save you years of trial and error. That doesn’t mean you’ll avoid mistakes. In fact, mistakes are part of the process.
Earlier in my career, I used to dwell on failures. If something went wrong, I’d replay it in my head over and over. Over time, I realized that mindset doesn’t help you move forward.
Now I see failures differently. They’re lessons.
If something goes wrong, you analyze it, learn from it, and make sure you don’t repeat it. Those experiences stick with you far more than easy wins ever will.
By Aaron Lay, Ideal Siding Franchisee