Veterans in Franchising

From Sailor to Studio Owner: How a Navy Veteran Turned a Family Tradition into a Thriving Franchise

Nedy Trent, owner of Color Me Mine Winter Garden, Florida

In June 2024, I opened Color Me Mine Winter Garden, a paint-your-own pottery franchise just outside Orlando. Today it's one of the fastest-growing studios in the brand, and it has given my family something we went without for a long time: a community to call home.

From ICBMs to Franchise Ownership: What the Air Force Taught Me About Business Success

Adriana Phillips, Franchise Owner of Expedia Cruises in Belmont, North Carolina

In June 2020, when the world was shut down and almost no one was traveling, I decided to become a franchisee for Expedia Cruises. Half of my friends and family thought I had lost my mind. Why invest in a travel agency during a pandemic when the future of the industry was so uncertain?

A New Chapter of Service: How Air Force Veteran Kirk Campfield Continues to Make an Impact Through CarePatrol

How one veteran's military foundation, decades of professional experience and family inspiration led to a rewarding second career in senior care.

From Navy SEAL to Community Impact: Steve Koehler’s Journey of Service, Faith and Family

Long before Steve Koehler became an AtWork franchise owner, he was serving his country as a U.S. Navy SEAL. His early career took him through demanding special warfare training, maritime operations in the Persian Gulf and years of work supporting the intelligence community. Today, his mission looks different, but the desire to make a meaningful impact remains.

Air Force Veteran Celia Henderson-St. Louis Takes a Community-Focused Approach to Franchise Ownership

After more than two decades in the Air Force, Celia Henderson-St. Louis has begun a new professional chapter that draws on many of the same lessons she learned during her military career. The retired veteran recently entered franchising, signing a multi-unit agreement with Eggs Up Grill in 2026.

Growth With a Foundation: What a Record Year Taught Us About Building a Franchise That Lasts

Charles Bonfiglio, Founder and CEO, Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™

Tint World’s founder and CEO on crossing $100 million in store revenue, earning national recognition, strengthening leadership, and why the franchise opportunity has never been stronger

Starting From Square One: Lessons From a Veteran-Turned-Franchise Owner

Patrick Neill, owner of The Brothers that just do Gutters in Albany, New York, a Franchise FastLane partner brand

During his 13 years in the military, Neill rose to the rank of Captain and led operations supporting as many as 4,000 people. After leaving the military, he worked a series of job before becoming a franchisee.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Ogden Gives Back With Bathroom Makeover for Army Veteran

Dreamaker Bath

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Ogden recently completed a bathroom makeover for a local Army veteran and his wife after their original 1952 bathroom had become unsafe.

Our Customers Are Already at the Event. We Go to Them.

Mike Quilty, CEO, Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.

Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co. has been serving small-batch craft sodas at fairs, festivals, comic conventions, air shows, and motorcycle rallies since 2002. Guests buy one of our collectible mugs and enjoy unlimited refills throughout the day.

From Army Colonel to Franchise Owner: What My Military Transition Taught Me About Entrepreneurship

Trina Rice, Express Employment Professionals Franchise Owner in Stafford, Virginia

After more than 30 years in the Army, I knew how to lead teams, build workforce strategies, recruit talent, and navigate complex organizations. What I had to figure out was how those skills would translate into the next chapter of my career.

From The U.S. Army to Home Care, David Kapojos Builds a Mission of Service in California

For David Kapojos, military service was never just about completing a mission. It was about responsibility, teamwork and taking care of the people beside him. Today, as the owner of FirstLight Home Care businesses in Pasadena, San Gabriel, Burbank, Glendale, and Chino Hills, Kapojos is bringing those same principles to a new mission: helping seniors, veterans and families have their best day, every day with the support of compassionate in-home care.

Keeping America Operating: One Veteran's Journey into Essential-Service Franchising

Austin Heneveld

By Austin Heneveld, PIRTEK Jacksonville...

From Advisor to Owner: How a Marine Corps Veteran Found His Place in Franchising

Brandon Anderson

A Marine Corps veteran moves from franchise advisor to owner, sharing how his experience helped him find the right franchise opportunity and build his future.

Code Ninjas Expands Dallas Footprint with New Franchise Agreement

Continued growth brings Code Ninjas to a key Texas market...

Aroma Joe's Announces AJ's Cares Foundation

Aroma Joe's, a leading handcrafted beverage franchise...

Building a Smarter Studio: Why HOTWORX Built an AI Coach into the Member Experience

Stephen P. Smith

Learn how HOTWORX integrates AI coaching into its fitness studios to improve member engagement, personalization, and franchise innovation.

From Combat to Closings: How an Army Veteran Couple Built an Award-Winning Home Inspection Business

Jeremiah

An Army veteran couple turns military experience into an award-winning home inspection franchise, building a successful business around service and leadership.

Why Veterans Should Consider Buying an Existing Franchise

Jon Franz

Research and experience have shown that veterans make great franchise owners...

From Service to Ownership: How Alex and Myriam Guerrero Are Building Community Through Tint World

See how veterans Alex and Myriam Guerrero transitioned into franchise ownership, building a thriving Tint World business while serving their community.

The Swing Bays Lands Another Multi-Unit Deal with Marine Corps Veteran

The Swing Bays signs another multi-unit franchise deal with a Marine Corps veteran, expanding its network and supporting growth through experienced ownership.

Marco’s Pizza Accelerates West Coast Growth with 12-Unit Signed Agreement in California

Marco’s Pizza accelerates West Coast growth with a 12-unit franchise agreement in California, expanding its footprint with an experienced veteran operator.

Tint World® Accelerates Growth With $100M Milestone and Expanded Corporate Team

Discover how Tint World reached a $100 million milestone while expanding its corporate leadership team and accelerating franchise growth nationwide.

Bumble Roofing Builds on Dallas Growth, Sets Sights on Fort Worth Expansion

Bumble Roofing builds on its Dallas growth and sets its sights on Fort Worth, expanding its footprint and franchise opportunities across North Texas markets.

Why We Acquired Basecamp Fitness and What We’re Building for the Future of Boutique Fitness

Paul Flick

Discover why Basecamp Fitness was acquired and how the brand plans to redefine boutique fitness through innovation and strategic franchise growth.