There are few higher honors than choosing to enter the U.S. military and serve your country. And while that commitment requires a great amount of bravery and leadership, perhaps an even tougher challenge comes after the homecoming pomp and circumstance; the moment that has dedicated men and women who sacrificed so much wonder, “What’s next?”
The transition from military service to civilian life presents its own challenges. For many veterans, finding a new career path that not only utilizes their skills, but also offers stability and opportunities for growth is crucial. And while it’s sometimes easy to overlook how skillsets acquired during active duty can translate into life after the military, veterans often possess a distinct set of professional attributions positioning them as prime candidates for entrepreneurship by way of franchising. In fact, franchising is regularly ranked as a top business endeavor for veterans. That’s why Ziebart – the automotive appearance and protection franchise – has set out on a mission to support our veterans, not just in word, but in action.
The Value Veterans Bring to Franchising
Franchising offers a unique avenue where veterans can thrive, with a structured environment and clear operational procedures that closely mirror their military experience. From the moment a person enlists in the armed forces, service members are trained on a rare set of skills – like leadership, discipline, and a strong understanding of important processes and procedures – that can seamlessly translate into a post-military career in franchising.
Veterans are accustomed to working within a structured framework, following established protocols, and leading teams to achieve common goals, precisely what a franchisor often looks for in their franchise owners. With a clear understanding of the significance of following a proven system instilled early on in their career, veterans are less likely to deviate from established guidelines, ensuring consistency and reliability in their business operations. A veteran’s driven loyalty and commitment, as well as their ability to manage stress and make decisions under pressure only further enhances their suitability for franchise ownership.
Honoring Service with Opportunity
While many companies recognize the value our veterans can bring to the franchising space and offer various incentives, Ziebart takes it a bold step further to ease that transition into civilian life. We proudly waive 100-percent of the franchising fee for our U.S. veterans, offering our retired service members a jumpstart as they set out on their next venture. This discount removes a significant financial barrier that often prevents veterans from pursuing entrepreneurship, and allows them to invest in more resources to help grow their business – from hiring staff to upgrading equipment.
Ultimately, our goal is to make the path to franchise ownership as accessible as possible for veterans, giving them the proper tools and support they need to succeed from the start. This program has proven to be invaluable for many veterans in Ziebart’s franchise system, with 11-percent of our owners coming with a background in the U.S. military. That same commitment to our brand also carries over to the corporate team, with 9-percent of our employees at our corporate headquarters being veterans.
The Impact on Veterans and the Community
The impact of supporting a veteran’s success in business ripples through their families and their communities with job creation and contributions to the local economy. Veterans have an ornate ability to create a special bond of trust and loyalty amongst their customers, thanks in large part to their sense of discipline and the integrity to their business. We’ve seen this sentiment hold true across our own network of veteran franchise owners accomplishing success, not only in their stores but in the communities around them as well.
Extending Our Commitment
Ziebart’s strong dedication to supporting our veterans extends beyond franchising opportunities. As we celebrated our 65th anniversary this year, we proudly partnered with Mission 22, a veteran-founded and run non-profit organization that provides extensive, personalized support and resources to veterans and their families. Our decision to partner with Mission 22 came at the recommendation of one of our successful veteran franchise owners, as it’s an organization that personally resonates with him. The above and beyond support this organization brings to veterans as well as their families, truly makes it the perfect partner for us on a national level.
Creating a Support System
When we support our veterans, not only are we investing in the long-term success of our franchise with a strong network of highly-motivated and goal-oriented individuals, but we’re also fostering a powerful community of veterans within the Ziebart system. Their shared experiences create a support system where they can rely on each other, whether it’s setting up their businesses for success or discussing their time in the military and how those skills have translated to their new careers. We’re proud of our veterans and are honored to have a part in helping our service members find success in business ownership.
By: Thomas A. Wolfe, President & CEO of Ziebart