Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging. The order of a life in military service can make civilian living feel unstructured and chaotic. Many veterans are faced with making choices about what direction their lives will take, knowing whatever they decide will have an impact on them and their families. But veterans possess unique qualities that make them well-suited for leadership such as decision making, executing a mission and working well with a team. These are all attributes that make them perfect for franchise ownership. Franchisors like Beans & Brews Coffeehouse offer incentives to veterans, recognizing the value they bring to the brand.
Why is franchising attractive to veterans? Franchising provides veterans with a structured and proven business model, aligning with their familiarity with protocols and systems from their military service. The appeal of franchise ownership lies in the blend of entrepreneurship and the support of an established brand. This combination offers veterans a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and an opportunity to leverage their leadership and organizational skills in a new capacity.
Kelly Zaugg is a decorated Navy veteran and experienced franchise owner. As his agreement with a struggling franchisor was ending, Kelly was looking for another opportunity. Beans & Brews stood out and with the help of the Beans Team, he was able to convert one of his locations.
“They were very engaging upon reaching out, very forthcoming about the business and realistic expectations,” says Kelly. “I learned that Beans & Brews owned about half of the operating stores. This provided not only the expertise for the business but credibility in the market by their own market practice. They have their own skin in the game.”
Military experience results in effective franchise ownership because the military instills core values such as discipline, teamwork, and adaptability in its servicemen and women. These qualities translate seamlessly into the world of franchising. Veterans are accustomed to following established procedures, operating within a hierarchy, and adhering to high standards of professionalism. Their ability to lead and motivate teams, manage resources effectively, and navigate challenging situations makes them invaluable franchise owners.
Kelly says his military experience informs his daily work as a franchisee. “Leadership traits and practices I learned as a warrant officer in the Navy assisted me with store operation efficiency, as well as overall personnel management. Having career responsibilities in intelligence gathering and recruiting prospective officers helped me along.”
His experience also comes in handy when working with customers and employees. “Getting others to talk about themselves gives them a sense of self-worth and makes them feel important. Careful listening helps you learn from others what their values are. From customers, this brings loyalty and visit frequency. For employees, it assists to evaluate honesty, integrity and work ethic, a prerequisite for military personnel as well as great employees.”
Compared to starting a business from scratch, franchising provides veterans with several advantages. Franchises offer a tested business model, a recognized brand, and comprehensive training and support. This support system alleviates many of the uncertainties and risks associated with entrepreneurship. For veterans, the structure and guidance provided by franchisors resonate deeply, providing a smoother transition into civilian life and business ownership.
“Having a franchisor running their own stores alongside franchisees provides realistic expectations rather than company directives based on franchisor opinions of how things should run,” Kelly says of his experience working with the Beans & Brews family. “Operationally it’s much easier to operate and less stressful overall. Custom coffee and drinks provide more opportunities to engage with our customers, creating more positive overall experiences. Guest visit frequency is higher, employees are happier, turnover is reduced, and wages are higher. This makes life as an owner much less chaotic.”
Beans & Brews Coffeehouse stands out as an excellent franchise opportunity for veterans, empowering veteran franchisees with support, incentives, and affiliations. Recognizing the potential in military-trained individuals, Beans & Brews offers comprehensive support programs tailored specifically for veterans. This includes financial assistance from a network of lenders offering incentives to veterans, membership in VetFran, ongoing mentorship to ensure franchisee success, and a 15% discount on Beans & Brews initial franchise fee.
By fostering a welcoming environment and celebrating the unique strengths of veterans, Beans & Brews Coffeehouse is an ideal partner for those looking to start their entrepreneurial journey. In addition to Kelly’s Beans locations in Weber County, Utah, Beans & Brews currently has two more veterans preparing to open locations, one of which will be in Yuma, Arizona.
For veterans considering franchise ownership, it is essential to conduct thorough research, including evaluating a franchise’s track record, support system, and brand reputation. Veterans should leverage their military skills, embrace their leadership qualities, and approach franchising with the same dedication and commitment that defined their military service. Networking with other veteran franchisees can provide valuable insights and mentorship opportunities.
Kelly found franchising with Beans & Brews a refreshing change from his previous experiences. “Regardless of the company, talk to many other franchisees and ask as many questions as you can think of to get their perspectives and expectations,” he says. “Franchising is a long-term obligation requiring unwavering dedication and hard work, but it can be rewarding.”