By Garland Moore, Multi-Unit Owner of SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service® in Greenville, NC, and southwestern Virginia. A former Army National Guard officer and Transition Specialist for Hire Heroes USA, Moore leverages his military experience to successfully run his franchises.
It’s no secret that transitioning from military service to running your own business can be tough, but as a veteran, you’re already equipped with the skills and mindset necessary for success in franchising. Your leadership experience, ability to problem-solve under pressure, and expertise in following proven systems gives you a solid foundation for business ownership.
Franchising is a great fit for veterans, and the best part is you’ve got everything you need to make it work – just take what you’ve learned and apply it. Here’s five strategies to help you turn your military experience into long-term success as a business owner.
Do Your Research
When it comes to investing in a franchise, it’s important to do your homework. You can’t just pick something that looks good on paper. Take the time to really check out your options, because not all franchises are the same.
Start by exploring industries that match your interests and strengths. Whether it’s food, fitness, or automotive, make sure the franchise has a solid reputation and a good track record of supporting veterans. Many franchises, like SpeeDee, offer special perks for veterans, like discounted fees or financing options, which can make the initial investment easier to handle.
While you’re researching, be sure to talk to current franchisees. They can give you real insight into what it’s like to be a part of that brand. Check if the franchise provides strong support, a clear operational model, and the training you need to succeed. Doing your homework now will help you avoid unnecessary risks and set you up to thrive.
Use Your Leadership Skills
In the military, leadership is key. You probably had the chance to lead teams, manage resources, and complete tasks under pressure – all skills that are incredibly valuable in franchising.
Franchising needs strong leadership to motivate your team, create a good work culture, and keep everyone aligned with your goals. Whether you’re managing a small crew or several locations, the leadership skills you gained in the military will help you guide and inspire your employees. You want your team to feel responsible and invested in the mission. When they see the bigger picture and know you’ve got their back, they’ll be more willing to put in the effort to help you succeed. The stronger your team, the stronger your business.
Stay Resilient and Adaptable
As you know, things don’t always go as planned in the military and in business. How you handle those challenges is what really counts.
When you’re running a franchise, you’ll face obstacles, whether it’s operational issues, customer complaints, or unexpected changes in the economy. But just like in the military, it’s all about staying adaptable and keeping a problem-solving mindset. Take a step back, assess the situation, and come up with solutions. You’ve already shown resilience during your service, and franchising will call for that same attitude.
As a franchisee, you’ll also need to adjust your strategies when something isn’t working. If a marketing campaign isn’t hitting the mark or your team is facing challenges, it’s important to tweak things and try a different approach. See the challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.
Embrace the Franchise Model
One of the best parts of franchising is the built-in support system. As a veteran, you already know how important structure, systems, and support is, and the franchise model has a lot to offer that other businesses just can’t match. A good franchise gives you everything you need – from a proven business plan to training, marketing resources, and ongoing support.
Franchisors, especially those that are veteran-friendly, are there to help you succeed in your new career. Many franchises offer discounts on fees, rebates on royalties, and other perks that make getting started more affordable. Plus, they’ll give you solid training and resources to make sure you’ve got everything you need to run things smoothly.
Make the most of everything your franchisor offers, whether it’s marketing, training, or ongoing support. The stronger your relationship with your franchisor, the more successful your business will be in the long run.
Set Clear Goals
Every mission in the military starts with clear objectives – and the same goes for franchising. To succeed as a franchisee, you need a solid plan with clear goals and strategies to reach them.
Creating a business plan is one of the most important things you can do when starting your journey as an entrepreneur. Your plan should cover both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals might include getting your operations up and running, building a customer base, and hitting revenue targets. Long-term goals could be things like opening more locations or establishing a strong presence in your community.
Having clear, measurable goals is key to keeping your business on track. You’ve been trained to follow orders and get things done in the military, and that same discipline will help you succeed in the business world. As you work toward your goals, make sure to check your progress and tweak your strategies if needed. Stay focused on your objectives, and it’ll keep you motivated to push forward.
Veterans have all the skills and experience needed to be great franchisees. By doing your research, using your leadership skills, staying resilient, embracing the franchise model, and setting clear goals, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful career in franchising.