Lt. Colonel Gary Bodony, Multi-Unit Franchisee of Heights Wellness Retreat (formerly Massage Heights):
When people think of veterans going into business, wellness isn’t always the first industry that comes to mind. However, my career is a testament that the crucial skills learned through serving in the military can set you up for success in other unexpected fields.
After earning my business degree from Texas Tech University, I joined the Kansas Air National Guard’s 190th Air Refueling Wing, where I served as a Command Pilot of the KC-135 Stratotanker. After 21 years of service, I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. My time in the military not only developed my leadership and operational skills, but also instilled a strong sense of discipline and teamwork – qualities that have proven to be invaluable as I became a franchisee in the wellness industry.
From a young age, I knew that I was destined for entrepreneurship. During my time in the Air Force, I started my first business while flying global missions. I’ve always said that the military would give me the leadership skills to succeed in business. Franchising, with its built-in support system, became the natural next step, especially during my deployments.
I began franchising in 2009 with a tanning salon, and in 2019, I purchased my first Massage Heights Retreat. As a marathoner and a longtime client, I personally experienced the benefits of massage therapy for lifelong wellness. This firsthand experience, combined with my desire to invest in a business with strong growth potential, made owning a Massage Heights franchise a perfect opportunity. The business model provided a stable, profitable foundation, and I was quickly able to reach our loyal customer base.
Today, I own four Massage Heights Retreats and three tanning salons, with my business experiencing consistent growth year after year. The support and training provided by the franchise model have been crucial to my success. I also credit the military’s emphasis on self-confidence, attention to detail, and perseverance for helping me overcome the challenges I’ve faced as a business owner.
For fellow veterans considering franchising, my advice is simple: It’s an excellent foundation for starting your own business. Similar to the military, a franchise operates with a clear system and well-defined processes. If you’re skilled at following procedures, executing orders, and working within a structured environment, you’ll thrive in the franchising world.
Terry Michaud, Air Force Veteran and Franchisee of Blo Blow Dry Bar:
After two decades of dedicated service, my transition from military nurse anesthetist to franchise owner might seem unconventional, but for me, it was a natural progression of my lifelong mission to serve.
My military career began in January 1999, a journey that would span 20 years and take me across multiple bases and critical healthcare roles. The most transformative chapter was my time in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Nurse Anesthesia program, where I spent the last 12 years of my service as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The discipline, precision, and commitment I learned in the military became the foundation of my entrepreneurial spirit.
Retirement in March 2019 wasn’t an endpoint, but rather a new beginning. I knew I wanted to continue serving—just in a different capacity. A franchising 101 class on base introduced me to a world of opportunities, and that’s when I discovered Blo Blow Dry Bar. The concept immediately resonated with me: a place where I could empower women, create careers in the beauty industry, and build a community-focused business.
Colorado Springs became my home base, not just for its breathtaking landscapes, but because it offered the perfect environment for my new venture. With three children spread across different states and my mother and sister in another, staying in Colorado just made sense. In October 2020—right in the midst of a global pandemic—I opened my Blo Blow Dry Bar location.
My nursing background proved invaluable during those uncertain times. I implemented protocols to keep my staff and customers safe, even installing special lights to minimize health risks. My team hasn’t been sick once since we opened—a testament to the approach I learned during my military service.
But this journey is about more than business. It’s about continuing to serve, just like I did in the military. Every day, I work to create a supportive, family-oriented environment where my team can grow and thrive. From serving as a nurse anesthetist to now serving the women of my community through a vibrant, empowering business—my mission remains the same.
As a bonus, this entrepreneurial path has allowed me to be present for life’s most precious moments. My first granddaughter was born in November 2020, and my second in February 2024—a beautiful reminder that new beginnings can come at any stage of life.