John Holobinko’s journey from a military officer to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of discipline, leadership, and adaptability. His military background and experiences shaped his approach to business, enabling him to build a successful career with ServiceMaster Brands,® as a Merry Maids® and ServiceMaster Restore® franchisee.
Military Provides Valuable Skills
Holobinko’s military journey began with a strong family tradition of service. Inspired by the military careers of his grandfather and father, Holobinko joined the Naval ROTC program at Penn State. After four years of college, he graduated and was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy in 1991. He attended Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he trained to serve on surface combatants as an officer.
One of his first assignments was aboard a massive supply ship, where he served as the electrical officer. In this role, he managed a team of electricians, overseeing everything from preventive maintenance to repairing electrical systems. His experience at sea provided valuable insights into managing people and budgets, as well as the importance of problem-solving and relationship-building.
“Once I became an officer, I had to learn how to command and be respectful at the same time. Many of the people under my command were seasoned members of the military. I met people from all walks of life, and my role managing teams helped prepare me for my career as a business owner,” Holobinko said.
Holobinko’s military service also included a deployment to the Gulf, where he drove ships and coordinated helicopter operations. He served as part of the Eisenhower Battle Group, providing air control and participating in sanctions against the Iranians. His time in the military taught him the value of teamwork and fortitude.
After serving for nearly 10 years and reaching the rank of lieutenant, Holobinko transitioned to civilian life. He found the structure and discipline he had learned in the military were invaluable assets in the business world.
“In the military, you’re forced to accomplish a mission. It’s an important skill many people don’t acquire as civilians. If things get hard, employees can just quit. We didn’t have that option in the service. Being committed to solving a problem or generating a positive outcome is invaluable.”
Veteran Discovers New Path Forward with Franchising
He opened a Merry Maids location in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, in 1999, which also serves State College and the surrounding area. Merry Maids is one of the largest house-cleaning franchises in the United States. Merry Maids offers exclusive territories and proprietary cleaning systems. He plans to continue to grow his footprint in the Pennsylvania market.
At the same time, Holobinko extended his reach by opening a ServiceMaster Restore franchise. As part of his ServiceMaster Restore business, he offers a wide range of professional cleaning services and emergency restoration services. ServiceMaster by Holobinko handles anything from cleaning homes to the cleaning and remediation of the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks. He has ServiceMaster Restore locations in Allentown, Bellefonte, Lemoyne, and Muncy, Pennsylvania.
Holobinko’s military background is instrumental in his success as a franchise owner. The leadership skills he developed in the Navy helped him manage his team effectively and instill a sense of purpose and duty in his employees. He believes the military’s emphasis on command and control, as well as leading by example, are key factors in running a successful business.
The military’s focus on adaptability and problem-solving helped him navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. His ability to work with diverse teams has also been an asset in managing his staff and providing exceptional service to his customers.
ServiceMaster Brands recognizes the value veterans bring to franchising. The company provides training and support to help veterans transition to business ownership. They also offer discounts on franchise fees and other incentives to make it easier for veterans to start their own businesses.
After 24 years as an entrepreneur, Holobinko continues to lead by example, instilling a sense of purpose and duty in his employees and providing exceptional service to his customers.