For good reason, our nation’s veterans are regarded in a class of their own. They are physical representations of what it means to be selfless, loyal, courageous, and dedicated. Members of this elite group are held to an unmatched standard that automatically sets them apart and its these attributes, mixed with the experiences and lessons learned in the military, that also make veterans exceptional franchisees.
Upon leaving the service, many veterans may find themselves at a standstill. The question of what to do next racking their brains when, for many, all they know is the pre-determined structure that is a soldier’s daily life. Business ownership may seem like a far-out idea, but in the world of franchising, we’ve seen the unique qualities veterans possess catapult them to success time and time again.
Service-First Mindset
The innate desire to serve is a personal trait that is hard taught and it’s one of the most prominent characteristics of a veteran’s true nature. At Authority Brands, a parent company of 15 home service companies, having this mindset is essential for owners across the network as homeowners rely on the brands’ unwavering support and expertise to address specific customer needs.
Jason Ulmer, an Air Force veteran and owner of STOP Restoration in Colorado Springs, Colorado, exemplifies this mentality and approaches his entrepreneurial journey like that of a military assignment. “In the Air Force, you have a mission, and everybody works towards that mission. In restoration, everyone on my team is working to serve the customer, to help them; it’s just a different mission now,” said Ulmer.
For veterans, prioritizing the needs of others has become almost instinctual, mastered through years of loyal service to our country. In franchising, this is a guiding principle and one that veterans personify well, which ultimately helps them thrive as business owners.
Flexibility at Its Finest
Whether it’s where a military member is stationed or their current work assignment, the life of a servicemember can change quickly and often. The ability to swiftly adapt to a change in circumstance in the U.S. Armed Forces can be closely compared to the ever-changing state of business. From shifts in the economy and fluctuations in business growth to the introduction of new technology and implementation of new processes, life as a franchise owner is rarely stagnant. It’s important to remain flexible and welcome new challenges or opportunities as they arise.
As highlighted by Ulmer’s military experience, veterans can do just that and are able to navigate change as it comes. He joined the Air Force in 1991 and went on to serve nine years of active duty in four different countries. Ulmer’s work mostly centered around the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, focusing on research and development surrounding anything involving the aircraft’s electronics. Upon leaving the military, he spent nine years in semiconductor manufacturing before becoming a franchise owner for STOP Restoration in 2009.
While Ulmer may not have had a background in mold mitigation or repairing damage caused by water, fire, and smoke, he knew the skills learned in the military set him up well for the challenge of being a franchise owner. “I chose the STOP Franchise because I always believed in myself, believed I could plug myself into any system and make it work,” said Ulmer. With more than 10 years of business ownership under his belt and serving as a member of the STOP Restoration Franchise Leadership Team, Ulmer is proving that this path is possible for all his fellow veterans.
Collaborative & Connected
In the military, soldiers are taught to lean on their comrades for support and guidance through various missions or practice drills. They’re shown how to work within a team and focus on collaboration to reach the desired end goal. This is the same in franchising. The franchisor and franchisee relationship is set up to act as two parts of the same team.
When joining a network, franchise owners are given access to a wide variety of resources to help guide them on their business journey. Behind these resources are teams of dedicated and knowledgeable individuals that put a framework in place that serves as the bones of the business. They work tirelessly to ensure the owner’s trade is set up for success and work with their strengths to elevate each individual as an entrepreneur.
Veterans understand this value of shared strength. They see the capabilities of the franchisor, acknowledge how to implement their own skillset, and can recognize when an employee or team member has the particular know-how to boost overall business growth. The ability to function within a team while remaining a leader is a distinct lesson learned from time served in the military and is one that bodes well in franchising.
Endless Possibilities
Veterans possess exceptional leadership skills, adaptability, teamwork, and a service-driven mindset, making them ideal candidates for franchise ownership. This natural potential makes for excellent franchisees and Authority Brands is ready to welcome them into their brand family. In recognition of the immense potential veterans bring to the franchise world, coupled with the support of IFA through our partnership with VetFran, Authority Brands offers special incentives and support designed to resonate with those who have served our country.Take the next step in your post-military journey by exploring franchise options that value your unique skills and experiences, and start building a successful future as a franchise owner.
Bio Jason Ulmer, an Air Force veteran and owner of STOP Restoration in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
