Best franchise opportunities for veterans
Transitioning into civilian employment after serving in the military can be a daunting prospect, even for the most battle-hardened soldier. Franchising isn’t typically the first business that comes to mind when evaluating your options post-discharge, but this business model can be a great opportunity for veterans looking to apply the skills they’ve learned while earning a living and growing the communities they live in.
Why are Franchises a Great Opportunity for Veterans?
According to VetFran, 14% of franchise owners are veterans, and, in turn, those owners are more likely to hire veteran employees. This number continues to grow, due primarily to the fact that veterans leave military service with a unique set of skills that is almost perfectly suited to the franchise business model. Being a franchisee requires the ability to adhere to a predefined set of systems and procedures, while also motivating a team to accomplish a defined mission.
On top of that, new franchise owners are expected to absorb, retain, and execute the specific processes taught to them in training. These skills are (quite literally) drilled into every member of the armed services and put veterans in a strong position to succeed in the franchise business.
What Should Veterans Look For When Considering a Franchise Opportunity?
There are six key factors owners and investors with previous military service should consider when evaluating a fitness franchise opportunity:
Return on Investment: The cost of purchasing and building out a new franchise location range from $200K to more than $700K – but the ROI on some franchises can average from 30% to as high as 200%.
Growth: The potential for growth is a vital factor in ensuring the long-term success of a business. Look for a franchise with room to grow as your business succeeds and evolves; a strong track record of annual growth is a good indicator of sound investment.
Leadership: The first pillar of a strong business is its people. When evaluating a franchise opportunity, look beyond the numbers – get to know the leadership team and explore their partnership approach. As a franchisee, you’ll be working closely with brand leaders, so be sure alignment is there before investing.
Sustainability: Sustainable brands are more attractive to consumers – and thus, more successful in the long run. Sustainability can lower costs and add resiliency to your supply chain, so look for a brand with a strong track record of sustainable practices.
Recession- and pandemic-resistant: The past three years have served as a proving ground for business owners. Franchises historically perform well through major global events like recessions and public health crises. Look for opportunities in recession-resistant industries that provide essential services such as health care, personal services, home and auto repair, education, and others.
Manageability: Good systems and management models are a cornerstone of franchise success. Review the business model and evaluate it against current economic conditions, employment numbers, and your personal ability to run and scale the business. Look for options that align with your lifestyle and capabilities.
Veteran-specific benefits: Many companies chose to honor those who have served our country with special perks for veteran franchisees. These can include substantial discounts on the initial franchise fee, special financing options, product credits, and more. It’s worth researchingasking after these benefits when evaluating a company. A trusted resource for researching this is VetFran. While veteran discounts can provide a great opportunity it is important not to exclude brands from your search that do not offer a discount, they could still be a great fit for you.
Best Franchise Opportunities for Veterans in 2022
AlphaGraphics, Inc.
Consistently named among the top franchise brands by Entrepreneur and Franchise Times, AlphaGraphics has been providing B2B visual marketing services for over 50 years. The first US printing/marketing company to offer international franchise opportunities, AlphaGraphics provides a highly scalable model that emphasizes its extensive brand history and wide variety of services.
Veteran Benefits
- 20% discount on new owner initial franchise fees for veterans (and minorities)
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 1979
- Locations: 275
- Startup cost: $75K-$150K
- Total investment: $263K-$363K
Blue Moon Estate Sales
Residential and commercial estate liquidation services is the name of the game for Blue Moon Estate Sales. Their clients are typically facing the daunting prospect of downsizing, moving, or selling a loved one’s property, and Blue Moon steps in to provide pricing strategies, staging services, and marketing. Franchise owners receive rigorous ethics and sales training and can leverage the company’s online estate sale directory and customer rewards program.
Veteran Benefits
- 20% off the franchise fee for qualifying veterans
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 2013
- Locations: 94
- Startup cost: $41K-$85K
Total investment: Information not available
Cinnabon
Cinnabon bakeries might be small, but their sweet treats have developed a massive fan base. The cinnamon bun company is part of the Focus Brands family, which includes other popular brands like Carvel, Auntie Anne’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Jamba, among others. Franchisees can expect extensive support, including management training and real estate selection, as well as competitive pricing from vendors. Owners also have the ability to cobrand locations and take advantage of cross-marketing opportunities.
Veteran Benefits
- $10K off the initial franchise fee for qualifying veterans
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 1986
- Locations: 850
- Startup cost: $233K-$547K
Total investment: Information not available
Express Employment Professionals
Ranked the #1 staffing franchise by Entrepreneur, Express Employment Professionals is a staffing and recruiting agency dedicated to pairing qualified candidates to jobs they’ll love. The staffing industry is particularly strong and recession-resistant, and Express works to boost franchisees’ chances of success with back-end support and further education. In addition, the company Payroll processing and funding is handled through Express Employment HQ.
Veteran Benefits
- 50% off the initial franchise fee
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 1985
- Locations: 860+
- Startup cost: $50K
- Total investment: $135K-$206K
FASTSIGNS
One of the biggest players In a $29 billion industry, FastSigns has become synonymous with custom sign and visual communication services. They handle every aspect of the signage creation process for their clients, from design and permitting to installation services.
On the franchise side, FastSigns offers a full suite of franchisee support services and extensive training on every aspect of the business. In addition, existing sign business owners can easily convert or cobrand their location.
Veteran Benefits
- 50% discount on the initial franchise fee for veterans and first responders
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 1987
- Locations: 750+
- Startup cost: $80K
- Total investment: $233K-$308K
Green Home Solutions
In the wake of COVID, the health of our homes has become top of mind for many people. Green Home Solutions provides indoor air quality enhancement services for both residential and commercial properties. The company specializes in disinfection, mold remediation, odor removal, and allergen control for clients ranging from real estate agents to healthcare professionals. Franchisees can choose from available territories and work closely with a dedicated Area Representative who serves as management coach, business consultant, and marketing expert. Green Home Solutions offers new owners additional support on the corporate side, including training, marketing, and operational support.
Veteran Benefits
- 25% off the initial franchise fee for qualifying veterans
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 2010
- Locations: 200+
- Startup cost: $50K-$100K
- Total investment: 458K-$108K
Merry Maids
Part of the ServiceMaster network of companies, Merry Maids is the largest house cleaning franchise in the US. The company is consistently ranked among the top 500 franchises by Entrepreneur. They offer both residential and commercial cleaning services in nearly a thousand locations across the country. Franchisees choose their exclusive service territory and have access to proprietary cleaning systems and business operations software. In addition, prospective franchisees with existing home cleaning businesses can easily convert their operation into a Merry Maids unit.
Veteran Benefits
- 20% the initial franchise fee for honorably discharged veterans
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 1980
- Locations: 900+
- Startup cost: $37K
- Total investment: $86K-$124K
Pillar to Post Home Inspectors
For nearly two decades, Pillar to Post Home inspectors have helped property owners and prospective buyers ensure the quality and integrity of their current or future home. Besides home inspections, their service menu also includes:
- Mold detection
- Radon testing
- Septic system inspection and sewer scoping
- Water quality and systems testing
In recognition of their dedication to helping veteran franchisees succeed, Pillar to Post was named the #1 Veteran-friendly franchise by Entrepreneur and G.I. Jobs Magazine. The company also participates in the Canadian Franchise Association’s Military Veterans Program.
Veteran Benefits
- 20% discount on the initial franchise fee for veterans
- Provides assistance obtaining additional funding from VA programs that help veterans establish their new careers outside of the military
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 1994
- Locations: 550+
- Startup cost: $41K-$51K
- Total investment: $41K-$51K
Scooter’s Coffee
The first Scooter’s Coffee opened in Bellevue, Nebraska in 1998 – back then, it was known as “Scooter’s Java Express.” At the time, a drive-thru coffeehouse was nearly unheard of, but Scooter’s quickly found popularity and has since expanded to include nearly 500 franchise locations throughout the country. Their current menu offers a variety of delicious teas, smoothies, food, and, of course, coffee! Franchisees can start with a single unit, choosing from either a kiosk or coffeehouse model, with the option to expand into a multi-unit operation.
Veteran Benefits
- $20,000 credit toward first-year product for every new location purchased
- 20% discount on the initial franchise fee.
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 2001
- Locations: 400+
- Startup cost: $794K-$1.2M
- Total investment: Information not available
The UPS Store
The UPS Store came into being after shipping giant UPS acquired Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. in 2001. Since then, the franchise has become the largest network of retail shipping, postal and business service centers in the United States. Franchisees stand to benefit heavily from the global power and reach of the UPS brand, as well as the company’s comprehensive training and support. It also doesn’t hurt that the UPS Store has been received dozens of awards and accolades for their overall franchise operation (including being ranked #2 in the 2022 Entrepreneur Franchise 500).
Veteran Benefits
- $10,000 off the franchise fee for a new location (includes 50% off the initial application fee)
Fast Facts
- Franchising since: 1980
- Locations: 5,400+
- Startup cost: $60K-$100K
- Total investment: $168K-$399K
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To learn more about the FranShares opportunity, speak to our Investor Relations team.
