From Serving Your Country to Owning a Franchise

Franchise companies have always recognized that you veterans make great franchisees. You come from an environment that is disciplined, stresses teamwork and relies on executing proven systems to produce a desired result. These are all hallmarks of a successful franchise system, and the parallels in background and orientation are the reason veterans are so attractive to franchisors.

As a 25-year veteran of franchising, I've seen this dynamic firsthand with many successful franchisees who came from military backgrounds. When I first became a franchisee in the video rental industry in the early '80s, I took my initial training class for new franchisees with someone who had recently left the service as an army officer. Though still in his 20s, he had a maturity far beyond his years and was quite successful as a franchisee.

I've recently had an even more personal experience, with one of my sons, who is completing his Army ROTC training and will be commissioned as a second lieutenant this spring. Attending the graduation ceremonies at the completion of Airborne School in Fort Benning and the Leader Development and Assessment Course, or LDAC, at Fort Lewis, I've had the opportunity to observe the quality and dedication of the personnel involved. I've also closely reviewed the curriculum and training focus of the military as they build leaders.

You'd think this training had been designed specifically for business, and especially for the well-rounded leader needed to be a successful franchisee. The curriculum covers subjects such as building necessary ills, increasing situational awareness, gathering timely and important information, decision making, executing plans, motivating others and improving and learning over time. The only real difference from my experience in business is the high importance the military placed on physical conditioning, though that wouldn't be a bad idea for me to focus more on myself.

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