Veterans make for great entrepreneurs. A recent study by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) found that military service exhibits one of the biggest marginal impacts on self-employment, with veterans 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans. Additionally, for every ten veterans, there is one veteran-owned firm and together all veteran-owned firms employ over 5.8 million individuals.
That’s some serious numbers, especially when only 7% of all living Americans have served in the military at some point in their lives. All this is to say that if you are a veteran and want to own and operate a business or be otherwise self-employed and in charge, then you are in great company.
And one of the best places to get started with that mission is with one of the many great franchises for veterans opportunities. Veterans are well disposed to franchisee life thanks to their background well-suited to systems, strong tendency to be hard-working, willingness to follow the rules, and a strong drive to succeed. Of course, some franchises are better-suited opportunities for veterans. The following is a look at some of these more stand-out franchises for veterans:
Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
Established in 1993, Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning focuses on the installation, maintenance, and general repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other indoor air quality systems for both residential and commercial buildings. The property management and HVAC industry, in general, are considered strong career paths as pay is good and services tend to weather any economic climate (repairs being sought after in recessions when money is tight and upgrades/new installations during boom years). The Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. group is considered one of the top HVAC franchises for veterans thanks to a special veteran-only incentive of 25% off the franchise fee.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Love making people smile? Then a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise might just be the thing for you. Founded in 1950 by Bill Rosenburg, there are now Dunkin’ Donuts stores stretching across 32 countries. This is primarily a breakfast cafe-style franchise, serving over 70 varieties of doughnuts in addition to bagels, breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, and hot and cold coffee-based drinks. It makes the list of top franchises for veterans thanks to its special veteran-only incentive of 20% off the franchise fee for up to five stores (because like donuts, who can stop at just one?)
Matco Tools
Matco Tools is ideal for those veterans who are more mechanically minded. This company specializes in the manufacturing, distributing, and servicing of automotive equipment, tools, and toolboxes. As a franchisee, your priority is ensuring these products get to the customers who need them via truck.
Founded in 1979, there are already 1,500 locations spanning all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Matco Tools makes our list for best franchises for veterans thanks to the special veteran-only incentive of $5,000 in inventory right at the gate. Additionally, there is a strong history of veteran leadership in corporate as Matco president, Thomas N. Willis, served in the Army Infantry, and Matco vice-president of materials and engineering, Michael Smith, served in the Air Force.
CruiseOne Inc
While some veterans are eager to stay home once they get home, for others that travel bug never quite goes away. Investing in a CruiseOne or Dream Vacation franchise is a great choice for veteran entrepreneurs who enjoy researching and sharing the best travel packages and possibilities. Owners of this franchise do all things travel-related including promoting travel protection, shore excursions, cruise amenities, hotels, and special tours to individuals, couples, business groups, families, and other organizational groups traveling together.
As a veteran, you’ll enjoy multiple veteran-only incentives when you open a CruiseOne franchise. This includes a 20 to 40% discount off the franchise fee, total waiving of all training fees for first veteran or military spouse associates and an added 50% reduction of training for any additional veteran or military spouse associates.
Make 2017 Your Year to Shine
Of course, this list only scratches the surface of great franchises for veterans. Other quality choices include:
- Merry Maids, in the cleaning and janitorial industry
- SNAP Fitness, in the fitness industry
- Two Men and a Truck, in the moving and storage industry
- Junk King, in the trash and recycle industry
- 7-11, in the convenience store industry
Don’t let 2017 pass you by. Join the tens of thousands of veterans who are becoming their own bosses!
