Finding Success in Franchising Training businesses to succeed: A

Transcription

FRANCHISE ISSUE: INVESTING IN YOU
CivilianJOBS.com’s
The Essential Military-to-Civilian Transition Resource
September - October 2014
militarytransitionnews.com
Finding Success in Franchising
by Heidi Lynn Russell
Contributing Editor
I
t was 2002, and Andrew Wilson
- then, an Army First Lieutenant
- sat in a tent in Afghanistan,
listening to the rumble of artillery.
During that rare moment of
downtime in a war zone, he
decided to thumb through a
Fortune magazine.
What this platoon leader found in
its pages altered his post-military
career trajectory, catapulting him
into a highly profitable business
venture: franchise ownership.
He’d stumbled onto an article
about 1-800-Got-Junk, a franchise
corporation founded by Brian
Scudamore of Vancouver, Canada.
Wilson went on to making his
first million by sifting through
other people’s junk.
“It caught my imagination,”
he recalls. “I started looking at
the money I’d save if I didn’t go to
graduate school. I had three kids
and thought it might be better to
invest in something I could make
money at.”
Last year, Wilson sold his
1-800-Got-Junk franchise and
bought into another one (also
launched by Scudamore). This one
is a moving company called You
Move Me. He owns two operations
in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla.
This newest venture, which he
has been running for about 18
months, already has earned nearly
a million dollars in revenue.
Many other veterans are also
finding their calling in franchising.
The International Franchise Association reported that 4,314 veterans
were franchise business owners
in 2012. That number went up 20
percent in 2013, to 5,192 veterans.
But don’t assume that big money
from franchising is a finger-snapping,
immediate result. Wilson and
others who have had this level of
success use specific strategies that
have given them an extra edge.
Here are a few of their secrets,
plus what you need to know about
deciding whether franchising is
right for you.
Fly under the radar. Seek
franchise opportunities that aren’t
obvious to everybody else. Wilson
liked Scudamore’s vision to shake
up negative public perception of
“junkyard dealers” with 1-800-GotJunk.
“I wanted to work with a
franchise that professionalizes
an industry that a lot of people
stereotype and that would focus on
the customer experience,” Wilson
says. The corporation eventually
became a household name in
many cities, as it was featured on
A&E’s Hoarders, and even received
a nod from Oprah.
Later, when Scudamore shifted
gears to start You Move Me, Wilson
was again inspired by Scudamore’s
goal to add a professional sheen to
the gritty moving profession.
“You Move Me changes moving
with clean and shiny trucks
and guys with uniforms. Our
customers don’t expect the best,
and our goal is to provide the best.
We bring them coffee before the
move and a house plant as a gift
after the move. We are really trying
to be more customer-centric, not
just a truck with four wheels,” he
says.
Scudamore says You Move Me
is a “green” opportunity and wide
open to veterans. Currently, he
has 34 franchisees, but more are
available.
“I think anyone in contact with
our business loves that we take
something ordinary and make it
exceptional. It can be a stressful
business for the franchisee, but we
make it less stressful. We make it
fun,” he says.
Another veteran who found a
way to think outside the box is
Jerry Flanagan, who served in the
continues page 4
Training businesses to succeed:
A career with Crestcom
Provided by our sponsor
C
restcom International, headquartered in a beautiful,
campus-like setting near Denver,
Colo. and the Colorado Rockies,
has emerged as a world leader in
providing cutting-edge training
solutions. Crestcom Franchisees
market and deliver training in the
areas of sales, management and
leadership skills.
Crestcom programs emphasize
involvement, participation, teamwork
and specific action planning at every
session. They represent an innovative
departure from traditional training
methodology. Perhaps the most
impressive thing about Crestcom
training is that it works with all sizes
of organizations, from small local
companies to multi-national giants.
Each month, thousands of
business professionals across six
continents participate in Crestcom
Bullet Proof® Manager training
programs. Crestcom’s proprietary
training is improving the way
businesses motivate, communicate
and help managers succeed.
Businesses turn to Crestcom to help
transform managers into leaders
and generate real business results.
The Bullet Proof® Manager
training session is a monthly
business forum where managers
and leaders develop their skills,
exchange ideas and share what’s
working now. Participants can join
the program at any time. The Bullet
Proof® Manager training program
is a 12 month / one day per month
program that covers 24 modules
of management and leadership
development.
Managers from 75% of Fortune Magazine’s “Most Admired
Companies” have participated in
the Bullet Proof® Manager training. More than 98% of clients have
said Crestcom training equaled or
continues page 6
Former P&G
Chairman Robert
McDonald, CPT
(Ret.) U.S. Army
Sworn in as VA
Secretary
On July 30, Robert McDonald,
CPT (Ret.) U.S. Army and former
President, CEO and Chairman
of Procter & Gamble, one of
the largest companies in the
world, was sworn as the new
head of the Department of
Veterans Affairs. McDonald is
a West Point Grad who earned
his Bachelor of Science degree
in Engineering. He primarily
served in the 82nd Airborne
Division completing his
qualifications for Airborne,
Ranger, Jungle, Arctic and
Desert Warfare, Jumpmaster,
Expert Infantry and Senior
Parachutist. He served five
years, receiving the
Meritorious Service Medal.
In October of last year,
McDonald took time out of
his busy schedule to offer
advice and guidance to
transitioning military via this
publication. When asked,
“What contributions does a
veteran make to their civilian
employer?”, McDonald
responded, “Veterans provide
responsible leadership. What
is more important than caring
for the life of another? The
military provides opportunities
for responsible leadership at
a young age. Capture those
accomplishments on your
resume, and sell your future
employer on your ability
to provide that responsible
leadership.”
McDonald’s entire interview
can be found online at Bit.ly/
VAinMTN.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Transition Talk:
Political
Animal
....................page 3
Finance:
Funding
Your Dream
....................page 7
Career
Coach’s Corner:
The Boss of Me
......... page 15
Job Fairs:
Military-Friendly
Companies
..... page 18
Transitioning
A to Z
What’s Your Q and R?
................page 19
2
NEWS
Sep/Oct 2014
Boots to
Business
by Janet Farley
Contributing Writer
N
ot everyone is cut out to work for
someone else. Some of us would prefer
to work for ourselves. According to the Small
Business Administration (SBA), although
veterans represent only six percent of the
population, they actually own 13.5 percent
of small businesses in the United States.
This statistic is likely to rise given the state
of the U.S. job market as many in uniform
(and many married to one) find themselves
unceremoniously out of a paycheck in the
coming months or as service members
simply find themselves at that transition
point in their careers.
If self-employment is something that you or
your transitioning spouse is contemplating,
you should be aware of a relatively new
program offered by the SBA that can help you
do it more effectively.
Boots to Business (boots2business.org)
is an entrepreneurial education initiative
that helps transitioning service members
fully evaluate the feasibility and next steps
involved in self-employment.
You first learn about the program within
the framework of the Transition Assistance
Program (TAP) where you watch a short
introductory video. Afterward, you can
participate in a two-day elective course
called Introduction to Entrepreneurship.
Finally, you can opt to enroll in an eightweek, instructor-led online class called
Foundations of Entrepreneurship, often
dubbed the “mini MBA.”
The program is available free of charge to
transitioning and retiring service members
and their family members.
Recently, I had the opportunity to
participate in the two-day elective course,
Introduction to Entrepreneurship. In this
presentation conducted by two incredibly
knowledgeable professors from the Institute
for Veterans and Military Families at
Syracuse University (IVMF), I learned quite
a bit about the entrepreneurial process itself,
including the basic steps of the process:
•
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•
•
Identify the opportunity
Develop the concept
Determine the required resources
Acquire the necessary resources
Implement and manage
Harvest the venture
•
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Here are some other cool things I learned:
• Veterans are highly successful
entrepreneurs.
• Now is a great time to start a veteranowned business.
• There are various paths to business
ownership, including creating a
•
•
•
new venture, purchasing an existing
business, franchising, starting/taking
over a family business or participating
in an employee to ownership plan.
If your idea is good and you have the
passion to make it a reality, you can
usually secure funding.
Once you have a business and find
yourself competing with other
business, realize that no one wins in a
price war.
It’s more important to talk to other
people and get their thoughts on your
ideas than to worry about whether or
not others will steal your ideas.
Multiple revenue drivers (ways to bring
in income from your business) are
important. If you only have one, you
won’t last.
You have to completely understand the
finances of your business.
Have good relationships with your
banker, your lawyer and your
accountant.
Customers are the most important
part of your business.
It’s crucial that you select the correct
legal entity for your business.
A business plan is needed not only for
funding purposes, but for your own
visionary ones, as well.
Network intelligently. If you ask
someone for money, you will only get
advice. If you ask someone for advice,
you may get funding at some point.
• Small business ownership is not for
everyone.
In addition to the opportunity to learn
from experts who have navigated the selfemployment waters, this particular TAP
offering gives you something more: It puts
you in a classroom, virtual or not, with other
service members and their families who
have similar interests and often unique
experiences to add to the discussion. The
generated synergy alone is worth it.
In short, Boots to Business is a great
program to take if you’re thinking about
going into business for yourself now or later.
Even if you discover that self-employment
isn’t right for you, it’s well worth the 16
hours of classroom time. Find out more
through your TAP or read more about
it online at http://www.sba.gov/offices/
headquarters/ovbd/resources/160511.
Janet Farley is a career strategist, a workplace
consultant and the author of The Military
Spouse’s Guide to Employment: Smart Job
Choices for Mobile Lifestyles (Impact Publications,
2013) and Quick Military Transition Guide: Seven
Steps to Landing a Civilian Job (Jist Inc., 2013).
She blogs at Life’s Too Short to Hate Your Job.
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NEWS
Transition Talk
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Managing Editor
Art Director
Associate Editor
Contributing Editors
Director of Technology
Executive Consultant
Consultant
Consultant
Account Representative
Jake Hutchings
Kathy Scott
Alec Trapheagen
Anthony Morris
Janet Farley
Heidi Lynn Russell
Tom Wolfe
Don Nowak
Marla Smith
Brett Comerford
Jim Irwin
Stephanie Brinkley
Tucker Harrell
Garrett Reed
Dan Rinaldi
Keiley Vickers
Military Transition News is published by:
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©2007-2014 Civilian Jobs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Military Transition News and CivilianJobs.com are
wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI),
the largest military-focused placement firm in the U.S.
by Mike Arsenault
Vice President of Candidate Services
Bradley-Morris answers questions from
transitioning military job seekers.
Q:
I was in an interview recently and the conversation
veered toward politics. It was awkward and I had no
idea how to respond. I looked it up and it doesn’t
appear to be illegal to discuss my political views, but I
felt uncomfortable.
I have two questions: First, how should I stop the
conversation from continuing without hurting my
chances for a job; and second, if I’m offered the job,
should I say, “No”?
A: You are correct. A person’s political views are not legally
prohibited from being discussed during an interview.
Granted, it can be awkward and perhaps inappropriate.
There are 10 categories that are prohibited by state and
federal laws from being discussed or asked during a job
interview. They are:
• Age
• Race/Color/National Origin
• Credit Rating or Economic Status
• Religious Affiliation or Beliefs
• Citizenship
• Sex
• Arrest and Conviction
• Disability
• Height and Weight
• Military Discharge Status
I completely understand your
instinct not to engage in any political
conversation. Those are discussions you
probably can’t win and your experience
and skills might get lost amidst your
personal political opinions. If pressed on a particular issue, a tactic
you could try might be along the lines of, “Truthfully, I really
didn’t have much time while the military to focus on politics
and the various viewpoints on different issues. I was more
focused on taking care of my people and getting things done.”
Hopefully, you will find a way to steer the conversation
back to what really matters during an interview - your skills
and experiences as it relates to the position in question.
If your interview included significant inquiries into
your political beliefs and you are subsequently offered the
position, you need to determine how you see yourself fitting
in with the company’s culture and/or working for someone
who may have strong political views. Is this person your
direct supervisor or not? Do you otherwise feel at home with
the other members of the team that you’ve met? Are the
views espoused by the person indicative of the surrounding
community as a whole?
You shouldn’t discount the job just because there is
someone who likes to talk politics, but you do need to
consider whether the culture of the company and perhaps
the community is a fit for you.
Mike Arsenault is Vice President of Candidate Services at
military placement firm Bradley-Morris, Inc. He can be
reached at (800) 330-4950 ext. 2105 or by email at
marsenault (at) bradley-morris.com.
Front top right photo credit:
U.S. Navy photo by Rick Naystatt/Released.
Read this issue online now at Online.MilitaryTransitionNews.com
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At Precision, we value Veterans and their unique skills. Call or click today to learn more.
3
4
“Finding Success in Franchising”
continued from page 1
Army from 1987 to 1989 and
also the National Guard in the
early 1990s. After he exited
the service, Flanagan worked in
retail. But when the economy
worsened, so did his business.
He knew that to survive in the recession, he’d
have to find another option.
“My goal was to build a small business
with a service that doesn’t go away and
accelerates when the economy is down,” he
explains.
So Flanagan started J Dog Junk Removal
in March 2011 with one “model business” in
Wayne, Penn. Then he branched out to offer
that model as a franchise, selling his first two
in June and July 2013. In July 2014, Flanagan
re-formed his operation into a new company
with an equity firm, Julip Run Capital. Their
goal is to sell 400 franchises, and so far,
they’ve sold four in six states.
The business model is patterned after
USAA’s, so that only military members,
veterans and their family members
can own franchises. “I could see the
unemployment rate for veterans was really
high, and felt like if I could do anything and
include veterans coming back from wars,
then I would find something to get them
involved with, too. I built the model, and it
started clicking,” he says.
Have a clear understanding of the amount
of capital required to open,
operate and excel in the
business. Your No. 1 challenge
will be undercapitalization,
says Kevin Blanchard, project
coordinator at the International Franchise
NEWS
Association (IFA).
Franchise fees normally range between
$40,000-$50,000, depending on the franchise
business, Blanchard says. But there’s hope
for veterans: Find out if the franchise is a
participant in the Franchise Association’s
VetFran program. VetFran helps returning
service members access franchise
opportunities through training, financial
assistance and industry support. More
than 650 VetFran member companies
offer discounts to veterans. They can be
viewed at http://www.franchise.org/VeteranFranchise.aspx.
Keep in mind that some banks are less
likely to lend small business loans for small
amounts, Blanchard says. Veterans may also
want to research micro lending institutions.
“These are normally non-profit state
organizations that provide smaller loans to
veterans for start-up capital,” he says.
The Small Business Administration also has
veteran-specific loans. The latest update on
these loans can be found at: http://www.sba.
gov/community/blogs/business-loan-perksmilitary-veterans-2014. There are also Small
Business Development Companies that waive
loan fees for veterans, which can be found at:
http://nadco.site-ym.com/?page=vetloan.
Wilson says it was “a hard slog” for him,
even though he did everything right.
Scudamore gave him half of his franchise
for free through the VetFran program, and
Wilson had saved in advance for startup costs.
“I thought I had a lot of money, but I never
dreamed how much it would cost to start.
You have to buy the franchise. Then I had to
buy vehicles. I had a family that had to live
and thrive, and I had no income right away.
You’ll reinvest all the money you’re making
over the first two or three years. Take a strong
look at your working capital so that you can
provide for your lifestyle for a year or two. We
worked hard and made it happen,” he says.
Also, keep a lookout for companies that
offer special incentives on top of the VetFran
program. CruiseOne has a contest, in which
five free franchises are awarded to veterans
who provide a business plan on how they want
to run their businesses, says Tim Courtney,
vice president of franchise development
and ambassador of veteran
affairs. The contest, in its
third year, receives 300-500
plans annually, which all
senior management teams
read. It begins each Memorial
Day, and winners are announced on Veterans
Day. The company also reduces its franchise
fee by 40 percent during the contest months.
Many veterans opt to take the discount to get
started immediately rather than wait for the
contest results.
Contest winner Army Master Sergeant
Grant Springer, who will be retiring this
year, started up his CruiseOne franchise in
November 2013. “We made profit, because
we haven’t had to pay into the franchise fee
due to the contest,” he says.
Sep/Oct 2014
Study the Franchise Disclosure Document.
“They are set up identical, whether it’s
Dunkin’ Donuts or CruiseOne,” Courtney
says. “Item by item, you can compare
competitors: which one has a higher
royalty, which one has different operating
schedules. You can pick them apart. Don’t
be rushed. Don’t be sold. If you’re being sold
the franchise, something is wrong. If a deal is
too good to be true, take a pause. Always call
franchisees that are operating in the system
and find out if they’d do it again, and make
sure the franchise you’re looking at doesn’t
have a high failure rate.”
Find a family-friendly franchise. Springer
chose CruiseOne because it’s a home-based
business with little overhead, and his wife
was able to start it, even though he was still
on active duty.
“How it works for us is, I do all of the
marketing and the business side. My wife
does the travel agent side. She’s the expert
on where to go and does the reviews. She
has put a lot of effort into being the face of
it, dealing with the client. She’s there day to
day. That’s how we’re able to balance it while
I’m still in the military,” he says.
He adds that a home-based franchise is
great for military spouses. “My wife is a big
part of it with me. Every time I move, she has
to change jobs. This is the kind of business I
can take with me. When we retire and move,
she can continue with the same clients and
work, and there will be no loss of work time
for her. It’s a great opportunity for military
folks,” he says.
Heidi Lynn Russell writes about employment
and business issues.
Sep/Oct 2014
NEWS
5
TRANSITIONING
FROM ACTIVE DUTY?
The Air Force Reserve offers great part-time opportunities for
people transitioning from active duty. It gives you the time and
financial support to further your education, or begin a civilian
career, while continuing your military service toward retirement. As
a Reservist, you can continue to do the extraordinary and maintain
the camaraderie experienced while serving in the military.
800-237-8279 • AFReserve.com/Continue
0131_CivJobNews_10.188x13.5.indd 1
8/5/14 11:36 AM
6
Sep/Oct 2014
NEWS
“Training businesses to succeed: A career
with Crestcom” continued from page 1
exceeded their expectations.
In terms of an entrepreneurship opportunity,
Crestcom is a great one. The business is
recognized as a Bond’s Top 100 Franchise.
Training and Support for Franchisees
The company assists Franchisees in a
variety of ways.
First, Crestcom provides eight days of
initial training for prospective Franchisees.
In order to become a Crestcom Franchisee,
candidates must successfully complete
Crestcom’s initial training program where
they will receive personalized instruction
on how to manage, market and operate a
Crestcom business.
During the initial training, prospective
Franchisees will typically have an
opportunity to spend three days with an
existing Franchisee learning the sales
and marketing process as well as attend a
monthly Crestcom Bullet Proof® Manager
training session, then participate in three
days of classroom training at Crestcom’s
headquarters in Denver.
Crestcom provides Franchisees with
state-of-the-art training and marketing
materials. The company has also developed
a comprehensive Training and Procedures
Manual and video presentations and scripts
of various steps of the Crestcom sales process.
In addition, Crestcom will pay 50% of a
franchise candidate’s round trip airfare
to attend both field training and initial
training in Denver.
Franchise Candidates possess these qualities:
• Sales Skills
• Communication Skills
• Management Skills
• Ability to develop relationships and
build trust
• Commitment to succeed
Crestcom also hosts an annual
International Meeting. In addition to
improving skills and sharing best practices,
the International Meeting provides a
forum for celebrating outstanding results
and honoring top producers.
What’s your next step?
If you have exceptional talent and drive
and if you have the desire to be your own
boss and own your own business, owning a
Crestcom franchise just might be the special
opportunity you have been looking for. Call
Charles Parsons at 303-515-3925 for more
information, or email at Charles.parsons@
crestcom.com. You can also visit www.
crestcomfranchise.com.
Now, take command of your future with
a second career in franchise ownership.
For more than 25 years, Crestcom
franchisees have enjoyed unlimited income
potential by providing Management and
Leadership training nationwide.
If you are a confident speaker, and
considering owning your own business,
Crestcom wants people who see themselves
in the top 5% of income earners.
Crestcom offers military veterans a 10%
discount off their initial franchise fee.
Franchise locations available nationwide.
“As a West Point graduate and former Captain
in the U. S. Army, I led, mentored, and was
responsible for my troops. As the President and
CEO of Crestcom, I continue to serve and work
with the best in the business when it comes to
Management and Leadership development.”
Contact: Charles Parsons, Vice President
1-888-273-7826
[email protected]
www.crestcomfranchise.com
Call800-230-2360
orvisit
ownafranchise.com
• Lowinvestment
• Financingavailable
• Militarydiscount
Get started today!
If so, have you considered
owning a franchise?
- George Godfrey, Captain, U.S. Army
Crestcom Executive Franchise Advantages:
• Financial Freedom
• Control of your own destiny
• Career that impacts lives
• Low overhead
• Lifestyle business
• Nationwide locations available
YOU HAVE LED YOUR
TROOPS WELL
Does Unlimited Income
Potential Sound Appealing?
© 2013 ServiceMaster Residential/Commercial
Services L.P. All rights reserved.
SM 2013 MilitaryVeteransOwnFranchiseAd USAToday (4.75”x5”)
Sep/Oct 2014
7
NEWS
Entrepreneurial
Resources for
Transitioning
Military
by Ashley Feinstein
Financial Writer
T
here are numerous benefits and
programs available to transitioning
military looking to start their own business
or purchase a franchise. While funding a
new business or franchise can be a large
investment, by maximizing the financial
and program benefits offered, you can make
the transition much more smooth and
seamless. Transitioning military have the
excellent training, experience and leadership
necessary to start and run successful
businesses. Here are some programs that can
help you get started.
The SBA’s Veteran Business Outreach Centers
are a great resource for entrepreneurs
The Veterans Business Outreach
Program (VBOP) is designed to provide
entrepreneurial development services such
as business training, counseling, mentoring
and referrals for eligible veterans owning
or considering starting their own business.
The SBA includes 16 organizations that
participate in this cooperative agreement
and serve as Veterans Business Outreach
Centers (VBOC). Centers provide prebusiness plan workshops, business plan
preparation, comprehensive feasibility
analysis, entrepreneurial training and
counseling, mentorship, and assistance and
training in international trade, franchising,
internet marketing and accounting.
(IFA) VetFran program helps returning service
members access franchise opportunities
through training, financial assistance and
industry support. VetFran has grown to
include more than 580 franchise systems
that voluntarily offer financial incentives and
mentoring to prospective veteran franchise
small business owners. VetFran offers a free
toolkit that includes a Franchising 101 online
course, finance assessment, workbook for
prospective franchise owners and partner
links. U.S. military veterans can also access
the VetFran Mentor Network and get advice
and mentorship from experienced franchise
professionals.
The IFA Educational Foundation and the
PepsiCo Foundation have also established
the VetFran Business Grant Fund with the
purpose of assisting veterans who have
been awarded a franchise through the IFA
VetFran program by providing financial
grants for business development, education,
training and technical assistance. The fund
will provide financial grants of up to $10,000
per grant to qualified VetFran franchisees
and candidates. To qualify, candidates
must be franchisees of a franchise company
participating in the VetFran program.
Candidates must have received an
honorable discharge from any branch of the
U.S. military or Coast Guard.
The SBA Express Loan Program
offers significant financing benefits to
transitioning military
Through the end of September 2014, the
SBA has waived the upfront borrower fee to
zero for all veteran loans authorized under
the SBA Express Loan Program. The program
supports loans of up to $350,000. Additionally,
through the end of the fiscal year, fees on
all loans of up to $150,000 are also set to
zero. Another positive feature of the Express
Loan Program is that it has an accelerated
turnaround period for SBA review. Potential
borrowers receive a response to their
applications within 36 hours. With the quick
turnaround, simple process and easy-to-use
line of credit, it’s the SBA’s most popular loan.
Since the program began, it has also been
one of the most popular methods for getting
capital into the hands of veteran borrowers.
For more programs and resources,
financing information and other resources,
the SBA’s Veteran and Service-Disabled
Veteran Small Business Guide is a great
resource.
Other financing options for entrepreneurs
There are ways to finance a franchise or
small business other than taking out loans.
Some choose to use credit cards, savings,
home equity, retirement accounts or borrow
money from friends and family. If you have
all the financing you need from your own
savings, investments and separation pay to
start your business and run it until you break
even, you can self-finance the purchase.
Make sure to weigh financial and emotional
costs of tying up your own money versus the
cost of another type of financing such as a loan.
Credit cards typically have high interest
rates and can be the most expensive form
of debt, so they are often not recommended
unless there’s an emergency. Home equity
financing was a popular method prior to the
real estate market crash but is a viable option
if you have a significant amount of equity in
your home. If you or your spouse have money
in a 401(k) or similar retirement account, the
government will allow you to borrow from
that account, tax- and interest-free, for the
purchase of a business. Even better, as you
pay back the loan from the earnings on your
business, you are paying yourself. You can
also use a combination of sources to acquire
a franchise or start a business.
IFA’s VetFran helps transitioning military
buy and run a successful franchise
The International Franchise Association’s
The National Veterans Small Business
Engagement brings networking to
the next level
services combined with SCORE’s mentoring
program in order to help accelerate the
ability of veterans and their families to start
and succeed as small business owners.
With an array of financing, mentorship,
training and networking opportunities,
combined with the excellent training
and leadership expertise gained from
the military, transitioning military have
a unique advantage when starting a new
business or purchasing and running a
franchise. Maximize the services and
benefits available to you to launch your
new career in the civilian world with
great success.
The National Veterans Small Business
Engagement (NVSBE) connects VeteranOwned Small Businesses (VOSBs) with
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),
other federal agencies and commercial
Procurement Decision Makers (PDMs) on an
annual basis. The event helps entrepreneurs
- especially veterans - grow and win more
business by providing multiple opportunities
for scheduled networking with key PDMs
including networking roundtables, learning
sessions led by federal and industry experts
and dining with decision-makers. Each
event also hosts thousands of exhibitors
and corporate representatives available to
provide an in-depth look at various products
and services.
Ashley Feinstein graduated from the
Wharton School at the University of
Pennsylvania with a degree in finance. Find
her online at KnowingYourWorth.com
The SCORE Foundation Veteran Fast
Launch Initiative accelerates small
business success
The SCORE Foundation offers the
“Veteran Fast Launch” initiative. This
program includes free software and
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Entrepreneurship
Bootcamp for Veterans
with Disabilities
Instruction, Inspiration – and a Path to Business Ownership
by Jane Weber Brubaker
Contributing Writer
A
fter winning the coveted mirror ball
trophy in 2011 as champion of Season
13 of Dancing with the Stars, J.R. Martinez
became the face of veterans returning from
combat with disabilities. But just a few years
earlier, his rise to fame was anything but a
sure thing. Martinez credits his participation
in a program called Entrepreneurship
Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities for
putting him on the path to success. “It did
wonders for me,” Martinez says.
Featured in a 2013 60 Minutes segment titled
“Succeeding as Civilians,” Entrepreneurship
Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities
(EBV) is a yearlong program available for
free to post-9/11 veterans with servicerelated disabilities who have a desire to start
a business. The program is offered through
a consortium of eight universities: Syracuse
University, University of California, Los
Angeles, Florida State University, Texas A&M,
Purdue, University of Connecticut, Louisiana
State University and Cornell. It is funded
entirely through private donations, and all
instructors donate their time.
Opportunity Knocks
Martinez’s story began in 2003. Less than
a month after being deployed to Iraq, his
Humvee hit a roadside bomb and he nearly
lost his life. It took him 34 months and 33
surgeries to recover from the burns that
covered 34 percent of his body. While still
at the hospital, he began to share his story
with others who were dealing with combatrelated injuries. The hope he was able to offer
his brothers and sisters in arms gave him a
plan for his future: to become a motivational
speaker and share his experiences of
triumphing over adversity.
But how do you take an idea and turn it into
a business?
Back home in Georgia in 2008, Martinez,
now medically discharged from the Army,
was struggling to get his motivational
speaking career off the ground. “I was
completely confused,” he says. “I was 24 years
old and I was having a really difficult time
understanding how to market myself, how
to package myself, how to convince schools
and businesses to allow me to come into their
facility and speak.”
One day he got a call from Dr. Randy Blass
at Florida State University. Blass was about
to launch FSU’s first EBV class and needed
a speaker. “I explained the concept to J.R.,”
Blass says. After hearing about the program,
Martinez told him he didn’t want to just
speak. He wanted to enroll in EBV himself.
Blass’s friend Dr. Mike Haynie founded EBV
at Syracuse University in 2007. Haynie’s last
active duty assignment was as an instructor
at the Air Force Academy, where he met Blass,
also an instructor at the Academy. Less than a
week after being discharged, Haynie came to
Syracuse as a professor of entrepreneurship.
“In [Haynie’s] research, he kept coming
across prior military service as a strong
indicator for not only likelihood to start
a business, but likelihood to succeed in
that business,” says Jared Lyon, EBV’s
national program manager. Haynie also
found that people with disabilities have a
strong propensity to become successful
entrepreneurs. “If you combine those two
subsets - veterans with service-connected
disabilities - you’ve got a group by statistics
alone that are more likely than their civilian
counterparts to start businesses and succeed
in those businesses,” Lyon says.
EBV graduates have lived up to Dr. Haynie’s
research predictions. More than 800 veterans
have now graduated from the program. To
date, 70 percent have started businesses, and
92 percent are still in business. Participants
come from all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico,
the US Virgin Islands and Germany.
Finding Common Ground
The program is divided into three phases.
Each class of 20-25 veterans begins by taking
a month-long online course. Classes may be
made up of individuals whose backgrounds
and education levels are extremely varied,
and the online component serves to get
everyone on the same page.
Phase 2 is the heart of the program, the
nine-day, in-person bootcamp at one of the
eight sponsoring universities. Relating his
experience at FSU, Martinez says, “It made
me realize I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t the only
one who was confused and frustrated.”
Describing his week, he says, “It’s a literally
a crash course. You’re getting all four years of
business school crammed into a few days.”
The last phase of the program is 12 months
of ongoing support that connects prospective
entrepreneurs with industry-related
mentors, helping them continue to shape
and solidify their business concepts and
identify and overcome barriers to entry.
During this phase, EBV also provides probono business services including logo
design, website design and hosting, tax,
legal and accounting services.
The application process for entry into the
program is rigorous and competitive: 25
percent of applicants are accepted. “Prior
education is not a deciding factor,” Lyon says.
“It’s that fire in the belly for entrepreneurship,
that desire, come Hell or high water, whether
or not I’m accepted into EBV, I’m going to start
a business.”
EBV empowers veterans with disabilities
to take control of their lives through business
ownership. It also helps other veterans by
providing employment opportunities. “The
cool thing about this program is that you
get a vet who opens up a business, that vet
understands how the military community
works, and now they hire another vet,”
Martinez says. “You help close the gap of that
unemployment ratio that exists among the
military that is very high.”
Is entrepreneurship for you? For further
information about EBV and how to apply,
visit vets.syr.edu/ebv.
Koax Corp. engineers and
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We have 81 locations in the following states:
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We are powering an energy future that requires your
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Your future awaits –
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Continue being part of something greater than yourself.
Join us at Xcel Energy.
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9
10
NEWS
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Sep/Oct 2014
11
NEWS
Veterans & Eaton:
A Powerful Combination
innovative ideas and better decisions for our
company and our customers. In the U.S., one
way we add to this diverse set of perspectives
and skills is by tapping into the talent pool of
our military professionals.”
M
any of us have been in professional
situations where the importance of
ensuring that operations run efficiently and
steadily - “keeping the lights on,” if you will
- was stressed. In corporate America, there
aren’t many companies that do a better
job of literally “keeping the lights on” than
Eaton, a power management company with
approximately 101,000 employees and 2013
sales of $22.0 billion. And what’s more,
Eaton - a 2014 Most Valuable Employer
(MVE) for Military®- also knows the value of
targeting and hiring veterans to help them
accomplish this mission.
“At Eaton, we know that the single most
important ingredient in our success is our
people,” said George Bernloehr, senior
military talent acquisition consultant,
with Eaton. “We recognize that individual
differences and unique perspectives lead to
From the U.S. Armed Forces to Eaton
Eaton’s Core Values and Philosophy Respect, Integrity, Learning Agility and
Safety - resemble the core values of the
military, making for an easier transition to
civilian life and allowing veterans to have
pride in their employer, like they have pride
from serving our country.
Veterans perform a variety of team roles for
Eaton, from operations to sales to customer
service. Four Eaton employees with military
backgrounds are profiled below.
David is a former Warfare Officer with the
U.S. Navy now working as a Plant Manager
in Maryland. One thing that drew him to
Eaton was Eaton’s culture. “Even though I
was not familiar with Eaton prior to my job
search, each employee’s passion, excitement
and sense of pride for working at Eaton was
evident in my conversations with the team.
Having experienced the same sense of pride
and ownership while serving in the military,
I was comforted and excited to find a similar
culture within Eaton. These interactions
made a tremendous first impression on me
and sparked my interest to learn more about
Eaton.”
One of the main reasons Erik, a former
Security Forces Officer with the U.S. Air Force
who is currently participating in Eaton’s
Global Leadership Development Program,
joined Eaton was because of the emphasis
and clear importance Eaton and its people
place on the value of the experience of a
military veteran. “A lot of companies claim
to be military friendly but, in my experience,
Eaton was far above the competition in
relaying this message to military veterans.
The senior leaders I interviewed with made
it clear that they understood the value of
military experience, making my decision to
join Eaton that much easier.”
Priscilla is a former Battalion Operations
Officer with the U.S. Army who now serves
as a Customer Service Manager in Scoresby,
Australia. As she was transitioning out of
the military, she met some of Eaton’s senior
leaders and learned about the opportunities
available during interviews. “I learned that,
working within Eaton, you could grow
horizontally as well as vertically, which is
an aspect that is similar to the military. You
don’t have to stay in the same role your entire
career unless that is something you choose.”
Peter joined Eaton as a Project
Manager in Pennsylvania after serving
as a Sergeant, Aircraft Administrations /
Enlisted Aircrew / Aerial Observer with
the U.S. Marine Corps. In this role, he is
responsible for the ultimate success of
day-to-day activities within the business.
Eaton’s philosophy is what appealed to Peter.
“Eaton is an organization that is focused on
the wellbeing of the employee and safety,
performing business soundly and ethically. I
truly enjoy each day here and I look forward
to many more in the future.”
For those who can picture themselves
“keeping the lights on” as part of the Eaton
team, there are several ways to learn more
about the company:
• Visit http://eaton-veterans.jobs/ to search
for open positions using your military
job title or code, or by location or function
• Connect with Eaton at a military job
fair. Check http://bit.ly/eatonveterans
for a current list of events they will be
attending.
• Introduce yourself to their military
recruiters by sending an email with your
branch of service, rank and availability
date to [email protected]
Build your career with Eaton,
and build power management solutions that
keep the world moving more efficiently,
reliably and safely.
If you are searching for a career with a company that values the training and experience that veterans bring, then Eaton is
your ideal company. Military professionals at Eaton are part of an organization that focuses on providing power management
solutions to global customers while doing business right.
Search and apply at www.eaton.com/MilitaryCareers
Eaton is a global power management company. We help customers manage
power, so buildings, airplanes, trucks, cars, machinery and entire businesses
can do more while consuming less energy. As an integrated global company,
we are unified in our commitment to powering business worldwide.
Eaton is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer: M/F/V/D.
12
Sep/Oct 2014
NEWS
CIVILIANJOBS
Apprenticeship
Training for Veterans
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What We Have To Offer
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Career Advancement
MILITARY TRANSITION NEWS
opportunities to get involved and offers tips
to help veterans make a successful transition
to civilian life.
CivilianJobs.com is featured on the WHRO
website along with these tips for veterans
attending a job fair:
1. Show up with a positive attitude.
2. Do research on your industries of
choice.
3. Make sure your résumé stands out
and it is geared for a specific position
versus a general résumé.
4. Save company literature and
business cards for follow-up and
future employment search activities.
N E W
By deploying on-air, online and on-theground assets, WHRO and other local
stations can share the stories of veterans and
their families and bring local communities
together to provide support and solutions
where needed.
“Americans will
connect to these
powerful stories of
courage, commitment
and sacrifice. They
will see the veterans
as people who have so
much to contribute as
they return to civilian
life. And once they hear and see these stories,
they will be compelled to respond through
their local public media stations to work with
local business and veterans organizations,
faith based and community groups,” said Pat
Harrison, CPB President and CEO.
Read this issue online now at
Online.MilitaryTransitionNews.com
3400 Edgefield Court
Greensboro, NC 27409
Phone 877-340-3888
www.epestransport.com
HIREMILITARYBLOG.COM
A
s service members transition out of
the military, readjusting to civilian
life can present significant challenges. For
many veterans, the transition is filled with
complicated and confusing challenges.
Some feel isolated and alone. Some struggle
to find or hold a job. Many say they feel they
just don’t fit in.
Located in southeastern Virginia
and forming the southern shore of the
Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads is home
to the world’s largest naval base as well as
Air Force and Coast Guard facilities. A hub
of U.S. military activity, nearly one-fourth of
the nation’s active-duty military personnel
is stationed in the Hampton Roads region of
Virginia.
As the launching place for so many
service members and the leaving place of
so many families, the region has long had
a commitment to supporting veterans and
military families. With support from the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB),
WHRO in Hampton Roads joins public
media stations from across the country to
launch Veterans Coming Home, a national
public media effort to support veterans
in making the transition to a healthy and
productive civilian life.
Through compelling national TV and
radio programming, public media celebrates
and honors veterans’ service and shares the
stories of their challenges and triumphs.
WHRO is pairing strong, national on-air
content with locally relevant programming
and services that can help address the needs
of veterans in Hampton Roads. The station is
working with community partners such as
CivilianJobs.com to better coordinate and
publicize local services for veterans, facilitate
dialogue about local issues and solutions and
connect more veterans with resources and
support.
Visit WHRO’s website, whro.org/veterans,
to learn more about national and local
efforts. The website presents inspiring stories,
connects veterans to resources, shares
Sep/Oct 2014
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14
NEWS
Sep/Oct 2014
Sep/Oct 2014
15
NEWS
The Boss of Me
Eight Things to Factor in When
Considering Self-Employment
career
coach’s
corner
by Tom Wolfe
Career Coach and Contributing Editor
D
uring a recent career coaching
session with Charles P., an Army
Major who was about to retire, I asked
him what he would really like to do in his
civilian career. He said that figuring out
the answer to that question was his biggest
stumbling block. That is not uncommon
for people in his situation, so I asked
him the same question, but in a different
way. I said, “OK, forget about the titles
and instead just give me the elements or
characteristics of what you would be good
at and what would make you happy.” He
smiled and said, “That’s easy, Tom. I want
to control my destiny, sink or swim on my
own merits. Call my own shots. Get my
hands dirty. Work hard and get paid for
it. Not have to relocate, and be home most
nights for dinner.” I said, “Charles, have
you thought about going into business for
yourself?”
Perhaps your skills and needs and wants
are similar to those of Charles’. Is selfemployment a good choice for you? Maybe
yes, maybe no.
Self-employment offers many advantages.
You get to call the shots. Decide where
you want to live. Wear what you want to
wear. Associate with people and products
that matter to you. Determine your own
working hours. Hire and fire as needed
and according to your standards. Reap
the rewards of your success. The appeal
of self-employment is understandable.
But be careful - although you may have
a clear view of the tip of the iceberg,
you also need to take a look below the
waterline. Here are eight factors to
consider as you learn more about this
type of employment.
1. Risk
According to the Small Business
Administration, more than 70 percent of
self-employment business ventures fail in
the first two years. Can you afford the risk?
2. Accountability
There will be a big scoreboard up there
with your name on it. The numbers next to
your name are your numbers. Nobody can
take credit for your success, and nobody
will cover up your failure.
3. Financing/cash flow/credit
Starting your own business requires
seed money. Do you have it? If you have to
borrow it, how is your credit rating? Some
franchising opportunities require an upfront investment of $5,000 to $100,000.
Many business failures can be attributed
to running out of cash in the first year.
4. Time off
How important are vacation days,
holidays and sick days to you? Have you
been using those 30 days of annual leave?
Being off work on those federal holidays is
kind of nice. Guess what? Self-employment
often means no vacation, no holidays and
no weekends. This can be true until your
business is well-established and you can
leave the keys with trusted employees
when you’re out of town.
5. Working hours
Yes, your military experience has
conditioned you to work 12-14-hour days.
Were you thinking about cutting back a
little? Forget it. Being your own boss is a
24/7 endeavor.
6. Employees
Will you need them? As much as you
relish the thought of not having a boss, do
you really want to be one? If so, how many
employees and what kind of talent will you
need? Will you be able to find them? Most
business owners will tell you that their No.
1 problem is finding and retaining good
employees.
7. Preparation
Although your management expertise
may be impressive in the areas of
personnel, administration and material
resources, you probably have little or no
direct business management experience.
You’re used to the bottom line called
“readiness” or “war fighting,” but you will
succeed or fail in business based on a
bottom line called “profit?” Do you know
how to write a business plan, specifically
one that will pass muster with a lending
officer or a franchisor? Have you taken
an accounting course? You may need
professional guidance from accountants
and lawyers. Are those fees in your budget?
8. Paychecks
How much will you make? When you
work for yourself, you pay yourself last. Pay
your overhead, service your debt, pay your
employees, and give the federal, state, and
local government their shares, and you get
anything that remains.
Considering all of the above, why
do people choose self-employment?
Independence, self-determination, the
lifestyle associated with picking where
you want to live or perhaps working out
of your home, the possibility of earning a
living by doing something about which
you are passionate - these are just a few
of the reasons. In addition to weighing
these pluses and minuses, you should also
consider your current status - back to the
Army Major I mentioned earlier.
He will soon retire with 22 years of
service and receive a monthly pension. He
and his wife are empty nesters now that
their two children are no longer living at
home. She has a degree in accounting and
has worked outside the home throughout
his career, mostly in retail sales and as an
accounts payable/receivable clerk. Other
than a small credit card balance and a car
loan, they are debt-free. They have been
able to save some money and maintain
an excellent credit rating. In addition to
being a self-proclaimed “motor head,” he
spent most of his career, both enlisted and
officer time, in vehicle maintenance. This
supports his interest in either opening a
truck maintenance facility or becoming a
franchisee for Jiffy Lube, Express Lube or
AAMCO. His situation appears perfect for
the self-employment option. How does
yours compare?
Although I dedicate a chapter of my
book, Out of Uniform, to this subject,
I recommend you gather additional
information and guidance as well. In
addition to the resources I have listed
below, do yourself a favor - get out in
the field and talk to franchise operators,
especially those who also happen to be
veterans. Where to start? That’s easy just take a look at the companies that are
featured or that advertise in this issue of
MTN. They already understand veterans
and their circumstances.
•
The Small Business
Administration: www.sba.gov
•
Franchise America: www.
franchise-america.com
•
International Franchise
Association: www.franchise.org
•
American Association of HomeBased Businesses:
www.allbusiness.com
•
USA Home Business:
www.usahomebusiness.com
•
Home Based Business.com:
www.home-based-business.com
•
Small Time Operator: How to Start
Your Own Business, Keep Your
Books, Pay Your Taxes, and Stay
Out of Trouble (paperback, 13th
edition), by Bernard B. Kamoroff
Tom Wolfe is the author of Out of
Uniform: Your Guide to a Successful
Military-to-Civilian Career Transition
(www.out-of-uniform.com).
Read this issue online now at Online.MilitaryTransitionNews.com
16
NEWS
Sep/Oct 2014
Perfect Business for
Military Veterans
Veteran Finds Profits
with Pirtek Franchise
by Heidi Lynn Russell
Contributing Editor
“The military taught me many valuable life skills
that I apply to my business, including my work
ethic and leadership skills. In order to run a
successful business, you must have an outstanding
relationship with your team and customers.”
S
elling hydraulic and pneumatic hoses
to businesses wasn’t even on Jim Lager’s
radar.
The Army veteran, who exited in 1992
as a Specialist, was successful already as
the owner of five Snap-on Tools franchise
operations in Dallas, TX. But in 2010, he
segued to a different franchise – Pirtek.
The company boasts nearly 400 units in 23
countries around the world and has more
than 30 years of experience in the hydraulic
and pneumatic hose-replacement space.
“I drug my feet for about six months before
making the switch,” Lager says. “It doesn’t
jump out at you, because it’s not McDonald’s.
And at the time, it was 2010. Banks weren’t
lending back then,” he recalls. “I had a
challenge there. I had to mortgage Snap-on
to get into Pirtek. It was a matter of holding on
to my safety net. It was a little bit scary.”
But things took off. Lager did more than a
million dollars in revenue his first year out
and $2 million the second year. Today, Lager
owns two Pirtek franchises and is in the
process of building his third.
Lager cautions that his results are
uncommon; usually new franchisees in
the Pirtek system make about $300,000 to
$400,000 the first year. That said, military
veterans who qualify would do well to start
their foray into franchising with Pirtek
because of profit potential, he says.
“It’s an amazing first franchise for a
veteran,” he says.
Here are a few more things Lager suggests
about getting your start, whether it’s Pirtek or
another operation:
1. Believe in the product and believe
the service you can provide. “I believe I’m
giving my customers a value, even if I’m
charging them more, because I’m selling the
customer a service,” Lager says. “I certainly
had no dream of selling hydraulic hoses. But
I feel like I’m serving my customers. You can’t
buy my customer service anywhere.”
2. Invest in yourself before you invest in a
franchise. “Owning a business is not a cheap
investment,” Lager says. So he went for his
college degree first, and then he invested in
Snap-on Tools Once he had a strong business
footing, he was able to take off with Pirtek
years later. He hit higher profit margins much
faster than other new franchisees within the
corporation. Transitioning service members
may also be able to learn business basics
with a program such as “Boots to Business”
(boots2business.org).
3. Investigate financing options if you
don’t have the cash. “When you come
out of the military, very few people are
wealthy. Not just anyone can come out and
throw themselves into a franchise,” Lager
says, adding that he was in that situation,
too. “What a lot of franchises are doing is
providing financing in-house. They have
their own finance company so that it can be a
relatively cheap investment for you initially.”
And check to see whether the franchisor is
a participant in the International Franchise
Association’s VetFran program, which may
offer even more discounts to veterans in
franchise fees.
4. If you’re a born salesperson, you’ll go
far. “Sales are in my blood,” Lager says. “If I’m
trying to sell you something, you won’t feel
like I tried to sell you something. You’re going
to love me, because I will become your friend
first. I won’t sell something I don’t believe in.”
Pirtek has a business-to-business sales
model, which can be a more complex
transaction but with a higher revenue
volume per sale, because you’re selling to
corporations and not individuals. However,
applying Lager’s approach is effective, no
matter what type of franchise you choose,
he says. “Business don’t necessarily have to
buy hydraulic hoses from Pirtek, but we build
relationships and give them reasons to like
our service better,” he says.
Heidi Lynn Russell writes about employment
and business issues.
-Jim Lager, Owner
PIRTEK Love Field & Meacham – Dallas, TX
PIRTEK franchises provide hydraulic hose repair,
replacement and maintenance services. PIRTEK
owners manage a team of certified technicians, a
sales-and-service headquarters, and a PIRTEK fleet
that provides on-site repairs and emergency services.
• The Leaders in On-site Hydraulic
Hose Replacement
• Nearly 400 Franchise Locations in 23 Countries
• International Franchise of the Year
• Providing a Unique Solution to the Diverse
Industrial Marketplace
We participate in the Veterans
Transition Franchise Initiative
(commonly referred to as “Vet Fran”),
offering honorably discharged veterans
a discounted franchise fee.
1-888-774-7835
www.ownapirtek.com
Exclusive Territories Available
Sep/Oct 2014
NEWS
•
•
•
•
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is dedicated to assisting
veterans in the
franchise industry!
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No Need for Brick and Mortar
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• High Level of Support!
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To learn more about GYMGUYZ, please visit our website
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or call 1-855-GYM-GUYZ
GREAT JOBS
THOUSANDS OF INTERVIEWS
If you are a transitioning junior officer or enlisted technical candidate,
contact us to take advantage of our free military-to-civilian placement service.
www.Bradley-Morris.com/Apply
800-330-4950 ext. 2105
17
18
NEWS
Sep/Oct 2014
Job Fair
Calendar
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
September 10, 2014
Ft. Knox Employer Day 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
70 Pershing Dr., Bldg. 1378,
POC: Frank Johnston (502) 624-2627
Date: September 10, 2014
Location: Ft. Campbell, KY Job Fair 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
1610 101st
Airborne Division Rd.
(Cole Park Commons)
Sponsor:POC:
[email protected]
Location: Ft. Rucker Employer Day 10 a.m. - 2p.m., 4502 Andrews Ave.
Sponsor:POC:
[email protected]
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
September 16, 2014
Ft. Stewart, GA ACAP & ACS
Spring Career Fair - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Club Stewart, 1020 Hero Rd.,
Bldg. 405
POC: CivilianJobs.com (866) 801-4418
Location: Ft. Meade, Fall Community Fair 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Club Meade, 6600 Mapes Rd.
Sponsor:POC:
[email protected]
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
September 25, 2014
DC National Guard Armory 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
2001 East Capitol St. SE
POC: Janet Giles, Jobzone,
www.JobZoneOnline.com [email protected] (434) 263-5102 or (540) 226-1473
Date: October 7, 2014
Location: Ft. Gordon - 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
U.S. Army Reserve Center,
Bldg. 14401 15th St.
Sponsor:POC:
[email protected]
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
October 8, 2014
Ft. Benning, GA 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Benning Conference Center
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
October 8, 2014
Ft. Knox Employer Day 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
70 Pershing Dr., Bldg. 1378
POC: Frank Johnston (502) 624-2627
Location: Ft. Leonard Wood 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Nutter Field House, Iowa Ave.,
Bldg. 1067
Sponsor:POC:
[email protected]
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
October 14, 2014
Ft. Benning, GA 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Benning Conference Center
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
October 21, 2014
Camp Pendleton, CA 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Pacific Views Event Ctr.
(formerly South Mesa Club)
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
October 22, 2014
Ft. Lee, VA - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Regimental Club and HideAway,
Bldg. 2609 C Ave.
POC: Janet Giles, Jobzone www.JobZoneOnline.com [email protected] (434) 263-5102 or
(540) 226-1473
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
October 23, 2014
Andrews AFB, MD - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
TOP 3 JOB FAIR
1889 Arnold Avenue
(540) 226-1473
Location: Ft. Rucker NCO Association
Job Fair - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Landing
Sponsor:POC:
[email protected]
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
October 29, 2014
Ft. Bragg, NC - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ft. Bragg Club
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
November 18, 2014
Redstone Arsenal, AL 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Bldg. 130 Golf Course Rd.
Date: November 18, 2014
Location: Ft. Huachuca ACAP/ACES Career
Fair - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MURR Community
Center Bldg. 51301
Sponsor:POC:
[email protected]
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
November 18, 2014
Patuxent River NAS MD 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. / Bay District Vol.
Fire Dept. Social Hall,
46900 S. Shangri-La Drive
(540) 226-1473
For more job fair dates
and locations,
go to CivilianJobs.com
Join CivilianJobs.com on...
Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI) is the largest
military-focused recruiting firm in the U.S.
that for over 20 years has specialized in
placing prior military job seekers with
Fortune 1000 companies.
CivilianJobs.com helps
military-friendly companies who
actively recruit candidates from
the military by offering cost-effective and customized
solutions to meet their hiring
needs.
NEWS
Military Transition News is a
bi-monthly publication providing
military job seekers with relevant
career and transition advice. It is
distributed in print and online to
over 500 military bases.
MilitaryResumes.com provides
professional resume writing and
consulting services for transitioning
military, veterans, and their spouses
seeking a civilian or federal career.
Essential Events and Travel, Inc.
provides expert event planning
services for corporate events and
meetings. We excel in managing
specialized events.
HireMilitaryBlog.com is a blog
dedicated to educating and assisting
employers (HR Recruiters) with
sourcing and hiring candidates with
prior-military experience.
MilitaryTransition.com is a blog devoted to
providing transition assistance information
and tools to service members transitioning
from the military to a civilian career.
LARGEST MILITARY FOOTPRINT
Sep/Oct 2014
Transitioning A to Z:
“Q” and “R”
In the upcoming issues of Military Transition News, we will be listing
everything a service member needs to know about transitioning, from A to Z.
by Military Transition News Staff
This month, we tackle “Q” and “R”.
“Q”: Quick, Query, Quell
Transitioning out of the military is
not something that you might think of
as Quick or rapid, but by the time your
exit date arrives, it will seem as though
it went by in a flash. Setting a timeline
for each step is extremely important and
requires immense discipline. Remember
to Query everything. Don’t assume that
you should know all the answers. Be
careful to communicate plans with your
spouse and family, ensuring to Quell any
fears or anxiety. Moving is one of life’s
most stressful events. Don’t let it get the
better of you, physically or emotionally. Be
19
NEWS
prepared to separate from the military and
make sure your family is in on the plan.
“R”: Relax, Regroup, Remind
There is something freeing about starting
a new life. It can be equally unnerving.
Relax. Looking for a job is something nearly
everyone in the civilian world has done. As
a member of the military, you understand
how to create a strategy that will work to
accomplish a set goal. You understand that
some plans will require you to Regroup
before you go after your target again.
Remind yourself that nothing is impossible
and that as a member of the U.S. Military,
you are sought by thousands of America’s
top corporations, many with veterans at
their helm. Relax. You got this.
NOW HIRING
Worthington Industries Manufacturing Positions at
Our Columbus Steel and Cylinders Locations
If you’re a responsible, hardworking individual looking for a full-time
manufacturing opportunity to build an engaging career, Worthington
Industries is for you. Voted a 2013 Top Workplace in Columbus, Worthington
operates on a people-first philosophy rooted in the Golden Rule.
Worthington Offers:
Competitive pay, plus shift premiums if you work an off shift
A generous benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision,
Disability, 401K and Profit Sharing
Access to our onsite Fitness Center, Medical Center, Pharmacy
and Barber Shops
Apply Today
Freedom isn’t free,
but your college
education can be.
In recognition of selfless service since
September 11, 2001, Lipscomb University, located
in Nashville, Tenn., participates in the Yellow
Ribbon Program at the highest level.
More important, we recognize that military
members who began their educations in the
service are in possession of a wonderful resource
upon which to build the rest of their lives and the
lives of their families.
Leverage that important asset to get your college
degree, and in some cases, your master’s degree,
at no cost at Lipscomb. Choose from more than
75 areas of study, including accounting, business,
counseling and psychology, education, exercise
and nutrition science, and theology.
In addition, Lipscomb established The Charlie
Daniels Scholarship for Heroes to honor country
music legend Charlie Daniels and his tireless
efforts on behalf of the nation’s military, including
an annual concert on campus to build the fund.
This scholarship provides financial assistance for
those not eligible for Yellow Ribbon.
At Lipscomb, you’ll find classes are smaller,
professors offer more personal, one-on-one
attention, and there is a dedicated Veteran
Services Office that is ready to support and assist
you during your transition to student life and help
you prepare for the next chapter of your life.
In short, when you’re ready for this
all-important next step, we’re ready
for you.
Complete an application online at www.worthingtonindustries.com or in
person at Worthington Industries Truck Entrance located at 905 Dearborn
Drive in Columbus, Ohio.
www.lipscomb.edu/veterans
615.966.5176 or 615.966.1013
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
VET-14-010 - Military Transition 1/2 Page Ad.indd 1
5/30/14 11:00 AM
10.125 in.
20
NEWS
Sep/Oct 2014
13.5 in.
Look ahead at your finances
before you leave the military behind.
When you someday leave the military, most of your life will change — in particular,
your finances. How will your cost of living change? How far will your civilian pay go
in different locations? Our online Separation Assessment Tool can provide answers,
quickly showing you how leaving the military will likely affect your finances.
Use the Separation Assessment Tool
usaa.com/leavingthemilitary
Or call 800-531-8272 for more information.
Membership and product eligibility and underwriting restrictions apply and are subject to change. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. No Department of Defense
or government agency endorsement. © 2014 USAA. 205137-0514
Sep/Oct 2014
NEWS
Do you want to
be in charge
of your own
future and be
your own boss?
Do you enjoy
working outside?
StoneMakers Academy can help
you easily attain these goals.
StoneMakers has developed innovative
ways to build and install water features,
retaining walls, fire pits and outdoor
living areas in half the time as
traditional methods.
For more information call Mark E. Spear at (603) 556-7670
There is no cost to go through training
for qualified veterans and StoneMakers
provides a grant to cover lodging and
travel expenses for each new
independent contractor.
Once licensed and certified you can
install StoneMakers outdoor living
features anywhere in the country.
21
22
Sep/Oct 2014
NEWS
Top Five Things to Consider when
Choosing to Start a Cleaning Business
started with a minimum investment along
with no previous experience.
Provided by our sponsor
Y
ou’ve given your all for this country and
now it’s time to focus on your future.
For many, they’ll seek out employment
opportunities in the workforce or put their
efforts toward a college degree. For others, the
appeal of working for themselves and forging
their own path in business is their dream. For
those entrepreneurs, investing in a franchise
is certainly an option worth considering. But
what franchise is right for you?
The “right” franchise can take on
many different meanings. Maybe it’s a
franchise in a field that you have previous
experience? Maybe it’s something that
you are passionate about? Or, maybe it’s in
an industry that is completely new to you
but one that offers stability and endless
opportunities.
Jani-King, a leader in the commercial
cleaningindustry,mayjust present the perfect
solution; an opportunity to be your own boss,
have the support of industry experts and get
1. Is this the right business for me?
Commercial cleaning services are a $100
billion dollar industry projected to grow by
more than 5% in the next three years alone.
Owning a franchise that is part of a structured
franchisor program is a great way to stay
profitable in a time of economic uncertainty;
with low overhead, consistent demand and
high opportunities for growth. The U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a
professional cleaning specialist will be the
fastest growing occupation in the next ten
years, reaffirming the potential expansion of
the industry and related professions.
2. Franchise management
vs. independent ownership?
Owning an independent business and
owning an established franchise are both
viable ways to start a cleaning business;
however franchise ownership offers
considerable advantages that help foster longterm success. Franchise owners benefit from
the company’s reputation and reliability,
along with their growing base of satisfied
customers. Many of the best franchisors
support franchisees by offering operational
training, business development coaching,
marketing support, technical support and
industry/technology trend information all
without having to take on the high collateral
and liability associated with independent
ownership.
3. Residential vs. Commercial
cleaning services?
When choosing to start a cleaning business,
the two most common choices are residential
or commercial cleaning services. Both have
key advantages; residential cleaning may
be easier to start, but commercial cleaning
offers a greater opportunity for profit and
success. The commercial cleaning sector
includes hotels, hospitals, offices, stadiums,
restaurants, retail centers, manufacturing
facilities and so much more; a much wider
range of cleaning services than residential.
4. What about customers?
While the potential benefits of commercial
cleaning services are unrivaled, the task of
securing customers within this market may
seem daunting to those first getting started.
Good franchisors will be there to help with
a foundation built upon a history of toplevel programs. Owning a franchise under
an established brand such as Jani-King
opens your business to a network of industry
partners who trust and rely on the continued
professionalism of franchisees. Another
benefit of a good franchise system is that they
should have a program in place to secure the
cleaning contracts and then offer those to
their local franchisees. If the franchisee wants
to do their own account sales, the franchisor
should also have a training program and
marketing materials.
5. What services will be provided?
There are a variety of services that
commercial cleaning businesses provide and
it is important to decide which areas to focus
on before getting started. Floor care services,
such as carpet cleaning, are exceedingly
popular for commercial clients as well as
exterior services such as window washing.
Many franchisees specialize in scheduled
maintenance cleaning for their regular
customers as well. Solidifying your area of
expertise will allow you to gain greater clout
in the industry and further establish your
brand image as a highly regarded franchise
owner.
You don’t have to be an expert – an
understanding of these five aspects combined
with an entrepreneurial drive and dedication
to success are great steps to starting your
own commercial cleaning business. To learn
more about franchise ownership and how to
start a cleaning business with Jani-King, visit
their website at www.janiking.com.
THE OPPORTUNITY
right for you
Visualize yourself as a leader. Imagine the opportunity to own your own business and reach your personal
goals. As a Jani-King franchise owner, you’ll receive initial and ongoing training, administrative support,
operational assistance and so much more that will help you grow your very own commercial cleaning
business. This is an industry that is in high-demand. From hotels to stadiums, from offices to hospitals
and more, every commercial property needs to be cleaned.
Your military experience has prepared you for success.
Let Jani-King deliver you the opportunity.
(757) 424-7701 | www.janiking.com
Franchise Opportunity
©2014 Jani-King International, Inc.
CD0714-0123
Sep/Oct 2014
23
NEWS
Igniting Workplace
Enthusiasm
“Best for Vets Franchises”
– Military Times
Where America’s
military Connects
With Civilian Careers
Become a player in the exploding business education market by
joining a worldwide, highly recognized brand, with unsurpassed
franchise development and support systems.
If you have a command or sales background and the ability to invest
in your future, look into this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Territories Available in Montana
and Western Massachusetts
Veterans Receive
50% Off Franchise Fee
www.dalecarnegie.com/veterans
EmployErs
To learn more contact John Covilli at
636.925.9720 or
[email protected]
Copyright © 2013 Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. franchise_ad_080114_vets
Job sEEkErs
CivilianJobs.com is more
thanagreatplacetopost
your resume. Your skills are
valuable and marketable,
andweprovideyouwith
thebestmethodstopursue
military-friendlycompanies
including via our job board
and military job fairs.
We are Transition and Business Coaches who make a positive difference in the
lives of veterans. We provide an education and discovery experience for those
wanting to take control of their destiny.
To learn more about Veteran2Entrepreneur, call us at 888.896.9444 or email at
[email protected]
If you are seeking to recruit /
source military talent, let
CivilianJobs.com design a
staffing solution to fit your needs:
• ContractRecruiting
• RPO
• PerHireorContingency
• “IQ”Talent
• MilitaryBaseNewspaper/
EmployerAdvertising
• MilitaryJobFairs
• MilitaryJobBoard
The leading career resource
for the military community.
Powered By:
1-866-801-4418
Founded by military veterans with years of experience in placing military candidates in new careers.
Sep/Oct 2014
NEWS
We’re looking for
Veterans to join our
band of Restaurant
Owners.
We appreciate what you’ve
done for us.
Here’s what we can do for you:
• $0 franchise fee on first restaurant
• 2.5% discount on royalty payments
for first 12 months*
Opportunities available in
the Midwest.
• $300,000 liquid assets required to start
Come grow with us.
timhortons.com/franchise
This advertisement is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise.
An offer can only be extended by prospectus.
*Other incentives apply under our operator agreement offering.
Tim Hortons USA Inc. 4150 Tuller Road, Suite 236, Dublin 43017
MN Reg # 6441
24

Finding Success in Franchising Training businesses to succeed: A

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