Veterans make up about 6% of the US population, but according to the International Franchise Association (IFA), they make up about 14% of all franchisees. Why are veterans so overrepresented in the franchise industry? Because they are suitable for him franchise ownershipthanks to their leadership skills, ability to follow established procedures and familiarity with thinking on their feet and adapting to challenges. And many franchisors offer incentives such as franchise fee discounts that make it easier for veterans to start a business with them.
So which franchisors offer the best opportunities for veterans? Each year, we seek to find out by inviting brands to tell us what their veteran incentive is, how many of their units are owned by veterans, whether they carry any franchise gifts for veterans, whether they have veterans on their leadership team and more. . We took all these factors into account – along with each company's 2024 Franchise 500 Score, which is based on an analysis of 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, strength of brand and financial. strength and stability – to come up with our final ranking of The 150 Best Franchises for Veterans.
Keep in mind that our list is not intended as a recommendation of any particular company, but rather as a starting point for your search. If you are a veteran interested in franchise ownership, it is important to do your homework before investing. Carefully read the company's legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant, and talk to as many franchisees as you can to find out if the opportunity is right for you.
Related: 5 Business Lessons I Learned Working with Military Veterans
Meet a veteran franchisee…
Joan Follmann e Cruise Planners (#14)
Joan Follmann served in the US Navy for 21 years, retiring in 2003 with the rank of Yeoman Chief Petty Officer (YNCS) with the designation of Aviation Warfare Specialist (AW). Now she helps people plan their perfect vacation as one Cruise planners exclusivity.
Why did you choose to franchise with Cruise Planners?
My choice of Cruise Planners was deeply personal. My husband and I had worked with a Cruise Planners franchise to book our cruises and the seamless experience we had with them built a strong trust in the brand. We simply never considered another company – it was Cruise Planners all the way.
How has your military experience helped you as a franchisee?
My role as a YNCS (AW) and Flag Clerk in the Navy improved my organizational and multi-tasking skills. Flag writers are similar to civilian executive assistants. I was responsible for managing travel arrangements, meetings and communications for the admirals, all while anticipating challenges and setting priorities. These tasks translated perfectly into running a franchise, organizing complex itineraries and maintaining clear communication with my clients.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering franchise ownership?
Look for a franchise like Cruise Planners that offers flexibility, support and training. As veterans, we are already trained to follow procedures and protocols, making the transition easier.
Jake Whitchurch e College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (No. 53)
Jake Whitchurch went from serving as an Airborne Marine with the US Army, to working in corporate America, to now owning a College Hunks Transport Junk & Moving franchise in Detroit.
What drew you to the franchise?
I was working a corporate job and was transferred to a role I didn't like. I saw an ad asking veterans if they had considered franchise ownership. I was intrigued by the idea of owning my own business, creating my own destiny and helping others.
Why did you choose College Hunks?
Number one was culture. This brand lives and breathes the values that I had always brought to my previous leadership roles – positivity, servant leadership, building leaders and empowering employees.
How has your military experience helped you as a franchisee?
The day always starts calmly and with plans. Then something can happen that changes the plan drastically, so the ability to make decisions on the fly based on the information we have and within the context of the mission without being overwhelmed is a tremendous skill to have.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering franchise ownership?
Do it! Take a risk for yourself. Find something that interests you, do your research and make it happen.
Todd Pinkler i Voodoo Brewing Co. (No. 128)
After the events of 9/11, Todd Pinkler enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a Reconnaissance Marine. Now he takes orders of a very different kind as the owner of Voodoo Brewing Co. in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
What drew you to the franchise?
A franchise has established its own policies and guidelines, just like the military. If you follow the standard operating procedures of a franchise, you have a great chance of being successful.
Why did you choose Voodoo Brewing Co.?
I stumbled upon Voodoo while preparing for retirement and was intrigued. I had a few phone conversations with them and attended their endorsement day where I was able to visit two different pubs and sample the product. After that, my wife, a good friend, and I decided to take the plunge.
How has your military experience helped you as a franchisee?
In the military I realized that I don't have all the answers and that I need to listen to those in my ranks who may have a better way to solve a problem. I have carried this same philosophy into running my bar by listening to and implementing ideas from my employees.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering franchise ownership?
Figure out what interests and excites you and determine what your market needs (or doesn't need).
Trae Caldwell e Metal supermarkets (no. 130)
After 21 years in the Army National Guard, Trae Caldwell turned his eyes to business ownership, choosing a Metal supermarkets exclusivity.
What drew you to the franchise?
I wanted to partner with an established brand that would help our business start in the right direction. With the franchise we had sales on the first day!
Why did you choose Metal Supermarkets?
The business model made sense and I knew I loved working with metal. I also saw the market gap for cut to size metal in my area. I was confident in their systems and support. Finally, there is tremendous flexibility and autonomy in the products and services you can offer through Metal Supermarkets. You can create the “menu” – within reason, of course.
How has your military experience helped you as a franchisee?
The best experience the military gave me to prepare for entrepreneurship is effective and confident decision making. Combining this with an unwavering commitment to “doing the right thing” has been invaluable in developing our client relationships.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering franchise ownership?
Ask the franchisor lots of questions, make sure you're comfortable with their process, and make sure you're confident in the business model and the products or services you'll be offering.
Related: The 10 hottest trends in franchising