The values that led Don Dwyer Sr. to found VetFran still permeate the Dwyer Group

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VetFran was founded in 1991 in an effort led by Chairman Don Dwyer, Sr. (USAF, Ret.), founder of The Dwyer Group, to support veterans returning from the Gulf War transition to the civilian economy. Since then over 6,300 veterans have become franchise owners through VetFran and The Dwyer Group continues to play a leading role,  as a founding member of VetFran’s new Chairman’s Corps, and with Mr. Rooter President, Mary Kennedy Thompson (USMC, Ret.) spearheading the effort as Chair of the VetFran Committee. Mary has provided guiding leadership of Operation Enduring Opportunity, franchising’s industry-wide campaign, to hire as team members and recruit as franchise business owners 75,000 veterans and military spouses, plus 5,000 wounded warriors, by the end of 2014. One year after the campaign’s launch 64,000 veterans, military spouses and wounded warriors have started careers in franchising, including 4,314 who have become veteran franchise business owners. A recent survey of The Dwyer’s Group’s franchise owners shows the values that led Don Dwyer Sr. to found VetFran still permeate the system. 27.8% of the survey’s respondents have hired a veteran in the past year and 67.2% plan to hire a veteran in the next 90 days. 50 veteran hires were reported including 3 wounded warriors and 4 military spouses. Based on the survey, The Dwyer Group estimates that more than 300 veterans were hired across their system in the last year. The corporate office is not letting up either, recruiting 33 new veteran owners and John Mendel, USN, a new Vice President of Operations at Mr. Rooter. John is an Iraq war veteran and seasoned executive who will fittingly report to Mary Kennedy Thompson. John received his commission as an U.S. Navy Officer in 1985. While in the Navy he served in diverse positions both on ships and on shore in peace time and in war including Communications Manager, Weapons Maintenance Manager, Deck Operations Manager Officer, and Operations Officer where he attained critical leadership skills. These high pressure positions included working overseas both in Europe and off shore supporting efforts in Iraq and Bosnia. After leaving the Navy, John joined Pepsi Bottling Group in Moonachie, New Jersey. Over the next ten years he was given roles of increasing responsibility in positions at both Pepsi and Cott Beverages.

While in the Navy Reserve, John continued to serve his country in the time of crisis which included serving as the Assistant Battle Watch Captain during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the Operations Officer in the Mine Counter Measures Squadron leading sailors in ensuring their ships were ready to support  at sea mine clearance operations. Then, he served in the Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Recalled to active duty again in 2006, he was stationed in Baghdad heading up a team for Operation Iraq Freedom supporting the deployment of 875 combat units.

 Now retired from the United States Navy as a Captain, through his Navy career he received various awards to include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, six Navy Commendation Medals, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.  Mary Kennedy Thompson said “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with John.  His leadership skills and experience are a welcome addition to our Mr. Rooter brand”.  As a successful veteran, he will be in familiar company at The Dwyer Group.

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