Franchising allows veterans to get involved in their communities and give back to their fellow service members and can also motivate veterans to continue their education.
By Corey Tuttle, US Marine Corps Veteran and Fresh Coat Painters franchisee
After 10 and a half years of service in the Marine Corps, I decided to pursue my longtime dream of owning a business and being my own boss. I found this opportunity as a franchisee with Fresh Coat Painters. I was looking into franchising when I stumbled upon this particular company and thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me. Growing up, I always loved painting and would take on projects around my family’s home.
I was drawn to Fresh Coat Painters, which has more than 130 locations nationwide, because of the industry-leading profit margins and proven advertising campaigns. Franchisees can get involved in residential, commercial and government projects, too. The brand has aggressive growth plans and is looking to grow to 180 locations by the end of 2019, which made me confident I could scale my business.
My wife and fellow Marine Corps veteran, Brittany, opened our franchise in Fairborn, Ohio in October. We are thrilled with this new life path. Not only has franchising allowed me to pursue my interests, but it has also been hugely beneficial in other ways. Here are just three reasons why veterans should consider the franchise life:
Franchising is a great way to get involved in the community.
It’s no secret that veterans can have a difficult time adjusting to civilian life. Veterans often end up moving to new communities where they don’t know anyone, and these communities can lack the support system the military provides. Franchising is a great way to form those connections. Today, I am part of the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce, the Fairborn Chamber of Commerce and the Xenia Chamber of Commerce, which are all based in my new home state of Ohio. Not only do these memberships help my business, but they are also a great way to meet new people and get involved in community efforts.
You can give back to the military.
Franchising is a great way to stay in touch with the military and the larger community of servicemen and women. You can hire veterans. You can offer discounts to veterans and military members. You can even get involved in military-related projects. My franchise is involved in projects for military base housing construction. We’re also doing jobs for the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. These have all been great ways to stay involved with and help the military community.
Franchising can motivate you to finish that degree.
Veterans who franchise will likely realize that seeking some more education will help them become better business owners. Veterans already bring a lot of experience to the table, and a degree can give a much-needed push to take their business acumen to the next level. While stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, I took classes at Midlands Technical College but never finished my degree. I’m currently getting my MBA at DeVry University. I was also just accepted into the Harvard Business School for a certification program in business analytics and management.
Military veterans who are considering franchising should think about what interests them and look into franchises in that field. Franchising is all about following a proven system and getting the word out about the business in one’s community. As veterans, we have a built-in community mindset—and we certainly know how to follow orders—which makes franchising the perfect field for us.
Corey Tuttle is a Marine Corps veteran who served for 10 years. He and his wife, Brittany, who is also a Marine Corps veteran, live in Fairborn, Ohio. Together, they own and operate a Fresh Coat Painters franchise.