From Air Force Veteran to Entrepreneur: Brenda Torres Finds a New Mission in Business Ownership

For Brenda Torres, military service was the beginning of a journey defined by leadership, community and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.

After joining the U.S. Air Force in 1991, she went on to serve for nine years, including serving in charge of pharmacy. Decades later, those experiences continue to influence how she approaches her latest chapter as a Dream Vacations franchise owner in Orlando, Florida.

With more than 20 years of travel industry experience, Torres brought an established passion for exploring the world into business ownership, where she now helps clients turn their travel dreams into memorable experiences.

Torres was drawn to Dream Vacations in part because of the franchise’s commitment to supporting veteran-owned businesses and the opportunity to build something of her own without having to do it alone. Franchise owners have access to ongoing training and professional development, marketing resources, technology and business support, bringing to life the philosophy of being in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

“One of the reasons I joined Dream Vacations was because of their incredible support of veteran-owned businesses,” Torres shared when recounting the reunion. “That mission is deeply personal to me.”

Earlier this year, she received an unexpected reminder of just how closely her past and present had become connected.

While looking through the attendee list ahead of her first Dream Vacations Regional Training, Torres spotted a name she had never forgotten: Edward Fresneda, the Air Force recruiter who helped launch her military career in 1991.

Thirty-five years after they first met, Torres discovered they had independently chosen the same post-military path. Both were now Dream Vacations franchise owners. They reunited at the company’s Fort Lauderdale Regional Training for the first time in decades.

For Torres, the reunion reinforced something she already felt strongly about her decision to become an entrepreneur.

Her commitment to service has continued beyond the military. In Central Florida, Torres has extended that commitment into her community, including serving as a volunteer and co-founder of her local Chamber’s Veterans Committee. She has also made advocacy for veterans, mental health and women part of the community-focused strategy behind her business.

For Torres, entrepreneurship has become another way to put a lifetime of service into practice, combining her passion for travel with her commitment to her clients, fellow veterans and the Central Florida community.

Torres’ dedication has also translated into business success. Since joining Dream Vacations, she has achieved Platinum Level status and earned recognition in the brand’s Million Dollar Club, distinctions recognizing strong sales performance within the network. That momentum is continuing: at the 2026 Dream Vacations IGNITE National Conference, Torres will also receive the Rising Star Award, recognizing the impact she is already making through business growth, creative marketing and finding new ways to engage clients.

Torres is also part of a broader community of veterans within Dream Vacations, where more than 30 percent of franchise owners are military veterans. Across the network, veterans have carried the skills and experiences developed during their military service into business ownership, finding new ways to lead, serve their communities and build something of their own.

Dream Vacations supports veterans pursuing franchise ownership through veteran-specific training and marketing resources, networking opportunities and financial incentives for eligible veterans and Gold Star families. The franchise has also received VetFran’s five-star designation.

That commitment extends to Dream Vacations’ annual Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General contest, which entered its 15th year in 2026. The program provides military veterans with an opportunity to pursue franchise ownership with Dream Vacations, including training, marketing resources and ongoing support.

And the next chapter of that commitment is coming soon. Dream Vacations plans to announce the newest winners of its annual Operation Vetrepreneur contest during the first week of December, when two veterans will be recognized with complimentary Dream Vacations franchises and an opportunity to begin their own journeys into entrepreneurship.

About Brenda Torres: btorres@dreamvacations.com http://btorres.dreamvacations.com/

About Dream Vacations

Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its advisors everything they need to plan smooth and memorable vacations for their clients— all while delivering great value. As part of World Travel Holdings and a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations has earned top honors, including franchise partner of the year from major cruise lines. The franchise is also nationally recognized for its strong commitment to supporting military veterans. For more details, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. You can also connect with Dream Vacations on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.