Veterans in Franchising March 2021

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Veterans in Franchising march 2021

www.franchisingusamagazine.com

aamco

franchise Flexibility Keeps Veteran Active in The Reserves

from one veteran to another

advice on entrepreneurship

G.I. tax

cuts fees for veterans and first responders Franchising USA

Leadership.

Teamwork.

Executing SOPs. Connecting veterans with education, resources and opportunities at vetfran.org

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V e t e r a n s i n F r a n c h i s i n g S u ppl e m e n t march 2021 Our Veterans in Franchising special supplement has become a regular feature of Franchising USA. To share your story in the next issue, please contact Vikki Bradbury, Publisher Phone: 778 426 2446 Email: vikki@cgbpublishing.com

Contents On the Cover 54 AAMCO Franchise Flexibility Keeps

Veteran Active in the Reserves

Focus Feature

56 G.I. Tax Cuts Fees for Veterans and First Responders

56 G.I. Tax Cuts Fees for Veterans and First Responders

58 From One Veteran to Another: Advice on Entrepreneurship

Veterans News

Veterans Profile 58 From One Veteran to Another: Advice on Entrepreneurship Michael Adams, PJ’s Coffee

52 - Tommy’s Express Car Wash

- Surveillance Secure 53 - G-FORCE

- Sport Clips

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veteran news

TOMMY’S EXPRESS CAR WASH TO BRING EIGHT NEW LOCATIONS TO THE GREATER DC AREA

National car wash brand Tommy’s Express will bring eight new locally-owned and operated locations to the greater Washington DC area.

Michael Cianelli, Navy veteran and co-owner, explains, “We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of these growing and vibrant communities near our nation’s capital. We are dedicated to providing sustainable jobs to team members and reinvesting in the communities we serve. We love the Tommy’s system because of the outstanding customer experience it provides and its soft impact on the environment thanks to its use of recycled water and energyefficient buildings.”

Tommy’s Express franchise locations have become fan-favorite car care destinations in cities around the United States, thanks to their innovative building designs, customer experience, convenience, and wash quality. The signature 130’ wash tunnels are designed to be striking, with corner towers, a rounded transparent roof, prominent branding, and full-size windows running down the length of the wash tunnel.

Future Tommy’s customers throughout the greater Washington D.C. area should expect short waits even at peak hours, threeminute travel down the car wash tunnel, an excellent product menu, and free floor mat washers and vacuum stations on-site.

“Tommy’s Express represents the best the car wash industry has to offer. We work hard to give our guests an unforgettable car wash experience, and because of that, we seek out only the best properties to showcase our ground-breaking building designs,” said President and Chief Innovation Officer Ryan Essenburg. https://tommycarwash.com/

SURVEILLANCE SECURE SIGNS FIRST COLORADO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT Resendes is no stranger to the security or franchise space. She has owned a Signal 88 mobile patrol franchise that supplies clients with security guard services in the Colorado Springs marketplace.

Surveillance Secure announced the signing of the brand’s first franchise agreement in Colorado, awarded to local entrepreneur Rebecca Resendes.

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While operating her security guard business, Resendes also serves in the United States Army. She spent 13 years in active-duty roles, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2009, and currently is in the United States Army reserves where she works as a chemical officer responsible for planning emergency responses. She plans on utilizing her military background and previous security franchise ownership experience to make her Surveillance Secure business a success.

“Surveillance Secure is unlike any other franchise concept on the market,” said Resendes. “The brand’s focus on being an integrator that can provide clients a wide

range of services will mesh perfectly with my current business portfolio.”

Founded in 2006 and franchising since 2019, the franchise services the electronic security needs of commercial, retail, education and government clients for security cameras, access control systems, alarm & video monitoring solutions, and video image analytic software.

“Dedicated and knowledgeable franchisees like Rebecca are what help Surveillance Secure continue to thrive and grow,” said Surveillance Secure CEO and founder Kim Hartman. “Rebecca’s military background and prior experience with security franchise ownership make her the perfect partner. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that she will have on the Denver, Colorado Springs, and surrounding cities.” https://surveillancesecurefranchise. com/

G-FORCE LANDS NEW LOCATION TO SERVE LOUISIANA

HAIR CARE FRANCHISE PRIMARY SPONSOR FOR ‘OPERATION SEPTEMBER FREEDOM’ G-FORCE™, the first pavement marking and parking lot striping franchise to exclusively award franchises to United States Veterans, has opened in Lafayette, Louisiana. The new business will primarily serve major cities like Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, as well as communities across Louisiana.

Opened in January 2021, the business is owned and operated by José Ortiz, a local to the area. Sergeant Ortiz is an eight-year Army Veteran and was deployed twice to Iraq. Now, he is focusing on providing high-end parking lot striping and marking services across the state. In addition to lot markings, José specializes in warehouse floor markings, parking lot sign installation, athletic field markings, thermoplastic, and ADA parking compliance.

“I knew it was the right opportunity for me to go into business for myself,” Ortiz said. “The corporate team has been with me every step of the way as I’ve gotten my G-FORCE location off the ground. I’m excited to see the positive impact we can bring to every community we serve.”

Founded in 2017, G-FORCE prides itself as the go-to resource for all things line striping, pavement marking and parking lot sign installation, and partners with contractors to provide other pavement services such as sealcoating, asphalt repairs, paving and power washing.

“With distinctive camouflage trucks and service trailers, stateof-the-art equipment and military-influenced logo and uniforms, G-FORCE has built its brand around today’s Veteran,” Ortiz added. “I’m proud to start growing my business throughout Lafayette and the state of Louisiana.” www.gogforce.com.

Sport Clips Haircuts will serve as the primary sponsor of Operation September Freedom (OSF) an effort of Dream Flights, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring military veterans and seniors with flights in restored Boeing Stearman biplanes.

Operation September Freedom is attempting to locate and honor as many World War II veterans as possible with Dream Flights during a national tour beginning August 1 – September 30, 2021. The flights are piloted by professional, volunteer pilots and are free to participants.

“As a veteran-founded company, we’re deeply committed to the work of honoring those who’ve served,” says Edward Logan, president and CEO of Sport Clips. “Members of this ‘greatest generation’ of service members are due our respect and gratitude, and giving them this flight of a lifetime is just one of the ways we’re thanking them while there’s still time to do so.”

Of the 16 million Americans who served in WWII, only an estimated 100,000 are still living, with the youngest being in their mid-90s. Since the launch of Dream Flights in 2011, the organization has provided free flights for more than 4,200 veterans and seniors living in long-term care communities. Volunteering at nearly every Dream Flight event are Sport Clips volunteers.

“Sport Clips is a longtime supporter of Dream Flights and we’re incredibly grateful for their support of this historic, once-in-alifetime mission,” says Darryl Fisher, Dream Flights’ founder and president.

WWII veterans can request a Dream Flight and family members and friends can nominate someone for a flight.

To join Sport Clips in helping honor WWII veterans through Operation September Freedom, visit https://dreamflights.org/

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cover story: AAMCO

Franchise Flexibility Keeps Veteran Active in The Reserves Balancing a job as an active reservist in the military can be tricky. United States Air Force veteran Michael Laverdure decided to solve the problem by buying his own business – an AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care franchise.

Now, Laverdure can be as active as he likes in the reserves while being his own boss.

When he and his family moved back to Knoxville, TN, in 2018, Laverdure knew he would have to stop active military duty and none of the jobs he inquired about would allow him to remain active in the reserves while working.

That’s when he decided to become his own boss, something he had dreamed about since he was a child.

Luck was on Laverdure’s side, as the AAMCO franchisee in Knoxville at the time was ready to sell his store. Having always associated the AAMCO name with quality while he was growing up, Laverdure knew this was the opportunity he was waiting for and gathered some funds to make the purchase.

“I knew automobiles, I had done a lot of repair work, and I knew this was an opportunity to put my mark on something,” said Laverdure. “It allowed me to use the skills and values I learned in the military to build something for my family. It was just perfect timing.”

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“We’re proud members of the International Franchising Association’s (IFA) VetFran program and offer qualifiying veterans 25% off their initial franchise fee.”

In addition to continuous training, AAMCO also offers a lot of marketing help. For example, they assist with internet marketing and they helped him design the wrap for his pickup truck and helped him find a printer and installer for it. Laverdure said he can just call them if he needs any marketing materials and they are more than happy to help. AAMCO also guided him in building a marketing plan that is working quite well.

“I wouldn’t have had that if I were on my own,” he noted. “I wouldn’t even have known where to start.”

“You learn how to treat people and take care of them, and to find solutions to problems. I brought that mentality and philosophy of military leadership with me, to train and equip my troops, so they have the knowledge and the tools they need to do the job.”

Learning to lead Currently, Laverdure serves as a reservist at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC, doing maintenance on Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircrafts.

Prior to that, while on active duty for the Air Force, he moved around between North Carolina, Texas, Kuwait, Turkey, and Arizona. Laverdure has worked on F-15 fighter jets, F-35 stealth fighters, C-130 Hercules and C5 Galaxy cargo aircraft and MQ-1 Predator drones. He started active duty in June 2010 and served until his transfer to the reserves in 2018.

The AAMCO franchisee said his military training taught him how to manage and lead people, and never give up.

“You learn how to treat people and take care of them, and to find solutions to problems. Giving up isn’t an option,” he said. “I brought that mentality and philosophy of military leadership with me, to train and equip my troops, so they have the knowledge and the tools they need to do the job.”

AAMCO is a great partner to help make sure his employees have the training and the tools they need to do their job. While he sets the work parameters and performs quality control, Laverdure gives his four

employees the space to do what they need to do.

Getting support Laverdure said his intention was always to buy a franchise because he recognizes the value of the support that comes with franchise ownership.

“That’s one of the reasons I steered toward a franchise, to get that support. I didn’t know anything about marketing or pricing or the laws that you have to be aware of when you own a business,” he noted.

Once he signed his franchise agreement, he went down to Georgia for his discovery day at AAMCO University where the top executives talked about the benefits of owning a franchise and the direction of the company.

After that, he received three weeks of classroom training and a week of training in the field, which Laverdure described as “intense.” He learned all the various phone procedures, technology platforms, and technical and diagnostic services that he would need to run his AAMCO business.

The company continually offers new, inperson, or virtual training.

“I just sent the transmission builder to learn how to build the new CVT transmissions,” he said.

Outside of the corporate AAMCO franchise, the National AAMCO Dealers Association, made up of AAMCO franchise owners, also provides a lot of guidance. The group has two annual conferences where they share best practices and discuss how things are going with the franchise and invite corporate leadership to participate.

AAMCO has a strong commitment to veterans with many franchise owners, employees, and even corporate executives who have served in the military.

“We are proud to have so many veterans in the AAMCO family,” said Jim Gregory, AAMCO CEO. “Their experience and discipline add tremendous value to our business, and the AAMCO opportunity allows them to have a positive impact in their local communities. Many of our military veteran franchise owners are among the most successful in our chain.”

Laverdure has proved himself to be one of those leaders as he has worked through the challenges of COVID-19, always striving for excellence, and putting service before self.

He says if anyone is interested in joining AAMCO, they should do their research and talk to existing AAMCO owners.

All the support the franchise provides is incredibly valuable for anyone interested in entrepreneurship.

The flexibility of franchising has allowed Laverdure to live out his dual dreams of being his own boss while still serving his country. https://aamcofranchises.com/

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focus feature: G.I. TA X

G.I. Tax CUTs FEES FOR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS Become a Member of the G.I. Tax Family According to IBIS World, the tax preparation business is a $11 billion dollar industry and is expected to grow 20% annually over the next 10 years.

G.I. Tax CEO Glenn Sandler said becoming a franchise owner with G.I. Tax “would be the perfect transition into the workforce,” for Veterans.

“Being A G.I. Tax franchisee and using the tools and training provided, you will have the income to live the life of your dreams.

Imagine the freedom to do what you want, when you want to. Having the time to coach your kid’s little league team and never missing a dance recital ever again.

Being a G.I. Tax franchisee will make that a reality. You can live your life financially independent and live the life you deserve, your American Dream,” he said.

What Makes G.I. Tax Different?

“The G.I. Tax business model is to make 100% of our customers happy, 100% of the time,” added Sandler. “The Tax Prep industry needed a new concept in taking care of customers very different than ‘the way it has always been done’. We have modeled our approach to customer service after the Disney company and our office consistency standards after McDonalds, two leaders in both respects.

“We understand that the trust we earn from customers does not just come with preparing an income tax return once a year.

The tax preparation industry for years has been a “Wham Bam, See You Next Year” business with tax offices closing from April until January, leaving customers no

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place to go for financial advice after ‘tax season’. G.I. Tax offices are open all year long, to be there when our customers want and need us there.”

G.I. Tax is the first in the industry to offer their “Patriot Bar” services to tax customers that allow for free financial advice twelve months a year, without charge, just for being a customer. Services include notary services, financial advice, credit counseling, helping with FAFSA applications, court financial statements, and, of course, tax advice.

The G.I. Tax Commitment “We are committed to your success, that means we will do whatever is necessary to assist you and your new franchise to be successful,” said Sandler.

G.I. Tax professionals training goes far beyond product training. They will train you to understand their philosophy on the customer engagement process from the initial customer contact to the post season engagement and understand their marketing strategies, customer service polices and other proven methods of success. G.I. Tax also offers a 24/365 support department for their franchisees, so they are there when you need them.

“We are not just a tax preparation company; G.I. Tax is a people company,” added Sandler. “We know from experience investing in a franchise is a big decision, most likely one of the most important decisions in you and your family’s life.

Our commitment is to do whatever is necessary to take the stress out of your decision. Success is our passion and is the base of our foundation. As with the United

States Military, “Failure is not an option” anything we can do help, we will.”

The G.I. Tax mission The G.I. Tax mission is to be able to make a difference and become one of the largest supporters of Veterans and other governmental warriors’ (such as police, firefighters and teachers) charities. Their ultimate goal is for G.I. Tax to prepare one million tax returns companywide.

“When that becomes a reality, G.I. Tax will be able to contribute between 10 and 20 million dollars annually to support our heroes,” concluded Sandler. “Join in the mission, become a part of history and invest in a G.I. Tax franchise. Make a difference.” www.gitaxfranchise.com

G.I. Tax has been featured by Franchising USA before for putting a new spin on tax preparation and for offering great services and support for Veterans.

To celebrate the company now being listed as a top emerging franchise, they are cutting franchise fees by 50% for all Veterans and first responders who submit an application before March 31.

Veterans who are interested in buying a franchise can get a discount on their franchise fee anytime of the year, but this year G.I. Tax has decided to cut it by 50% and open it up to all first responders, retired or active, and their spouses.

This comes after a year of Americans needing financial relief from Covid-19 and as the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 falls upon us this year.

Applications must be submitted March 31, 2021 to qualify.

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PROFILE: Michael Adams | PJ’s Coffee

From One Veteran to Another

Advice on Entrepreneurship Many veterans face similar feelings after they complete their service, “what should I do next?” And after spending a portion of their life reporting to others, a common answer is: “I want to be my own boss” mixed with wanting to go into an industry they are passionate about or haven’t had a chance to explore thus far in their lives.

“Michael got a call that would change his life. He had won the franchise giveaway and would be PJ’s Coffee’s newest franchisee. In a time of uncertainty, he described it as a bright light in his life.”

That was the exact scenario for Michael, a new PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans franchisee.

Why PJ’s Coffee Was the Right Fit Three years ago, PJ’s Coffee, a New Orleans-based coffeehouse that prides itself on their “southern hospitality” experience, the freshest products, and better beans with superior roasting technique, initiated an annual contest, announced on Veterans Day, that gives one lucky U.S. Veteran a franchise license for free. Michael, who served in the U.S. Army for 22 years and has been a federal government employee for the last 14 years, starting to look into the next chapter in his life.

After suggestions from family he applied for the PJ’s franchise giveaway, he decided to take a leap of faith and submit his application for the 2020 contest. The submission process was simple, requiring Michael to complete a few forms and submit a video on why he was passionate about becoming a PJ’s Coffee franchisee.

Michael has been a fan and brand advocate for PJ’s Coffee for a large portion of his life. Living in the south, he has been able to indulge in the carefully crafted coffees and grew to love the brand. His passion for coffee mixed with his hunger to dive into the world of business and supply chain management was a “stars-aligning moment” – and he knew PJ’s was the perfect fit.

In addition, being in the Army taught

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Michael the discipline and structure that goes hand-in-hand with being a successful business owner.

Fast forward to spring of 2020 – the world was in lockdown and facing a new reality brought on by the Coronavirus. Amid the panic and chaos, Michael got a call that would change his life. He was notified that he had won the franchise giveaway and would be PJ’s Coffee’s newest franchisee.

In a time of uncertainty, he described it as a bright light in his life.

What is The Process Like for a Veteran Turned Franchisee?

As any franchisee and franchisor knows, there are many stages leading up to finally opening your doors for business – adding COVID-19 into the mix which has switched things up for franchisee and franchisors opening process.

Currently, Michael is in the site selection and business capital phase. He is hoping to open his location near Stockbridge, GA. Even with COVID, the new franchisee has been eager to get his business off the ground and has overcome consistent hurdles put in front of him. The two previous veterans who were awarded franchises from this contest were up and running their coffeehouses within a year of finding out they were selected. Bobby Mounts, the winner of the 2019 giveaway,

opened his coffeehouse in July amid a global pandemic. This is thanks to the unmatched support and dedication from the corporate team.

For other veterans looking to dive into entrepreneurship Michael says, “It is crucial to find a proven business model with supportive franchisors and PJ’s Coffee offers exactly that.” He also recommends looking into a “growing and evergreen industry” – and with gourmet coffee on the rise and the coffee industry currently estimated to be worth $48 billion, PJ’s fits the mold perfectly. Additionally, PJ’s Coffee offers an incentive for veterans looking to make the leap into running their own business.

Not only should a prospective franchisee look into the industry of the brand but seeking out a culture that fits your personality and values is a huge must as well. “Throughout this entire process,

the team at PJ’s Coffee has been nothing but supportive and for that I am beyond thankful. Not only am I lucky enough to be working in an industry I am passionate about, but I am working with people at corporate who genuinely believe in me and are rooting for my success,” said Michael.

“The team has hosted virtual ‘Join the Team’ days, which are truly welcoming and feel like the real deal,” Michael mused.

“In these meetings I have been lucky enough to hear from current franchisees on their journey with PJ’s Coffee.” This was important to Michael as it demonstrates firsthand the successful system PJ’s has created for its franchisees.

Though the 2021 submissions recently closed at the end of January, interested veterans who want to learn more about veteran discount opportunities and receive a franchise brochure should visit www.pjsfranchise.com/vets/

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