Franchising USA- Veterans Supplement - November 2013

November 2013

Veterans in Franchising www.franchisingusamagazine.com

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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 Suppl e m e n t november 2013 Our Veterans in Franchising special supplement has become a regular feature of Franchising USA. To share your story in the December issue, please contact Jenn Dean, Business Development Manager Phone: 250-590-7116 Email: jenn@cgbpublishing.com

Contents 60 Veterans in Franchising News 62 Cover Story: Baskin-Robbins Presents Franchise Incentives for Flavorful Fun Baskin-Robbins

64 Women Veterans in Franchising Mirza Tihic, Institute for Veterans and Military Families

66 Spotlight on Veterans: Veteran Franchise Initiative Launch Equity Grant Program Veteran Franchise Initiative

68 Recruiting Veterans for Exceptional Home Care Homewatch CareGivers

71 Profile: Paul Josepth EarthFruit Yogurt

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V e t er a ns i n Fr a nch isi ng

what’s new!

Air Force Veterans are Newest Interim Healthcare Franchisees Just in time for Veteran’s Day, Interim HealthCare Inc. has announced its newest franchise agreement with two retiring Air Force veterans in Salt Lake City.

Michael Hawkins and Michael Eliason are the recipients of the waived franchise fee that Interim HealthCare announced earlier this year in support of military personnel.

The two plan to begin offering personal care and support services in February 2014 and expand to skilled nursing care within the first year.

“When we announced the waived franchise fee for a qualifying military veteran in May, we couldn’t have hoped to find a team as well matched to our core values as Michael and Eli,” said Kathleen Gilmartin, President and CEO of Interim HealthCare.

“As airmen, they embody the core values of integrity, service before self and excellence in all they do – characteristics also vital to running a successful home care business.” As Veteran’s Day approaches,” Gilmartin continued, “Interim HealthCare honors the service of all military in a significant and tangible way through these two outstanding individuals. We wholeheartedly welcome them aboard.”

Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Eliason, a B-1 pilot, has spent more than 22 years of service leading America’s sons and daughters in worldwide combat operations.

Major Hawkins, an intelligence officer has spent 18 years supporting combat and peacetime operations around the continent.

Their last assignment has been teaching Air Force ROTC and Aerospace Studies at the University of Utah. Leaving the military this fall, both were searching for “something with a higher calling.”

“My wife is a nurse so I knew people in home health are driven by a greater sense of purpose like we are in the military,”

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Michael Hawkins

Hawkins said. “By using my experience of managing and leading teams in the Air Force, I can make sure caregivers not only have the resources to do their job, but create an environment where they enjoy their job and are reinvigorated.”

According to the two, Interim HealthCare’s franchise structure fits perfectly with their military training of using existing systems for quality outcomes. Eliason also stated the ability to lead, teach and mentor are key military characteristics that will translate successfully in the health care business.

“We wanted to do something noble, something that gives us a reason to get up every day. Our research led us to Interim HealthCare and after a visit with corporate, we began working on ways to finance the franchise,” Eliason said.

“When we heard the franchise fee was waived for us as veterans, it was pretty unbelievable.”

Awarded to the first qualifying veteran, the waived franchise fee was beyond Interim HealthCare’s participation in “Operation Enduring Opportunity,” a program developed by the International Franchise

Michael Eliason

Association (IFA) to hire and recruit 75,000 veterans and military spouses, and 5,000 wounded warriors by 2014.

Hawkins resides in Salt Lake City with his wife, young son and two daughters. He stays busy coaching youth sports. Eliason also lives in Salt Lake City and enjoys golfing when he’s not spending time with his wife and two teenage daughters.

Interim HealthCare has nearly five decades in the healthcare industry, with franchise opportunities available throughout the country.

Interim HealthCare® Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing companies. The company recently acquired UK-based Bluebird Care Franchises Limited, growing its franchise operations to approximately 500 global locations with more than 250 owner groups. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year.

For more information: Website: www.interimfranchising.com

VetFran debuts the VetFran Video Library VetFran has recently created the VetFran Video Library, which features videos designed to enable veterans to understand and assess franchising and its opportunities.

& COO of TSS Photography and Jon Rucker, (USAF veteran) Military Programs Manager of Snap-On Tools discuss VetFran and the relationship between veterans and franchising.

Covering the fundamentals of franchising, legal issues, franchise finance and more, the videos offer best-in-class education from the perspective of industry leaders and Board members of the International Franchise Association.

A Veteran Franchisee’s Perspective Marc Heuermann, (Illinois Air National Guard veteran) RadioShack franchisee offers a veteran’s perspective on franchise ownership.

Content in the Library includes: VetFran at McDonald’s Hamburger University Franchising 101 for Veterans Michael Seid, (US Army veteran) CEO, MSA Worldwide and co-author of Franchising for Dummies presents veterans an introduction to franchising together with Rich Morey, Partner, DLA Piper.

VetFran, Veterans & Franchising Joe Lindenmayer, (USMC veteran) President

Franchise Finance 101 for Veterans Rich Bradshaw, (USAF, USNR veteran) Head of SBA Lending at TD Bank provides veterans an overview of franchise finance.

Franchise Law 101 Rich Morey, Partner, DLA Piper, presents veterans an introduction to franchise law.

Caldeira, President & CEO, International Franchise Association Panelists: Jim Amos, Chairman, Tasti D-Lite LLC Sean Falk, Owner, WolFTeaM LLC, President, Nachogang LLC Stuart Mathis, President & CEO, The Quizno’s Corporation Jerry Pegram, Category Manager, Pepsi Lipton Partnership Sales Strategy & Insights, PepsiCo To access the VetFran Video Library, please visit the VetFran Toolkit. *Contributed by the IFA For more information: Website: www.vetfran.com/veteranstoolkit-signup/

From Honor To Owner A short film about VetFran VetFran at Restaurant Leadership Conference VetFran at the General Session of Restaurant Leadership Conference 2013 Moderator: Steve

Veteran named RadioShack Franchisee of the Year Illinois Air National Guard veteran Marc Heuermann has been named RadioShack’s Franchisee of the Year.

Heuermann opened his first unit in June of 2012 and is already operating two successful units near Washington, Illinois and will open a third within the month.

Heuermann’s lifelong passion for electronics began in his childhood, when he would visit his local RadioShack, exploring parts and finding projects to work on with his dad. As he grew up, he studied electronics in high school, and at age 18, applied for a job at RadioShack.

Heuermann worked there for four years while studying engineering, before enlisting in the Air National Guard in 1986, where his hobby evolved into a

useful skill — he soon found himself repairing missile launchers, aircraft remote interphase units and wiring assemblies.

In addition to speaking, Marc expressed that the content other presenters shared greatly helped his growth as a franchisee.

His impressive military career spanned 25 years, and took him all over the world, to the Middle East, Europe, Asia, South America and to 48 U.S. states. A few of his myriad accomplishments during that time include winning Air Transportation Unit of the Year in 2010 and being the second youngest in the state of Illinois to ever be promoted to the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant E-9.

For more information:

*Contributed by the IFA Website: www.vetfran.com/veteranstoolkit-signup/

In May, Heuermann spoke at a daylong VetFran seminar at McDonald’s Hamburger University to share his perspective with the veteran attendees.

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COVER STORY

Baskin-Robbins Presents Fr anchise Incentives for Flavorful Fun Serving over 300 million customers each year worldwide, BaskinRobbins doesn’t just sell ice cream; it sells fun.

Baskin-Robbins the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, Baskin-Robbins introduced incredible development incentives earlier this year for new franchisees and military veterans.

Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 in Glendale, CA by two ice cream enthusiasts who shared a passion to create an ice cream shop that would be a neighborhood gathering place for families. Today, it is a globally franchised organization and one of the leading brands for hard serve ice cream in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry.

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Known for its famous “31,” which is still a part of the brand’s modernized logo, Baskin-Robbins began with 31 flavors, one for each day of the month. Today the brand’s slogan “More Flavors. More Fun.®” encompasses how the company has grown its flavor library to more than 1,000 different flavors including favorites such as Jamoca® Almond Fudge, Pralines ‘n Cream and Very Berry Strawberry.

Baskin-Robbins’ first-class culinary team continues to develop even more delicious and fun flavors. This year, more than a dozen new flavors will be introduced and served up on the brand’s iconic pink spoons to taste buds around the world.

At Baskin-Robbins, people of all ages can indulge in their favorite flavors served any way they want, making every ice cream experience an enjoyable one. As the largest national ice cream chain offering both

hard and soft serve ice cream, as well as creative cones, tasty toppings, customized cakes, specialty desserts, a variety of beverages and take home treats, it’s no wonder Baskin-Robbins has become “America’s Favorite Neighborhood Ice Cream Shop.”

Baskin-Robbins has more than 7,000 operating units in nearly 50 countries; the U.S. is home to more than 2,400 of its restaurants. Keeping with original hometown philosophies and innovative thinking, executives at Baskin-Robbins continue to focus on franchisee profitability as a main driver of new products and platforms. The company reported total global franchisee sales for year-end 2012 as $1.9 billion. Today, the company is in the midst of a strategic national expansion and is seeking exceptional franchisee candidates to grow

“We believe in our veterans, and we know they make great franchisees for Baskin-Robbins.” the brand and share the irresistible treats to communities nationwide.

The company’s current main focus has been on areas in California, Florida and Texas. Offering both single and multi-unit store development commitments, as well as opportunities to purchase existing stores for sale throughout the U.S., franchisees are able to choose from a variety of real estate concepts including end caps, in-line sites, kiosks, gas and convenience stores, and non-traditional retail environments.

Non-traditional locations range from airports and hospitals to military bases and stadiums.

Through combining strong unit economics and operational simplicity, Baskin-Robbins’ business model allows franchisees to enjoy convenient hours of operation, require minimal equipment, produce little waste, and benefit from a majority of inventory with a shelf life of up to one year with proper storage.

Franchisees benefit from award-winning training programs and comprehensive operating systems designed to help build business. Geared to simplify operations, Baskin-Robbins’ franchise support team includes development and construction experts, operational support professionals, training managers and field marketing managers.

Additionally, franchisees also benefit from the company’s 95 percent brand awareness and multi-million dollar national advertising program that includes integrated online and social media techniques and public relations support. With branding everywhere, even in markets without stores, the company continues to explore opportunities to increase brand awareness. A prime example of this is the Baskin-Robbins’ sherbet-flavored freezer bars, which are now available in grocery and convenience outlets throughout the country. A percentage of the profits from this product are given back to the franchisees through a national fund for initiatives and efforts throughout the year. Also, to drive guests

back into shops, the product’s packaging includes a cutout coupon for use at participating Baskin-Robbins locations.

To become a Baskin-Robbins franchisee, the company requires liquid assets totaling at least $125,000 per restaurant and a minimum net worth of $250,000 per restaurant. Candidates must also have a passion for their local communities, a dedication to operational excellence and a love for ice cream.

Now offering incentives for new franchisees, Baskin-Robbins has also introduced special incentives to help make business ownership a reality for U.S. military servicemen and women. For honorably discharged military veterans who sign an agreement in 2013 and timely develop shops, Baskin-Robbins will waive the 20-year initial franchisee fee (a $25,000 value), offer a zero percent royalty rate for the first two years, and reduced royalty rate years three through five.

“We believe in our veterans, and we know they make great franchisees for BaskinRobbins,” Bill Mitchell, President of Baskin-Robbins, U.S. and Canada, and a former U.S. Army Captain says. “We are honored to be able to offer our military heroes these incentives, enabling them to own their own business and utilize their leadership experience and training to run a successful ice cream shop.”

Baskin-Robbins’ fresh new store design puts the ice cream front and center, combining fun, modern visual elements

with the brand’s rich history of product innovation. Over the course of the next two and a half years, over 300 new and remodeled franchise locations are expected to debut the new U.S. store design, which feature LCD screen menu boards, bright and bold heritage walls, eye-catching “super graphic” artwork, pink spoon accents such as door handles, and an updated brand logo.

“Baskin-Robbins is focused on growing the brand, and this fresh, modern look is the perfect complement to the business opportunity available to prospective franchisees,” Grant Benson, CFE, Vice President of Franchising and Business Development, Dunkin’ Brands says.

“Together with both new and existing franchisees, we will continue to bring to life our slogan, ‘More Flavors. More Fun.’” Selling more than 13 million ice cream cakes in shops worldwide in 2012, BaskinRobbins was named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the U.S.

by Entrepreneur Magazine’s 33rd annual Franchise 500® ranking. “Baskin-Robbins has been building a very solid foundation over the last several years with new product innovation and a strategic vision for the future,” Mitchell says. “With our updated shop design recently introduced and strong development incentives, we believe there’s never been a better time to become a Baskin-Robbins franchisee.”

For more information: www.baskinrobbinsfranchising.com

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Mirza Tihic, Director of Program Support Services, Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Franchising and Women Veterans –

A Match Made in Heaven According to Institute for Veterans and Military Families analysis of employment data which examined demographics (e.g. age, gender and race) and its relationship to unemployment, younger (post-9/11) female veterans have higher unemployment rates than their nonveteran counterparts.

These differences are even larger when we compare younger female minority veterans to their non-veteran peers; indeed, female Hispanic and African American veterans experience nearly double the unemployment rates of their female

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minority non-veteran peers.

Consequently, the path of self-employment through entrepreneurship serves as an optimal solution for female veterans to overcome these challenges. In fact, recent data released by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that 20 percent of veterans are currently looking to start, purchase, or partner in a small business start-up. Considering that franchising is one of the paths of business ownership, women veterans need to be aware of their capabilities and how their military skills and experiences translate well into the vocation of franchise ownership.

Research confirms that women have been steadily rising in the ranks of franchise operators over the past few decades.

One study found that 10 percent of all companies established between 1975 and 2000 were women-owned franchises.

Five years ago, the International Franchise Association (IFA) estimated the

percentage of women operating franchises to be 25 percent – and that doesn’t include another 17 percent of the population where men and women operate franchises as partners.

What is it about franchising that promises a great opportunity for business ownership and entrepreneurial growth for women veterans? Consider the entrepreneurial traits needed to be a successful franchisee, as compared to the skills and experience that the military has conferred to women veterans.

Entrepreneurial mindset: Academic research focused on the attributes characteristic of successful innovators and entrepreneurs highlights that high-performing entrepreneurs have in common strong self-efficacy, a high need for achievement, are comfortable with autonomy and uncertainty, and make effective decisions in dynamic environments. Across multiple studies, research illustrates that these same

attributes are generally characteristic of military service members and veterans. According to multiple studies commissioned by the SBA and others, military veterans are twice as likely as non-veterans to pursue business ownership after leaving the service, and the five-year success rate of ventures owned by veterans is significantly higher than the national average.

Affinity for hard work: Successful franchisees have a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

This attitude is shown in their every action – putting in long hours, handling multiple tasks, etc. Have you been through boot camp? Have you been deployed? Have you lived through the transition to civilian life?

Start to finish, the military experience is all about hard work and accomplishing the mission, and this attitude directly correlates with success as a business owner.

Strong people skills: Successful franchisees have excellent interpersonal skills and can effectively interact with their employees and customers. They use these skills to create loyalty, value and trust. Women are known to have strong networking and communication skills, and research studies focused on both military personnel and veterans indicate that the military service experience engenders a strong propensity toward an inherent trust and faith in coworkers and organizational leadership.

Coupling their networking abilities and the fact that veterans assume high levels of trust, these attributes provide women veterans with great people skills, which can be leveraged in launching and sustaining a successful franchise.

Adaptability: Considering the number of franchises owned by women, one can say that the franchise industry is still a “man’s world.”

On the other hand, women veterans served in a military that is dominated by men, forcing them to develop the ability and skills to navigate through such a culture and advance in rank and achievement.

“Women veterans need access to basic entrepreneurship training, though many are unaware of resources and services available to them.”

Resilience: Potential women franchisees must not be afraid of failure, because they learn through adversity. Resilient individuals can successfully adapt despite adversity, overcome hardships and trauma, achieve developmental competencies, and excel in the face of harsh environments. Multiple studies have found that military veterans exhibit high levels of resilient behavior; that is, as a consequence of the military experience, veterans (generally) develop an enhanced ability to bounce back from failed professional and/or personal experiences more quickly and more completely, as compared to those who have not served.

In order to combat unemployment challenges faced by women veterans, we need to provide them with more opportunities like franchise ownership, particularly knowing that they have what it takes to be a successful franchisee.

Women veterans need access to basic entrepreneurship training, though many are unaware of resources and services available to them. The same is true for franchise opportunities, as there is little done to highlight the fact that franchise ownership makes business sense for women veterans.

For example, both the SBA and the IFA provide numerous opportunities for veterans, from financial support, franchise fee reduction/waivers, mentoring, and much more. Additionally, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families has developed a suite of entrepreneurship training programs, with one specifically designed for women veterans. This program, known as Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE), was developed in cooperation with Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management and the SBA office of Veteran Business Development.

Mirza Tihic

V-WISE brings together 200 women veterans at a time for conference-style training geared towards those who wish to start a business or those who already own one, and has graduated nearly 1,000 veterans since its inception.

As a nation, we need to do a better job educating our women veterans about their strengths and how these strengths can be leveraged through entrepreneurship, particularly in franchise ownership. We all – private sector, public sector, veteran service providers, government, and others – need to step up and push the case that women veterans have what it takes to be successful franchise owners. If we don’t educate our women veterans about existing opportunities, we as a nation are failing to serve those who have served this nation.

Mirza Tihic is the director of program support services at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, where he administers a technical assistance program that connects veteran entrepreneurs with pro bono resources to help them launch and grow their ventures.

For more information: Website: www.vets.syr.edu/

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Spot l ig h t o n V e t er a ns

Veteran Franchise I n i t i at i v e

Launch Equity Grant Program “More than 1,000,000 Veterans will be returning home over the next five years to a slow economy with limited employment prospects.�

Veteran Franchise Initiative (VFI) debuted recently at the MFV West Coast Franchise Expo in Anaheim, CA, to enthusiastic response from both Veterans and franchisors.

Established as a benefit corporation, VFI was created to provide U.S. Veterans with equity funding grants, enabling them to secure business financing for the purchase of a franchised business opportunity.

Independent business owners Richard Ashe of Veteran Franchise Centers, and Mary McKeown-Christie and Tracey Nelson of MMS::Maven Marketing Solutions formed the Veterans Franchise Initiative (VFI) in response to the issue of Veteran unemployment and to the challenges encountered by Veterans wishing to start their own businesses.

More than 1,000,000 Veterans will be returning home over the next five years to a slow economy with limited employment prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 11.7 percent of Veterans are currently unemployed in the U.S., compared to 9.1 percent for the overall population. However, as multiple franchisors have discovered, most Veterans have the specific qualities that make great

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“The overarching goal of the organization is to raise a minimum of $1.5 million dollars per year to fund at least 40 Veterans annually.” franchisees, including discipline, initiative, leadership and teamwork skills.

VFI was founded on the belief that qualified Veterans who have already given so much to our country should be given the opportunity to build a business – and to succeed. Veteran entrepreneurship is a win-win for both Veterans and for the economy, not only providing Veterans with a means to stability and dignity through entrepreneurship, but also stimulating their local communities.

Although the SBA has defined loan programs such as the Patriot Express Loan Program, and many franchisors offer discounts, equity requirements remain challenging for Veterans when securing the business financing and startup capital necessary to obtain loans. The VFI equity grant program’s goal is to address this problem for as many Veterans as possible. Grants are made possible through sponsorships and donations from companies, groups and individuals, and through a series of special events at MFV franchise expositions The VFI program is the first private initiative of its kind, and directly addresses the largest hurdle for Veterans to overcome when starting a business; equity funding to secure financing. The overarching goal of the organization is to raise a minimum of $1.5 million dollars per year to fund at least 40 Veterans annually. Veterans are nominated by franchisors, identifying them as individuals who meet their qualifications and to which they wish to award a franchise, but encountering difficulties raising enough equity for the requisite loans to launch their new business. VFI will hold a blind drawing among the nominees for the grants at three MFV Franchise tradeshows across the United

States (Houston, New York, Anaheim) in 2014. The initial fundraising objective is to raise $100,000 by December 31, 2013 enabling VFI to issue grants to qualified Veterans in early February 2014 at the Franchise Expo South in Houston, TX.

Griffin Legal PLLC, MFV Expositions,

Multiple franchisors have offered to get involved with the VFI program through direct donations, sponsorships and fundraising campaigns. In addition to Veteran Franchise Centers and MMS::Maven Marketing Solutions LLC, foundational partners include

to visit the link below and contact VFI to

MaaSPROS and Fetch Graphics.

Companies, groups and individuals who wish to thank U.S. Veterans for their

service and assist them with meeting their minimum equity requirements are urged

discuss working together in this important effort. The more funds raised, the more Veterans VFI helps.

For more information: www.veteranfranchiseinitiative.org

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H o m e watch Ca r eG i v ers

Recruiting Veterans for Veterans are natural caregivers, and many are inspired to care by the same commitment to serve others that drew them to the armed forces.

Homewatch CareGivers is a veteranfounded company that recognizes and values the leadership skills and unique challenges of veterans—both as home care clients and as franchise owners.

After leaving the Army, Junior had a specific vision for the business opportunity and career path he wanted to pursue. “I was looking for a company that shared my values and beliefs,” he explains. Junior’s personal values were largely shaped by his experience in the Army, which demanded a high standard of performance and dedication to excellence. “When I read the Homewatch CareGivers mission statement, I very quickly realized that the organization is truly committed to providing exceptional home care,” an operational aim with which he identified because, “In the military we were always taught to excel at everything we did.”

There were also characteristics of a career

“As a non-commissioned military officer, I was taking care of and looking out for the health and welfare of soldiers and their families—now I’m doing the same thing, but for a different population.”

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r Exceptional Home Care “Let our family care for yours.” in care giving that resonated with Junior.

“The company’s mission statement focuses on ‘preserving dignity’ and military service is all about dignity, compassion, integrity, and commitment,” he explains.

The similarities made the transition to civilian and professional life—difficult for some—less daunting. “What I’m doing with Homewatch CareGivers, it’s nothing new,” Junior says. “As a noncommissioned military officer, I was taking care of and looking out for the health and welfare of soldiers and their families—now I’m doing the same thing, but for a different population.”

Of his decision to start a franchise, rather than build a new company independently, Junior says that, after years of exceptional service, he “Wanted to come out of the gate operating at a high level.” It seems as if he has done just that. A Homewatch CareGivers owner for four years, Junior has grown his business to employ 50 caregivers, some of whom have been veterans.

In terms of caring for veterans, Junior says one advantage of his own veteran status is the ability to help veteran clients and their loved ones understand and access the aid programs available to them. He admits that this unique type of support can provide a competitive edge when the families of veterans are deciding amongst home care companies for their loved ones.

For other veterans considering investing in a franchise business, Junior suggests

that the skills and demands of the military can prepare one for success in owning a franchise. “This is very similar to being a leader in the military, constantly looking to recruit great talent, identify those who fit into your corporate culture, and retain them,” Junior says, adding, “The only difference in the business world is that, while you are doing the same things that you’ve always done in the military, you are now doing them for yourself.”

Ramona Streit, owner of Homewatch CareGivers serving Torrance, South Bay and other cities in California’s Los Angeles and Orange Counties, was awarded a contract with the Veteran’s Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System (V.A.) to provide in-home care for local veterans. In her seven years as a Homewatch CareGivers owner, Streit has served about 800 clients. Of her current clients, about 69 are veterans.

While Streit has never served in the armed forces, her story is similar to Junior’s in that her own personal experience drew her to a career in care giving. Strait was influenced by witnessing firsthand the quality care her father received at the very V.A. she now frequents when visiting her clients. “My father served twenty-eight years and is a veteran of World War II. I took him to the V.A. in Long Beach on several occasions, where I saw caring, compassionate doctors provide excellent medical attention, using the most up-todate equipment,” Streit says.

It was Streit’s familiarity with the local V.A. and her personal connection to the veteran community that motivated her to successfully pursue a five-year, five million dollar contract with the V.A. of Long Beach, which provides home care for veterans as part of their military benefits.

Streit takes pride in having the opportunity

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H o m e watch Ca r eG i v ers

“This is very similar to being a leader in the military, constantly looking to recruit great talent, identify those who fit into your corporate culture, and retain them.” serving her veteran clients encompasses much more than assisting with everyday activities, household chores, and individual care needs. She has found that being a true partner and resource for the families of veteran clients is integral to her business and to Homewatch CareGivers.

“Sometimes the families just need a break,” Streit says, “And they really appreciate the customized care and knowledge of the benefits system.” to care for those who sacrificed so much

caused by chemical exposure —such as

clients; “It is our privilege to serve you for

psychological impacts of combat—like

our country, noting that she often tells her the service you have given us.”

certain respiratory cancers—to the lasting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder—

Homewatch CareGivers is truly committed to living up to its motto, “Let our family care for yours,” and dedicated to serving those who have served their country so honorably.

The military’s rigorous physical

Streit ensures that her caregivers are

For more information:

environments and health risks, can pose

veterans, regardless of their individual

demands, as well as exposure to extreme

equipped to provide quality care for all

some unique challenges for veterans and

circumstances.

Website: www.homewatchcaregivers. com/franchise Email: franchise@homewatch-intl.com

their caregivers. From physical conditions

Streit also knows that successfully

Phone: (800) 472-2290

Paul Sauer is founder and CEO of Homewatch CareGivers International. A pioneer in the home care industry, Sauer founded Homewatch CareGivers in 1980, a network that has expanded under his leadership to 214 locations.

Malcolm Junior is the owner of Homewatch CareGivers of Southwest Houston, also serving the Katy, Richmond and Sugarland areas. After serving 26 years in the United States Army, Malcolm started his Homewatch Caregivers business in 2009.

Ramona Streit is the owner of Homewatch CareGivers Los Angeles and South Bay Beach Cities. Since launching her business seven years ago, Streit has served roughly 800 clients, many of who are veterans.

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Paul Joseph

Profile

“Veterans have the drive and determination that a lot of corporations look for, and they know we’re not going to stop until we get it done.”

Growing up in Pass Christian, Mississippi, Paul Joseph attended the University of Maryland where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

After graduating and in need of a steady job, Joseph enlisted in the United States Army and soon after became a warrant officer.

Serving seven years on active duty, in 1988 Joseph then enlisted in the Army Reserves.

In July 1992, while still in the Reserves, Joseph gained employment working for the Department of Justice, with which he spent the next 20 years travelling the U.S. auditing federal prisons. During this time Joseph purchased a commercial cleaning franchise called Cover All, which he ran in the evenings while not on duty with the Department of Justice.

After serving 24 years in the military and a total of 27 years with the federal government, in December 2012 Joseph retired from the Department of Justice to pursue his own dream.

Yogurt that caught his attention. “Richard told me they did kosher yogurt, and I’m a kosher kind of guy,” Joseph laughs Visiting EarthFruit Yogurt’s corporate team in Salt Lake City, UT, Joseph tasted the product and was hooked. “I knew it was the best yogurt out there,” he says.

“The staff were great, the all-natural yogurt was the best quality and the store design was beautiful.” The low overhead, DIY service concept, and the company’s community involvement were also selling points for the brand.

Attending a one-week training program, Joseph worked with the corporate team covering everything from how to operate the machinery and manage financial planning, to hiring procedures and daily operations. Signing his franchise agreement in December 2011 and lease for the Bowie, MD store in February 2013, Joseph’s store opened its doors on August 24, 2013. On October 19, 2013, Joseph, along with his 12 employees, hosted the store’s grand opening.

For Joseph the most rewarding part of owning an EarthFruit Yogurt is being a part of the team and inspiring others. “My main goal was to create jobs and help the kids looking for employment. Working with the Department of Justice I’ve seen where a lot of young folks wound up if

they never had a job or finished school, I think one of the best ways I can give back is by showing them the right way to go.”

Recommending franchising to veterans looking to start their own business, Joseph says veterans’ instilled self-discipline, selfmotivation, and little need for direction makes them great franchise owners. “We like to accomplish the mission and we know how important team work is,” he says, adding, “Veterans have the drive and determination that a lot of corporations look for, and they know we’re not going to stop until we get it done.”

Joseph’s final thoughts to veterans interested in owning their own business: “Pursue your dreams, and don’t ever let anyone stop you. Look for something you’re compassionate about. To me, this is not a job, it’s fun because I like teaching people, meeting my customers, and providing them with the best service possible,” he says. “We’re here to serve others.”

For more information: Website: www.earthfruitsyogurt.com/ franchise

While attending an IFA convention in Washington D.C., Joseph met Richard Ashe, President of Veteran Franchise Centers. Expressing his interest of operating his own full time business, Ashe presented Joseph with a variety of franchise options, but it was EarthFruit

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