november 2026
from sailor to studio owner:
how a navy veteran turned a family tradition into a thriving franchise
starting from square one:
lessons from a veteranturned-franchise owner
from icbms to franchise ownership:
what the air force taught me about business success
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Leadership. Teamwork. Executing SOPs. Connecting veterans with education, resources and opportunities at vetfran.org
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conte nts
ve ter ans supplement 60 Franchisee in Action
58 AtWork: From Navy Seal to Community Impact 60 Color Me Mine: From Sailor to Studio Owner 62 Eggs Up Grill: Air Force Veteran Celia Henderson 64 Care Patrol: A New Chapter of Service 68 Expedia Cruises: From ICBMS to Franchise Ownership
Have Your Say 56 The Brothers That Just do Gutters: Starting From Square One, Lessons from a Veteran Turned Franchise Owner 66 Tint World: Growth With A Foundation
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66
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veterans supplement
HAVE YOUR SAY: Patrick Neill | Owner | The Brothers that just do Gutters
Starting From Square One: Lessons From a Veteran-TurnedFranchise Owner
By Patrick Neill, owner of The Brothers that just do Gutters in Albany, New York, a Franchise FastLane partner brand. During his 13 years in the military, Neill rose to the rank of Captain and led operations supporting as many as 4,000 people. After leaving the military, he worked a series of job before becoming a franchisee.
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Have a Plan, and Be Ready to Adapt Whether you’re launching a startup or buying into an established franchise, you have to adapt and find what works for you, your market, and your company. Going in without a plan is a failure waiting to happen. Try treating your launch like a 5-paragraph operational order. Break everything down into situation, mission, execution, service support, and command and control so you can see what needs to happen and who is doing it. A plan gives you a structure to adapt from. When the business surprises you, and it will, you’ll know what to change and what to keep.
Grow Your People You can have the resume, the title, and years of leadership experience, and still feel like you’re starting from square one. If you’ve ever walked away from a stable career to build something of your own, you know the feeling. It’s humbling, and it’s also where some of the best life lessons begin. Whether you’re a veteran, a career changer, or first-time franchise buyer, these lessons can help you get started with confidence.
Check Your Ego at the Door You could have had a successful corporate career or led a platoon in the military. Regardless, you’re still new to franchising. A big title and a big team don’t automatically carry over to a new industry, and even your strongest instincts may not hold up in an unfamiliar business. You’ll start near the bottom of the learning curve, and the sooner you accept that, the faster you’ll grow and the better leader you’ll be for your team. Be willing to take guidance from anyone who has done it. Some of the best advice may come from people who once reported to you. Rank and titles don’t matter when someone knows the field better than you do. Humility isn’t a weakness. It’s how you get answers and grow in a new career.
Build Your Network and Ask for Help The biggest help can come from outside
your own circle. Meet people, learn how the process works, and talk to other business owners about what they wish they’d known before becoming franchisees themselves. If you’re a veteran, connect with other veterans in business, who understand where you’re coming from and are often eager to help. Prepare for a low response rate. Not everyone will get back to you, but the key is that some will. Those few responses can change your path. Putting yourself out there is the hardest part, and it’s also the part that pays off the most. Once you’re established, look for ways to partner with other business owners and pass the help along.
Keep Looking Until You Find the Right Fit If you’re considering franchising, be persistent and resilient. You may look at five or ten concepts that don’t work out before you find the one that does. Treat that as part of the process. When a concept fits, you’ll know it: the program makes sense, you believe in the product or service, and you trust the leadership. Don’t settle for the first option, and don’t give up after the first few. Pay attention to the people behind the brand and how they support their franchisees, because you’ll be working closely with them for years. Ask other owners for introductions, since a referral from someone inside the system is one of the best ways to find the right brand for you.
If you hire people, your business will be only as strong as they are. Build a training program so team members can strengthen their skills and “grow up” with your standards and expectations. Show up on time and in uniform. Bring a good attitude. Embrace “the suck”, a military term for pushing through the uncomfortable parts of the job without complaining. Take pride in your work. All those actions make a huge difference when you’re in a position of leadership. Growth isn't simply about becoming bigger. It's about increasing your ability to serve customers, create opportunities, and make a lasting impact.
Take the First Step, Then Keep Moving If you’re considering business ownership, you probably have more of what it takes than you think. The challenge is believing it, then getting out the door to make the connections that will you move forward. Starting a new career can feel scary, even if you have years of corporate experience or have led a team in the military. Business ownership is a whole new ballgame. Your skills can position you to succeed in franchising, but stay humble, lean on your network, and trust that the rest will come over time. You don’t need to have every answer before you begin. You need to be willing to take the first step, learn along the way, and keep showing up. The mission may change, but the purpose doesn’t have to. v Franchising MAGAZINE USA 57
veterans supplement
franchisee in action: Steve Koehler | AtWork
From Navy SEAL to Community Impact: Steve Koehler’s Journey of Service, Faith and Family
Long before Steve Koehler became an AtWork franchise owner, he was serving his country as a U.S. Navy SEAL. His early career took him through demanding special warfare training, maritime operations in the Persian Gulf and years of work supporting the intelligence community. Today, his mission looks different, but the desire to make a meaningful impact remains. Alongside his wife, Tracy, Steve owns an AtWork staffing franchise in the Austin, Texas, area, where the couple helps employers find talent and connects people with opportunities to support themselves and their families. Their path to business ownership reflects a life shaped by service, an enduring partnership and a faith that ultimately changed how Steve sees himself and his purpose.
Answering the Call to Serve Steve grew up in a military family and was drawn to the challenge of becoming a Navy SEAL. For him, enlisting offered an opportunity to serve his country, develop maturity and pursue a goal he had carried for years.
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The journey was demanding, thus earning the elite reputation that the SEALS have. Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL training tested candidates through relentless physical conditioning, openwater swims, diving, obstacle courses and tactical instruction. Steve learned that surviving the experience required as much mental determination as physical strength. “We joke that SEAL training is counterintuitive in that it’s actually 98% mental and 2% physical,” Steve explains.
“The training can be grueling, but as long as you can tolerate the suck factor, you’ll get through it.” After completing the pipeline, Steve joined a SEAL Team on the West Coast as a corpsman, or medic, combining medical expertise with special warfare responsibilities. His service included maritime interdiction operations in the Persian Gulf, where his team boarded vessels suspected of violating international embargoes.
“Steve had already lived a big life, seen the world and proudly served our country before we ever met,” explains Tracy. “But I think his journey of faith is what ultimately reshaped how he saw himself, his purpose and the future he wanted to build.” For Steve, his service as a SEAL will always be part of his story. It gave him great perspective; but it doesn’t define him. His faith, family and desire to serve others have become central to the person he is today.
Finding a New Mission with Franchising Steve admits as rigorous as military training is, he, like other veterans know that military service doesn’t always translate well to a resume in civilian life. But he and Tracy had the entrepreneurial spirit and wanted a business they could build together; one that offered both a sustainable opportunity and a way to help others. They found that combination as franchise owners with AtWork, a national staffing franchise connecting employers with qualified candidates.
Steve left active duty in 2000 and continued serving in the reserves before transitioning out. When the wars following September 11 created new opportunities for specialized government work, he returned to overseas assignments supporting the intelligence community. Those experiences further expanded his perspective, but they also reinforced something he had begun to recognize; he needed to feel connected to a mission and see how his work made a difference.
A Partnership That Crossed Continents Steve met Tracy in Beirut, Lebanon, while both were connected to government work overseas. Their careers took them around the world, but they found ways to maintain their relationship across the distance. While Steve worked in Saudi Arabia, he used his leave to meet Tracy wherever her assignments took her. He eventually proposed in Cairo. Nearly 18
years later, they are raising two children and navigating another adventure together: owning and operating a business. Their partnership brings together distinct but complementary strengths. Steve's experience in leadership, strategic direction and problem-solving complements Tracy's background in accounting and business operations, along with her natural ability to build relationships. Together, they approach business ownership with a shared commitment to building something meaningful for their family and the community they serve.
A New Identity Through Faith Steve’s transition from military and government service was not simply a career change. After returning to Texas, he began searching for direction. He felt drawn to Houston Christian University, where questions about Christianity helped grow his faith.
During a visit to AtWork’s headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, the couple was struck by the culture and the way faith and shared values were reflected in conversations with the support team. They saw a business that could bring together their strengths while allowing them to make a tangible difference in their community. AtWork gave the couple a way to put that conviction into practice. Their office works to ensure job seekers feel heard and respected, recognizing that behind every application is a person with goals, responsibilities and a story. Even when there is not an immediate position available, they want people to know someone has taken the time to listen. For Steve and Tracy, franchise ownership is more than a business venture. It is a way to bring together the lessons of a life lived across continents; a marriage built on partnership and a faith that continues to guide their choices. Steve is proud of his military service. Today, alongside Tracy and AtWork, he is serving his community by helping people take their next step forward. v Franchising MAGAZINE USA 59
veterans supplement
franchisee in action: Nedy Trent | Owner | Color Me Mine Winter Garden, Florida
From Sailor to Studio Owner: How a Navy Veteran Turned a Family Tradition into a Thriving Franchise In June 2024, I opened Color Me Mine Winter Garden, a paintyour-own pottery franchise just outside Orlando. Today it's one of the fastest-growing studios in the brand, and it has given my family something we went without for a long time: a community to call home. We still have the pottery my kids painted at Color Me Mine in California back in 2012. Those pieces moved with us from California to Washington, D.C., to Florida, wrapped carefully in boxes 60 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
alongside everything else a military family carries from one home to the next. I never imagined that the figurines we painted on weekend afternoons would one day lead me to business ownership.
Finding Direction in the Navy In high school, I didn't have a plan for after graduation. When a Navy recruiter came to our school offering a steady paycheck and independence, I didn’t need convincing. I left for boot camp in 1995, right after graduation, and served eight years: four on active duty and four in the reserves. The Navy took me from Spain and Turkey to Thailand, where I worked as a cargo
handler operating forklifts and cranes. It was hard, physical work, but I made friends for life, learned a craft and sharpened skills like discipline, organization and direction—lessons that have guided every chapter since.
A Career Built One Chapter at a Time After my service, I used my GI Bill to earn a degree in medical assisting, which launched a 20-year career in the medical field. Along the way I added a decade in life insurance and earned my Florida real estate license, which I still use today to grow my portfolio. All the while, I was raising three children through duty-station moves. Each move meant new schools, new jobs and new neighbors, rarely getting to put down lasting roots. But one thing traveled with us everywhere: pottery painting. In California, I would take my kids, often with other military wives, to our local Color Me Mine. It was a fun, familyfriendly way to spend an afternoon, and our collection grew with every visit.
From Customer to Franchisee When we settled in Central Florida and were looking for activities to do, my youngest daughter suggested pottery painting, and we discovered that the nearest Color Me Mine was over an hour away. That’s when my daughter suggested we open our own studio. At first, I scoffed. I had no artistic ability whatsoever, and owning my own business felt unattainable. But my daughter submitted an interest form through the Color Me Mine website, and we received a call back the next day. After a few
more conversations, I realized this was something I could actually do, and decided to go for it. The franchise model made that leap possible. As a first-time business owner, I had plenty to learn, from sales tax and personal property tax to licensing and the day-to-day management side. Having a proven system and a support team to lean on gave me the kind of structure I knew from the Navy, and over time I grew into the role of ownership.
Running the Studio Like a Mission The Navy made me goal- and taskoriented, and I run my studio the same way. We set clear targets, track them and stay on mission. We've grown through social media, themed painting events and partnerships with local organizations. For most of the past year, our studio has ranked in the top 5% for month-over-month growth across the Color Me Mine system. I don't take that credit alone. Most of my staff has been with me since opening day, and they're like family to me. My team can run the studio without me, but I still like to be present most days to greet customers, be part of the team and be an example of teamwork and dedication to customer service and community to everyone.
Finally Putting Down Roots As a military family, we said a lot of goodbyes. Here in Orange County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, I've finally found a community I belong to. I know customers by name and watch families come back again and again. Our studio is a place to sit down, unwind and be creative and being part of that is an honor.
I'm the first entrepreneur in my family, and I'm building this business with my children in mind. I hope to hand it down to them one day. I'm already looking ahead to a second studio, along with deeper community involvement and charitable giving.
My Advice to Fellow Veterans To any veteran considering franchise ownership: just do it. Jump in feet first and take the risk, because what you get out of it depends on what you put in. The discipline, organization and perseverance you built in uniform are exactly what a franchise system rewards. You already know how to follow a proven plan, lead a team and adapt when things change. And if you've spent years moving from place to place, owning a business might be how you finally find your community. v Franchising MAGAZINE USA 61
veterans supplement
franchisee in action: Celia Henderson | Eggs Up Grill
Air Force Veteran Celia HendersonSt. Louis Takes a Community-Focused Approach to Franchise Ownership After more than two decades in the Air Force, Celia HendersonSt. Louis has begun a new professional chapter that draws on many of the same lessons she learned during her military career. The retired veteran recently entered franchising, signing a multi-unit agreement with Eggs Up Grill in 2026. For St. Louis, the move into restaurant ownership was an opportunity to apply her experience in logistics and leadership
while pursuing a business that reflects her interest in serving others. Her approach is shaped by a belief that success is about more than financial returns. It is also about understanding a community's needs and creating a place where people feel welcome. St. Louis spent approximately 21 years in the Air Force before retiring in 2012. Her career began with administrative work and inventory management, including supplying aircraft parts, before she moved into active-duty command-level positions and policy development.
Those experiences taught her the importance of structure, consistency and preparation. She sees those skills as a foundation for learning a new industry. Today, St. Louis works as a logistics manager contractor for Robins Air Force Base and owns a real estate business. Eggs Up Grills’s single-shift model, operating from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers her the flexibility to maintain both professional roles while pursuing her goal of restaurant ownership.
A Business With a Purpose St. Louis' path to Eggs Up Grill began with a real estate investment. After purchasing a commercial land lot in another town, she started thinking about breakfast restaurants and the possibilities for a daytime dining concept in the area. While researching restaurant opportunities, she came across an advertisement for Eggs Up Grill. The brand's egg logo first caught her eye, but the concept's focus on breakfast, brunch and lunch was what encouraged her to learn more. She wanted to introduce something different to the area, but the opportunity also aligned with a broader interest in building a business that could become part of the community. That distinction matters to St. Louis. She understands the financial considerations involved in owning a business, but she does not view profitability as the only measure of success. She wants her restaurants to serve a purpose beyond putting meals on tables.
Eggs up Grill Celia with CEO Ricky 62 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
One experience that influenced her perspective was recognizing how many older adults rely on restaurants for food because they do not cook at home. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she had not fully appreciated the extent of that need.
Learning more about it left an impression and encouraged her to think about the role restaurants can play in people's everyday lives. For some guests, a restaurant is more than a convenient place to eat. It can be a dependable option for a meal, a place to spend time with others or a familiar setting in which to feel connected to the community. That understanding helped shape what St. Louis hopes to build in Middle Georgia. She is excited about being able to create a welcoming environment that appeals to a range of guests and gives residents another place to gather.
Applying Military Lessons to Business Although St. Louis sees clear connections between her military background and franchise ownership, she also recognizes that the two environments are not interchangeable. Her Air Force career involved managing supplies, supporting aircraft operations and taking on greater leadership responsibilities. Those roles required organization and an understanding of how individual tasks contribute to a larger mission. She sees franchising as a natural fit for veterans because it offers many of the same foundational elements they are accustomed to in the military: established processes, structured systems and support from a larger organization. For St. Louis, that framework provides a foundation as she transitions into restaurant ownership, while allowing her to apply her leadership skills in a new environment. She expects routine and continuous learning to be especially valuable as she operates a restaurant. Establishing reliable processes and remaining willing to learn will be important as she becomes familiar with the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business. At the same time, she knows she will need to adapt. Military experience can provide a strong foundation for leadership, but operating a restaurant requires its own knowledge, practices and approach to working with employees and customers. Some of her most lasting lessons from the military have less to do with procedures and more to do with how people should be treated. During her service, St. Louis encountered examples of people treating others with respect as well as situations in which that respect was lacking. Those experiences reinforced her belief that everyone deserves to be treated with consideration.
Celia with her kids Her guiding principle is straightforward: Treat others as you want to be treated. She also believes it is important to remember that people may be dealing with challenges that are not immediately apparent. Approaching others with kindness and patience, she says, is important because everyone is going through something. That outlook is likely to influence how she approaches relationships with employees and customers. As she prepares to build a team, she wants to carry forward the lessons about respect and empathy that stayed with her throughout her military career.
Balancing Career, Family and a New Venture Her children may also have a connection to the venture in the future. Her son, Kendrick, 33, works as a news producer for CBS Atlanta, while her daughter, Zxaria, 22, is in college. Both could potentially become involved in the business. Outside of work, St. Louis enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family and reading mystery novels. Those interests offer a personal counterbalance to the professional responsibilities that have shaped much of her adult life. Her background in the Air Force gave her experience with logistics, responsibility and adapting to new roles. Her interest in Eggs Up Grill grew from a real estate investment and an advertisement that introduced her to the concept. What ultimately drew her to the opportunity, however, was the possibility of creating a business with a community focus. For St. Louis, franchising represents a different way to put service into practice. The setting may be different from the one in which she spent 21 years, but the principles she hopes to bring to the business remain familiar: be prepared, keep learning and treat people well. v Franchising MAGAZINE USA 63
veterans supplement
franchisee in action: CarePatrol
A New Chapter of Service:
How Air Force Veteran Kirk Campfield Continues to Make an Impact Through CarePatrol How one veteran’s military foundation, decades of professional experience and family inspiration led to a rewarding second career in senior care. For U.S. Air Force veteran Kirk Campfield, military service helped establish a foundation of discipline, adaptability and accountability that would guide him through more than four decades of professional growth. From supporting telecommunications operations during his time in the Air Force to leading teams in the rapidly evolving technology industry, Campfield built a career around solving problems and taking on new challenges. Today, those same skills are helping him make a difference in an entirely different field: senior care.
As the owner of CarePatrol of Reading & Berks in Pennsylvania, Campfield helps families navigate the often overwhelming process of finding safe, appropriate senior care options for their loved ones. While his journey into franchise ownership was anything but conventional, the values he carried from military service have helped him embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship and discover a new sense of purpose.
A Foundation Built on Adaptability Campfield enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in June 1980 at 18 years old, serving four years and reaching the rank of senior airman. Working in telecommunications, he gained early exposure to the technology that would ultimately define much of his professional career. His military experience took him throughout Europe, where he balanced his responsibilities with continuing education and participation in military sports programs. Those experiences reinforced the importance of managing competing priorities, working alongside others and adapting to new environments. Following his military service, Campfield continued his career in technology across the United States and United Kingdom. He specialized in building data centers, assembling teams, and managing operations. His career spanned the evolution of telecommunications, data platforms and the internet, requiring him to continuously adapt to changing industries and technologies. Although he spent decades establishing himself professionally, Campfield had always envisioned a future in business ownership.
An Unexpected Path to CarePatrol For seven years, Campfield researched franchise opportunities, evaluating more than 50 brands and traveling to meet with franchise leadership teams. Despite considering numerous industries, one opportunity continued to resurface, largely because of his daughter, Chloe. Born in the United Kingdom, Chloe pursued an education in social work with a focus on older adults. As Campfield explored potential businesses, she repeatedly encouraged him to reconsider CarePatrol and its mission of helping families navigate senior care decisions. 64 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
for the opportunity to build a business centered on helping others. He also envisioned the possibility of Chloe eventually joining him, creating a family business rooted in their shared commitment to supporting older adults.
Building a Reputation Through Service Entering a new industry presented significant challenges. Campfield had no established professional network in the communities he would serve and had to build relationships and brand awareness from the ground up. Drawing on the persistence and work ethic developed throughout his military and professional careers, he committed himself to becoming a trusted resource for families and referral partners. Today, his efforts have earned him recognition throughout the community, where he is often greeted as “CarePatrol Kirk.” For Campfield, that recognition represents one of his greatest accomplishments as a business owner. More importantly, it reflects the trust he has established with families seeking guidance during difficult transitions. “It’s by far the hardest I’ve ever worked,” Campfield said. “But it’s the most proud I’ve been of anything I’ve ever done.” After spending much of his career working behind the scenes in technology, Campfield now regularly hears directly from families who appreciate his guidance. Those moments have become some of the most rewarding aspects of his professional journey.
A Different Kind of Service As a veteran and business owner, Campfield recognizes that military experience can provide a valuable foundation for entrepreneurship. The structure, determination and willingness to work hard developed through military service can translate into the demands of operating a franchise. However, he also recognizes that entrepreneurship brings a different kind of accountability. “You’re always representing yourself and CarePatrol and every interaction matters and carries meaning,” Campfield said. That philosophy guides his approach to building relationships, supporting families and representing his business throughout the community. For Campfield, CarePatrol has also strengthened his connection with his daughter. Through his work, he has developed a deeper appreciation for her passion for social work and the fulfillment that comes from helping older adults. This Veterans Day, Campfield’s journey highlights how the skills and experiences gained through military service can continue to shape a person’s life long after leaving the armed forces.
Her passion ultimately influenced his decision to pursue a franchise in an industry completely unfamiliar to him.
In September 2021, Campfield opened CarePatrol of Reading and Berks in Pennsylvania, trading decades of technology experience
From supporting critical communications infrastructure to guiding families through important senior care decisions, his career has evolved considerably. However, his commitment to taking on challenges, supporting others and making a meaningful difference remains constant. For Campfield, the mission may look different today, but the continued opportunity to serve others has made this chapter one of his most rewarding yet. v Franchising MAGAZINE USA 65
veterans supplement
HAVE YOUR SAY: Charles Bonfiglio | Founder and CEO | Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™
Growth With a Foundation:
What a Record Year Taught Us About Building a Franchise That Lasts
Tint World’s founder and CEO on crossing $100 million in store revenue, earning national recognition, strengthening leadership, and why the franchise opportunity has never been stronger in New Mexico, and entered 2026 with 56
I didn’t start out as a franchisor. I started as a franchisee, building my own stores from the ground up and learning the hard way what it takes to survive without a blueprint.
Looking back on the past year, I’m proud that our growth has come with a stronger foundation underneath it, not just more pins on the map.
That perspective shaped Tint World® from
company’s history. Our system crossed
That momentum has carried into this
time. We signed 39 franchise agreements,
Oregon; Boston; Woodbury, New Jersey;
the first shop I opened in South Florida in
1982 through our launch into franchising in 2007, and it still does.
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A Milestone Year by the Numbers 2025 was the most significant year in our $100 million in store revenue for the first opened 10 new stores, including our first
stores in active development. Today, we
have roughly 150 locations open and more
than 250 open or in development across the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and
the United Arab Emirates, with a long-term target of 600 locations in North America.
year, with new territories sold in Portland, Indiana; and Florida. Our 2026 goal is to
award 85 new franchises and open more than 50 locations, with a focus on markets including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta.
Recognition That Reflects the Whole System This year, Tint World was named to the 2026 Inc. 5000, the ranking of America’s fastest-growing private companies, with 40% three-year revenue growth, earning No. 18 in the Automotive category. Entrepreneur ranked us No. 1 in the Window Tinting category of its 2026 Franchise 500®, our 13th consecutive year on the list, as we climbed 24 spots to No. 206 overall. We also earned a place among Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises of 2026 at No. 197, a list of only 200 brands that gives extra weight to international growth. Some of the recognition that means the most to me has gone to our franchisees. This year, Alex and Myriam Guerrero of Tint World El Paso were named a Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association. Alex is a 28-year U.S. Army veteran who came to us with no automotive background, and together they’ve built a business that’s become a trusted part of their community.
Building the Backbone Before We Need It Rankings reward results, but results come
from decisions made a year or two earlier. The time to build out support is before growth outpaces it.
to President. We added Christy Johnson, a Papa John’s and Yum! Brands veteran, as Chief Marketing Officer; Eric Taylor
from $443.5 billion in 2026 to $530 billion in 2035.
from in-store programs to buy now, pay
A single Tint World location can serve car enthusiasts, commuters, homeowners, businesses, and boat owners, creating repeat business and reducing reliance on any one specific service. And there’s more than one way in: single-unit and multiunit ownership, an International Master License for qualified investors outside the U.S., and a store conversion program that gives independent automotive shop owners a brand-backed path to scale. No automotive experience is required, and our team supports owners from site selection and construction through grand opening and beyond.
yes. Partnerships with XPEL and Oracle
What I Look For
as Chief Development Officer; Craig
Martin as Vice President of Finance; Kevin Murray as VP of Real Estate
& Construction; and Victoria Coia as
Director of Business Development. Each
role answers a question that every growing
system has to get right, from where to open to how to keep the numbers clean.
Technology and training follow the same logic. Our online booking platform helps owners capture leads without relying
on phone calls, and expanded financing, later, makes it easier for customers to say
In 2025, we secured a strategic investment
Lighting give owners premium products,
first institutional capital in our history.
training program, now in partnership with
brings deep experience in automotive and
Why This Is the Right Moment
People often ask what makes a great Tint World franchisee. My answer hasn’t changed: heart, hustle, and a desire to build leaders, not just run a shop. My job is to help them get to success faster than it took me.
The industry tailwinds are real. Drivers are keeping their vehicles longer, turning window tint, paint protection film, ceramic coatings, and electronics from splurges into practical ways to protect one of their biggest purchases. The global automotive accessories market is projected to grow
We’ve earned a lot of recognition this year, and I’m grateful for it. But I’ll measure 2026 the same way I measure every year: by whether our owners are better positioned to succeed than they were 12 months ago. By that standard, we’re just getting started. v
from Susquehanna Growth Equity, the
and new owners complete a three-week
SGE shares our long-term mindset and
XPEL in San Antonio.
franchise services, and its investment is
going directly into operational support and franchise development.
We’ve put the same discipline into our leadership team. Jonathan Norman, a former multi-unit franchisee and our
Chief Investment Officer, was promoted
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veterans supplement
franchisee in action: Adriana Phillips | Franchise Owner | Expedia Cruises in Belmont, North Carolina
From ICBMs to Franchise Ownership: What the Air Force Taught Me About Business Success
In June 2020, when the world was shut down and almost no one was traveling, I decided to become a franchisee for Expedia Cruises. Half of my friends and family thought I had lost my mind. Why invest in a travel agency during a pandemic when the future of the industry was so uncertain? The other half of my circle reminded me of my work ethic and the fact that I know how to make things happen. Now, more than five years later, my franchise in Belmont, North Carolina, is doing so well that I'm preparing to open a second Expedia Cruises franchise location early next year. With Veterans Day approaching, I've been reflecting on how much of my success traces back to my years in the Air Force and what I'd tell other veterans who may be planning their next chapter. 68 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
Chasing flight, landing in North Dakota I joined the Air Force right after high school. I’ve always had a steadfast passion for action and an innate desire to see the world. When I got my first assignment, I assumed I was going to be sent overseas but instead, was flown to Grand Forks, North Dakota. I remember wondering whether Grand Forks was even in the United States. I spent about three years as an electronic systems specialist in the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile program, which limited where I could be stationed. I met my husband in North Dakota and, when I became pregnant with our son, I had to temporarily pivot to a lowerrisk role, so I moved to the hospital as a medical records specialist. After he was born, I served eight more years in the active reserves and reached the rank of staff sergeant.
30 years in corporate America, then a phone call Later, I was stationed in Illinois, which led me to the University of Illinois, where I earned a finance degree. My Air Force health care experience became the foundation for my career in health care distribution, where I spent just over 30 years with companies including Baxter Healthcare, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen. I went from finance to operations, to sales and program management, leading teams for about 28 of those years. Recruiting, mentoring, and developing people were always my favorite parts of the job. Then COVID hit. I got the call on a Monday morning: My company had been acquired, and training and development
was one of the first areas cut. I realized I wanted a role where I couldn't be let go by someone who didn't know anything about me. I wanted to take control of my future and build the same community feeling I got from the military, which led me to franchising. Expedia Cruises piqued my interest, as it paired my love of travel with the chance to coach and develop a team. I was sold on the brand after meeting the leadership team and learning about the support system in place.
Lesson 1: Discipline is your competitive advantage The franchise opened in May 2021 in a brand-new space with gravel floors and an open ceiling. I had to learn a slew of new skills: construction, real estate, contracts, negotiating, recruiting independent contractors, accounting, marketing, event planning and catering. I leaned on the Expedia Cruises team, and it helped to know I wasn’t doing it alone.
What kept me on track was the discipline I learned in the Air Force. There’s always support available, but as a franchise owner, no one tells you to get up and get to work. You must know what’s critical to your success and act on it. This is something I tell my vacation consultants. The military taught me to stay motivated, be organized, follow a plan and understand when you can be flexible and when you can’t.
Lesson 2: You can find your community again The other thing I carried from the military is the value of community. No matter where you were stationed, people faced similar challenges and experiences. When you leave the service, you lose that sense of connectedness and familiarity. In corporate America, I often felt more like a number. Through franchising, I've found that sense of community again. I feel it at every Expedia Cruises conference and in my relationships with our leadership team,
regional team and fellow franchisees. That team mentality drives my collaborative leadership style. That’s why I measure success by culture, not income. Do people like coming to work here? Do they feel at home? Once, a Vacation Consultant on my team told me this job is her reason for getting up in the morning. That sentiment means more to me than any dollar amount.
Lesson 3: Trust the playbook To veterans considering what's next, whether you served four years or 30: I've found franchising offers the same structure you're used to. You're given a playbook, a coach, and access to continued support. What determines your success is the discipline and if you can carry out that playbook. However, a franchise allows you room to adapt and set up your own course. The more support you receive, the better equipped you are to call the shots and run the business on your terms. The best of both worlds: a road map for success and freedom to get there how you want to.
Doubling down Our Expedia Cruises location in Belmont celebrated five years this May, and contracts have been signed for our second Expedia Cruises location, with plans to open in early 2027. This growth is proof that having trust in the system, yourself, and your team can make anything possible. Veterans have a lot to offer this industry, and I still believe what I learned in the Air Force: If one of us succeeds, we all succeed together. v Franchising MAGAZINE USA 69
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Another Broken Egg Cafe Another Broken Egg Cafe is an elevated breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant franchise that celebrates everyday moments with an award-winning, chef-driven menu featuring Southern-inspired flavors and handcrafted cocktails and mocktails. The brand offers a wide variety of innovative twists on classic dishes with something for every guest, including gluten-friendly, vegetarian, and kid-friendly options. With a passion for exceptional food and hospitality demonstrated through its high-quality ingredients and inspired service, Another Broken Egg Cafe operates more
Aroma Joe’s Founded in 2000, Aroma Joe’s is a coffee and beverage destination known for handcrafted drinks, signature AJ’s RUSH® Energy Drinks, and all-day food served in a friendly, upbeat environment. Headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, the brand has grown to more than 100 locations across the East Coast and continues to expand. Aroma Joe’s is committed to positively impacting people through passion, caring, and commitment to excellence. Its proprietary coffee is craft roasted and Rainforest Alliance Certified, ensuring it is sustainably
Batteries Plus Batteries Plus is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for consumer and commercial customers. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin, the company serves customers through a nationwide network of more than 800 locations open and in development across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Its stores offer an extensive selection of batteries, lighting products, device repair, key programming
British Swim School British Swim School is a leading swim education franchise dedicated to building confidence in every stroke and safety for life. With over 45 years of experience, British Swim School empowers swimmers of all ages and abilities with essential water survival skills that last a lifetime. Serving communities across the United States and Canada, British Swim School offers expert-led swim lessons through a progressive, skill-building program designed to meet swimmers where they are, whether they are just getting comfortable in the water or refining advanced techniques. Lessons are held at
Camp bow wow Camp Bow Wow is the premier dog care franchise, built upon a proven, scalable business model successfully operating for 25 years. Recognized as a leader in brand awareness, we offer an emotionally rewarding and robust business opportunity through four key revenue streams: Doggy Daycare, Overnight Boarding, Grooming, and Training/Enrichment. The “CampLife” experience is defined by an uncompromising focus on safety and fun. Dogs
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than 100 locations in 17 states, with nearly 100 more in development nationwide. Franchisees enjoy average unit volumes of $1.75 million across the system, with top-quartile operators reaching $2.4 million, and roughly half own multiple cafes. The brand’s bar program, which generates approximately 10% of sales, further strengthens unit economics and sets Another Broken Egg Cafe apart as the only daytime dining brand offering a full bar in every cafe. For more information contactg Chris Eby at: Phone: 904-860-4642 Email: Chris.Eby@anotherbrokenegg.com www.anotherbrokeneggfranchise.com
grown and ethically sourced. In partnership with its roaster, the company also supports a Coffee Farmers Group of 40 family-owned farms in Honduras, each audited annually for environmental, social, and economic standards. Focused on genuine connection, every customer is greeted by a barista and served with a smile. With flexible build-out options, strong community engagement, and multi-unit franchise opportunities, Aroma Joe’s For more information contact Ashley Sidney at: franchising@aromajoes.com franchising.aromajoes.com
and replacement and cutting services, supported by knowledgeable teams and a focus on in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus also serves commercial customers with products and solutions designed to help businesses keep equipment and operations running. The brand continues to invest in technology to support its franchise system, including AI-powered tools for franchise development, store calls and product search. Learn more at BatteriesPlusFranchise.com.
convenient, accessible pool locations and taught by highly trained instructors in a warm, welcoming environment. British Swim School’s inclusive approach ensures that everyone, from infants and toddlers to adults and individuals with special abilities, has the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer. Through trusted instruction and a proven method, British Swim School helps families swim smarter, safer, and stronger at every age and every stage. For more information contact Ashley Gundlach at: Phone: 844-576-2796 Email: goswim@britishswimschool.com Website: https://britishswimschool.com/
enjoy supervised, all-day play in dedicated yards, overseen by our Certified Camp Counselors® who are trained in pet first aid and CPR. We provide pet parents peace of mind with 24/7 live-streaming webcams. With over 220 locations and high multiunit ownership, Camp Bow Wow offers a strong, established system for entrepreneurs passionate about dogs. For more information contact Mark L. Jameson at : Phone: 214-346-5679 Email: Mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com Web: www.campbowwow.com/franchising/
Daisy is the fastest growing national brand in smart space installation and service, helping homeowners and small businesses make technology simple, reliable, and enjoyable. Local branches design, install, and support connected solutions including audio/video, lighting, shades, security, networking, smart home systems, home theater, and ongoing DaisyCare support.
coaching, and a 24/7 customer call center. Franchisees can serve luxury homeowners, remodelers, builders, designers, architects, and small businesses without needing a traditional retail storefront. Daisy is ideal for entrepreneurial operators who want to lead a relationship-driven service business, build a local team, and grow with a category-defining national platform in the connected living market. It is a modern service brand for the future of connected living.
For franchise owners, Daisy brings structure to a fragmented, high-demand industry. The model combines a premium local service business with national systems, training, vendor relationships, marketing, business
For more information contact Gavin Lantzy at: Phone: 949-799-2900 Email: Gavin.lantzy@daisyco.com Website: www.daisyco.com/franchising
Express Employment Professionals
Unlike many franchise opportunities, Express offers traditional business hours and a business-to-business focus. Franchisees build relationships with local companies, provide valuable workforce solutions, and create opportunities for people seeking employment.
Express Employment Professionals is the leading staffing franchise in North America and has been ranked the number one staffing franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine every year since 2012. With more than 850 offices across the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, Express has built a strong reputation for helping businesses find talent and helping people find meaningful work. Owning an Express franchise provides the opportunity to lead a professional business that serves local employers while helping job seekers achieve their career goals. Express franchisees work with companies across a wide range of industries, delivering staffing solutions including evaluation hire, temporary placement, contract work, and direct hires.
The model is designed to support long term growth while offering a rewarding and purpose driven career path. Express franchises generate a strong ROI, with franchise opportunities available from an investment starting at $131,000. New franchisees gain access to comprehensive training, ongoing support, proven systems, advanced technology, and the strength of an established international brand. Express is actively expanding and seeking qualified franchise candidates throughout the United States.
This business model allows owners to make a real impact in their communities while building a company that can grow and thrive over time.
For more information contact Melissa Davis, Vice President of Franchising on: 405-840-5000 or email: franchising@expresspros.com www.expressfranchising.com
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Excellent for branding and recognition.
A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website.
Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad!
Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Fitura Brands Fitura Brands is a next-generation wellness and performance franchise platform built for the modern consumer. Headquartered in Park City, Utah, the company is developing a portfolio of categorydefining concepts positioned at the intersection of fitness, recovery, longevity, hospitality, and social wellness. Its brands include Padel//SWT, a premium indoor padel and performance club; Core Precinct, an athletic reformer Pilates concept focused on precision movement and strength; and ContrasTheory, a structured recovery and contrast therapy studio
Ford’s Garage The franchise offered is for a Ford’s Garage Restaurant that offers Prime Burgers and Craft Beers alongside a full menu and full bar. Ford’s Garage gives customers the vibe of being in a 1920’s service station/ prohibition bar with its old-style brick, dark
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Daisy
To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
centered around heat, cold, and breathwork experiences. Unlike traditional fitness franchisors, Fitura Brands is building an integrated ecosystem designed around how people train, recover, connect, and perform today. The platform combines elevated design, centralized marketing infrastructure, operational support, and scalable franchise systems to create premium wellness destinations with long-term category relevance. Founded in 2025, Fitura Brands is preparing for franchise expansion across the United States beginning in 2026.
colors, rich wood and hand-hammered copper bar tops. The atmosphere allows customers to enjoy music, sports on the big-screen, and a delicious meal with friends or family. For more information contact David Ragosa at: Dragosa@fordsgarageusa.com Fordsgarageusa.com
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Freeway Insurance Becoming your own boss is a wish held by many, and franchising makes that possible. The insurance industry is an incredible option with a unique mix of limitless potential and true security: People will always need insurance — no matter the state of the economy. Choosing your insurance franchise partner relies on forming an alliance with a company that shares your values, growth expectations and, most of all, offers you the life you envision. Freeway Insurance guarantees a franchise model built with your success
Heart to Home Meals Heart to Home Meals delivers nutritious, chefcurated meals directly to the homes of older adults.
With Freeway Insurance’s established franchise model, focus on diversity and accessibility, and continuous support, we will turn your passion into a winning business. For more information contact Alex Trachtman at: Phone: 214-505-6973; Email: Alex.trachtman@confie.com or visit www.freewayfranchise.com
In addition to customers paying privately for our meals, Heart to Home Meals also partners with various Medicaid and Medicare Advantage insurances, underscoring our dedication to health equity and further emphasizing our mission to provide nutritious and delightful meals effortlessly.
With 150+ menu options tailored to a range of dietary needs, Heart to Home helps seniors age in place with dignity and ease. Since launching in the U.S. in 2019, Heart to Home Meals is where local teams deliver more than just meals by fostering meaningful personal connections
For more information contact Richard Peroe at: Phone: 757-818-5088 Email: Richard.peroe@hearttohomemeals.com Web: https://hearttohomemealsfranchiseusa.com
franchising usa
Excellent for branding and recognition.
A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website.
Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad!
Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Hello Garage Hello Garage is a home services franchise specializing in complete garage transformations. The company combines premium garage floor coatings with storage and organization solutions to help homeowners transform their garages into clean, functional and attractive spaces. Founded within a family-owned organization with more than 50 years of experience in home services, Hello Garage has developed a focused business model built around a streamlined installation process, quality products and a strong customer experience. The company operates in a highly fragmented garage
To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
renovation market and is building a national brand in a category with significant opportunity for growth. Hello Garage provides franchise owners with comprehensive training and ongoing support in operations, sales, marketing, technology and business development. The business is designed around a focused, hands-on ownership model, allowing owners to build their local business with a small team and scale as their market develops. For more information contact Jenny Sonderman at: Ph: 4022756377 Email: jsonderman@hellogaragehq.com Hellogaragefranchising.com
K-9 Companions – Boot Camp Franchising LLC
Franchisees gain access to proven systems, comprehensive training, ongoing support, and the knowledge of experienced industry leaders.
K-9 Companions – Boot Camp is an elite, dog training franchise built on more than 45 years of experience.
Whether serving families seeking better lives with their pets or helping provide highly trained service and therapy dogs to those who need them, owners have the opportunity to build a business that combines purpose, passion, and professional growth.
Founded by industry experts Karen and George Duet, the brand is dedicated to helping dogs and their families thrive through professional training, including specialized service and therapy dog training. With a purpose-driven approach and a commitment to making a meaningful difference, K-9 Companions – Boot Camp helps meet the growing demand for quality dog training while creating an impactful business opportunity for franchise owners.
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as top priority. Freeway’s winning culture revolves around people first: You, your customers and your community. Simply put, we deliver the best cost, choice and convenience. That’s our Customer Trifecta.
For more information contact Karen Duet at: Ph: 888-857-0541 Email: info@K9Companions-BootCampFranchises.com https://k9companions-bootcampfranchises.com/
High school math teacher Toru Kumon developed the Kumon Method of learning more than 60 years ago in Japan, when his son was struggling with second-grade arithmetic. Realizing that a strong foundation in the basics-addition, subtraction, multiplication and division-was essential for higher-level math, Kumon created a series of math worksheets for his son to work on after school.
Penn Station East Coast Subs Penn Station is a fast-casual sandwich franchise built on craveable flavor, operational discipline, and a commitment to doing things right. For more than 40 years, the brand has been known for grilled-to-order subs, classic deli sandwiches, fresh-cut fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade—made with care by teams who take pride in the food they serve. Penn Station meets guests where they are, offering sandwiches, wraps, salads, and kid meals, with options available grilled or served cold as deli classics. Customers can order in-store, online for pickup, or delivery, and enjoy
Pro-Tier, Inc Pro-Tier has built a benefits platform specifically for small business operators. We offer more flexibility than any of the “old-school” solutions you may have looked at in the past, and we don’t charge any monthly or per-employee fees. It is 100% free for you and your employees. Tier 1: Zero cost Integrate with Pro-Tier and allow your employees to use pre-tax deductions for their insurance and medical expenses. Free to you, and it will save them ~25%. Tier 2: Add monthly subsidies Add monthly subsidies for select employees. You can
With daily practice, Kumon’s son gradually expanded his mastery of mathematical skills and by sixth grade was able to solve differential equations and integral calculus problems. Today, at locations throughout North America, Kumon franchisees apply this method of daily practice and self-paced advancement to children’s math and reading skills. Phone: 201-928-0444 Website: Kumonfranchise.com
a welcoming, energetic in-restaurant environment. Behind the scenes, the brand is deeply focused on franchise owner profitability, investing heavily in training, operations support, marketing, and technology. Penn Station strives to turn customer love into repeat visits, stronger sales, and long-term, sustainable growth for its franchisees. Contact: Jane McPherson Phone: 513-474-5957 EXT 107 Email: Jane.mcpherson@penn-station.com Website: https://www.penn-station.com/
even offer different amounts to different employee roles. e.g. $300 for managers Tier 3: Add hour-based subsidies If you elect to, Pro-Tier even offers a solution for your hourly employees. No more qualification audits or HR burdens. Add a subsidy based on the actual hours worked to align your costs with employee contributions. Again, you can elect which roles to offer this subsidy to. For more information contact Sven Jensen at: Ph: 415-857-5048 Email: sven@pro-tier.com https://pro-tier.com/
Stratus Building Solutions
technology, and back-office support so you can focus on growth, recruiting and leadership.
Stratus Building Solutions offers one of the most powerful Master Franchise opportunities in the industry. Ranked consistently among the top commercial cleaning franchises, Stratus empowers entrepreneurs to build scalable businesses by granting exclusive regional rights to develop their own network of unit franchisees.
This isn’t just another franchise it’s a business empire in a box. With more than 93 Master Franchise territories awarded across North America, Stratus is changing the way ambitious professionals enter franchising, offering stability, scalability and true legacy-building potential. If you’re ready to control your future, Stratus is the opportunity that puts you at the top.
As a Master Franchise Owner, you step into a proven $100+ billion industry with multiple recurring revenue streams, low overhead, and recession-resistant demand. Stratus provides unmatched training, marketing,
For more information contact Rob Lancit at: Phone: 516-551-4773 Email: rlancit@stratusclean.com Web: www.stratusfranchsing.com
franchising usa
Excellent for branding and recognition.
A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website.
Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad!
Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
FRANC H ISE & SERVICES DIRECTORY
Kumon North America Inc.
To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
Franchising MAGAZINE USA 73
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