FRANCHISE ISSUE: INVESTING IN YOU CivilianJOBS.com’s
The Essential Military-to-Civilian Transition Resource September - October 2014
militarytransitionnews.com
Finding Success in Franchising by Heidi Lynn Russell Contributing Editor
I
t was 2002, and Andrew Wilson - then, an Army First Lieutenant - sat in a tent in Afghanistan, listening to the rumble of artillery. During that rare moment of downtime in a war zone, he decided to thumb through a Fortune magazine. What this platoon leader found in its pages altered his post-military career trajectory, catapulting him into a highly profitable business venture: franchise ownership. He’d stumbled onto an article about 1-800-Got-Junk, a franchise corporation founded by Brian Scudamore of Vancouver, Canada. Wilson went on to making his first million by sifting through other people’s junk. “It caught my imagination,” he recalls. “I started looking at the money I’d save if I didn’t go to graduate school. I had three kids
and thought it might be better to invest in something I could make money at.” Last year, Wilson sold his 1-800-Got-Junk franchise and bought into another one (also launched by Scudamore). This one is a moving company called You Move Me. He owns two operations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla. This newest venture, which he has been running for about 18 months, already has earned nearly a million dollars in revenue. Many other veterans are also finding their calling in franchising. The International Franchise Association reported that 4,314 veterans were franchise business owners in 2012. That number went up 20 percent in 2013, to 5,192 veterans. But don’t assume that big money from franchising is a finger-snapping, immediate result. Wilson and others who have had this level of success use specific strategies that have given them an extra edge.
Here are a few of their secrets, plus what you need to know about deciding whether franchising is right for you. Fly under the radar. Seek franchise opportunities that aren’t obvious to everybody else. Wilson liked Scudamore’s vision to shake up negative public perception of “junkyard dealers” with 1-800-GotJunk. “I wanted to work with a franchise that professionalizes an industry that a lot of people stereotype and that would focus on the customer experience,” Wilson says. The corporation eventually became a household name in many cities, as it was featured on A&E’s Hoarders, and even received a nod from Oprah. Later, when Scudamore shifted gears to start You Move Me, Wilson was again inspired by Scudamore’s goal to add a professional sheen to the gritty moving profession. “You Move Me changes moving
with clean and shiny trucks and guys with uniforms. Our customers don’t expect the best, and our goal is to provide the best. We bring them coffee before the move and a house plant as a gift after the move. We are really trying to be more customer-centric, not just a truck with four wheels,” he says. Scudamore says You Move Me is a “green” opportunity and wide open to veterans. Currently, he has 34 franchisees, but more are available. “I think anyone in contact with our business loves that we take something ordinary and make it exceptional. It can be a stressful business for the franchisee, but we make it less stressful. We make it fun,” he says. Another veteran who found a way to think outside the box is Jerry Flanagan, who served in the continues page 4
Training businesses to succeed: A career with Crestcom Provided by our sponsor
C
restcom International, headquartered in a beautiful, campus-like setting near Denver, Colo. and the Colorado Rockies, has emerged as a world leader in providing cutting-edge training solutions. Crestcom Franchisees market and deliver training in the areas of sales, management and leadership skills. Crestcom programs emphasize involvement, participation, teamwork and specific action planning at every session. They represent an innovative departure from traditional training methodology. Perhaps the most
impressive thing about Crestcom training is that it works with all sizes of organizations, from small local companies to multi-national giants. Each month, thousands of business professionals across six continents participate in Crestcom Bullet Proof® Manager training programs. Crestcom’s proprietary training is improving the way businesses motivate, communicate and help managers succeed. Businesses turn to Crestcom to help transform managers into leaders and generate real business results. The Bullet Proof® Manager training session is a monthly business forum where managers
and leaders develop their skills, exchange ideas and share what’s working now. Participants can join the program at any time. The Bullet Proof® Manager training program is a 12 month / one day per month program that covers 24 modules of management and leadership development.
Managers from 75% of Fortune Magazine’s “Most Admired Companies” have participated in the Bullet Proof® Manager training. More than 98% of clients have said Crestcom training equaled or continues page 6
Former P&G Chairman Robert McDonald, CPT (Ret.) U.S. Army Sworn in as VA Secretary On July 30, Robert McDonald, CPT (Ret.) U.S. Army and former President, CEO and Chairman of Procter & Gamble, one of the largest companies in the world, was sworn as the new head of the Department of Veterans Affairs. McDonald is a West Point Grad who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. He primarily served in the 82nd Airborne Division completing his qualifications for Airborne, Ranger, Jungle, Arctic and Desert Warfare, Jumpmaster, Expert Infantry and Senior Parachutist. He served five years, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal. In October of last year, McDonald took time out of his busy schedule to offer advice and guidance to transitioning military via this publication. When asked, “What contributions does a veteran make to their civilian employer?”, McDonald responded, “Veterans provide responsible leadership. What is more important than caring for the life of another? The military provides opportunities for responsible leadership at a young age. Capture those accomplishments on your resume, and sell your future employer on your ability to provide that responsible leadership.” McDonald’s entire interview can be found online at Bit.ly/ VAinMTN.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Transition Talk: Political Animal ....................page 3
Finance: Funding Your Dream ....................page 7
Career Coach’s Corner: The Boss of Me ......... page 15
Job Fairs: Military-Friendly Companies ..... page 18
Transitioning A to Z What’s Your Q and R? ................page 19