Mike Anderson always knew he would join the United States Navy; it was only a question of when. The closer he came to graduating from high school, the more anxious he became over what his future in the Navy would hold. When
he turned 17 in 1971, he followed in his parents’ footsteps and enlisted.
“My father was career Navy and my mother attained the rank of Chief,” said Anderson. “Additionally, my uncle attended the U.S. Naval Academy. After two years of enlisted service, I was selected to the Naval Academy and became a pilot where I served for seven years in varying assignments at sea and ashore.”
From boots to business
In 1983, Anderson was honorably discharged and soon found himself in corporate America. “I was the vice president and general manager for a $700 million heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) division of a larger company. But when it was bought out, I elected to leave the newly acquired company and start my own business.”
Anderson had been away from his family for long periods while at sea, so he wanted to build a business near them. He chose a location close to home in Denver, Colo. “I wanted to use the experience I had gained in the HVAC industry, but I also wanted my family to be involved in the business. I was looking for a business they could work in, and also one that I would be able to pass on to my children.”
Anderson then decided to become one of the 3.3 million veteran business owners in the United States. Since he was starting a business from scratch, he enlisted the help of friends while researching opportunities in the HVAC industry. He received advice from a nearby Mr. Rooter® plumbing franchise owner.
“My friend was very satisfied with the staff and resources with Mr. Rooter and its umbrella company, The Dwyer Group,” said Anderson. “I found out that The Dwyer Group owned several other service-based franchises, including Aire Serv, a heating and air conditioning service company. The pieces just fell into place from there.”
A unique opportunity for honorably discharged veterans looking to start their own business is found in VetFran, a financial discount program created by the late founder of The Dwyer Group, Don Dwyer, Sr. The program is managed and endorsed by the International Franchise Association (IFA), with more than 260 franchisor participants. To date, the program has helped over 1,000 veterans start franchise businesses.
More than a job
“Many veterans, when transitioning from military into civilian life, are looking for more than a job. They’re seeking freedom, control, and the best way to provide for their families. It’s the American dream. And the VetFran program is paving the way to that dream,” said Chris Loudermilk, director of military development for The Dwyer Group.
Franchise opportunities are more than just restaurants and retail stores: there are now business opportunities in every sector, with the service industry being the fastest growing.
“You do need to be careful, though,” said Loudermilk. “There are many scams out there disguised as home-based business opportunities. You need to do your homework.” Loudermilk suggests starting any research with the IFA Web site, www.franchise.org.
Many franchisors seek veterans for their franchise opportunities. According to Anderson, “people in the military have gained technical skills which can be valuable to a particular industry.” Whether enlisted or an officer, the military provides training and on-the-job experience that can be applicable in owning a franchise business.
“It’s a win-win situation for franchisors and veterans. Because of their dedication, integrity and knowledge of systems, military veterans have the potential to be great franchise owners,” said Loudermilk.
Life as a franchise owner
“In the Navy, even as a leader, you are usually one part of a much larger team of people. As a business owner, you are the one responsible for your team. That was definitely a new experience for me,” said Anderson.
When Anderson initially opened his business, he was challenged with hiring qualified technicians, attaining the required contractor licenses and having enough advertising to keep the phone ringing. However, the support of an Aire Serv franchise systems manager (FSM) enabled him to implement strategies and systems to combat those challenges. Just as the military organizes everything in a structured manner, The Dwyer Group companies utilize established procedures and processes for running business operations and assuring consistent quality is delivered to the customer.
“We have systems for everything. Our customer service representative (CSR) uses the Aire Serv script when answering the phone and dispatching jobs,” said Anderson. “Our technicians are trained how to interact with our customers; involving everything from where they park their vehicle to their presentation, which includes wearing a neat uniform with photo identification, carpet protectors and using door mats.”
When problems arise, franchise owners can look to the system for answers. “A good analogy is that franchise systems are a lot like standard operating procedures for the military,” said Loudermilk. “Their guidelines are used to run everything systematically in order to better control the results.”
Another benefit to joining a franchise network like Aire Serv is the ability to network with more than a thousand other business owners. “It’s great because instead of being in competition with each other, we all help one another,” said Anderson. “A neighboring Aire Serv and I work closely together to assure the Aire Serv brand appears as one larger company to the customer with superior service. We share advertising costs and promote both our contact information on marketing pieces and trucks. The ability to work with a neighboring business owner like this is priceless.”
In addition to working with friends, Anderson also appreciates the opportunity he has to run a true family- owned and operated business. “My wife is the administrative assistant; my daughter-in-law is the office manager, CSR and dispatcher; and her father is our sales manager. Plus, another family member just joined us as a technician-in- training.”
Anderson’s advice
“Combining the technical and leadership skills acquired in the military with franchise ownership can lead to great results,” said Anderson. But he does have some advice for veterans who are evaluating business ownership options after being discharged from the military.
1. Plan ahead
Anderson suggests starting the processat least one year in advance. Speak to a bank or financial company to learn how to save and put together a financial plan. Be sure to use the resources available through VetFran and the Center of Veteran Enterprise (CVE).
2. Focus on your financials
Look into how much money is required to start and sustain the business, check for benefits in retirement income from the military and research your options if a loan is needed. “Start saving while you are still in the military and this will help you tremendously to be prepared after you leave,” said Anderson.
3. Talk to business owners
Speak to as many small business or franchise owners as possible within your industry or company of interest. Anderson said, “You can learn a lot from them.”
In conjunction with VetFran, the Program for Assisting Veteran Entrepreneurship (PAVE) offers assistance for veterans interested in a service-based franchise with The Dwyer Group companies. The PAVE franchise opportunities include Rainbow International®, Mr. Rooter®, Aire Serv®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Appliance®, and Glass Doctor®. For more information, contact Chris Loudermilk, Director of Military Development for The Dwyer Group, at 1-800-396-6151.