Veterans are applying their unique entrepreneurial skills to build fantastic franchise ventures for themselves and their families. Franchise opportunities are available at www.minutemanpressfranchise.com.
Veterans are applying their unique entrepreneurial skills to build fantastic franchise ventures for themselves and their families
Many of us look proudly at the branches of our family trees and find them populated with men and women who have served their countries with dedication. Perhaps you can boast a career of service yourself, whether as part of the National Guard (or are a Reservist), or you are approaching or already entered retirement from full-time military service. In terms of your professional future, it is time to examine what comes next, acknowledging that many Veterans are frequently undervalued in the workforce.
A survey from the Center for New American Security examined why vets encounter employment challenges, with 87 individuals from 69 companies responding from an employer’s perspective. It seems that there are employers who feel military Veterans will be too rigid or strong-willed to fit into their corporate culture. Also, in the case of Guardsmen or Reservists, fear of future deployment can be a hindering factor for employment consideration. Take heart, however, because this should only fuel your desire to find a more worthy way to make a living and build an enviable civilian life. That way just might be a viable franchising opportunity.
The military has helped hone your professional skill-set and you are a leader with an unmatched work ethic. Who is fit to lead a leader and who should benefit from your dedicated work ethic? You are and you should. You do not need to go from an honorable position in the military to slaving away for someone else’s gain.
Bob Ylinen, Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President for Northern California and Nevada, states, “Franchising is a great opportunity for individuals with military experience due to the fact that franchising, like the military, is a structured system with tested and proven results that can lead to success.”
Franchise ownership makes allows you to be your own boss and the leader of a TEAM that will help you build a flourishing future in business
If you are a Veteran, one of the great things about entrepreneurship is using your natural and trained leadership abilities to find, hire and develop a team to work for you. It can be far more gratifying to strike out as a business owner than it is to fall into an employment cycle in civilian life. Part of the reason is the satisfaction of creating a business that can become integral to the success of other businesses in your community. In addition, you offer employment to worthy local candidates, developing relationships that can reward you with an extended family (of sorts) as you transition from military to civilian life.
Phillip Anderson
In terms of hiring staff, you can tap into your instincts and interpersonal skills developed in the service both to select prospects with the most potential AND take advantage of your superior ability to develop a sense of teamwork and loyalty under your leadership. If you conduct a comprehensive franchise review, you will likely be wise enough to sign with a leading franchisor, one that specializes in local training and support. If that is the case, you will find that your local back-up and support team is right with you through what might be the new experience of hiring staff. A competent franchisor will help train your selected team members in all the proper systems and programs.
“My own definition of leadership is this: The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.” – General George Patton
Phillip Anderson, owner of Minuteman Press in Liverpool, NSW, Australia, has an impressive skill set enough to take on whatever challenges he chose once he completed his service to his country. He possesses instinct, intelligence, discipline and unstoppable determination and made the decision to investigate franchising options that would fit his needs and desires productively. He was pleased to discover the number-one rated digital print, design, design and marketing franchise, Minuteman Press International.
Phillip shares, “I learned much about Minuteman Press in the months leading up to making a decision to become a franchise member. Numerous discussions with George Holzmacher and Chris Jutt (Area Manager New South Wales and Queensland) together with some basic research into the company convinced me that Minuteman Press was a good fit for me. In particular, three of the five core values (Honour, Honesty & Integrity) of the organization that I had just spent 38 years of my life’s journey with, the Royal Australian Navy, were present within the Minuteman Press culture; and this attracted me greatly. I also felt that Minuteman Press was a ‘learning organization’ that was committed to the learning of its people and the ongoing transformation of its business model. There is also a strong commitment to support its people; and to be honest, I haven’t been disappointed in the decision I made almost two years ago.”
Phillip concludes with encouragement for his compatriots, adding, “I think Veterans can easily transfer the skills and knowledge that they have gained from their military experience into owning and operating a Minuteman Press franchise. They will enjoy the sense of family and teamwork that comes with being part of a larger organisation; especially one that has values similar to what they have experienced in military life. Organisational (and personal) discipline, goals and mission are embedded in military life. They are also key attributes for Minuteman Press franchisees.”
Richard Hornberger, Philadelphia Regional Vice-President for Minuteman Press International has observed military Veterans take advantage of the business services industry, in particular. The chance for repeat business tends to be higher and working with other businesses lends itself to more logical, less erratic purchasing decisions, a familiar and promising thing for Veterans to hear as they assume franchise ownership. As Rich Hornberger says, “Franchising is attractive to Veterans because, like the military, the formulas and systems are already in place. The most successful franchisees are those that follow the proven system. A system they’ve paid good money for. Every Veteran, of any rank or branch, has been provided with leadership training, during their time in the service. They understand how important it is to have the right people, in the right position and how important it is to manage and inspire those people to achieve greatness.”
“If you have inspired thoughts and wish to create inspired dreams (military Veterans would recognise that as mission and vision) then Minuteman Press is a way to enable you to transition into civilian life.” – Phillip Anderson, Veteran of the Royal Australian Navy and proud Minuteman Press franchise owner
Matt Risi, owner of Minuteman Press in San Diego, CA brought the entire package to the table when he entered his franchise agreement nearly 30 years ago. His service in the U.S. Navy as an officer primed his natural capacity for taking a system of operations and driving it to its maximum potential, which has proven very lucrative. Along with his keen business instincts, sharpened mindset and ability to demonstrate to his team what it takes to be the best in any given task, Matt has created the kind of lifestyle well-deserved by a dedicated Veteran. Matt is straightforward with his advice to those completing military service and seeking new, potentially profitable adventures, stating, “The Minuteman Press Franchise is an excellent opportunity for anyone, and particularly for Veterans.”
Matt continues, “In 1987, I was a naval officer looking for an opportunity to start my own business after seven years of active duty. After considerable research, I opened a Minuteman Press Franchise as I was impressed with the business model and professionalism of the company representatives. 28 years later, I have never been happier with my Minuteman Press franchise and with my relationship with my local field reps and with the leadership and support staff at the corporate office.”
Veterans, from one of your own: With a B2B, you can be free…
When it comes to examining which franchise industry of the many that are worth a second look, Matt says you’ll find special advantages with B2B relating to your time. He shares, “One important point for me was that Minuteman Press is business to business and operates Monday through Friday during normal business hours. This allowed me to continue my military career as a Naval Reservist on weekends until my retirement. I also had my evenings and weekends free for my young family.”
The support of a strong entity is something Veterans appreciate. Franchising gives this to you. Matt Risi completed his service with years of valuable experience that could be applied to business and he knew that working for himself was the way he needed to go. He comments, with thoughtful encouragement for Veterans with an entrepreneurial pull, “After service in the military, I was looking for an opportunity in small business but wanted to be part of a larger organization. Minuteman Press offered that support I could depend on when I needed help. The initial training and follow-up field support is wonderful and the corporate staff is always available for advice and technical assistance as well. I enjoy regional meetings and International Conventions where I get to meet fellow franchisees from all over the world.”
Matt concludes, “Minuteman Press has earned a reputation as a top franchise opportunity over the decades. Minuteman Press has a corporate culture that recognizes and respects Veterans.”
As a Veteran, you embody virtues that can be redirected into an impressive and productive career as a franchise owner. Your ability to lead a team and gain loyalty, your sharp instincts and your experience in finding solutions to challenges are only a few of the things that you can infuse into business ownership that can yield greater overall professional and personal gains over typical and uncertain civilian employment. So, do as many of your fellow military Veterans have done and consider the best that franchising has to offer to you.
Imagine your grand opening as the chance to nestle yourself into the community you serve, on the verge of building mutually beneficial relationships that can be long-lasting, honorable and lucrative.
Are you a Veteran looking to own your own business? Learn more about Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at www.minutemanpressfranchise.com.