If you think a man with 34 years of military experience in three different branches would have no fear about buying a franchise, you’d be mistaken.
Mark Ostern and his wife, Connie, a retired VA nurse, had plenty of reservations about risking most of their life savings on a business in a different part of the country.
“This was a huge decision for Connie and I,” Mark said. “Not only investing most of our savings but also relocating away from family and friends. We ran the numbers and options every way we could imagine from crazy success to ultimate bankruptcy and failure. We talked ourselves into and out of the franchise hundreds of times during the decision process.”
They took the plunge, and today they own three Beef Jerky Experience stores in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Looking back, how rough was it?
“This may seem a bit unbelievable, as it certainly seems odd to us as well. From the time we decided to invest in the franchise we have not had one relevant challenge,” Mark said.
Including COVID.
Take it from the Top
Mark and Connie both grew up in Fargo, N.D., and met as teenagers while working at a restaurant. Mark enlisted in the Air Force and served six years active duty as an intelligence specialist before transitioning to the Army National Guard and attending Officer Candidate School. His military career took him from the Guard to the Army Reserve in 2001.
Meanwhile, Connie became a licensed practical nurse and later a registered nurse, working for the Veterans Health Administration. The couple married in 1986 and raised two children in a military household.
From Service to Sales
Mark retired from the military in 2018 after 34 years of service—15 of them active federal service.
He had always dreamed of owning his own business and spent considerable time researching franchises. In December 2017, the Osterns came across a Beef Jerky Outlet franchise in Cincinnati and were intrigued. Many Beef Jerky Experience stores are located in high-traffic tourist destinations. Having vacationed in South Dakota’s Black Hills several times, they decided to move there and open a store. The region attracts about 8 million visitors each year.
Connie was still working as a nurse when the couple opened their first location in Hill City, S.D., in April 2019. She admits Mark was initially more enthusiastic about the venture.
“Mark was much more excited about this adventure when we first started out, but it did not take long for me to see the benefits of owning our own successful franchise,” she said. “We both love the Black Hills and have lots of family and friends visit.”
Growth in a Pandemic
Connie has since retired and now devotes equal time to the business, alongside their son, Mason. The first store did so well that they opened a second location in Deadwood, S.D., in 2020—right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were extremely fortunate. South Dakota did not shut down like many states did. If they had shut down, there is no way our business would have survived,” Mark said.
Today, the Osterns own three stores and haven’t looked back.
Their best advice for military families considering a franchise?
“Find one that interests you and complements your skill sets and background. Do your research and trust yourself … Do not overthink the process. A good franchisor will make every attempt to ensure your success.”
Read this full article and more in the September 2025 Issue of G.I. Jobs magazine.
