Table of Contents
- Introduction
- From Military Service to Business Ownership
- Discovering the Right Path: The Role of the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy
- How Vetrepreneur® Simplified the Process
- The Franchise Decision: Why Senior Helpers?
- The Road to Ownership: Navigating the Process
- Lessons for Other Veterans Considering Franchising
- Conclusion & Next Steps
Introduction
Transitioning out of the military isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about finding the right mission after service. Veterans don’t want just another career; they want something purpose-driven, something that gives them back the structure, leadership, and sense of service they had in the military.
That’s why franchising is a natural fit for veterans, and that’s exactly why Johnathan and Brandi Stephens turned to Vetrepreneur® to guide them through the process.
This isn’t a generic “veterans make great franchise owners” story. This is a real breakdown of how Johnathan—a US Air Force veteran—and his wife Brandi used the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy and coaching program to cut through the confusion, choose the right business, and confidently take the leap into ownership.
From Military Service to Business Ownership
Johnathan Stephens spent six years in the Air Force, serving three tours in the Middle East during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Military life gave him structure, leadership experience, and discipline—skills that naturally translate to business ownership. But when he transitioned out, he faced the same challenge many veterans do:
“I knew I wanted to build something for myself, but I didn’t know where to start.” – Jonathan Stephens
Brandi, meanwhile, had spent years in healthcare and talent acquisition, working directly with senior care services. She saw firsthand the growing need for quality in-home care and knew it was a booming industry with purpose.
Together, they weren’t just looking for financial freedom—they were looking for a business that mattered.
Discovering the Right Path: The Role of the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy
Jonathan’s journey started like most veterans: Googling franchise opportunities. But like many before him, he quickly realized the industry is full of noise, conflicting advice, and sales tactics.
That’s when he found Vetrepreneur®’s Franchise Academy—a free, veteran-focused program designed to educate, connect, and guide veterans through the franchise selection process.
Jonathan joined Cohort 2402, where he learned:
- How to evaluate a franchise like an investor, not just a job seeker
- Financing strategies: Understanding SBA loans, franchise discounts, and funding options
- What to ask franchisors & franchisees before signing an agreement
- How to compare business models & revenue potential for long-term success
“The Franchise Academy completely changed the way I looked at franchising. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt prepared.” – Jonathan Stephens
How Vetrepreneur® Simplified the Process
Here’s what Vetrepreneur does differently:
- We don’t just hand you a list of ‘top franchises.’ That’s lazy. Instead, we take the time to understand your goals, leadership style, and risk tolerance.
- We vet franchises for you. No more guesswork—just a shortlist of brands that actually fit.
- We teach you how to research. Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) are 200+ pages of legal jargon. We help veterans identify the red flags and find the real opportunities.
Jonathan didn’t just pick a franchise—he picked the right one because he understood exactly what he was walking into.
“I wasn’t pressured to pick a brand—I was given the tools to make my own decision.” – Jonathan Stephens
The Franchise Decision: Why Senior Helpers?
After working through Vetrepreneur®’s structured coaching, Johnathan and Brandi landed on Senior Helpers*, a non-medical home care franchise focused on helping seniors maintain independence.
Why?
- Industry Growth: Senior care is one of the fastest-growing markets in the country.
- Mission Alignment: Veterans are natural leaders and caregivers—this business was a perfect fit.
- Strong Franchise Support: Senior Helpers has a proven system and actively seeks veteran owners.
Rob Cantrell, Chief Franchise Development Officer at Senior Helpers*, confirmed why Johnathan was the perfect fit:
“Veterans like Johnathan and Brandi bring leadership, discipline, and service. They’re exactly who we look for.”
The Road to Ownership: Navigating the Process
Once they made the decision, Johnathan and Brandi leaned on Vetrepreneur®’s team to guide them through the final stages:
- Financing: Mapping out SBA loan options and understanding long-term ROI.
- Franchise Validation: Talking to existing Senior Helpers owners to get the inside scoop.
- Training & Operations Prep: Senior Helpers provided the final framework, but Vetrepreneur helped ensure they had a plan beyond training.
“Vetrepreneur® didn’t disappear once we signed the agreement. They made sure we had a strategy for the first 90 days, the first year, and beyond.” – Johnathan Stephens
Lessons for Other Veterans Considering Franchising
Johnathan’s advice to veterans considering this path? Don’t go it alone.
“You don’t know what you don’t know. Get a mentor, take advantage of Vetrepreneur®, and do this the right way.”
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Franchising is a process, not just a purchase. Treat it like an investment.
- The right franchise is about fit—not just profits. Make sure it aligns with your skills and lifestyle.
- Veteran support networks exist—use them. Vetrepreneur®’s Franchise Academy is free—there’s no reason not to take advantage of it.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Johnathan and Brandi aren’t just building a business—they’re building a legacy of service. And it all started with the right guidance.
If you’re a veteran ready to take control of your future, here’s where to start:
Join the next Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy Cohort → https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-academy/
Watch Jonathan’s Full Interview → https://vetrepreneur.com/johnathan-stephens
Get One-on-One Franchise Coaching → https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-coaching/
With the right strategy, the right support, and the right process, your next mission could be business ownership.
*Paid client
