Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Veteran Mindset: Built for Business Ownership
- Franchising: A Proven Playbook
- Starting from Scratch: The Ultimate Test of Independence
- Key Differences: Franchising vs. Independent Business
- How Jonathan Stephens Made His Decision
- Which Path is Right for You?
- Conclusion & Next Steps
Introduction
Veterans leaving the military don’t just want another job—they want ownership, control, and financial freedom. The question isn’t “Should I start a business?” It’s “What’s the best way to do it?”
For many, the two clear paths are starting from scratch or buying into a franchise. Both have their pros and cons, but only one provides a playbook for success without requiring you to reinvent the wheel.
This isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” conversation. This is about understanding your strengths, your risk tolerance, and what kind of business fits your long-term goals.
Let’s break down both options—franchising vs. starting from scratch—and see which one makes the most sense for you.
The Veteran Mindset: Built for Business Ownership
Veterans have the core traits that make business owners successful:
- Discipline – Business ownership requires consistency, accountability, and follow-through. Check.
- Leadership – Whether it’s leading a team or managing operations, veterans know how to execute. Adaptability – No mission ever goes exactly as planned. Veterans know how to pivot and adjust.
- Resilience – Entrepreneurship isn’t easy. Veterans have already faced challenges most civilians can’t imagine.
The question isn’t “Can veterans run a business?”—it’s “What’s the smartest way for veterans to build a business that lasts?”
Franchising: A Proven Playbook
Franchising gives veterans a battle-tested system—a mission-ready playbook designed to eliminate guesswork.
What You Get with a Franchise:
- A Proven Business Model – No need to figure out pricing, marketing, or operations from scratch—it’s already dialed in.
- Brand Recognition – Customers already trust the name, making sales and marketing easier.
- Training & Support – Franchisors provide guidance, so you’re not left to figure things out alone.
- Easier Access to Capital – Banks and lenders prefer financing franchises over unknown startups.
The Challenges of Franchising:
- Upfront Costs – Franchise fees and startup costs can range from $50K to $500K+.
- Less Creative Control – You’re following a system, not inventing your own.
- Ongoing Fees – Royalties and marketing fees are part of the deal.
Best for: Veterans who want a structured, proven business model with training and built-in support.
Starting from Scratch: The Ultimate Test of Independence
If franchising is like being handed a mission plan, starting from scratch is like writing the mission plan yourself.
The Perks of Starting Your Own Business:
- Full Creative Control – It’s your business, your way. No corporate guidelines.
- No Franchise Fees – You keep all profits (minus taxes, of course).
- Unlimited Growth Potential – You’re not limited by someone else’s business model.
The Challenges of Going Solo:
- High Failure Rate – 20% of small businesses fail in the first year, and 50% fail within five years.
- No Built-in Support – Everything—marketing, branding, operations—is on you.
- Tougher Financing – Banks are hesitant to fund unproven startups.
Best for: Veterans who want complete independence and are willing to take on more risk and uncertainty.
Key Differences: Franchising vs. Independent Business
| Factor | Franchising | Starting from Scratch |
| Brand Recognition | ✅ Established brand name | ❌ Build from zero |
| Business Model | ✅ Proven system | ❌ Must create from scratch |
| Risk Level | 🔽 Lower risk | 🔼 Higher risk |
| Training & Support | ✅ Ongoing guidance | ❌ Figure it out yourself |
| Creative Freedom | ❌ Limited | ✅ Total control |
| Scalability | ✅ Expand within franchise system | ✅ Unlimited, but harder to scale |
| Initial Costs | 💰 Franchise fees + setup | 💰 Varies widely |
How Jonathan Stephens Made His Decision
Jonathan Stephens was exactly where you are right now—a veteran looking for the right business path. He considered starting from scratch, but after going through the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy, he realized franchising was the better fit for his skills, goals, and risk tolerance.
“I didn’t want to waste time figuring out if a business model worked—I wanted something I could execute with confidence.” – Jonathan Stephens
He and his wife, Brandi, chose Senior Helpers because:
- It aligned with their mission to serve.
- It had a strong, proven business model.
- The franchise support gave them confidence.
Now, instead of struggling through trial and error, they’re building a thriving business with a playbook designed for success.
Which Path is Right for You?
Go the Franchise Route If:
- You want a proven business model with support.
- You prefer structure over uncertainty.
- You want quicker profitability with lower risk.
Start from Scratch If:
- You want complete creative control over your business.
- You’re comfortable with higher risk and longer ramp-up time.
- You’re willing to learn everything on your own.
Still unsure? That’s exactly why the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy exists.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The best way to make the right decision? Get the right information.
The Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy helps veterans like you evaluate your options, connect with experienced business owners, and move forward with confidence.
Join the next Franchise Academy Cohort → https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-academy/
Watch Jonathan’s Full Interview → https://vetrepreneur.com/stephens/
Get One-on-One Franchise Coaching → https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-coaching/
Your next mission? Owning a business that works for you.
