Transitioning from the military doesn’t mean giving up your mission—it means choosing a new one. For thousands of veterans, that mission is business ownership. And thanks to organizations like the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy, that dream is more achievable than ever.
Why Franchising Fits the Military Mindset
Chris Hale, a U.S. Navy veteran and CEO of Vetrepreneur®, knows firsthand the value veterans bring to the private sector. In a recent episode of Your Next Mission with the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley, Hale broke down why franchising is tailor-made for veterans.
“Franchising is essentially a business in a box,” says Hale. “You’re given a playbook, and if you can follow it—just like we did in the military—you can be successful.”
The military breeds leaders who understand structure, teamwork and discipline. These are the same qualities that make top-performing franchise owners. In fact, veterans are nearly three times more likely to own a franchise than their civilian counterparts.
What Is the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy?
The Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy helps veterans navigate the often overwhelming world of franchising. The free, 10-week program walks participants through whether franchise ownership is a good fit, and if so, which franchise aligns best with their goals, skills and lifestyle.
“Veterans often tell us, ‘I want to start a business, but I don’t know how,’” says Hale. “We’re here to bridge that gap.”
And yes—you read that right. The program is 100% free to veterans and their families.
Avoid the “Franchise Buffet”
Hale warns against what he calls the “franchise buffet” trap: Googling franchise opportunities and getting bombarded with information.
“It’s like going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and loading up on the wrong things,” says Hale. “By the time you get to what’s good for you, you’re already full and frustrated.”
Instead of flying solo, the Academy offers a structured, mentor-guided path to informed decision-making.
Hot Franchise Opportunities for Veterans
Not every franchise requires slinging burgers or mopping up milkshakes. In fact, Hale highlights several booming sectors outside of food:
- Home Services: Think gutter cleaning, lawn care, or pool maintenance—high demand and subscription-based.
- Senior Care: The Baby Boomer generation is aging, and they want to stay at home. Non-medical support services are booming.
- Business Services: B2B franchises with recurring revenue and daytime hours appeal to veterans with leadership and logistics skills.
Success in the Field: Ken Baker’s Story
Take Marine veteran Ken Baker. After retiring from Camp Lejeune and a second career in telecom, he launched a Fastest Labs franchise through the Academy. Just over a year later, he’s one of the top performers in the entire system—bringing new ideas, growing rapidly and proving once again that veterans know how to lead.
No Regrets, Just Results
Maybe franchising isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. But what Hale and the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy want to prevent is regret.
“We don’t want veterans saying, ‘I wish I would have looked into it,’” Hale says. “We want them to explore the opportunity, weigh the risk, and make an informed choice.”
As Sergeant Major Tilley puts it, “Don’t be afraid. Use what the military gave you—leadership, direction, motivation—and go forward.”
