Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Mistake #1: Falling for the “Best Franchises for Veterans” Lists
- Mistake #2: Rushing the Decision Without Research
- Mistake #3: Underestimating the Total Investment
- Mistake #4: Ignoring Franchise Validation
- Mistake #5: Thinking Franchising is “Plug-and-Play”
- How to Avoid These Mistakes & Choose the Right Franchise
Introduction
Veterans have the discipline, leadership, and execution skills that make them prime candidates for franchise ownership. But just because veterans succeed in franchising doesn’t mean every veteran franchisee succeeds.
The reality? A lot of veterans pick the wrong franchise for the wrong reasons. They don’t fail because they lack work ethic or drive—they fail because they made critical mistakes early in the decision-making process.
If you’re considering franchise ownership, here’s how to avoid the five biggest mistakes veterans make—and how to set yourself up for long-term success.
Mistake #1: Falling for the “Best Franchises for Veterans” Lists
Google “best franchises for veterans,” and you’ll get thousands of results—articles, rankings, and franchise companies waving the ‘We Love Veterans’ flag.
Here’s the problem:
These lists aren’t built for YOU. They’re generic and don’t consider your personal strengths, goals, or financial situation. They’re often paid placements. Many of these rankings exist because franchises pay to be on them—not because they’re actually good for veterans. There’s no context. Just because a franchise has a great discount for veterans doesn’t mean it’s a good investment.
“I almost went with a franchise just because it was on a ‘Top 10’ list. Vetrepreneur helped me take a step back and evaluate what actually fit my goals.” – Jonathan Stephens
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Ignore generic rankings and instead focus on what actually fits your skills and lifestyle.
- Work with experienced veteran franchise coaches who understand the real industry and aren’t just pushing paid placements.
- Do your own due diligence. The right franchise isn’t the one on the list—it’s the one that fits your vision.
Mistake #2: Rushing the Decision Without Research
Some veterans treat buying a franchise like selecting their next duty station—they make a fast decision and hope for the best. Bad move.
Franchising is a long-term commitment—most agreements lock you in for 5-10 years, and breaking a franchise contract isn’t easy (or cheap).
Common Signs You’re Rushing the Process:
- You’re talking to only one franchise instead of comparing options.
- You haven’t read the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) in detail.
- You’re basing your decision on emotion rather than financial data.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Slow down. The right franchise will still be there in six months—make sure you do the homework.
- Compare multiple franchises side by side before making a decision.
- Consult other veteran franchisees who have been through the process.
“I was ready to jump in after one conversation with a franchise rep. The Franchise Academy showed me how much I didn’t know yet.” – Jonathan Stephens
Mistake #3: Underestimating the Total Investment
Franchise fees are just the beginning—but many veterans don’t calculate the full cost of ownership before signing on the dotted line.
What Veterans Often Miss:
- Working capital (You need money to operate before you become profitable)
- Equipment & inventory costs
- Local marketing & advertising expenses
- Ongoing royalty & support fees
The Biggest Financial Mistake? Thinking VA benefits will cover everything. While SBA loans and veteran franchise discounts help, you still need a solid financial plan.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Build a real budget—not just what the franchise rep tells you.
- Talk to current franchise owners about hidden costs.
- Work with financing experts to map out SBA loan options and grants.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Franchise Validation
Validation is the most powerful tool in your due diligence process—but too many veterans don’t do it right (or skip it altogether).
What is Franchise Validation? It’s the process of talking to existing franchise owners to get the real inside story about running the business.
Veteran Mistakes in Franchise Validation:
- Only talking to franchisees recommended by the franchisor (they’ll only send you their happiest owners).
- Not asking the hard financial questions (like how long it took them to break even).
- Skipping it entirely and taking the franchisor’s word for it.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Talk to multiple franchise owners—including ones who struggled.
- Ask direct questions about profitability, workload, and unexpected challenges.
- If a franchisor discourages validation calls, run the other way.
“The biggest wake-up call was talking to real franchise owners. Some were thriving, some regretted their decision—I needed both perspectives.” – Jonathan Stephens
Mistake #5: Thinking Franchising is “Plug-and-Play”
Some veterans believe that buying a franchise means instant success—just follow the system, and the money rolls in. Wrong.
The Truth About Franchising:
- A franchise gives you a framework, not automatic success.
- Marketing, hiring, and operations still require hard work and leadership.
- Many franchisees fail because they don’t execute the system properly.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Treat franchising like business ownership, not a side hustle.
- Follow the system—but bring your leadership to it.
- Invest in ongoing training, networking, and support.
“Franchising works if you work it. Veterans have the discipline—just don’t expect it to be ‘set it and forget it.’” – Chris Hale, CEO, Vetrepreneur®
How to Avoid These Mistakes & Choose the Right Franchise
Best way to avoid these pitfalls? Get expert guidance before you invest.
The Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy was built to help veterans navigate the franchise world the right way—with no pressure, no gimmicks, just real-world training and mentorship.
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 franchise the right way.
