Veteran Stories
Thank you! I greatly appreciate the service RecruitMilitary provides. I would highly recommend your organization to anyone transitioning from military service. At a RecruitMilitary event last January, I talked to perhaps 30 different businesses/agencies that were hiring. It was clear that RecruitMilitary is a magnet for businesses that appreciate the service, experiences, "can do" attitude, and the maturity and character of those who have served our country honorably. I expected the event would be heavily represented by the defense industry. Instead, I was amazed at the variety of industries that were represented: energy, security, law enforcement, medical, pharmaceuticals, to name a few. After having recently retired from the Air Force, I was somewhat focused on a narrow set of career options. The RecruitMilitary experience opened my eyes and presented opportunities to explore that I might not have otherwise given due consideration. I am now the proud and enthusiastic owner of a HouseMaster home inspection franchise. This has proven to be a fantastic career decision that was a direct result of my attendance at your event. RecruitMilitary has led to a life and career changing experience for me. I wholeheartedly endorse RecruitMilitary and hope that many others will similarly benefit from your services.Daniel Cvelbar, Air Force
Nicholas A. Sell, NavyLeaving the military is a big decision. I spoke to many of my peers about my decision to leave and their responses were either "Go for it, I'm sure you will do great" or "Are you nuts?" I chose to leave, and I did so specifically to purchase a Caring Transitions Franchise.
During my first couple of months in business I started to think my friends were right--I was nuts to leave the military. But I didn't give up, I kept doing everything I was supposed to do, and I began to get everything I was supposed to get. It has been a dream ever since. I have a great group working for me and I have complete control over my schedule.
My wife and I were dual military, so it was always very difficult to plan things such as a vacation. Now, I take off whenever I need or want, and can easily adapt to her schedule. If I had chosen to go out on my own and start a business in this economy, I would probably be back in uniform today. I purchased a franchise with a proven system and great support. I sometimes call it a business in a box, because they provided me with all of the tools necessary to be successful--and that is exactly what I have become.
Marquis Neal, ArmyAfter leaving the service in 2003, I went to work for a government contractor. While there, I was traveling four hours a day to and from work, so I was missing out on watching my children during their after-school activities. I began some research, and came across i9 Sports®. This immediately caught my eye. What could be better than creating a positive atmosphere for kids to play sports? I called the corporate office for i9 Sports, and received more information about their franchise opportunity.
During this process, I received orders to report for active duty in support of OIF/OEF. In 2006, I began 15 months of training and deployment to Tallil, Iraq. While in Iraq, I kept in contact through my wife with the franchisor, because I knew this franchise was a great fit for me and my family. Upon my return in September 2007, I wasted no time in starting my franchise. I was in business two months later.
Since then, I have had great success, with more than 1,200 kids enrolled. My programs have been received very well by the community I serve and surrounding areas. When you get to see a kid who is 10 years old, who has never played, and has scored his first touchdown, that is the most rewarding feeling. You know that in other leagues, they may not let him play. When that kid came to the i9 Sports league, the coaches had the patience to develop his confidence and self-esteem, and he kept trying hard. He finally scored that touchdown. That was priceless.
My franchise with Mr. Appliance® has helped me provide for my family like I never would have been able to do working for someone else. Mr. Appliance helped me with planning and guidance, it gave someone who wouldn't have been able to be successful in business the opportunity to succeed.Bob Tuck, Army
I was in Corporate America and wanted a change. The defined infrastructure was fantastic in my Aire Serv® Heating & Air Conditioning franchise. I like the structure and established systems and procedures that my franchise provides. I also like the independence I have by owning my franchise. A lot of people in the military like myself have gained technical skills which can be practiced into a franchise.Mike Anderson, Navy
One of the main things that brought me to Glass Doctor® was the code of values. They are very similar to the military code of conduct, and I lived and breathed them every day. It was amazing to find a company that shared those with me. Franchising is the way to go if you are looking to start your own business. They have done all of the leg work for you. I like the freedom to set my own hours, the ability to grow my company with my hard work, and knowing that I'm improving my business by my hard work.Al Barras, Air Force
Guys getting out of the military have an excellent opportunity with a Rainbow International® Restoration & Cleaning franchise instead of working at a dead-end job. It's easy to save money when you are in the military to save up for a franchise with the sign-up bonuses.I like that the colors of my van are red, white, and blue and that my franchise has given me the opportunity to own and run one of the most thought-out and ethical businesses that I have seen.Mike Moritz, Navy Reserve
Brian Heckman, ArmyDuring my 4-year term of service, I served in Operation Desert Storm. My unit, the 2nd Armored Division, and a Marine division, were charged with liberating Kuwait City, Kuwait. I earned my Corporal stripes during Operation Desert Storm for my leadership ability. I was up for the sergeant board, but I decided to leave the military to pursue my education. Since leaving the United States Army, I completed a BA in Management degree from Malone University.
My wife, Damey, and I are very excited about purchasing an existing Home Helpers and Direct Link franchise in January 2009. Damey, has been an Licensed Practical Nurse for over 10 years and enjoys caring for others.
I feel that owning this franchise will enable me to assist my fellow Veterans. I feel that my military, college education, and business experience will insure that we're a successful franchise and business. We've used these experiences and knowledge to increase our billable hours from an average of 551 per week in 2008 to approximately 840 hours per week so far in 2009. We look forward to continuing to grow and providing this service for our community.
After leaving the military, I started working as an Auditor with the Department of State Audit in Tennessee. Then I took a position as a Revenue Agent with the IRS in Atlanta, GA. While talking with some cleaning staff, I find out about commercial janitorial franchises. Having been used to performing my own research, I did my homework and studied a couple of franchise opportunities. After my due diligence, I decided to go with Jan-Pro, and this is a decision which I don't regret. My very first check was a little over $300. Now my average monthly check for gross sales is $50,000. Thanks, Jan-Pro!!!Rafael Marrero, Army
