If you wanted to look for a business or franchise to own, what would be the first thing you would do?

2015-06-02T16:24:19-04:00

I ask because I want to engage with more vets who don't know where to start. I am creating an education and mentor site for franchise information with transitioning and x-military. I remember what I did when I got out of the military but I wanted to hear others who have been thinking about the same thing.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-06-02T16:32:59-04:00

I would love to see a site like that, as I am starting to look at options and trying to plan a course of action for when I separate from the service in about a year.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 2 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-06-02T16:33:31-04:00

My bottom line upfront is what is the franchise cost and what comes with in way of training, corporate meddling, and assistance

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 2 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-06-02T16:34:29-04:00

Write a book and create an infomercial on how to get rich fast!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 4:42 PM

2015-06-02T16:42:29-04:00

I have had a few friends purchase franchises, two of them are doing ok and one is doing great. I thing they used their VA certificate for a business loan.

It is definitely an idea worth thinking about.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 2 at 2015 4:48 PM

2015-06-02T16:48:21-04:00

The VA link has many other linked connections, I would brainstorm different ideas to determine any that interest me. Good luck!
http://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneur/franchising.asp

Veteran Franchising Opportunities - Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Learn more about Veteran franchising opportunities in the OSDBU Veteran Entrepreneur Portal

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 2 at 2015 7:04 PM

2015-06-02T19:04:23-04:00

figure out what i can afford to franchise then figure out what of those that i can afford, i can do best, then of those, which i love the most.

Response by Cpl Robert Masi made Jun 2 at 2015 7:04 PM

2015-06-02T19:04:51-04:00

For one, you need to know all the franchise fees.....and profit potential. I took a Special High School class in Business & Franchising and I've found that a lot of the time the Franchise (or Franchisee) doesn't do it's homework for a good Franchise location, or there is good reason there is a low Franchise fee. And that's because the profit potential is so low. You need to work insane hours, deal with all the problems on taxes, and low wage workers, and then you barely squeeze out a $50,000 profit. It's often figured out that it's not worth it when it's to late.
If you want to make a website about this, I'd suggest you make sure you put up the Cons of each Franchise. You don't want to look like a website trying to sell Pipe Dreams and Magic Beans. You need to be Critical. Maybe rate each Franchise on a scale of 1-10 based on a few important points.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 2 at 2015 7:39 PM

2015-06-02T19:39:19-04:00

What ever is my specialty is for example, restaurants whether I am serving Indian, Chinese, Thai, or BBQ, I would conduct a study find out where my business would thrive the most. For another type of business I would still conduct a study.

Response by SSG Adam Wyatt made Jun 2 at 2015 8:39 PM

2015-06-02T20:39:33-04:00

Kill the competition.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-06-02T21:47:59-04:00

I would open a Dave and Busters. It's a great place to spend an evening on a date or get together for a farewell lunch. All installations have bars and clubs or a kid specific place for young children but miss the large gap of individuals who have older children or a nice place for single soldiers to spend some time having fun, hanging out with friends or whatever the case may be. Great food and fun games, it's what I'd get into.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-06-02T22:09:17-04:00

I reached out to a district manager who sat down with me and talked to me about acquiring a franchise. He had me sold until I realized I needed the capital in the tune of $250,000 to even consider acquiring said franchise. Still looking into it, a challenge yes. Doable, yes. Sometimes you just have to ask one question and the ball is rolling.

Response by SSG Sean Thoman made Jun 4 at 2015 1:34 AM

2015-06-04T01:34:20-04:00

First thing would be to know why you would want to do it. Next is do you have an interest in that industry-would and could you commit to it. Owning a business or managing a business is like being an Infantry Squad Leader, takes 110% commitment 24/7. The business takes and employees take precedent over everything and they are number one in your life, plus you have to bring in a balance with your family and faith. Then you need to research it; what is their marketing strategy and where would you fit in to that strategy, long term plans and goals, SWOT, business and market plan, SCORE, the franchisor's requirements. If that is your cup of tea, then take action, if not, find something else. If there are Veterans or Troops out there looking for ideas that might interest them, I have some and I made a lot of mistakes and failed and succeeded. I am not a recruiter for franchises or industry(s). But I am willing to offer up some business advice and assistance on writing business plan and how to do a thorough SWOT Analysis to any Veteran or Trooper thinking about going into business for themselves. I will tell you the way it is, even if you do not like it, I don't sugar coat it. And I do have connections in the Transportation Industry and Air Freight Industry. There are alot of scams out there, and if you think your Army recruiter lied to and sold you a line of BS, wait until you run across some of these business and franchise recruiters. I only have a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, but I have over 25 years both military and civilian transportation and logistics experience.

Response by SGT Ben Hilger made Jun 10 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-06-10T12:13:53-04:00

Great question and ran across a wife of a veteran who has created a site for just that. http://www.usvets6.com.
Great resource for soldiers both active and retired...

Response by SPC Daniel Cahill made Jun 16 at 2015 3:46 AM

2015-06-16T03:46:52-04:00

Is There a Life After Government and Military Service?

Traditional transition from military to civilian life typically involves network and talking to people….

Talk to everyone you know first – fellow students, former teachers, family members, friends, buddies, and perhaps former workers at the places that you have done internships. Ask them for all for NAMES and LEADS of people you can talk with. Of course never ask to actually help you find a job or set up your business.

Today, of course, there other options for veterans to become online entrepreneurs that were not readily available in the past. Until now, typical obstacles for online business entrepreneur were gaps that existed in pulling together a turnkey online business operation... working from home, on the road, in the field... anywhere you can get
a decent computer connection or sometimes partially with a smart phone or "hotspot" device. Before you think about starting any business..... first find your passion and how you can use that to help
others.... they will become your business avatar.

Nothing is easy... but one thing is for sure, by doing nothing new,
you will for sure be in the same place in the future that you are today! Learn new skills and draw from existing ones that you've developed your entire life!.... Develop sort of a franchise-in-a-box.... Develop your Brand! Re-invent yourself!

http://buildingabrandonline.com/DanielCahill_NetworkBlog/veterans-and-military-buddies-corner-page/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/DanielCahillPublicProfile

Veteran’s and Military Buddies Corner Page

WASHINGTON -- The Army drawdown continues as military personnel continue to receive word that their military careers are about to end. Many are seeking transitions to other careers and lifestyles.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 16 at 2015 5:51 AM

2015-06-16T05:51:22-04:00

I started my own business. It took about 5 years for it to really get going good enough so I could support myself. I was lucky I was with the Army Reserve, another income to help me through. Lots of long days, short nights, no vacation, fancy cars. Keep customer focused and give the kind of service you want. Don't forget no matter how much you advertise, word of mouth will make or break you. Keep your standards high. People understand we are only human and will make mistakes - it's how we handle the mistakes that count. Man up and admit you've made one. People will learn they can trust you and that makes a big difference.

Shit will hit the fan and you'll wonder why in the heck you stepped out and did it, but don't loose your cool. Step back, think it out and things will work out. I've been self employed now about 20 yrs or so and it's still as much work today as when I started.

Don't forget - once you're self employed set up an account just to pay taxes and such. Put money in it and DON'T TAKE IT OUT FOR ANY REASON!! Financial problems probably kill so many new businesses. You want a vacation - save for it. You need more education - save for it. Insurance, equipment, tools, vehicles, all cost money and remember service on equipment, don't skimp on it. Will pay off in the long run.

Response by PVT William Bresch made Dec 29 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-12-29T09:28:19-05:00

I have one Integrity Bresch, my own company, first word, INTEGRITY ...

Response by SN Thomas Burns made Feb 9 at 2026 7:16 AM

2026-02-09T07:16:38-05:00

The first thing I would do is get very clear on my goals and limits. That means knowing how much I can invest, how much risk I am willing to take, and what kind of lifestyle I want (hands-on vs hands-off, local vs remote, scalable vs steady). After that, I would start researching industries I understand or am interested in, talk to current owners, and review real numbers before getting attached to any specific business or franchise.