Big O waiving fee for U.S. veterans

From TireBusiness.com

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2012) – TBC Corp.’s Big O Tires L.L.C. unit is waiving its $30,000 franchise fee for qualified veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces through its “Vet Fran” program.

“We understand that veterans face many challenges returning to civilian life, especially in worforce development,” said Kevin Kormondy, executive vice president and COO of Big O Tires.

Company uses crowdsourcing to help veterans

From FOX 13, TAMPA

Before Larry Colley serviced air conditioners, he served in our military.

“Most of my service was in the Middle East,” he explained. “I served six years with the 82nd Airborne Division and the rest of the time with the United States Army Special Forces.”

Coming home meant facing the heat of a tough job market, so Larry decided to start his own air conditioning business.

Veteran opens franchise repair business in Annapolis

By SHANTEÉ WOODARDS for the Capital Gazette

Gregory Williams tinkered in real estate before taking advantage of his 20-plus year military career.

The 43-year-old has invested in real estate, but is looking for additional income. A program geared toward military veterans is allowing him to own a franchise for a discount.

This fall, Williams will open a roaming repair business for Annapolis. As a veteran, he received a 20 percent discount on starting the business, which he said results in a savings of more than $1,000.

“Franchises are a proven system and that to me corresponds with the military,” said Williams, a retired naval commander and current reservist who plans to debut Mr. Appliance on Nov 1. “The business model they have is very similar to the military. I’m used to getting trained. If its something I’m unfamiliar with, I’m used to following a system.”

VetFran program helps land former military franchise deals

By Drew Dixon for the The Florida Times-Union

As Rick Maffei rides his “turf tamer” lawn treatment machine in St. Augustine, it’s a reminder of the long years that separates his military service from his current occupation as franchisee for the Lawn Doctor.

While Maffei has to stand to ride the turf tamer that resembles a riding lawn mower, it was his days standing tall in the Air Force that helped land him the franchise deal. Maffei, 53, is now in a semi-retirement career and he has a program called VetFran to thank.

Veterans counsel veterans at SBA conference in Richmond

U.S. Navy veteran and PostNet franchise business owner Amanda Crow joined Outdoor Living Brands’ Franchise Recruiting Development Coordinator David Buchel, a U.S. Army veteran, speaking to U.S. military veterans recently at an SBA conference to help veterans and their spouses take steps toward successful civilian careers. The panel was hosted by IFA’s VetFran program, invited [...]