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Veterans in Franchising

www.franchisingusamagazine.com

the FranChise reGistry

saving you time and money

murphy Business northWest

helPs Fellow veterans

JUNE 2015

5 easy steps For motivation

For a limited time only, until June 30, 2015:• Zero Franchise Fee stores available

• New Franchise Assistance Program

Special military incentives make franchising with 7-Eleven that much easier.

• Up to 20% off of the initial franchise fee for veterans*

• Up to 65% financing, plus other added military financing options

• Fast and easy start up

• Ongoing support from 7-Eleven pros

© 2015 7-Eleven, Inc. This is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can only be made in applicable states with authorized documentation. 7-Eleven Inc., One Arts Plaza, 1722 Routh St., Suite 1000, Dallas, Texas 75201 *For qualified applicants only. Applicable to the first store you franchise.

As a U.S. military veteran, we know your skills have been put to the test and

you’ve got what it takes to join our leadership ranks.

Find out more at Franchise.7-Eleven.com or call 1.800.782.0711

VETTED.CONSIDER YOURSELF

Franchising USA

Contents

V E T E R A N S I N F R A N C H I S I N g S U P P L E M E N TJ U N E 2 0 1 5

Our Veterans in Franchising special supplement has become

a regular feature of Franchising USA.

TO SHARE YOUR STORY in the next issue, please contact

Vikki Bradbury, Publisher

Phone: 778 426 2446

Email: vikki@cgbpublishing.com

Profiles40 7-Eleven

48 AAMCO

54 Sid’s Pizza & grill

Veteran Success Stories42 Tommy Dunaway, Snap Fitness

44 Erbert & gerbert’s

Veteran Spotlight46 From U.S. Air Force Personnel to Franchise Owner Ronnie Christopher, U.S. Lawns

Cover Story36 Murphy Business Northwest

News & Expert Advice38 Five Easy Steps for Motivation Dr Fine, PHD

52 Saving you Time and Money: The Franchise Registry Jim Mingey, Veterans Business Services

Franchisor in Depth50 CruiseOne

Franchising USA

cover Stor y - MUrPHy BUSINESS NorTHWEST

helpinG Veterans transitionFrom the depths of the ocean to getting in deep with veterans who are looking to explore their entrepreneurial options, the SuperBroker™ is comfortable in any situation.

Business and franchise broker Curt Maier with Murphy Business Northwest, Inc., specializes in helping Veterans find franchise opportunities. He’s been a business and franchise broker since 2011.

“I work with buyers to find the right small business opportunity,” Maier said during a recent interview from his office in Bellevue, WA, “either an existing business or a franchise.”

Usually, a broker will either help people find a business or a franchise opportunity,

but he is the rarity that helps people find either one, which makes him, as he put it, the SuperBroker. ™

Although located in Greater Seattle, he has clients throughout the country and around the world, Maier said.

And people need his service, the business and franchise broker said, because people don’t generally know much about opening a small business. They don’t know the pros and cons of trying to open an independent business versus opening a franchise. And that’s where he comes in, walking them through the process.

Helping His ownMaier has chosen to specifically help Veterans because he is a Veteran himself, having graduated from the Navy ROTC program at the University of Notre Dame and having served as a nuclear submarine officer on a fleet ballistic missile submarine patrolling the coast of Russia for three months at a time during height of Cold War in the early 1980’s.

While they are completely at home while serving in the military, the majority of Veterans just don’t know about the franchising opportunities available to them once they leave the military, Maier said. Typically, they’ll need to find a job once they leave the service and if they are not interested in working for a company, they can either further their education or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

That’s where he comes in, because he can point them in the right direction if they are interested in owning their own business, whether they are in the Puget Sound area in Washington or if they want to return home anywhere in the country. As Maier is a franchisee himself of Murphy Business, he is part of a network that includes associates around the country who can

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Curt Maier at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor

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does his best to understand what these Veterans are looking for and why they want to become a small business owner or franchisee. Typically, he said, they tell him they want to work toward their own goals and keep the money they earn rather than have someone else’s company benefit from their hard work.

Then, he finds out what they want from a business; what size and what type (business-to-business or business-to-consumer, etc). He ascertains what they can contribute to the business in terms of skills and experience and what they can afford or how much funding they can procure.

Once he’s gleaned the information he needs, he will present the client with typically three franchise options and ask them what they think of the concepts and what they like and don’t like about them. He will use this feedback to refine the search and keep bringing various franchise concepts to the client until he finds something that fits perfectly.

Once they’ve chosen, he explains everything about the business to them and then introduces them to the franchise development professionals with the franchisor they’ve chosen. From there, the franchisor takes the client through the franchising process, but Maier still keeps in touch with them throughout this entire process and is their advocate.

get Veterans franchise opportunities virtually anywhere they want to settle in the United States. Plus, he can help them get everything taken care of prior to them leaving the military so they are ready to start on their franchising journey as soon as they are ready to transition to civilian life.

While there are many brokers out there, Maier believes his ability to mix a small town office feel with backing from the biggest brokerage firm in North America, Murphy Business, makes him stand out from other brokers. He has that network of over 275 fellow Murphy brokers who can assist him in doing his work, finding franchisees for over 300 top franchisors across all industries in his inventory or referring small business owners who want to sell their business to these Veterans.

Unlike his competition, he has colleagues similarly licensed across North America that he can tap for help. But, he still retains that small town feel to his business because he does everything himself without assistants or subcontracting. The sales process for his listed businesses and all negotiations for his clients are done by him.

When clients come to him, they are getting a seasoned businessman who has 20 years of corporate experience who can evaluate businesses and find the right franchise or business opportunity for them in any industry and for any investment level, he stated.

The ProcessTypically, Veterans come to him as a referral from places such as the Armed Forces’ Transition Assistance Programs, which help people who are ready to leave the military decide what their next step is.

Once he’s working with them, Maier

Marine For Life networking luncheon in Seattle (L-R: Curt Maier, Captain garrett (“Ace”) Nelson, United States Marine Corps, Joshua LaShaar United States Army Reserves)

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“I work with them hand-in-hand every step of the way,” he said.

What makes Veterans great franchisees is their ability to follow and execute a business plan, along with their trustworthiness, credibility, honesty, good leadership, realistic goals, ability to take direction well and openness to suggestions, Maier said. They’re also good at training employees, he added, because they understand the value of good training.

Whether on a strategic deterrent patrol off the Russian coast during one of the tensest periods in recent history or delving into the mindset of an aspiring entrepreneur, the SuperBroker™ can handle it all.

A newly commissioned Ensign in 1979 following graduation from the University of Notre Dame

Franchising USA

Dr. Fine, PHD In Business

The Center is lucky to have great

volunteers who are professional

and knowledgeable from

advertising to management to

leadership and many areas in

between. This article is a great

addition to your how to work ‘in’

it knowledge.

Many clients come to us

expressing frustration at the

lack of work output from their

employees. When we dig into

the causes, many times it is not

that they hired for the wrong

technical skills but that they

have not figured out how to

motivate their employees to take

ownership of their jobs.

Small business owners should

remember that their dream is not

the dream of their employees

and it may be a challenge

to get employees to get and

remain motivated. Motivating

employees is a technical skill

that you will take on as your

company grows.

Stan Fine is a leader in helping

small businesses move through

entrepreneurship smoothly. You

will really like this quick read.

– Darcella Craven, Executive

Director, VBRC

Franchising USA

How does management achieve motivation in the workplace in today’s society? It is a great question, because a motivational workplace is a successful one. Without motivation the end result is poor quality in the workplace.

Some issues to consider when achieving motivation in the workplace are listed below. Every workplace has different situations. Not all rules will apply for unrelated settings. The corporate office will have different factors to consider than

a factory, or a construction site. They are all going to be a little different. The one thing that will remain the same is human nature, and how we react to different situations. Here are five common factors you can manage:

Different types of personalitiesThis is one of the biggest issues to consider. One thing that needs to be considered is that people are all different. We all have different personality traits and quirks. We are not always going to get along well every day, stuck in an office, kitchen, truck or factory together. It just isn’t possible. It is not the way we are made. What one person may think of as constructive criticism, another may find as being bossy. One person may think that they are being productive and the person next to them may think they are

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Dr. Stan Fine PhD.

being lazy. It is just the way people think differently. Management’s job is to see that the job is completed, through the employee. To do this, they must be able to understand the differences in people and learn how to deal with these issues. They need to learn to be diplomatic in these situations and keep everyone running smoothly.

RewardsThe key to motivation is reward for employees that mean something to them individually. So if motivation in the workplace is desired, then rewards for the employees are a must. They need to be motivated into doing a great job. Whether it is promotions, bonuses or just simple words of affirmation, they deserve that for a job well done.

Working environmentThe workplace needs to be a fun and enjoyable place. A person spends 7-10 hours on the average per day at work. If it isn’t a fun, and comfortable place to be, then workplace motivation can’t be achieved.

IndependencyEmployees need to be able to think on their own. No one wants to be told what to do and when and how to do it every minute of the day.

The employees need to know what the expectations are and be allowed to achieve them. They will take pride in their own idea and their own way of doing things. There is usually more than one way to accomplish the same thing.

Room for ErrorSo many times, in the workplace, management does not plan for errors. Then when they happen, no one knows what to do to correct them.

It is management’s job to make a plan B just in case something goes wrong. And it does! To promote motivation in the workplace takes the manager time and patience. With these simple tips, it can be achieved and a more productive workplace can be found where people can work,

socialize and laugh at the same time! It can be done.

Dr. Fine holds a PHD In Business. He held a Director of Marketing position for a $100 million division of General Dynamics for 15 years and served as a Senior Manager at Grant Thornton Accountants and Management Consultants.

Dr. Fine has published two books dedicated to helping small businesses” Business Boot Camp for Women” and How to Promote Your Business With Little or No Money” by AuthorHouse Publishing. For 40 years Fine has devoted his life to helping businesses with sales and marketing growth.

More than that, Stan is a supporter of small business and a volunteer with the Veterans Business Resource Center.

You can catch him on webinars for the center on Wednesdays and he can also be reached at: ssfine6013(@)gmail.com www.stanfine.net.

“The key to motivation is reward for employees that mean something to them individually. So if motivation in the workplace is desired, then

rewards for the employees are a must.”

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Five easy steps For Motivation

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7-Eleven, Inc. has a long history in the United States, beginning its operation in 1927. In its 88 years, 7-Eleven has evolved into one of the best-known retail brands in the world.

7-Eleven Franchise Recruiter Yolanda Crook said the company’s continued success comes in large part from its iconic products, which are an integral part of everyday American culture.

“We offer convenience to people on the go. The products that customers wanted when 7-Eleven first started were pretty simple: milk, eggs and bread. While those items are still available, 7-Eleven has greatly expanded its product offerings over

the decades. From proprietary products such as Slurpee® beverages, Big Gulp® fountain drinks and 7 Select™ private-label items to fresh sandwiches, fruit and World Ovens® bakery products, our stores will have something for every customer at a value price,” Crook said.

7-Eleven began franchising its stores in 1964 and there are now 4,800 Franchisees in its system. “7-Eleven operates franchises and it licenses more than 8,600 stores in the United States and Canada. Of the more than 7,700 stores the company operates and franchises in the U.S., approximately 6,400 are franchised,” Crook said. The company also has a staggering 56,000 stores in 16 countries. Crook added, “7-Eleven is the world’s leading convenience retailer, and it’s still growing. On average, a new 7-Eleven store opens somewhere in the world every three and a half hours.”

Recently, 7-Eleven decided to honor the country’s veterans by offering a special giveaway, called Operation: Take Command and the grand prize was a 7-Eleven franchise without the franchise fee. The program was developed by

7-Eleven

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7-eleVen Continues to GroW

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Franchise Recruiting and Marketing Manager Dorian Cunion who nominated Crook to be the project manager. “I led the planning and implementation of Operation: Take Command by defining and facilitating the project scope, goals, timelines and deliverables to ensure excellent execution,” Crook said. “I also was responsible for interviewing candidates to determine their skill set and qualifications. It was a great experience and an honor to interview so many qualified military veterans.”

From the top ten finalists, three veterans were selected and flown to Dallas for one-on-one interviews with 7-Eleven CEO and Army veteran Joe DePinto. DePinto was so blown away by the caliber of the veterans selected, he made a decision – right there, on the spot – to award all three with their very own 7-Eleven franchise. “These are the kind of folks we want in the 7-Eleven system,” DePinto said. “I look forward to welcoming these three new Franchisees to the 7-Eleven family.”

While the giveaway contest might be over, there are many more opportunities for the right person to join the 7-Eleven brand. Crook explained that there are certain qualities the company looks for: “We seek candidates with leadership skills, business acumen and sound financial standing to successfully operate a 7-Eleven franchise. 7-Eleven also is committed to actively

“on average, a new 7-Eleven store opens somewhere in the world every three and a half

hours.”

promoting diversity in its franchise system. 7-Eleven Franchisees are the voice of the brand, protecting a legacy and conveying its vision every day to millions of consumers worldwide.”

The company believes, now more than ever, that 7-Eleven provides an important service to consumers. Throughout the company’s history, 7-Eleven stores have satisfied consumers’ needs for convenience, and in this fast-paced world 7-Eleven offer a much-needed service.

7-Eleven differentiates itself from the competition in many ways: through its proprietary retail information system, infrastructure, daily delivery of fresh and time-sensitive products, plus its proprietary products and services, all delivered with friendly service at a value.

When people join the company as a Franchisee, Crook said they are well supported and trained. “All new 7-Eleven Franchisees complete an in-depth orientation comprised of interactive classroom sessions completed at 7-Eleven headquarters in Dallas. From there, in-store training, and then ongoing support from a 7-Eleven Field Consultant gets Franchisees up and running in their own store. 7-Eleven provides Franchisees with

a turnkey operation, a store that is ready to run their first day and a Field Consultant who visits the store at least once a week to provide guidance on how they can maximize their store’s sales and profits.”

There are plans for more growth at 7-Eleven this year too. The company will be building new stores; converting independent convenience-type stores to 7-Eleven through the company’s Business Conversion Program; and, it also will be acquiring smaller, regional convenience store chains. “The company is driven by the constantly evolving needs of its customers, creating powerful changes that address local market needs and introducing innovation to the market that makes the brand famous.” Crook added, “We were very excited to welcome the three veterans who were given franchises as part of Operation: Take Command and we hope more people will consider joining the 7-Eleven family.”

For more information on 7-Eleven franchise opportunities visit: franchise.7-Eleven.com

For more information about the Veteran’s giveaway visit: franchise.7-eleven.com/franchise/veterans-franchise-program

Snap F i tness

our franchisees come from a variety of backgrounds, but share one common trait: they have a passion for helping others. This couldn’t be more true for Major Tommy Dunaway, a Marine corps veteran and owner of the North Arlington, TX club.The day after graduating from high school, Tommy left for Recruit Training. In over a decade of service, he served in Iraq, Bahrain, and Thailand. During his time in Iraq, Tommy started browsing post-military career options. “I read a lot about

the Veterans Franchise Initiative, which led me to fitness franchises,” Tommy said. “In the process of researching fitness center franchises, I came across Snap Fitness and fell in love with the Snap brand.”

For Tommy, running a fitness-focused business played perfectly into his strengths. “As I moved up the ranks in the Marine Corps, I was in charge of physical training in different units,” Tommy said. “I’m naturally entrepreneurial and had a strong desire to be self-employed.”

After leaving the Middle East in March 2012, Tommy opened his club in April 2012. Two benefits of being a Snap Fitness franchisee are the flexibility and freedom this career provides. Tommy said he’s had more time to spend with his growing family and complete his MBA – something that “wouldn’t be possible with a more traditional 9-5 job.”

“Running a Snap Fitness club is full of challenges, but the rewards are great,” Tommy said. “I am my own boss and have a front row seat to watching people transform their lives.”

For more information about the Snap

Fitness franchise please visit:

www.veteransbusinessservices.us/

product-item/snap-fitness-24-7/

Veteran Success Story: tommy dunAwAy

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Erber t & Gerber t ’s

Franchising USA

lindsey gentry

a Veteran suCCess story Many times in the franchising world we hear about veterans starting new franchises and getting an opportunity to grow a business but we don’t get the chance to hear about their future success.

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As many franchisees are already aware owning multiple locations within a franchise organization is the right direction to take. Well, this is the case with Lindsey Gentry, an Army Veteran who proudly served her country for six years. She was stationed at Fort Hood, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007-2009, and held various leadership positions, to include Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Company Commander.

Lindsey did her undergrad at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, which is the city that Erbert & Gerbert’s is headquartered out of. Herself and her friends would be there every week hitting up the Erbert & Gerbert’s sandwich shop downtown and loved it. At the time she didn’t think, “Someday I want to own one of these.” She always knew that she wanted to be a business person in some respect. Even when she was in law school, she always felt that she would combine her legal knowledge with business pursuits. So she kept brands in the back of her mind that she really liked. When it came down to her picking a brand to buy into, when she met the team at Erbert and Gerbert’s she was sold.

Lindsey has built a whole career with Erbert & Gerbert’s and currently owns one location and she has purchased the rights to three more franchise locations. Her first year in 2014 she received awards for both, Rookie of the Year, and Marketer of the Year. Currently Lindsey is President of the Franchise Advisory Council for Erbert & Gerbert’s Franchise Systems and her success just keeps growing.

She states, “Truthfully, it’s a constant learning process, a very humbling process. You’re always around subject matter experts whether it be accountants, franchise attorneys, commercial brokers, or just whoever: a whole variety of people on your team who know more than you do. So, it’s constant learning for me, and I expect it to be that way for a long time.”

Lindsey believes the military has prepared

her in many ways, “just on a basic level, the confidence level that different leadership positions in the Army instill in you and build in you gives you the ability to go after something like this. When you’re in the Army, they build you up slowly by giving you more and more leadership, and before you know it you’re leading in a way that you couldn’t imagine when you first started. The confidence-building and leadership-building in the Army is so essential to tackle something like owning a business and run it because there’s a lot involved in this that requires guts. And of course on the organizational level, the Army is very methodical. Having that background of mission planning and meeting deadlines and all those kind of things that, when you’re in the military are just a norm that you take for granted, are very unique and can make you very successful in the outside world. Really mastering the fundamentals has prepared me to run a business in terms of communication and the desire to lead people.

“I love the Erbert & Gerbert’s product. In terms of the unique flavor profiles and freshness of the product, I don’t currently see anything else in market like it. It’s very exciting to watch customers become raving fans of what you are selling. As far as the Erbert & Gerbert’s team is concerned, I

have been very fortunate to have a strong working relationship with them. There are not too many companies out there where you can call the CEO direct and where that is the norm. I have always felt very appreciated and respected by this corporate team, and I feel that they truly care about my thoughts and success path. It’s very clear that they are invested in my growth, and that’s a good feeling.”

Currently, in addition to her one brick and mortar location, Lindsey also owns and operates an Erbert & Gerbert’s concession stand in Bobcat Stadium at Texas State University and a mobile Erbert & Gerbert’s food trailer at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX, where they serve crowds at such events as MotoGP racing, X Games, and Formula 1 Racing. Lindsey is a proud partner of Bobcat Athletics and a strong supporter of Bobcat Build, one of the largest student led philanthropic projects in the nation.

She plans to open at least two more locations in the near future. Veterans Business Services wishes Lindsey the best of luck with her future business endeavors.

If you are interested in learning more about the Erbert & Gerbert’s franchise opportunity please visit: www.veteransbusinessservices.us/product-item/erbert-gerberts

lindsey gentry

a Veteran suCCess story

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According to the Bureau of labor Statistics, of the 3.2 million veterans who have served in the armed forces since 2011, over 250,000 service members leave the military each year... I happen to be one of them.

I entered the United States Air Force at the young age of 17 and when I left the military 21 years later, I was terrified by the idea of returning to ‘normal’ civilian life, and even more terrified of choosing a new career path. Like many other servicemen and women in

From U.S. Air Force PerSonnel to FrAnchiSe owner

Veteran sPotlight:

my position, I knew that the traditional 9-5 desk job wasn’t right for me.

Needless to say, leaving the military was a challenging time for me. Because I enlisted right after high school graduation, the armed forces were all I’d ever known—it was my identity. When I was in the Air Force, my opportunities for promotion and rewards were in someone else’s hands, but

Ronnie Christopher, Owner, U.S. Lawns, Warner Robbins GA

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once I left the service, that was no longer the case. I realized that my opportunities were now in my hands, and that if I worked hard enough, I would be successful in owning my own business one day. That’s when I discovered franchising.

Though franchising would never compare to the emotion I felt for the military, it gave me a new sense of belonging and camaraderie. Similar to the military, franchises run as a system of moving parts. They follow procedures and provide their franchisees with a successful business model and extensive brand knowledge. When you choose to join a franchise, you’re joining a family. As a franchisee, you inherit an instant network of friends who will advise and support you.

“When you choose to join a franchise, you’re joining a family. As a franchisee, you inherit an instant network of friends who will advise and

support you.”

Becoming a franchisee also made the transition to the civilian workforce much less frightening for me, because I realized that the skills I developed in the military had already prepared me to be a business owner. Veterans understand the importance of leadership and teamwork. Successful business owners know how to communicate with their teams effectively and, more importantly, listen to their teammates. You could say veterans have a leg up when it comes to franchising, as we embrace the policies and procedures the company has in place and don’t waste any time fighting it.

This isn’t to say that the road will be easy for a veteran looking to go into franchising. Any new business owner is going to face many challenges. For example, I initially struggled with closing business because I hated the idea of being a ‘salesman’. When you think of the stereotypical salesman, you imagine someone who is pushy, greedy, and obnoxious—I’m none of those things (and I’m still not, which I’m happy about).

I struggled with hiring the right employees. In the military you didn’t have to worry about recruiting or retaining your teammates, so that territory was still very new to me.

I also found that even though you’re equipped with a proven business model, the necessary resources, and a team of advisors to help you launch your business, your business still won’t grow overnight. Unless you grow up living and breathing the franchise (which most of us don’t), it will take time to learn the ins and outs of the industry you’re joining. While franchising allows you to grow your business at an exponential rate, it won’t happen overnight. It takes time and an immense amount of effort.

I overcame these challenges by making a few important adjustments to my mindset and business practices:

Focusing on relationship building, not salesI learned that to be successful in sales, you don’t need to be a salesman. Get your name out there and start talking to people. I found that attending various networking events and mingling with other business owners in the local community was an organic way to meet potential clients. By joining my local chamber of commerce, I quickly learned that trust is everything in a business-to-business (B2B) relationship, and that sales are just a by-product of that relationship.

Finding a mentor I’ve always believed that life’s too short to learn all the secrets of success on your own, which is why having a mentor can really help you go in the right direction. My mentor has suggested many strategies that have helped me increase the efficiency of my business, saving both time and money.

Staying involved in the franchising communityAttending your owner meetings and annual conferences is the most effective way to continue learning. When I attend conferences, I like to listen and write down concerns and ideas that other owners have experienced, so that I can be more prepared as my business continues to grow. It’s also beneficial to stay close to other franchisees in your area, as I’ve found that they have provided me with an immediate support system.

Seeing the bigger picture Owning a business is a roller coaster ride, especially for new business owners. Having the persistence and confidence in yourself to see the bigger picture in times of turmoil is what’s going to keep you going. I’ve found that checking in with my crew has helped my business stay on track. It’s also important to be transparent with your crew, and make them feel like they’re a part of the bigger picture, as they play a significant role in helping you get there.

www.uslawns.com

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A AMco

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expanding veteran ownership, AAMCO offers an $8,000 discount on the franchise fee for all qualified, honorably discharged U.S. veterans.

“There’s no other franchise that gives as much support to its franchisees as AAMCO does. The company offers a training program with a curriculum that is second to none. In fact, AAMCO opened a new state-of-the-art training facility in Georgia this year. The transition was seamless and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my experience thus far,” said McGregor.

McGregor’s AAMCO center is situated right in front of the Dobbins Air Reserve Base where he served, a constant reminder of his passion for serving his country and now his community. As a proud military veteran, McGregor offers discounted services to any military personnel or veterans who visit his location and makes annual donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.

www.aamcofranchises.com/index.html

Mark McGregor is an AAMco franchisee who owns and operates a service center in his hometown of Marietta, Georgia. Although he is a relatively new franchisee, McGregor has a long history with the brand and once served as both a vendor and center manager prior to taking over his current center nearly a year and a half ago. As a decorated combat veteran, it is no surprise that running an organized and streamlined business is his top priority. Having spent eight years in service honing his skills as a mechanical engineer, he now applies that expertise to his business as a franchise owner.

McGregor discovered his passion for mechanics at an early age. He always had a fascination with building things as far back as he can remember. At the age of 14, he took a part-time job working for a nearby auto repair center where he serviced old transmissions. He also took an auto repair shop class while in high school. It was during this time that McGregor learned the foundation of automotive technology and car repair.

“After my first hands-on experience in the shop, I knew that this would become more than just a part-time job – it was a calling,” said McGregor.

After graduating from high school, McGregor enlisted in the Marine Corps to further explore his career options within mechanical engineering. Following his training at the recruit depot in Parris Island, South Carolina, he served with the

second Marine Division at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he became certified in motor transport maintenance. Soon after, McGregor was assigned to the third Marine Division in Japan where he spent a year before he was brought back to Camp Lejeune. It was less than month after McGregor’s return to the states that he was again deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, during which he was promoted to corporal.

Following the Gulf War, McGregor left active duty and returned to Marietta where he voluntarily joined the active reserves at Dobbins Air Reserve Base as a motor transport. In addition, he took a job with the world’s largest line of automotive transmission parts distributor, at the time, traveling to local transmission and general automotive repair facilities in the northern metro area of Atlanta. McGregor also started a clutch business for a few years that he eventually sold.

“What I didn’t know at the time was that one of the AAMCO locations I frequently visited would one day become my very own business. I was friendly with the owner and when he offered me a job as his center manager, I had to accept. It was one of the top-rated AAMCO locations in the country and known for its exceptional growth and customer retention. When it came time for him to retire, he then presented me with the opportunity to purchase the company from him,” said McGregor.

For the past year and a half, McGregor has enjoyed being a business owner and all the facets that come with being part of a brand with a proven concept and an established name. As part of its commitment to

Veteran to entrepreneur AAMco FrANcHISEE Mark McGregor

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cruiseone

owning a home-based franchise is a popular option for military veterans who are transitioning out of active duty.

Not only do their military skills translate well into successful franchise ownership,

top five reAsons militAry veterAns should

enter to win A crUiSe FrAnchiSe

but owning a home-based cruise franchise has lower start-up costs and provides more flexibility to create hours that allow more time to be spent with family. Recognizing the value of military veteran franchise ownership, many franchisors offer attractive incentives and contests. A list of these opportunities and additional resources can be found on the website for the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative (www.vetfran.com).

Military veterans who love to travel and are seriously interested in owning a home-based cruise franchise should consider entering CruiseOne’s nationally acclaimed contest “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General,” which awards five free franchises to deserving military veterans who have demonstrated their passion for travel and entrepreneurship. Here are the top five reasons to enter CruiseOne’s franchise giveaway contest.

valueHome-based franchises generally have a lower start-up fee than those opportunities with a storefront. Even though the initial home-based investment is less than $10,000, the expenses may add up when adding in franchising fees, overhead costs, marketing initiatives and more. By entering to win a cruise franchise, it is possible to eliminate most of these costs. The five winners of Operation Vetrepreneur each receive a grand prize valued at $12,700, which includes a complimentary CruiseOne franchise with a waived $9,800 initial start-up fee and monthly service fees.

Built-In Due DiligenceOpening a franchise is a serious decision that requires research and due diligence to ensure one is making the best decision. CruiseOne works this into its

Tim Courtney, CFE

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winner selection process by requiring all candidates to participate in two phone interviews with members of the company’s leadership team. This vital step is beneficial for the franchisor, so it can better qualify the applicant, and for the potential franchisee by naturally providing information and interviews they would normally have to pursue on his/her own to learn more about the franchise opportunity.

TrainingFranchises operate on systems and in order for them to succeed, it is important they have training methods and tools in place that provide actionable instruction, as well as proven success rates. The training programs in place are an important consideration when selecting a franchise. CruiseOne has an award-winning training program that begins immediately with weeklong orientation at its world headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The training continues when franchisees return home and have access to on-demand training sessions online, as well as regional trainings and a national conference for all franchise owners hosted by CruiseOne. The training curriculum educates new owners on the industry, soft and hard sales skills and how to operate and build a business. These programs are included in the cost of a franchise and are a valuable resource for owners.

SupportA key component of franchising is the support system in place, which begins even before signing a contract and is ongoing throughout the length of the business venture. A Franchise Development Specialist walks all prospective

“cruiseone is committed to the success of all its franchise owners and wants everybody to

succeed.”

franchisees through the purchasing process and explains the details of the various incentive programs and contests so the prospect can make an informed decision. All franchise owners have access to a regional Business Development Manager who facilitates boots-on-the-ground local marketing efforts, an IT team that creates best-in-class technology and provides technical support, and a corporate headquarters team that is committed to the success of each individual owner.

Jump Start your BusinessCruiseOne is committed to the success of all its franchise owners and wants everybody to succeed. One way the home-based franchise positions its military veteran contest winners for success is by requiring finalists to submit a detailed business plan outlining their goals and development plans, which can easily be implemented once they open their franchise for business. A business plan can be difficult to create, but it is important to be successful.

CruiseOne’s “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest is open to former members of any of the five branches of the U.S. military who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably

discharged prior to the contest start date of May 25, 2015. To enter, candidates must complete an online entry form by Friday, Aug. 7; participate in two rounds of phone interviews; and submit a franchise application, business plan and resume. The form and all contest details can be found at www.OperationVetrepreneur.com or on CruiseOne’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/CruiseOneFranchise.

Certified Franchise Executive Tim Courtney is Vice President of Franchise Development and Ambassador of Veteran Affairs at CruiseOne®, the nation’s leading home-based travel agent franchise. As part of World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company, CruiseOne offers consumers the lowest possible pricing on cruise and land vacations through its relationships with every major cruise line and many tour operators. In operation since 1992, CruiseOne is a member of VetFran and proudly supports military veterans. It is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a military-friendly franchise.

For more information visit: www.CruiseOneFranchise.com/veterans.

More than 100 Military Veteran franchise owners being recognized at our annual National Conference on Veteran’s Day last year

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Jim Mingey, Founder & Managing Director, VBS’

How does a veteran save time investigating the financial feasibility of their franchise acquisition?

How do veterans find out if lenders are actually interested in financing the franchise brand they selected?

Simple: use the Franchise registryThe primary purpose of the Franchise Registry is to make lenders aware of franchise brands; however prospective franchisees, government agencies,

educational institutions and industry experts can use the Registry site (www.franchiseregistry.com) to validate that a franchise is a viable and thriving company. One of the more difficult parts of getting financing is simply finding an appropriate lender. The Franchise Registry website serves the entire small business lending community; thousands of lenders use the site each month to find and underwrite franchise loans.

The Franchise Registry lists every franchise in the United States. Powered by the FRANdata database, the Franchise Registry includes all brands franchising in the United States. Each brand has a franchising status and each franchise company listed shows if their units are eligible for SBA loans. The Franchise Registry lists franchise systems whose franchisees enjoy the benefits of a streamlined review process for U.S. Small

Business Administration (SBA) financing. Loan applications for franchises on the Franchise Registry can be reviewed and processed faster and more efficiently by the SBA and its lenders because the respective franchise agreements do not need to be reviewed in each individual franchisee situation.

This is because, through the Registry SBA Eligibility Review process, the SBA has already reviewed the franchise agreement and has determined that there are no unacceptable control provisions by the franchisor over its franchisees. Unacceptable control provisions could result in affiliation with a franchisor that is considered to be other than small; that would mean that a franchisee would not be considered to be a small business eligible for SBA financing.

A franchisor’s participation in the Registry SBA Eligibility Review process

saVinG you time and money the Franchise registry

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is voluntary. If a franchisor decides not to have its agreements reviewed through this process, the SBA or its participating lenders will have to review and evaluate each franchise agreement when a franchisee or potential franchisee in that system seeks SBA financial assistance. This can take considerable time. (However you should not construe a franchise system’s presence on or an absence from the Registry as either an endorsement by SBA or an indication of the franchise system’s quality or profitability.)

In order to have a brand listed on the Registry, a Franchisor must submit its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to verify that the franchise. The Franchise Registry is where lenders come to do franchise financing. So as a prospective franchisee needing to open their unit, or when your existing franchise need to refinance, a franchisor included on the

James Mingey

So before Veterans gets too excited about franchise brands they should first ask if the brand is listed on the Registry as eligible for financing. Time is money, right?FRANdata and Franchise Registry are trade names of Franchise Information Services, Inc.

James F. Mingey, Managing Member www.VeteransBusinessServices.us

Franchise Registry will greatly expand the pool potential lenders who are interested to making the loan.

Lenders consider loan packages that do not have any information about the franchise system to be high risk and they are reluctant to make the deals. A Bank Credit Report from the Registry about your franchise system provides lenders the information they need to overcome their risk concerns. Endorsed by major lending institutions such as Bank of America, TD Bank, The Bancorp and others, Franchise Registry reports are beginning to be a requirement for franchise lending. Many lenders make it easy and fast for franchisees to get SBA-guaranteed loans by having their agreements pre-reviewed to ensure eligibility. Many lenders, in fact, require that agreements are reviewed this way.

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“Thousands of lenders use the site each month to find and underwrite franchise loans.”

saVinG you time and money the Franchise registry

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Sid’s Piz za & Gr i l l

Steve Raines, President of National Franchise Associates, one of the nation’s leading franchising consulting and development firms, helped create the Sid’s Pizza franchise system. Raines is a former winner of the Georgia Veterans Advocate of the Year Award for his work with Vietnam-era veterans. Said Raines, “I am so pleased that Stan and Sharon are making this very generous offer to former and active members of the military. It can be hard to fully appreciate the difficulty many veterans experience in transitioning to civilian life. This substantial discount could very well make the difference in a member of the armed forces being able to open this franchise and flourish in life after the military.”

For more information on the Sid’s Pizza franchise program contact: (678) 319-4288 www.SidsPizza.com sid@sidspizza.com

Suwanee, Georgia based Sid’s Pizza & Grill Managing Member Stan Kurnett announced today the company is offering a special discount to veterans interested in owning a Sid’s Pizza franchise. Active and honorably discharged former members of the military receive a 50% reduction in the initial franchise fee, a savings of $15,000.

Said Stan Kurnett, “My wife Sharon and I want to show our deep gratitude for the service that the members of our armed forces perform for our country. We recognize the sacrifices that our military and their families make every day to protect us, our loved ones, our community and our freedoms. By offering this discount, we hope to express our thanks for their service in a meaningful way, by helping them to achieve their dreams of

owning their own business and having financial security.”

Sid’s Pizza offers authentic Sicilian pizza, handmade from scratch and stone baked, with either traditional or thin crust, in a laid-back, vintage California surfer atmosphere. The menu also includes wings, oven baked subs, burgers and salads. Some of Sid’s specialty pizzas, such as the Buffalo Billabong and Haole, have achieved a virtual cult-like following. In the restaurant’s over ten-year history, Sid’s Pizza has earned accolades ranging from being voted Best Pizza on the Northside by readers of the Atlanta Constitution/Journal, Editor’s Choice for Best Pizza on the Northside by Points North Magazine and Atlanta’s Best Kept Secret by radio station DaveFM. The restaurant offers dine-in, take-out, delivery and catering options.

Sid’s Pizza has developed the procedures to produce a high volume of superior-quality pizza from a smaller space with relatively low food and labor costs. With the restaurant’s operating system and oven, a location can turn out over 100 large pizzas an hour.

Sid’s Pizza & Grill Announces speciAl frAnchise pricing for veterAns

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“I truly, truly enjoy making the dreams of others come true. Whether you’re looking for that perfect business or franchise to buy, or selling the business that you’ve built over the years of loving care, we can guide you through the process.”

CURT MAIER – YOUR SUPERBROKERTM Buy/Sell a Business or Franchise

425.679.6627 office | 425.505.3649 cell c.maier@murphybusiness.com | www.YourFranchiseAdvisor.com/home/ourfranchise-advisors/curt-maier/

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MURPHY BUSINESS NORTHWEST GIVES YOU THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS: OUR OFFICE IS A SMALL, LOCAL BUSINESS CLOSELY CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITY HERE IN PUGET SOUND, SPECIALIZING IN PERSONAL SERVICE TO OUR CLIENTS; YET, WE ARE AFFILIATED WITH THE LARGEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS BROKERAGE WITH OFFICES THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA. OUR EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS OFFER AN UNSURPASSED RANGE OF BROKERAGE SERVICES:

When selling a business or buying a business or franchise, our affiliations with National and International Business Brokers and Merger & Acquisition associations assure sellers the best exposure and buyers the broadest marketplace

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Experienced CMEA appraisal professionals perform machinery and equipment appraisals

Skilled intermediaries provide assistance in Mergers & Acquisitions

We uncover the best franchise opportunities for buyers and are members of the IFPG and FBA

We work with franchisors and franchisees on franchise resales

A strong presence in the community provides insight into the local market. Murphy Business Northwest deals with local companies and business professionals every day, which helps us gain their respect, and ultimately helps us uncover those gems in the “hidden market” you won’t find on the internet, whether it’s businesses or franchises for sale.

Beyond the local market in the greater Puget Sound region, Murphy Business is a national firm with over 165 offices and 275 brokers.

Our professional business brokers all have past experience as business owners and senior managers. We apply that business sense to help match buyers to an appropriate business or franchise opportunity.

Curt Maier and Ajay Kumar, Area Developer in Seattle of SUPERCUTS