VetFran is a program created to help veterans who want to own a franchise. We thought it would be interesting to talk to a real life veteran who actually took advantage of VetFran to get the real scoop, so we interviewed Lenny Geibel, owner of Spring-Green Lawn Care in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Lenny came out of the Airforce in 1993 after spending four years as a ground radio maintenance technician. He returned to corporate America and worked as a cable technician for Bell South - until an injury kept him from returning to work. He decided that owning a business was a good alternative and proceeded to research business opportunities. That's when he came across the Spring-Green Lawn Care franchise, one of 200 VetFran participants.
Q: How did you learn about the VetFran program?
A: Spring-Green made me aware of it. One of the reasons I decided to go with Spring-Green is because they do take care of veterans.
Q: What did the program do for you?
A: It gave me a 25% break on my $35,000 franchise fee, which is not too shabby. I was able to use that money to turn back into the business, which helped me ramp up a little quicker than normal.
Q: What did you learn in the military that has helped you run a successful franchise?
A: The discipline and diligence that the military will instill in a person is number one. Attention to detail has really helped me, too, especially in the lawn care industry where it's critical to have an exacting eye. And perseverance and a determination to win, to succeed. Before I went into the military I'd have to say that I was your typical shiftless teenager. The military helped me get my priorities and my morals straight and that has translated well to running a business.
Q: Would you recommend franchising to other veterans?
A: Absolutely. It's a great system and following a system is definitely something that translates from the military. It's just a natural fit.
Q: Any advice on finding a good franchise that works with veterans?
A: Go to the VetFran website and look at the list of providers there. Try to find the kind of business that you think would suit you, your personality, and your market. It's a great resource that can give you a nice little leg up that your common (civilian) person doesn’t enjoy.
If interested in VetFran participating franchises companies, go to www.veteranfranchises.com
Franchise Discounts: Straight from the veteran's mouth - To learn more about this author, visit Mary Tomzack's Website.
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Mary Tomzack
(Visit Mary's Website)
MARY E. TOMZACK is the President and
Founder of FranchiseHelp, Inc. She is a
noted franchise expert and the author of
Tips & Traps When Buying a Franchise
(First publication,1994,McGraw-Hill; new
and completely updated, revised edition,
1999,Source Book Publications). Ms.
Tomzack is often interviewed for franchise
articles in publications such as The New
York Times, "Franchise World" and
"Entrepreneur Magazine."
Reach her at (914) 347-6735 or at m
tomzack@franchisehelp.com or co
mpany@franchisehelp.com
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