In honor of Veterans Day, Moran Family of Brands would like to salute the 15 franchise owners in our system who served in the military.
We are also proud to announce Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Mr. Transmission/Milex Complete Auto Care as one of the top franchises for veterans. The magazine based its ranking on each company’s veteran incentive, support by the company in the franchise-buying process, and the company’s ranking in the 2017 Franchise 500, the magazine’s yearly assessment on the health and growth potential of the country’s best franchises (Mr. Transmission/Milex Complete Auto Care ranked #474).
George Kok is an example of a Moran franchise owner who has successfully transitioned from military service to civilian life. Kok purchased a Mr. Transmission/Milex auto repair store in Louisville, Kentucky in 1983 and another store in Clarksville, Indiana 15 years ago. He credits much of his success as a business owner from the experience he gained during his three and a half years teaching operations control for Chinook helicopters in the United States Army in the early 1970’s.
“I received excellent training in the military about the hydraulic systems in helicopters, which I now apply to automotive transmissions,” said Kok. “I also learned the importance of discipline, accountability and chain of command, which has been the core of my operations as a franchise owner for more than 30 years. There is a business hierarchy with customers, employees, vendors and others, and it is my job as franchise owner to oversee this interworking system and make sure it runs correctly.”
While many of Moran’s owners received technical training while in the military that they have applied to their careers in automotive repair, others get into franchising to achieve entrepreneurial success in their careers.
Former members of the military make strong business leaders because of their experience motivating others, improving processes and carrying out a defined mission. Like the military, successful franchisees lead their employees to accomplish the mission as a team. The military also has extensive training and teaches unique skills used to carry out very specific tasks, much like franchising. This means a veteran can enter a completely new field and be likely to succeed by following the franchisor’s proven business model and completing the training program.
“Many of the veteran prospects we meet with have the work ethic, discipline and leadership we look for in franchise owners,” said Pete Baldine, President of Moran Family of Brands, and franchisor of Mr. Transmission/Milex. “One benefit franchising offers is the opportunity to become a business owner without having a background in marketing, accounting or sales. Franchise companies offer comprehensive training in all areas of business operations, and provide an established business model to follow. That often helps veterans overcome any lack of experience in a given field and gives them guidance on what they will need to do to become successful.”
Moran Family of Brands assigns experienced owners in the system to serve as mentors for first-year franchisees. Baldine also noted that as veterans entering the workforce during slow times may find it difficult to find high-paying job, business ownership can be a great alternative.
Moran Family of Brands is an active member of VetFran, an initiative that provides a $5,000 franchise fee discount, mentorship and training programs for any honorably discharged U.S. Veteran transition to civilian life.
Becoming a franchise owner with Moran is a great chance for those who have served in the military who are looking for the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned and be their own boss. For more information, please visit our website – http://moranfamilyofbrands.com/career-opportunity/.