Midas gets nod for policies toward military vets

VIENNA, Va. — Military Times, an independent media outlet focused on active U.S. military personnel and veterans, has selected Midas International as the sole automotive maintenance company on its Best Franchises list for 2018.

The release of the publication's franchise recommendations coincides with the launch of "Rebootcamp," Military Times' website for transitioning service members.

The publication also lists Snap On Tools and Matco Tools among the 53 franchise groups itrecognizes for making an extra effort for their military-connected franchisees, taking into account company culture, franchising costs, military discounts and other vet-friendly policies.

Midas is a good fit for ex-military personnel, Hugh Boeset, an Army officer and owner of six Midas stores in the Chicago area, said in a statement provided by TBC Corp., franchisor of the Midas business.

"Team building, leadership, persistence and resilience are all keys to being successful in the military — and these are the qualities you need to be successful as a franchisee," Mr. Boeset said.

"Joining Midas certainly was a very good decision for me and my family," the eight-year Army veteran said.

TBC offers U.S. military veterans who are looking to launch their own businesses as franchisees a waiver of the one-time $30,000 franchise fee. This incentive is available to any service member who has received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces or is currently serving and eligible to receive an honorable discharge, TBC said.

Mr. Boeset said he sees structural and cultural similarities between the U.S. Army and franchise organizations.

"If you are coming out of the military and considering business ownership, you are leaving a somewhat protected environment and potentially leaping into a much riskier one," he said in a statement provided by TBC/Midas.

"Being with a recognized brand like Midas mitigates this. In addition, there are turnkey characteristics to the Midas business — training programs, marketing programs, parts supplier relationships and a whole host of support — so you aren't having to create everything yourself."

In addition, those accustomed to the "can-do military culture" will be drawn to the freedom enjoyed within a franchise framework, according to Mr. Boeset, who worked in field management prior to buying his first two stores.

"I was extremely frustrated in the corporate world, where I was unable to move forward with a good idea until it had been approved," he said.

"That is not how things work in the military; when you have a mission, you get it done. As a Midas franchisee, I have similar autonomy."

"Our franchise fee waiver for veterans is a great example of Midas' commitment to offering good people a great opportunity to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves," said Brant Wilson, president and chief operating officer of TBC's Franchise Group, who began his career as a commissioned officer with the U.S. Army.

"Midas is a growing, customer- and franchisee-focused organization," he said. "We have a lot to offer folks looking to build their business by teaming up with us—a thriving brand, an expanding service menu, including brand-name tires, an attractive package of financial incentives and a very exciting business opportunity."

The Midas organization has roughly 1,000 stores in the U.S.