IRVINE, Calif. — As the nation prepares to mark Veterans' Day on Nov. 11, Entrepreneur magazine has published a list of leading franchise opportunities for veterans, a list that includes a dozen automotive service and tire retail franchise programs.
Entrepreneur magazine ranks franchisors annually that offer the best opportunities for military veterans interested in becoming franchisees, based on the incentives and support being offered, as well as how the brand scores in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 ranking.
Automotive-related franchise programs account for half of the magazine's top 10 companies, including Snap On Tools and Precision Tune Auto Care at No. 1 and No. 3 overall. Matco Tools and Mac Tools are Nos. 4 and 5.
Other automotive-related programs listed among the top 150 are:
- Grease Monkey Franchising L.L.C. — No. 10
- Speedee Oil Change & Auto Service — No. 14
- Big O Tires — No. 33
- Meineke Car Care Centers — No. 36
- Midas International — No. 46
- AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care — No. 51
- Christian Brothers Automotive — No. 60
- Milex Complete Auto Care — No. 78
TBC Corp., with two programs listed, pointed out that it has a history of assisting veterans. The company waives its $35,000 franchise fee for veterans and individuals serving in the U.S. and Canadian Armed Forces who are looking to join the ranks of its owner-operators.
The incentive is available to anyone with an honorable discharge or those who are serving and eligible to receive an honorable discharge.
"The fee waiver is geared to offering veterans with a growth mindset a great opportunity to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves," Will Helton, vice president and GM, Midas.
"Midas has a lot to offer ambitious vets — an awesome brand, an expanding service menu, financial incentives and a very exciting business opportunity."
Hugh Boeset, a former infantry officer who owns five Midas stores in Illinois, said he sees similarities between the military and franchise organizations.
"If you are coming out of the military, you are leaving a somewhat protected environment and potentially leaping into a riskier one. Being with a recognized brand mitigates this," he said in a statement provided by TBC.
"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.
"Joining Midas was certainly a very good decision for me and my family. Team building, leadership, persistence and resilience are all keys to being successful in the military — and these are the qualities you need to succeed as a Midas franchisee."
TBC also has extended its military veterans offer to first responders who were employed for a minimum of five years as a law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician or fire fighter, and who apply for a franchise within one year of ending their service.