When you transition from the military, you don’t leave behind your sense of discipline, leadership, or service. You carry those with you—and they may be the very tools that lead you to your next mission. For many veterans, that mission is franchise ownership.
At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, we’ve found that veterans are some of the best franchise owners. It’s no coincidence that 1 in 7 franchise businesses in the U.S. is veteran-owned. The structure, systems, and community found in franchising mirror much of what veterans value from their time in service.
Veterans Have What It Takes
From the outside, business ownership might seem daunting—especially if you’ve never run a company or worked in a particular industry. But here’s the truth: direct business experience is helpful, but it’s not the most important factor for success in franchising. At DreamMaker, many of our top-performing franchisees had no remodeling experience before joining. What they had instead were some of the exact traits military service hones:
- Leadership and Team Management
- Commitment to Process and Excellence
- Discipline and Work Ethic
- Adaptability and Problem Solving
- Integrity and Accountability
These traits align perfectly with franchising. A strong franchise system gives you a roadmap—proven processes for marketing, sales, hiring, production, and financials. Veterans, who are used to following SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), thrive in these structured environments. Franchising allows you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.
DreamMaker Veterans: David Vargas & Jeff Vargo
Take David Vargas, a U.S. Army veteran and DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen franchise owner in South Charlotte, NC. David’s journey began in Colombia, where he faced tragedy at a young age before emigrating to the U.S. When he was old enough, he enlisted in the Army to give back to the country that gave him so much. After serving, he worked in banking for 15 years, but something was missing. He craved purpose, impact, and ownership.
He and his wife turned to business ownership, ultimately finding their fit with DreamMaker. What drew him in? Our culture, our values, and our system. “If you follow their model diligently, put in the hard work and persistence, the chances of success are very high,” Vargas shares. For him, entrepreneurship through franchising became a way to rediscover purpose, provide for his family, and build a legacy.
Another inspiring story comes from Jeff and Ruth Vargo, West Point grads and former Army officers. After a decade in the corporate world post-military, they realized they were living a life that didn’t fully reflect their dreams. Jeff had always loved home improvement, and in 2020, they took a leap of faith and purchased a DreamMaker franchise in The Woodlands, TX.
Jeff describes the shift as a calling: “I started asking myself hard questions and felt like God was telling me to make a change.” Now, through their franchise, they’ve found both fulfillment and the chance to serve their community. As Ruth puts it, “To have this dream and then actually try to go out and do it—it’s such a gift.”
Why DreamMaker?
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is a nationally recognized remodeling franchise, but what truly sets us apart is our culture. We don’t just focus on beautiful renovations—we’re purpose-driven. We believe in enhancing lives and treating people with respect, integrity, and excellence.
We offer a 20% discount on the initial franchise fee to honorably discharged veterans, because we know what you bring to the table. We also provide robust training, ongoing support, and a community of like-minded franchisees who want to see each other win.
Many of our franchisees came from careers completely outside remodeling. Our system is built to help people succeed without prior industry experience—especially if they’re coachable and aligned with our values.
The VetFran Connection
Our commitment to veterans extends beyond our brand. DreamMaker President & CSO, Doug Dywer’s father, Don Dwyer, was a U.S. Air Force veteran and the founder of VetFran, a program within the International Franchise Association (IFA) designed to support veterans transitioning to franchise ownership.
Today, over 500 franchise brands participate in VetFran, offering financial incentives and support to veteran franchise candidates. According to recent data, veterans represent just 7% of the U.S. population but account for a whopping 14% of franchisees. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a testament to how well veterans and franchising go together.
You can learn more about VetFran’s resources and member brands at www.VetFran.org.
Your Next Mission?
If you’re searching for your next mission while transitioning to civilian life, consider this: Franchising offers a proven model, a blueprint for success, and a community that shares your values. Whether you’re dreaming of business ownership or simply looking for purpose in your next chapter, franchising—and DreamMaker—might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
To learn more about franchising opportunities with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, fill out the form below!
