Column from Homeland Magazine ‘Franchise Dreams – Veterans Make Great Entrepreneurs’
Written by Doug Dwyer
President & CSO of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
If you were to ask a franchisee (regardless of brand) what one of the biggest benefits they receive through franchising; most will mention proven processes. Having been in franchising for three decades, I believe that processes are the backbone of any successful franchise system. It doesn’t matter if it’s pizza, oil changes, or kitchen and bath remodeling, standardized processes ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all franchise locations. They allow new franchisees to replicate a proven business model and most importantly, ensure a high level of client satisfaction. High satisfaction creates brand loyalty which then creates more clients.
Think about the proven processes of a franchise like the military’s SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) where they are used to standardize how a unit operates through the use of organizational best practices. In franchising, they reduce the risk of failure by providing a roadmap based on proven methods and successful strategies.
Veterans have an advantage over civilians with their appreciation for proven processes and systems. They bring a unique skill set to franchising, including discipline, leadership, and the ability to follow established procedures. Clear, well-documented processes leverage these strengths, streamlining training and operations, and making it easier for veterans to get up to speed quickly and operate effectively.
Here’s why processes are crucial in franchising:
- Consistency: One of the primary benefits of a franchise is that customers can expect a consistent experience regardless of the location.
- Efficiency: Well-defined processes streamline operations, reducing waste and optimizing resource use.
- Quality Control: Standardized processes help maintain high quality across every client interaction.
- Training and Support: Detailed processes provide a clear framework for training veterans and their employees.
- Scalability: Franchising relies on the ability to replicate a successful consumer-centric processes for veterans to grow their franchises.
Franchising offers veterans a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a structured, supportive environment. Veterans recognize the benefit of a roadmap based on proven methods and a successful strategy, much like a mission plan they are accustomed to seeing in their military careers. While civilian counterparts may often think there’s a better way, veterans have learned that following proven processes can lead to proven long-term success and stability.