Thirty years ago, Don Dwyer Sr., the father of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen founder, Doug Dwyer, launched VetFran, a program that educates veterans about how their unique skill sets make them ideal individuals to own and operate franchises as small business owners.
“While VetFran has been around since 1991, the program continues to grow and innovate, and in the run up to its 30th anniversary, this growth and innovation is picking up pace,” says DreamMaker owner Doug Dwyer. “Today, more than 500 franchisors participate in the program, and more than 6,300 veterans have acquired a franchise business through VetFran.”
In April, the program unveiled a brand-new website (www.vetfran.org) which will feature interactive member areas for franchisors and their veteran franchisees alike, putting veteran small business owners at the forefront of the program for the first time.
The organization, part of the International Franchise Association (IFA), has a dual mission: To educate military veterans and franchisors about how well the abilities of veterans match up with the skill set required for being a successful franchisee/entrepreneur and to ease veterans’ transition into franchising by encouraging franchisors to offer financial incentives to veterans. It also assists with assembling resources, tools and a database of franchising opportunities for those who served their country.
An example of how the program helps is illustrated by recent franchise owners and U.S. Army Veterans, Jeff and Ruth Vargo, who opened a DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen franchise to meet the remodeling demand in The Woodlands, Tex., and surrounding areas. They just celebrated the grand opening of their remodeling design center located off of Woodlands Parkway.
“At DreamMaker, the bottom line is people and integrity,” said Jeff. “From its beginning in 1978, franchise owners adhere to a faith-based Code of Values, and that means we don’t cut corners. Respecting and valuing every customer is a founding principle.”
Added Ruth, “We firmly believe in enhancing lives and improving homes; it’s what brought us to the DreamMaker family. We both grew up involved in home remodeling projects and have always enjoyed project management and improving homes.”
“Helping people realize their personal remodeling dream is our goal; it makes us happy,” said Jeff. “We feel led and inspired to serve all people in our community and do whatever we can to bring them joy.”
