Photo courtesy James King
A recent study from The Sage Group and the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), revealed that a staggering 815,000 jobs nationwide have been created due to veteran-owned franchisees, which contributes an impressive $41 billion to the U.S. GDP each year.
In order to support these numbers, Authority Brands is committed to building a team of corporate-level veteran staff members so that veteran franchise owners feel a sense of camaraderie and mentorship while on the job. Veterans like to work with other veterans because their similar backgrounds, shared experiences and diverse set of skills makes working with each other more natural and seamless.
As franchise owners navigate the challenges and successes of owning a business, they are now able to tap into additional resources, such as veteran staff members — provided to them by the franchisor — so that they feel more supported holistically. A pool and spa industry example of this holistic franchise support is James King.
After 30 years of dedicated U.S. military service in the Air Force and Marine Corps, James King, along with his wife Ellen, embarked on a new mission as business owners in the swimming pool service industry. They have owned America’s Swimming Pool (ASP) Company of Springfield, Va., since 2012. The couple met when they were both enlisted in the Air Force and quickly fell in love because they shared many of the same leadership qualities and desire to serve others.
“The past 11-plus years as ASP franchise owners have shown me and my wife that veterans are very well-suited for the structure of franchising,” says King. “Many of us share a drive to succeed, which helps with the day-to-day of running a business. We have learned to take initiative and solve problems through confident leadership and clear communication.
“I believe military veterans develop very useful skills in project management, directing staff and administering programs. Also, customers typically recognize and appreciate our strong work ethic and professional integrity, so being a veteran-owned business helps with our credibility and ultimately, our business.”
This article first appeared in the February 2024 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
