GIJOBs

JUN 2017

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44 G.I. JOBS | JUNE 2017 | GIJOBS.COM GIJOBS.COM G.I. JOBS | JUNE 2017 | 44 SERGEANT FIRST CLASS When did you become interested in owning your own business? For many years, I considered the possibility of owning my own business. Being able to set the tone and pace of the business, the rules and strategizing were the most appealing to me. Why did you choose Garage Fo rce? Garage Force gave me the opportunity to own my own business at a reasonable price, work for myself and have an active support unit from GF but a hands-off approach that allows me to make decisions and work at my pace. How did you finance your franchise? Through Garage Force How many hours a week do you typically work? 40-50 What challenges have you faced since you became a franchise owner? I didn't have a lot of jobs in the beginning because I was still active duty. I left the service in November, which was at a slow time. I have been marketing myself and purchased a booth at the Indianapolis Home Show, which was a game- changer for me. What's your typical day like? On an install day, I wake up, load my truck with the product I need for the job and head out to arrive by 8. Grind the floor, apply base coat and chip then go to lunch. Return 1 to 2 hours later and finish the floor. I'm done by 4 or 5 on most days. On "off " days, I complete warranties for completed projects, update invoices, follow up with people I have spoken to and completed jobs for, do inventories, estimates and make orders as necessary. What do you like best about being a franchise owner? Being in control of my own destiny. What's the biggest challenge? When you're an employee, you can call in sick or shrug off responsibility. As a franchise owner, I am responsible for all things good and bad. NATHAN PRESS Garage Force*, Indianapolis Is Garage Force a good opঞon for post-9/11 veterans? It is good for the veteran who has the right attitude and work ethic. It's not for everybody. What three ঞps would you give to transiঞoners interested in owning a franchise? Assess your market to determine if it is good for the area you desire to set up in. Be sure to have some money ready for advertising costs and the potential of slow times in the beginning. Never underestimate a customer's ability to pay … don't just target the "wealthy" neighborhoods. What do you do to relax? Family time (wife and three children) Employees: 2 Age: 39 Franchise purchase: May 2016 Opened for business: June 2016 Military service: Sergeant First Class (E-7), Army (2001-2005; 2007-2016) Army Reserve (2016-Present) MOS: Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator/ Maintainer (14T), Recruiter (79R) Education: • Bachelor's degree, business administration, Post University, 2016 • Earning master's degree in management, strategy and leadership, Michigan State University VETERAN/FRANCHISE OWNER ABOUT THE FRANCHISE HQ: La Crosse, Wis. Founded: 2014 # of franchises: 52 # of veteran franchisees: 26 Franchise fee: $25,000 franchise fee; $40,000 equipment package (both required) Liquid capital required: $0 Total initial investment: $65,000 Military discounts or incentives: $500 credit per month for first 12 months Minimum net worth: None Royalties: 6% monthly (with 1% allocated to marketing in franchise territory) Other monthly or annual fees: none *Employer is a paid advertiser in this issue.

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