Issue link: http://gijobsdigimag.epubxp.com/i/825996
46 G.I. JOBS | JUNE 2017 | GIJOBS.COM GIJOBS.COM G.I. JOBS | JUNE 2017 | 46 SERGEANT What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? I was most proud of my deployment to Iraq in '06. Deploying, experiencing combat and learning how I would react when the bullets started flying was why I had chosen the infantry. Making it home after 14 months of almost daily attacks was such a blessing. Going there, doing my best to lead my team and making it home to my family, that's what I'm most proud of. When did you become interested in owning your own business? Once I came home I started thinking about what I wanted to do next. Owning my own business was something that never even crossed my mind. I spent the next five years or so in the corporate world at two different Fortune 500 companies. Frustrated at the lack of opportunity and position, I realized that sitting behind a desk was something I couldn't do anymore. It was by pure chance that I stumbled JASON MEADOWS JDog Junk Removal* - Woodstock, Ga. onto a video on Fox News titled, "Veteran puts veterans to work." It was of Jerry Flanagan, Shawn Schexnayder and Mike O'Neill. What they had to say struck a chord and I found myself saying, "I can do that." The thought of being my own boss and building something with my wife and family really appealed to me. I submitted my information on the JDog website about 30 seconds after the video ended and the rest is history. What challenges have you faced since you became a franchise owner? Getting our community to know who and what JDog is. We've experimented with multiple forms of advertising: local newspapers, yard signs, social media, sponsorships, business networking groups, etc. We haven't overcome the challenge of getting our name out there but have learned the best way to do it for us is free: Word of mouth. What three ঞps would you give to transiঞoners or veterans who are interested in buying a franchisee? 1. Don't get overwhelmed. It's a lot to take in for anyone who hasn't owned a business or managed at a high level, but stay the course and it will all start to become second nature. 2. Lean on the other JDogs for advice and guidance. If you have a situation you aren't sure how to deal with, reach out to the others. There is a very high chance that someone else has already faced the same issue and is more than willing to help. 3. Be as friendly as possible. This, I find, is the most important thing we can do. I truly enjoy the conversations I have with my customers and spend time answering any of the questions they have. Employees: 3 Franchise purchase: November 2015 Open for business: February 2016 Age: 38 Military service: Sergeant (E-5), Army (2005-2009) MOS: Airborne Infantry (11B) Operation Iraqi Freedom: 14 months, Purple Heart Education: Bachelor's degree, graphic design, Kennesaw State University, 2003 VETERAN/FRANCHISE OWNER ABOUT THE FRANCHISE HQ: Berwyn, Pa. Founded: 2014 # of franchises: Over 70 active franchises; over 130 awarded Franchise fee: $30,000 Liquid capital required: $40,000 Total initial investment: $42,000-$105,000 Military discounts or incentives: $2,500 veteran discount Royalties: $500-$1,800+ per month Other monthly or annual fees: None Photo by Lindsey Meadows *Employer is a paid advertiser in this issue.