Across the United States, military veterans are discovering a new mission after service: franchise ownership. The discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills cultivated in the armed forces often translate seamlessly into business ownership, helping veterans thrive in local communities. From fitness and wellness to restaurants and pet care, these veterans are not only building successful businesses—they are continuing to serve their communities in meaningful ways.
Here are four inspiring stories of veterans who have found purpose and success through franchising.
Sean Falk, Marine Corps Veteran and Scenthound Franchise Owner
Marine Corps veteran Sean Falk served from 1989 to 1997, gaining experience in infantry units where small-team leadership was critical. “You quickly learn to lead and make decisions that impact your team,” he recalls. Experiences from his service reinforced the importance of accountability, teamwork, and following through on your tasks.
After leaving the military, Sean was drawn to franchising for its structure, operational support, and collaborative environment. His daughter, Keely Garza, encouraged him to explore Scenthound, and Sean appreciated the brand’s openness and alignment with his values.
Originally signing on for six locations, he currently operates two in Houston with the help of his son, Daniel, and has a third in development. His daughter Keely oversees the Wichita location and is preparing to open another in this market. The family-oriented approach mirrors the close-knit teams Sean led in the Marines, and he enjoys mentoring staff and building strong community connections. “Attention to detail, contingency planning, and small-unit leadership are skills I use every day,” he notes.
Franchise ownership allows Sean to continue serving. His leadership style emphasizes accountability, trust, and clear expectations. He says, “Veterans make excellent franchise owners because we’re used to executing missions and leading teams.”
Patrick and Wendy Wilkerson, Air Force Veterans and Burn Boot Camp Franchise Partners
Air Force veterans Patrick and Wendy Wilkerson first met while stationed in England, united by a shared sense of purpose that now drives their Burn Boot Camp location in North Carolina. Their time in the military strengthened their leadership skills, built confidence, and deepened their commitment to community, qualities they carry into business ownership.
Together, they’ve built a tight-knit community that mirrors the camaraderie they experienced in the Air Force. “The structure and teamwork at Burn remind me of my military experience,” Wendy says. They lead by example, motivate through collaboration, and cultivate a supportive culture where both staff and members can thrive. The Burn franchise partner network also provides ongoing guidance, reinforcing a sense of teamwork and mentorship similar to military life.
Patrick and Wendy emphasize empowerment, accountability, and personal growth, creating a space where members achieve their goals while feeling supported. Their military background helps them stay calm under pressure, navigate challenges, and build operational systems that keep the franchise running smoothly. For veterans considering franchising, they advise finding a brand that aligns with personal values, offers leadership opportunities, and allows for meaningful service to the community.
Neil Serdinsky, Air Force Veteran and Heights Wellness Retreat Owner
Neil Serdinsky, a former U.S. Air Force UNIX Systems Administrator, spent four years managing network infrastructure and mission-critical systems before transitioning into entrepreneurship. Today, he and his wife, Christy, own a Massage Heights in Cornelius, North Carolina, and are in the process of converting to Heights Wellness Retreat—a space built on structure, trust, and consistency.
Neil applies the discipline and system-based thinking he learned in the Air Force to keep operations running smoothly. His team includes numerous veterans, including a longtime massage therapist who served in the military and has been with the business for eight years. The retreat also offers veteran discounts and takes pride in supporting those who have served.
“The military taught me how to finish what I start,” Neil says. “In business, that same mindset keeps you focused through every challenge.” He believes franchising offers veterans a perfect balance of structure and leadership, while also allowing the freedom to make their own decisions. Together with Christy, who manages staff retention and serves as the public face of the business, Neil has built a culture of mentorship, operational excellence, and veteran support. Their high retention rate—with some employees staying for a decade or more—reflects the strong foundation they’ve created.
James Brown, Marine Corps Veteran and Chicken Salad Chick Franchise Owner
After 13 years in the Marine Corps, James Brown found his next mission in franchise ownership. Through his Chicken Salad Chick locations in Florida, he’s built a business rooted in community, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose, values that mirror his military service.
“The Marine Corps teaches discipline and the belief that there’s nothing you can’t accomplish,” James says. “That mindset translates perfectly into franchising.” He adds that the brand’s values align closely with his own, joking, “If the Marine Corps were a restaurant, it would be Chicken Salad Chick.”
James’s leadership philosophy centers on service. “In the military, leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about responsibility,” he says. That principle continues to guide how he runs his team, mentors employees, and engages with his community. By creating a culture of accountability and care, he has built a loyal team and a welcoming environment for customers. His advice to other veterans: Trust your skills, take calculated risks, and choose a franchise that aligns with your passions and values.
Continuing the Mission Through Franchising
For these veterans, business ownership isn’t just a career change; it’s a continuation of their service. Each of them applies the values, discipline, and teamwork they learned in the military to create thriving, community-focused businesses. Whether mentoring employees, engaging local communities, or providing opportunities for fellow veterans, they prove that the leadership skills honed in service can have a lasting impact long after leaving the military.
Through franchising, these veterans are finding their second calling—a way to continue leading, serving, and building something bigger than themselves.
Kaitlyn Sterk is a PR Coordinator at Fishman Public Relations
Photo courtesy Wesley Tingey for Unsplash+
