This article was originally published by 1851 Franchise.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 200,000 people separate from the American military each year, with a third of veterans citing finding a job as the most significant non-health related challenge in returning to life as a civilian.
Many veterans report missing the idea of structure. Franchising offers it, which is one reason the model has long been a great fit for veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports veterans are about three times more likely to own a franchise.
Right at Home, recently named a top franchise for veterans by Entrepreneur, offers in-home companionship, personal care and assistance to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to continue to live independently. Working with VetFran, which connects veterans with franchise opportunities, Right at Home offers veterans a 25% discount on the initial franchise fee. Its comparatively low initial investment — starting under six figures — makes the brand a great fit for veterans looking to enter entrepreneurship.
Meet The Franchisees
Founded in Nebraska in 1995, Right at Home began franchising five years later and now operates more than 750 locations.
For more than a decade, Navy veteran Mike Steiner has operated a Right at Home franchise in Grayslake, Illinois. Army veteran Brian Braggs launched a location in Peoria, Illinois, about four years ago.
“I served four years active, two years inactive reserve, and I was assigned to the USS Puget Sound, a destroyer tender. I absolutely loved my time in the service,” Steiner said. “I wrestled in high school and a little in college, and I joined the Navy wrestling team. Then I was assigned temporary duty in Pensacola, Florida, made the team and went to the interservice championships at West Point Military Academy in New York. They asked me if I wanted to continue wrestling and try out for the World Games and Olympics — but I declined because I wanted to learn computer systems and focus on that, which is what I did in the Navy.”
“I graduated high school in 1987 from Chicago Vocational High School in Illinois,” Braggs said. “I joined the military in 1988 and served almost 10 years. I was a 19 Delta and also a combat medic. I had a full tour but also sustained service-connected injuries that led to my honorable discharge upon completion of active duty.”
Why It Works
Before entrepreneurship, Steiner worked in project management and global software development. Braggs approached franchising following time as a combat medic and later owned a successful multi-therapy practice, which he sold after about 15 years.
“Self-discipline, and the ability and drive to follow processes — or create and improve them when they’re not there. That’s huge and has helped me,” Steiner said.
“Veterans thrive on purpose, service and accountability — a mission-first mindset. That has all the right ingredients,” Braggs said. “With my background and experience — not only from the military as a combat medic but also from personal family experiences — it all aligns.”
Embrace the System
Structure is a hallmark of both military service and franchising. Veterans like Steiner and Braggs say the ability to depend on a system — paired with franchisor support — made Right at Home the right call.
“I didn’t know much about marketing, sales, finance or back-office operations — but when I met with other Right at Home owners, I asked, ‘Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?’” Steiner said. “The common theme was: follow what the franchisor provides. Too many people think, ‘My area is different!’ Well, those folks don’t progress as strongly. I followed the processes they put forward, and it’s been extremely helpful — that’s part of my success. I tell my office staff that the home office is like an employee — but not just one, an entire group of people we should utilize.”
“Right at Home has been a great partner, providing tools, education, training, branding and marketing materials to help advocate for people with neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases,” Braggs said. “I get to do what I love every day — not because I have to but because I want to. It’s been a great partnership.”
It’s Personal
Personal experiences often drive owners into care-focused businesses.
“My grandmother had both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She later became an amputee and developed Alzheimer’s and dementia, which led to her passing in her mid to late 70s,” Braggs said. “Those experiences helped me transition naturally into health care and franchising today.”
Both franchisees say service to their communities — especially fellow veterans — shapes their work.
“In central Illinois, dementia and Alzheimer’s are the sixth-leading cause of death. It’s the second-leading cause of death in our state,” Braggs said. “We spend a lot of time helping families understand how neurodegenerative diseases impact quality of life for seniors and veterans. It’s fulfilling to provide comfort and hope for the families we serve.”
“I’m about 20 minutes from the local VA, which I use myself. I’m involved with the American Legion and other veteran organizations, and I make an effort to work with and share information with local vets,” Steiner said. “The problem I find is that many veterans and their families have no idea of the benefits available that can pay for our services. I get excited when I speak with a veteran or family looking for care, because I can walk them through those benefits step by step.”
Making It Work
The pandemic disrupted many sectors, including in-home care. Both owners credit franchisor support for helping them grow and adapt.
“During COVID, the support was invaluable,” Steiner said. “We had conference calls with corporate and other franchisees multiple times each week. We learned from what others were experiencing. It was a tremendous help.”
“We’ve grown tremendously,” Braggs said. “Some franchise owners buy existing territories with employees and clients — but I started from scratch with no clients or staff. In four years, we’ve grown to just over $1.2 million in annual revenue. We’ve also expanded our education and certifications. I became a certified dementia practitioner and earned credentials in Parkinson’s training.”
Why Franchise?
Steiner and Braggs hire and work with other veterans and point to the benefits of a strongly structured, well-supported system.
“Veterans run toward responsibility and accountability. They have a heart for service,” Braggs said. “If you’re a veteran looking at franchising, look for brands that offer discounts. Secure your funding. But take advantage of what Right at Home offers.”
“A lot of my friends say, ‘Why be with a franchise? You pay royalties constantly. You could go out on your own,’” said Steiner. “But if you want to do something on your own, you have a much better chance of success with a franchise.”
Learn more about becoming a franchisee with Right at Home at https://rightathomefranchise.com/ or check out our blog. To read the original article from 1851 Franchise click the link: https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/veterans-in-franchising-right-at-home-success-2730661#stories.