Originally posted on September 17, 2024 by 13NewsNow
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — ZeroMils and Neighborly hosted an event to support aspiring veterans and their spouses who want to own a small business on Tuesday.
Once veterans leave service, re-entering the workforce may present some employment challenges, but organizations like ZeroMils and Neighborly are helping them take control of their future.
The event focused on building thriving military communities and provided insight into ways to become a franchise owner.
“This is about recognizing that veterans and their families are valued in the workplace, they’re valued to small business owners, and they’re valued civic assets,” said Kevin Schmiegel, Zeromils Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.
Schmiegel said he understands veterans’ challenges returning to civilian life. He said his goal is to show how veterans can thrive as entrepreneurs.
“There are 2.5 million veterans in America who own a small business,” Schmiegel said. “We are just amplifying that so people realize that veterans are the fabric of communities like Hampton Roads.”
In recent years, Schmiegel said he’s worked to improve job opportunities and believes the partnership with Neighborly can positively impact even more veterans.
“A company like Neighborly that offers a franchise to a veteran or military spouse at discounted rates they give them a playbook so they go into business for themselves, but not by themselves,” Schmiegel said.
Neighborly is the biggest home service company globally, with over 5,500 stores, 750+ of which are owned by veterans. It has a portfolio of 30 brands.
Brad Stevenson, Chief Development Officer at Neighborly, and Lou Schager, Brand President at Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company, explain why franchise ownership is gaining traction among veterans.
“You don’t have to be a great business person to be able to do this,” said Stevenson. “That’s why we have systems and processes in place to be able to make people as successful as can be.”
“Franchising opportunity provides a great way for transitioning out of the military into other opportunities to see some financial independence and running a business on their own,” added Schager.