Is franchising right for you? Are you willing to take on a role of a business owner? Are you passionate about the industry your considering becoming a franchisee for? Come and find the answers to your questions during this power hour. A franchise allows the franchisee to legally replicate the business operations.You will be introduced to these guest speakers who have massive experience in this field.
Stuart Smith spent six years attempting to develop a new franchise concept and business model with CitruSolution Carpet Cleaning, Atlanta, GA.
He learned “the hard way” what it takes to build a franchise and although unsuccessful in building the larger brand, he built a very successful business (25x ROI) that he was able to sell to a deserving, fellow veteran.
Stuart worked doggedly to create the franchise infrastructure – brand, marketing, internet presence, social media, back office processes, accounting and legal for the franchise while building his own franchise and running another business. However, he learned quickly that you cannot work harder than your partner and be successful. He also learned the importance of trust, competency and business acumen when working with others.
Stu still believes that franchising is a great way for veterans to open and operate a successful business and is willing to share his experiences as a franchisor and franchisee.
Susan Scotts is a Career Transition Coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source with over three decades of experience in helping empower hundreds of individuals to become entrepreneurs through franchise business ownership. She is the top Veteran Advocate and Mentor with over 400 hours with Veterati and works with numerous Veteran organizations.
Susan has been featured in Forbes and is a Contributing Member of the Forbes Coaches Council, as well as a Contributor for The Franchise Woman Magazine. Susan is a Multiple Award Winning Coach with many accolades, including Franchisee/Coach of the Year.
LTC(R) Paul Huszar, CFE, P.E. is the CEO of VetCor, a restoration company focused on creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for veterans, and Team VetCor, a holding company composed of several companies focused on creating business ownership opportunities for veterans and their immediate family members through franchising VetCor. VetCor was founded in 2013 and now has three organic offices, and seven franchises. Paul served 23 years on active duty including four combat tours in Iraq, service as the Dean of the U.S. Army Engineer School, and commanding Joint Task Force Eagle in 09-10, a 1,000+ Soldier and Airmen joint task force, operating throughout northern and western Iraq. Paul earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from West Point and graduate certificates in Administration and Management, and Global Trade, Transportation and Logistics, along with an M.S.C.E from the University of Washington. Paul is a Certified Franchise Executive and a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Missouri.
Former Chief Executive Officer John Panaccione has over 20 years of experience leading teams that focus on using technology to improve corporate performance. John founded LogicBay as "KLi" in 2003, raised a Series A equity round with Angel investors, and bought LogicBay in 2004. John then led the effort to sell LogicBay to Pluribus Technologies in 2020 and return capital to shareholders (and himself!). Before founding LogicBay in 2003, he led sales and marketing for Cognitive Arts, led SumTotal Systems' professional services and technology integration organization, and led MetLife's corporate Learning Technologies Group for several years. In 2013, John co-founded VETtoCEO, a non-profit organization with a mission of helping transitioning members of the military explore entrepreneurship as a career path. In this role, John has helped educate over 4,000 military members on entrepreneurship pathways, including startups, franchise opportunities, and buying existing businesses. John served for six years on active duty as a U.S. Army officer, mostly as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division before launching his business career.
