Meineke Success Stories

A growing number of America's military veterans are investing in franchised businesses today, a path made easier by the Veterans Transition Franchise initiative, known as VetFran. This voluntary program, offered by Meineke and 200 other International Franchise Association (IFA) members, has helped launch 700+ military veterans as small business owners since 2002.

Veterans attracted to Meineke Car Care Centers often cite the advantages of our readily recognized brand name, structured business system, and ongoing training and support programs. There's also the financial incentive of Meineke's $7,500 franchise license discount, available to honorably discharged service veterans presenting their DD Form 214 military separation papers.

Our April 2007 Meineke University graduating class included two such ex-military franchisees. Chuck Weber and spouse Tonna opened Meineke Car Care Center #1990 July 23rd in Santa Maria, CA. Mark Sherman departed April's MU session for Post Falls, ID, where newly constructed Meineke Center #1970 opened in mid-June.

Business Development VP Dave Schaefers openly welcomes Meineke applicants with a military background. "Veterans can make great franchisees because their military experiences teach them how to function as a team within a system. Now add to that equation the fact that military operations are mission-driven, tightly focused, and goal-oriented...and what you get is a skills set that adapts easily to a franchised business like Meineke."

March Meineke University grad Leslie Jalbert heartily agrees with that assessment, saying that her stint with the United States Army in Belgium helped develop the discipline required to run her own Meineke business.

Leslie has taken command of the Center's front office, while ASE Master Tech and husband Paul applies his 25 years of automotive experience out in the service area.

The Jalberts say they investigated several auto aftermarket business opportunities before deciding to construct a 5-bay Meineke in Rochester, NH. "We liked the upfront assistance in locating a building site and in assessing the demographics and market potential. In our eyes, Meineke offered the right mix of structure and operating freedom."

Army tank crew veteran Chuck Weber and wife Tonna began their Meineke maneuvers with the April MU training session. Brand name recognition was a key factor in the decision to bring his 35 years of car dealership experience to Meineke.

"As an independent you're out there on your own," remarks Chuck. "But customers already know Meineke's name and the service menu that's offered. A time-tested business system comes with each Meineke Car Care Center license."

Chuck and Tonna are already thinking of acquiring additional Meineke Centers. After opening Santa Maria, CA, Meineke #1990, the gameplan is to launch a second franchise in 12 months, then another six months later.

Mark Sherman's 18-years of army life began as a combat engineer, then transitioned to his most recent duty as first lieutenant with the motorized infantry in Iraq. Returning to Post Falls, ID, he and wife Karri opened new 5-bay Meineke Center #1970 off Interstate I-90 June 15th.

Mark mentions that his military experience gave him a take-charge attitude that seemed right for running a business of his own. He looked at a number of franchise-offering circulars, but says, Meineke seemed to make the most sense. "The structure and opportunity for leadership sold me on Meineke. My impression was that this is an organization that's determined to move forward."

Meineke training? Mark sums it up in a word: "Great. I got way more than I expected. I did a lot of prep work before heading off to Charlotte, then found it had already been done for me. My worries disappeared. They set me up for success."