Franchise Ownership Proves to Be a Great Career Alternative for Retired Air Force Veterans

Perry and Peggy Lamy, both Air Force veterans, have a passion for business ownership. Upon retiring from a successful, lifelong military career, business ownership seemed like a natural transition for Perry. The couple wanted to make a contribution to their community by owning a much-needed business, and discovered 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, the world’s largest junk removal service utilized by businesses and individuals, while browsing the website, VeteranFranchises.com, a destination on the web dedicated to helping veterans and their families find the business that’s right for them to own. The couple purchased two franchises from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and are currently in the process of launching their business.

Perry Lamy graduated from the USAF Academy from in 1975 and retired on February 1, 2006 after 30 ½ years of service. He achieved the rank of Major General prior to leaving the Air Force. Peggy Lamy enlisted in the USAF in 1978, served on active duty until 1984, and then transferred to the reserves until 1995. The Lamys previously owned, Your Consignments, an upscale consignment shop in Fairborn, Ohio which was very successful. Perry Lamy commented, "We considered starting another business but the franchise opportunity provided us with a business approach consistent with our military training and experience—follow a disciplined system, create a vision and business plan for success, train and motivate employees, effectively lead and execute, adapt to change, and be part of a winning and passionate team."

Many factors have contributed to a new appreciation for franchise ownership as a job alternative. Industry downturns, repeated lay-offs, and the challenge of balancing family and career for both men and women have all played a role in today's popularity of small business ownership. With no prior experience as business owners, people are using the proven business models, name-brands, and education that franchises offer their franchisees to succeed as small business owners. Franchises are providing new opportunities for qualified individuals to take control of their incomes and their personal lifestyles. Additionally, with more active lifestyles, most Baby Boomers’ definition of retirement these days includes a desire to stay employed. According to a 2006 study by the Boston College Center on Aging and Work, workers 50 or older are more likely to be independent, self-employed workers (17 percent versus 12 percent for younger workers). In fact, many of the transition courses and books offered to retiring senior officers in the military include information on becoming a business owner and owning a franchise (Examples include "From Air Force Blue to Corporate Gray" by Carl Savino, a book which is given free to every airman leaving the Air Force and which includes a chapter on business ownership).

"My time in the USAF was challenging, rewarding, and one of life’s great opportunities. However, the downsides of working in a large organization—bureaucracy, politics, lack of imagination and innovation, organizational inertia, time away from family, working hard and providing ideas to government bureaucrats who do not possess the courage to say "yes"—were the frustrations which made me realize that my next real challenges and rewards existed only in the realm of business ownership. Also, we wanted to be part of the local business environment and have a chance to contribute to our community," explained Lamy.

He continued, "When I found 1-800-GOT-JUNK? on VeteranFranchises.com, my intent was only to investigate the possibilities and process of the franchise search, but once I began my due diligence, I learned that this company offered much of what I have been looking for in my transition from the military. I think franchise businesses are a fantastic opportunity for our veterans because of their military training, experience, dedication, and integrity," explained Perry Lamy. "We chose 1-800-GOT-JUNK? because the business concept was simple, the company was relatively young but had achieved remarkable growth, the availability of the Dallas franchise, and they offered a VetFran program discount. We were really sold on the company after visiting the Junktion (corporate headquarters) in Vancouver, BC. There we found a very enthusiastic team of proud, committed, and visionary individuals excited about building the 1-800-GOT-JUNK? brand and who promote their core values of passion, integrity, professionalism, and empathy."

Lamy utilized, VeteranFranchises.com (located at http://www.veteranfranchises.com) to search for a business to buy. The site, powered by Franchise Solutions, Inc. (http://www.franchisesolutions.com) includes easy to use search tools, a directory of franchises that are actively seeking veterans to own their businesses, testimonials from real franchise owners, as well as resources for finding financing. "I would recommend VeteranFranchises.com to other veterans, without a doubt. The website was extremely helpful when we were learning about the VetFran program and helped us to easily find and request additional information about the 1-800-GOT-JUNK? opportunity," said Lamy.

Everything is on schedule for the Lamys’ franchises to open in April and May. The couple has recently set up their office, purchased their trucks, and hired employees. They are excited about meeting the demands of their community while growing their business using the proven business system of the 1-800-GOT-JUNK? concept. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is currently accepting new franchise owners nationwide, including throughout Texas.

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