To Our Honored Veterans, A Word of Caution about Franchising

On this November 11, I thank all U.S. veterans for their service. Without you, my life and the lives of those I care about would be drastically different in the negative and I am forever grateful.

Now, to you my fellow vets, and to all others reading this 'post', I make the following statement and submit its attendant inquiries.

At the VeteranFranchises website, which I think is part of Franchise Solutions but I'm not sure because 'VetFran' is also an IFA related program, the following statement is made on its homepage:

"As a veteran, you are one of a select group of motivated and disciplined individuals well suited to business ownership. Franchise companies know that both you and they will benefit from your ownership of their franchise businesses."

First, I resent this stupid and misleading statement.

Obviously military service does not make one 'well suited' for entrepreneurship. And I caution veterans to not fall prey to the standard BS that so freely flows throughout the franchise industry. Although franchising has been my profession for nearly 30 years, I regret to inform you that within it you will also find many bad people and equally horrible business 'opportunities' that if chosen, can ruin your life. I suspect that vigorous investigation of this 'program' as well as other private programs associated with 'helping veterans' will disclose misleading claims.

Be careful.

Second, I made a very cursory review of franchises offered specifically to veterans and found that very little of substance would lead me to promote the purchase of those opportunities among veterans or any other group.

If you, as a veteran, have experienced a loss via franchising or feel misled as you move through the process of investigating a franchise opportunity, please make it known here or to me privately.

If you, as a franchise professional/observer, have information that might lead to the demise of a veteran investigating the franchise industry, your comments are also most welcome.

You've sacrificed to protect us Mr. & Ms. Veteran, and we will attempt to have your back as well. I don't think this is the first, nor will it be the last questioning of veteran deception at the hands of the franchise industry, but it might just end up be the loudest. 

Editor's note: Mr. Bibby served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. He often discusses with me a profound affection for fellow veterans. Then somehow, always, the conversation turns to his other passion—franchising. Today's column is one of those occasions when he can simultaneously discuss both.