(VeteransFranchise.com) - By Joan. Updated Oct 15, 2018
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (October 15, 2018) – In celebration of Veteran’s Day, the number one franchise for veterans Dream Vacations is awarding seven military heroes with free travel franchises as part of its award-winning 7th annual contest “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General.” Currently more than 30 percent of franchise owners within Dream Vacations are military veterans and in the past seven years, the travel agency franchise has awarded 37 free franchises valued at more than $469,000 to deserving military veterans.
“Military veterans are American heroes and Operation Vetrepreneur is our unique way of giving back to them for all that they have given to us,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “I am so proud of our company’s military efforts and how it has grown over the years. According to VetFran, military veterans own approximately 14 percent of all franchises nationwide, and here at Dream Vacations our veteran ownership is more than double the national average with more than 30 percent of our franchise owners being military veterans.”
The annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest was open to former members of any of the five branches of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date this past May. Candidates participated in a rigorous three-part application process which included creating a business plan, video essay and phone interviews. More than 1,500 people have applied for franchise ownership through Operation Vetrepreneur since 2012.This year’s winners are Navy Veteran Christo Robinson of Buford, Ga.; Navy Veteran Jamar Moore of Cheverly, Md.; Navy Veteran Richard Greenway of Lewisville, Texas; Air Force Veteran Brandon Longcrier of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Navy Veteran Victoria Guy of Essex, Md.; Army Veteran Irma Campuzano of Vail, Ariz; and Army Veteran Eric Roy of Orlando, Fla.
“As a home-based travel agent, I look forward to having the flexible hours that will allow me the time to grow my business, travel to destinations and gain valuable knowledge in the industry that will help ensure my clients have the best vacations possible when the time comes to book their trips,” said Vetrepreneur Winner Robinson. “
All military veterans and Gold Star families who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000 and ongoing support. They can select one of four perks currently being offered — 2019 National Conference cabin aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas valued at $2,100; receive up to $7,000 back based on initial fee through the Earn Back promotion; waived administrative fees valued at $1,350; or a surface pro tablet valued at $1,000. They also receive a waived training fee for a business partner; veteran-themed marketing assets; and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, LeisureCare Travel Insurance discounts for veterans, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.
Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a veteran-friendly franchise. As a member of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations is the only travel franchise to receive a five star ranking. Other national accolades include number one rankings by Military Times, Entrepreneur and Forbes. Additional recognitions include inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans,” US Veterans magazine’s “Top Veteran-Friendly Companies”, USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans” and recognition by MSC Cruises in its Seaside Salute Award. The Operation Vetrepreneur program won gold from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards and the IFA Franchising Gives Back Awards.
Dream Vacations is committed to being “Rich in Diversity” and empowers all owners, franchisees and employees to reach their highest potential by leveraging their broad range of talent, experiences, personalities, viewpoints and ideas to generate business growth.
Military veterans who have a passion for travel and entrepreneurism who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.
