Recently on The Steve Gruber Show, two remarkable veterans shared their journeys from military service to successful Franchise Owners through the PuroVet Program, PuroClean’s veteran franchise initiative spearheaded by Vice Chairman Frank Torre. PuroClean Franchise Owner, Brigadier General (Ret.) Stephen Feldmann, and PuroClean Franchise Owner, veteran of the Army National Guard Jennifer Wine, joined the broadcast to talk about how PuroVet helps veterans find purpose, stability, and a powerful new mission to serve their communities after the uniform comes off.
From Service to Small Business: General Feldmann’s Story
After more than three decades in the Army, Brigadier General Feldmann was looking for a meaningful next chapter. He told Gruber that while the military gave him leadership and resilience, it was PuroClean’s PuroVet Program that gave him the tools to translate those qualities into a business.
“Property restoration is no different from a mission in the Army. Clients need calm, steady leadership during a crisis. That’s where my military background really shines,” he said.
For Feldmann, the opportunity to continue serving, this time by helping families recover from disasters, made PuroVet the perfect fit.
Certification and Credibility: Jennifer Wine’s Perspective
While the Feldmann’s story highlights purpose through leadership, Jennifer Wine’s journey added another layer to the conversation. She’s not only a PuroClean Franchise Owner, but also NVBDC-certified as a veteran-owned business. Certification, she explained, opens the door to supplier diversity programs with major corporations that seek out veteran suppliers.
“NVBDC certification is the gold standard. It tells corporations my business is 100% veteran-owned and verified. PuroVet helped guide me every step of the way, from training to connecting with NVBDC,” Wine said.
Wine noted that the program goes beyond franchising; it provides mentorship, structure, and a supportive community of veterans who are building businesses together.
Shared Challenges and Shared Impact
Both Feldmann and Wine agreed that the biggest challenge in transitioning was learning the nuts and bolts of business operations. But with PuroVet’s training, financial guidance, and corporate support, those obstacles became stepping stones. Their work now makes a direct impact in their communities.
“When disaster strikes—whether it’s fire, flood, or storm damage—we’re there to help families recover. That’s real service. It feels like continuing my mission in a different uniform,” Wine said.
A Program Built for Veterans
“PuroVet is designed to take the discipline and leadership veterans already have and give them the training, financial incentives, and support to run a successful restoration business. It’s a natural fit,” Feldmann said.
With the property restoration industry valued at more than $200 billion and demand rising due to climate change and natural disasters, veterans are uniquely positioned to succeed in this high-growth sector.
Advice for Fellow Veterans
Both guests closed with advice for those considering veteran entrepreneurship:
- Wine: Don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. You already have the skills. With the right support, like PuroVet, you can turn those skills into a thriving business.
- Feldmann: Find something that gives you purpose. For me, that’s been PuroClean. It’s not just a business—it’s a way to keep serving.
The interview underscored what makes the PuroVet Program unique: it’s not just a franchise opportunity for veterans, it’s a mission-driven initiative that helps veterans translate their service into business success. With the leadership of Frank Torre and the backing of organizations like the NVBDC, PuroVet continues to create new opportunities for those who once served our nation and who now serve their communities in times of need.
For veterans looking for a new mission, PuroVet offers the path forward for new Franchise Owners. To learn more about PuroClean’s PuroVet Program, visit purovet.com or call 888-PUROVET.
