Here’s what you’ll learn after reading this article:
- Retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Doug “Odie” Slocum and Paul Edelstein appeared on WJR Radio to discuss veteran entrepreneurship and PuroClean’s PuroVet Program.
- The PuroVet Program helps qualified military veterans explore franchise ownership opportunities within the property restoration industry.
- Business ownership offers stability for community-based service members, leveraging their military leadership skills to follow established operational systems.
What does a new mission look like after military service? For some veterans, it means owning a business, leading a team and continuing to serve their community.
Retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Doug “Odie” Slocum and Paul Edelstein of NVBDC joined The Veteran Blueprint on 760 WJR Radio to discuss veteran entrepreneurship and PuroClean’s PuroVet Program. Their conversation explored how business ownership can create opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs, including those who continue to serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
An Opportunity That Reaches Beyond Business Ownership
Slocum sees two benefits in PuroVet. The first is the opportunity for veterans to become entrepreneurs. The second is the stability a community-based business can offer service members who balance military and civilian responsibilities.
“Michigan is also a Guard and Reserve state,” Slocum explained during the interview. “We have people who serve in the military who are also full-time in the community.”
For Guardsmen and Reservists, the chance to build a business where they live can support both their civilian careers and continued service. “It helps the people. It helps the organizations,” Slocum said. “I think it’s just a great program, and that’s why I’d like to be on board and advocate.”
A Business Model Veterans Can Evaluate
PuroVet helps qualified veterans explore franchise ownership within PuroClean’s property restoration network. Restoration owners lead teams that help families and businesses recover after water, fire and other property damage.
During the WJR veterans’ radio interview, Edelstein emphasized the value of having an established system behind that work. “You’re not reinventing the wheel,” he said. “You’re following a system. You’re following an SOP.”
He also described the marketing support available to Franchise Owners and PuroClean’s open-territory system, which allows an owner to pursue a lead outside their local area. Those details matter to veterans assessing what day-to-day ownership involves and how they could grow a business over time.
The program offers qualified veterans 25% off the initial franchise fee, along with training and ongoing support. Edelstein told listeners that since PuroClean Vice Chairman Frank Torre revamped the program PuroClean has brought 50 veterans into its system, including multi-location Franchise Owners.
Taking the First Step Toward Veteran Entrepreneurship
As the hosts observed, entrepreneurship may receive little attention when service members prepare to leave the military. The interview gave veterans a chance to consider how their experience leading people, solving problems and carrying out a mission might translate into business ownership.
Slocum put the purpose plainly during the WJR Radio interview: He welcomes opportunities to talk about “anything that takes care of our veterans.” Through PuroVet, that means helping veterans explore a potential business while serving customers at some of their most difficult moments.
Veterans interested in learning more can visit PuroVet.com or call 855-PUROVET.
Frequently Asked Quetsions
What is the PuroVet Program?
The PuroVet Program is a franchise initiative by PuroClean designed to help military veterans explore and pursue business ownership within the property restoration industry.
How does the program support active Guard and Reserve members?
PuroClean’s PuroVet Program provides an opportunity to build a local, community-based business that offers career stability while allowing service members to balance both their civilian careers and military obligations.
What advantages do veterans have when launching a PuroClean franchise?
Veterans do not have to create a business model from scratch; instead, they follow an established system with standardized operating procedures (SOPs), comprehensive marketing support, and an open-territory system.
