30 Heroes for 30 Years: Brian Thompson, Metal Supermarkets
International Franchise Association and VetFran are proud to highlight Veterans who continue to serve their communities as franchise owners. Brian Thompson served in the U.S. Navy for 9 years earning his stripes at one of the most challenging technical schools in the U.S. Armed Forces – Nuclear Power School. He then applied those skills for…
Read More30 Heroes for 30 Years: Mark Furlan, Dream Vacations
As a young man Mark Furlan was drafted into the US Army to serve as a Chaplain’s Assistant in Vietnam for two years. The assignment worked for Furlan, who grew up with a strong faith background and a Catholic school education. After his service in the Army, Furlan became a youth pastor. More than 20…
Read More30 Heroes for 30 Years: Ted DeWitt, Signarama
On March 29, we recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day. A Vietnam War veteran himself, Ted DeWitt, of Signarama knows what it means to serve. And, he’s put a special focus on mentoring veteran entrepreneurs and giving back to his community. Ted has more than 40 years in the graphic arts industry, many at large…
Read MoreWinning the War for Talent
During the 2022 International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention in San Diego, the IFA Foundation and VetFran hosted a special seminar titled “Winning the War for Talent: Tapping into the Veteran Pipeline.” Sponsored through the generous support of USAA, this session brought together Veterans, non-profit leaders, and business owners to address the serious job market issues facing…
Read MoreHIRE Vets Medallion Award
The International Franchise Association (IFA) and VetFran encourages its members to apply for the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level award that recognizes employers of all sizes for their leadership in recruiting, employing, and retaining America’s veterans. Applications will be accepted through…
Read More30 Heroes for 30 Years: Stan Gray, FastSigns
Proud Seabee and Navy Veteran, as well as an accomplished architect with a knack for graphic design, Stan Gray is now a successful local franchise owner operating two FASTSIGNS locations in Long Beach and Torrance, CA. Stan knew he wanted to be a business owner but wanted to ensure that he had the support and…
Read More30 Heroes for 30 Years: Steve Carey, CertaPro
From combat-seasoned and highly decorated fighter pilot to successful local businessman, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Steven D. Carey continues to serve as a Veteran franchise owner. With literally tens of thousands of flight hours in multiple fighter aircrafts and combat tours spanning two decades from Operation Desert Storm to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Colonel Carey…
Read MoreVetFran Celebrates 30 Heroes for 30 Years at IFA Annual Convention
MARINE VETERAN HIRED TO MANAGE VETFRAN PROGRAM
The International Franchise Association Foundation announced today that they have hired Eric C. Johnson as the new manager of the VetFran program. Johnson is a Marine Corps infantry veteran, having served a tour in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. More recently, Johnson worked in state and local government while successfully managing various political…
Read More30 Heroes for 30 Years: Jason Madden
For 30 years the International Franchise Association has made a profound and enduring impact on the lives of thousands of Veterans and their families through our VetFran program. Veterans like Jason Madden, who was called to serve in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age…
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