The FINANCIAL -- The UPS Store franchise network announced it
has extended approximately $300,000 more in financial incentives for up
to 10 qualified U.S. military veterans interested in opening a new
location.
According to United Parcel Service of America, this commitment is part of "Operation Enduring Opportunity," a national initiative to recruit and/or hire as many as 75,000 military veterans and their family members by the end of 2014.
The UPS Store participated in the first round of "Operation Enduring Opportunity" last November by waiving the franchise fee of $29,950 for 10 qualified U.S. military veterans who were first-time franchisees wishing to open a new location. Securing those 10 veterans by early April, The UPS Store decided to extend the offer.
"The response and the stories we heard from veterans interested in joining The UPS Store family have been truly inspiring," said Stuart Mathis, president of The UPS Store franchise network and a member of the International Franchise Association Board of Directors. "After hearing from the first 10 veterans, we wanted to do more. We're excited to extend the incentive offer to another 10 veterans."
Mickey Ayres was the first person to take advantage of this increased financial incentive earlier this year. Ayres, a Navy veteran, had been looking for a franchise opportunity where he could use his military training and a master's degree in logistics. "Financing was always an obstacle," said Ayres. "The discount The UPS Store offered through its participation in Operation Enduring Opportunity made my dream a reality." Ayres's The UPS Store location will open in Colorado Springs next month.
In addition, The UPS Store franchise network and the Paralyzed Veterans of America are exploring the opportunity to open a location where the not-for-profit would be the franchisee, providing job training and employment opportunities for its veterans. As part of this proposed relationship, The UPS Store franchisor would waive the franchisee fee for this location.
Tim Davis, vice president of operations for The UPS Store franchise network and a former U.S. Marine, announced the extension of the company's initiative at a local news conference today at Petco Park in San Diego.
"It is humbling to see other veterans realize their dream of opening their own business," said Davis. "Veterans have experiences that really apply to running a small business. They are accustomed to structure and the skills taught and nurtured in the armed forces, listening, problem solving, being able to think on your feet, laying out a mission, setting goals and executing."
Related Stories
