The flags flew. The hot dogs and hamburgers were grilled to perfection. The apple pie was, as always, far too tempting. It was another fantastic Labor Day weekend holiday, and The Entrepreneur\u2019s Source\u00ae wants you to now take a moment to think about the American Dream.<\/p>\n
What does that mean to you? Are you living it?<\/p>\n
For a trio of siblings in Houston, Texas, the American Dream meant owning their own business and living life on their terms. But first, they learned some valuable lessons in the armed forces.<\/p>\n
Chanel Jones and her sister Heather Labadie are both veterans. Their brother Seth Jones is still on active duty in the United States Air Force, at least for a short while longer. \u201cMaybe in my teenage years I knew I didn\u2019t want to do a nine-to-five for the rest of my life,\u201d says Seth Jones. But Seth and his sisters did more than just dream about it. They took the initiative to make it happen.<\/p>\n
The three siblings had considered starting a business, but it wasn\u2019t until Seth connected with e-source coach Heidi Simos with The Entrepreneur\u2019s Source, that the notion of franchising really started to sparkle! \u201cSeth connected with Heidi through TAP,\u201d Heather told us. TAP is short for Transition Assistance Program, a veteran\u2019s employment initiative required of most personnel before separating or retiring from military service. \u201cHe had a follow-up phone call with her and invited Chanel and me. She explained the different avenues to becoming your own boss. We agreed at this time in our lives, we wanted to step into a system already set up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sister Chanel took the most convincing, but she knew what her idea of the American Dream looked like. \u201cWe no longer want to be in a job just for a paycheck and no other fulfillment or enjoyment. We are very close and couldn\u2019t imagine not doing this business venture together,\u201d says Chanel.<\/p>\n
The trio, dubbed \u201cThe Trailblazers\u201d by their e-source coach, eventually decided on a Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies franchise. Part of the appeal: a discount for veterans. Many franchise companies are eager to attract veterans, and they put their money where their mouth is! Companies point to the high work ethic and the experience following systems that veterans bring to the table. Couple that with strong leadership and team-building skills, and you can understand why companies find veterans uniquely qualified. The Trailblazers agree.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think being a veteran has helped with thinking outside the box,\u201d Heather added. \u201cAlso with being open to trying things once and seeing how we are able to improve for the next time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are taught to be flexible and how to interact with people from various backgrounds,\u201d Chanel says. \u201cWe know how to follow instructions and be punctual. There are plenty of other traits the military has taught us that are reinforced constantly in this business process.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Seth, living the dream means looking within. \u201cYou have to really want it. Be prepared to go through some hoops, be patient with people, and remember to strive for that goal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heather Labadie admits that entrepreneurship is hard work. She says when things got tough, their e-source coach was there for them. \u201cHeidi was amazing! She was with us every step of the way, motivating us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHeidi is invaluable to us,\u201d says Chanel. \u201cShe was very much an integral part in us becoming franchisees. The process was emotional at times \u2014 exciting and scary. Heidi was there every step of the way. She was encouraging, and her calming disposition was exactly what we needed to venture down this path.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simos feels the same about The Trailblazers. \u201cI admire, respect and appreciate our veterans, who have served our country and kept us safe. This was the first time I had the opportunity to work with three veteran siblings all under the age of 35,\u201d enthused Simos. \u201cThey displayed a high level of professionalism during their discovery journey and followed our system to a \u201cT.\u201d I gained a lot of respect for these Trailblazers and was honored to have worked with such fine young people!\u201d<\/p>\n