Dream Vacations awarded seven military heroes with a free travel franchise as part of its annual contest, “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General.”
This years winners are: Navy veteran Christo Robinson of Buford, Ga.; Navy veteran Jamar Moore of Cheverly, Md.; Navy veteran Richard Greenway of Lewisville, Texas; Air Force veteran Brandon Longcrier of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Navy veteran Victoria Guy of Essex, Md.; Army veteran Irma Campuzano of Vail, Ariz.; and Army veteran Eric Roy of Orlando, Fl.
“As a home-based travel agent, I look forward to having the flexible hours that will allow me the time to grow my business, travel to destinations, and gain valuable knowledge in the industry that will help ensure my clients have the best vacations possible when the time comes to book their trips,” said Vetrepreneur winner Christo Robinson in press materials.
As of today, more than 30 percent of franchise owners within Dream Vacations are military veterans and in the past seven years, the franchise has awarded 37 free franchises valued at more than $469,000 to deserving military veterans.
The annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest is open to former military members of any of the five branches of the U.S. military—Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy—who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date, which was this past May. The candidates participated in a 3-part application process, which included creating a business plan, a video essay, and phone interviews.
All military veterans and Gold Star families who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000, as well as ongoing support. They can also select one of four perks currently being offered: a 2019 National Conference cabin aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas, valued at $2,100; receive up to $7,000 back based on initial fee through the Earn Back promotion; waived administrative fees valued at $1,350; or a surface pro tablet valued at $1,000. They also recieve a waived training fee for a business partner; veteran-themed marketing assets; and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, LeisureCare Travel Insurance discounts for veterans, travel discounts for military customers, and access to veteran networking groups.
“Military veterans are American heroes and Operation Vetrepreneur is our unique way of giving back to them for all that they have given to us,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior v.p. of Dream Vacations in press materials. “I am so proud of our company’s military efforts and how it has grown over the years. According to VetFran, military veterans own approximately 14 percent of all franchises nationwide, and here at Dream Vacations our veteran ownership is more than double the national average with more than 30 percent of our franchise owners being military veterans.”
For more information for military veterans who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit DreamVacationsFranchise.com.
