Dream Vacations Named #1 Franchise for Veterans by Military Times for Fourth Year in a Row
Seventh annual rankings factor in company culture and support for military franchisees
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (February 28, 2018) – For the fourth consecutive year, leading travel agency franchise Dream Vacations has been named the number one franchise for veterans across all industries by Military Times. Each of the past four years, Dream Vacations has enhanced its recruitment and support of military veterans, resulting in national recognition as one of the leading franchise opportunities for veterans.
“Being recognized as the number one franchise for veterans by one of the most prominent military publications in the country is an incredible honor, and then to learn that you have received this accolade for the fourth year in a row is such an amazing privilege,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “Military veterans are the backbone of our country, having served to protect our freedoms and the American Dream. As the heart and soul of our organization, we are proud to offer veterans a sustainable career that affords them fulfillment throughout all stages of their military retirement. We salute veterans and are grateful to have them in our family.”
A valuable resource for veterans – and a coveted honor for franchises around the country – the annual Military Times rankings are the result of a meticulous, months-long process. The publication invites franchise companies to complete its rigorous survey of more than 100 questions, tests to ensure the accuracy of responses, carefully evaluates survey data and includes only the best companies in its published rankings. The franchise rankings evaluate company culture, investment quality, overall franchising costs, military discounts and other non-financial supports, including support for franchisees in the National Guard and reserves.
“My nearly 32 year military career was a great foundation for the high adventures of becoming a Dream Vacation franchise owner. The harmonious transition from military to business owner was made easy through the network of professionals that I encountered while pursuing this opportunity,” said Army Veteran Ron Beverly Sr. of N. Wales, Pa. “The core values that were engrained in me throughout my military career focused on the importance of integrity, teamwork and discipline. This translates into the dedication that is required to be successful as a business owner. My mission first mind for success was nothing short of a perfect match for this new endeavor.”
All military veterans who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000. In addition to selecting one perk— receiving up to $7,000 back based on sales through the Earn Back promotion or waived administrative fees valued at $1,350, military veterans receive a 20 percent discount off the initial fee; 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. Since 2012, Dream Vacations has awarded 30 free franchises to military veterans through its award-winning Operation Vetrepreneur program.
“The franchise brands on this list make the extra effort for their veteran and military-connected franchisees,” said George Altman, the Military Times editor in charge of the rankings. “They earned their places on these rankings through their dedication to current and former service members, and their efforts should get the attention of veterans considering their launching a franchise.”
Additional accolades Dream Vacations has received as being the best travel agency franchise for veterans include number one rankings as a veteran-friendly franchise by Entrepreneur and Forbes, inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans” list, Franchise Business Review’s “Top 100 Franchises for Veterans” and USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans.” In 2017, the travel agency franchise won gold for “Operation Vetrepreneur” in the “Support our Veterans” category at the International Franchise Association’s Franchising Gives Back awards, and was recognized by VetFran as the only 5-star travel franchise for military veterans.
Dream Vacations is committed to being “Rich in Diversity” and empowers all owners, agents and employees to reach their highest potential by leveraging their broad range of talent, experiences, personalities, viewpoints and ideas to generate business growth.
Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurism, and who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.
About Dream Vacations
Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. For more information about Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/user/DreamVacationsBusiness.
