WACO, Texas — For 25 years, The Dwyer Group Inc. has been active in helping U.S. military veterans as the originator of the VetFran program that offers veterans a discount on the purchase of a franchise. Now the franchisor of trade service brands announced it is awarding five veterans a $1,000 scholarship for use with franchise training or other franchise opening costs.

These scholarships are awarded to honorably discharged veterans who have been chosen and qualified to operate a Dwyer Group franchise. Those service brands include the heating and cooling brand Aire Serv, as well as Five Star Painting/Protect Painters, Grounds Guys, Glass Doctor, Molly Maid, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Handyman, Mr. Rooter, and Rainbow International. Veterans had to submit an application at the end of basic training for the franchisee. An internal committee reviewed the submitted applications and awarded the scholarships based on certain criteria.

The five veteran scholarship recipients are:

• Carl Allen, Aire Serv, Army

• Marc Beede, Aire Serv, Navy

• Nathan Burkholder, Mr. Appliance, Army

• Ricky Jones, Aire Serv, Army

• Robert Starvish, Aire Serv, Navy

“Helping our veterans on their career paths in the private sector is a real honor,” said Mike Bidwell, president and CEO of Dwyer Group. “These men and women have fought hard to keep our country safe and, in return, we want to thank them for their service and assist those who are interested in franchising to make a smooth transition.”

Funding for the scholarships came from Dwyer Group, Dawson Insurance, and PTN Vendor Veteran Scholarships.

Dwyer Group has been helping veterans since 1991 when Don Dwyer Sr., founder of Dwyer Group, created VetFran, a program aimed at supporting veterans and their spouses’ ability to access franchise opportunities through education, financial assistance, and industry mentorship. Today, more than 650 companies participate in the program and over 6,500 veterans have become franchise business owners.

For more information about VetFran, visit www.vetfran.com.

For more information about Dwyer Group, visit www.dwyergroup.com.

Publication date: 7/4/2016

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