Tom Perez didn't expect to have any problem finding a job. He spent a decade as a police officer in the Navy, serving in four tours in Iraq, working his way up to supervisor of the police unit, earning numerous medals and getting a business degree.
But after he was honorably discharged from the military in late 2011, he applied for more than 100 police and government jobs around the country, and faced rejection after rejection. "I thought it would be easy to walk out with 10 years in military service into a police officer job, but that was untrue," Perez said. "I felt like I did everything for this country and they didn't want to help me out."
Like Perez, many veterans return from service to find themselves unemployed -- sometimes even unemployable. Rather than continuing to apply for jobs, Perez decided to switch tactics and apply for franchise opportunities, hoping to provide a living not just for himself and his family, but for other veterans struggling to find employment.
That decision led to a quick turnaround in Perez's fortune: Within a day of applying for a Meineke Car Care Center franchise, the franchisor called him back. Three days later, Perez was flown to corporate headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., where he met with franchise executives. Meineke discounted his franchise fee by 25 percent and offered him financing lower than bank rates.
Perez also hooked up with Boost A Hero, a crowdfunding platform offered by Melbourne, Fla.-based Sprigster for veterans seeking to buy franchises. Through Boost A Hero, Perez raised the extra $10,000 he needed to complete his purchase. "To us, this is what it is all about," said Mark Mohler, CEO of Sprigster. "If Americans really want to help these veterans, what easier and more meaningful way to do it than a small contribution to help these heroes get started in the next chapter of their lives?"
A little more than a year after he started his fruitless job search, Perez is expecting 2012 sales of $500,000 and has created six jobs through his franchise, including four jobs for veterans. HuffPost Small Business caught up with Perez to find out what it feels like to go from unemployed to employer.
What was your mindset after having 100 job applications denied?
I was angry at first. I had a degree, 10 years of experience -- what else could I really do? I wasn't asking for a handout -- I wanted a job. But I didn't even get the opportunity.
Did you ask off the record why you were getting turned down?
Yes, and I only got one answer. A police chief said it was because of the negative stigma with PTSD, since I'd been to Iraq so many times. I was a little angry by that excuse, but then thankful that he told me. It made sense at that point why I wasn't getting hired.
Did that insight provide the incentive to switch from job hunting to franchise hunting?
I talked to a few friends who were getting out of the military and having the same issue, so I said let's do something about it. So far I'm the only one who opened a business that is trying to hire mostly vets, but I'm pushing them as well. You know, it's that first step.
Did you feel Meineke viewed your military background as an advantage rather than a disadvantage?
Yes, they were willing to help me the most, and that was a major relief compared to what I had been used to seeing, not getting anything from anyone.
Likewise, with Boost a Hero, were you surprised to find strangers were willing to support you financially?
I got most of my donations from just random people who wanted to help. To me, it meant that the actual public still supports vets.
And is there a special satisfaction in employing others?
Yes, very much so, especially with the vets. It felt good to be able to hire them. I was in their shoes just a few months ago, and hopefully I can teach them what I learned and get them to do the same thing I did.
What would you say to the many other people who are dealing with numerous job rejections?
Take things into your own hands and open a business. Don't rely on someone else anymore. Do it yourself.
Entrepreneur Spotlight
Name: Tom Perez
Company: Meineke Car Care Center
Age: 32
Location: Pensacola, Fla.
Started: May 2012
Employees: 6
2012 Projected Sales: $550,000
Website: http://www.meineke.com/Center/2058.aspx
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