For many service members, transitioning out of the military is one of the most disorienting and emotionally complex phases of their lives. Despite years of service, leadership experience, and specialized training, veterans often find themselves unsure of how to translate their skill sets into fulfilling civilian careers. Todd Bigney, a retired Air Force veteran, knows this struggle all too well. His post-service journey, filled with both frustration and revelation, ultimately led him to one of the most powerful tools available for veterans seeking independence and purpose: franchise opportunities for veterans.
In this blog, we explore Todd’s story and highlight how franchise opportunities for veterans can be life-changing—especially when guided by the right coaching, assessments, and support systems.
A Rocky Start to Civilian Life
Todd BigneyAfter completing 20 years of military service, Todd retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2011. Armed with an MBA in operations management and certifications in Lean Six Sigma, he believed management was his path forward. But as he began applying for corporate positions in Charleston, South Carolina, he faced a barrage of rejections and confusing feedback. Employers said he was “overqualified” or “too intense”—phrases that struck him as odd after decades of handling high-stress military roles.
“I’d get asked how I handle stress, and I’d say, ‘You’re not going to stress me. I’ve been deployed, I’ve worn a chem mask, I’ve been shot at.’ But apparently, people didn’t like hearing that,” Todd shared.
For over a decade, he drifted from one unsatisfying job to another, unable to find the career satisfaction he craved. Even after hiring a career coach and trying to assimilate into corporate life—right down to matching suits and ties with his wife’s help—Todd realized something was still missing.
A Turning Point: Discovery Through Coaching
The turning point came on a seemingly ordinary day. While heading to Lowe’s for landscaping materials, Todd received a phone call from a coach at The Entrepreneur Source—a franchise that helps people explore career ownership. That random call became a life-changing moment. Intrigued by the coaching process, Todd took several assessments that helped him identify his true motivations. Surprisingly, management wasn’t his passion—mentorship and caretaking were.
“I realized I didn’t love managing projects or people for the sake of a paycheck. I loved helping people grow. That’s what energized me,” he said.
Inspired by the experience, Todd stopped being a client and became a coach himself. He bought into The Entrepreneur Source franchise and began helping others navigate their paths to personal and professional fulfillment. Through this process, he discovered not only his calling—but the power of franchise opportunities for veterans.
Why Franchising Works for Veterans
Veterans make exceptional franchisees. Their military training emphasizes discipline, systems thinking, leadership, and teamwork—all of which are foundational to franchise success. Todd now educates fellow veterans on this very alignment, guiding them to franchise opportunities for veterans that match their goals, skills, and lifestyle needs.
“There’s a reason veterans thrive in franchising,” Todd explained. “We’re trained to follow procedures—step one, two, three. That’s exactly what franchises provide: proven systems.”
Franchising also offers a level of freedom and flexibility that traditional employment often lacks. Todd speaks candidly about how being a franchise owner gave him the autonomy to care for his wife when she was diagnosed with cancer. In his previous job, he was fired for taking her to chemotherapy appointments. As a business owner, he can now reschedule meetings without penalty and show up where his family needs him most.
The Entrepreneur Source Advantage
As a franchisee of The Entrepreneur Source, Todd now works with over 250 different franchise brands—from senior care and home services to less conventional options like crime scene cleanup and niche consulting. But unlike typical franchise brokers who pressure clients to make quick decisions, Todd operates as a coach.
“We don’t sell franchises. We educate. We explore,” he says. “Sometimes people don’t end up in a franchise at all—and that’s okay. The goal is finding what fits.”
The process starts with assessments to help clients clarify their goals—whether that’s location independence, work-life balance, or financial growth. Then Todd matches them with franchise models that align with those goals, guiding them through a step-by-step journey to evaluate opportunities with confidence.
What makes the experience even more veteran-friendly is the substantial discounts many franchises offer to those who’ve served. “I got a $12,000 veteran discount when I bought into my franchise,” Todd shared. “Some franchises even offer 50% off for veterans.”
Breaking Down the Misconceptions
One of Todd’s missions is to dispel the myths surrounding franchise ownership. Many people associate franchising with fast food giants like McDonald’s or Subway. But Todd explains that franchises today span almost every industry imaginable—senior care, tutoring, pest control, fitness, and much more.
Another misconception is that franchise owners lose autonomy. Todd is quick to correct that notion.
“Yes, you follow a system, but you get to run the business your way. Every coach at The Entrepreneur Source works differently, and we all succeed,” he said. “The training and tools are there, but you still get to be you.”
More Than Business—It’s Purpose
For Todd, franchise ownership has become more than just a job—it’s a source of purpose. With a community of like-minded peers and a mission to serve, his daily work reflects his values and military background. The culture of The Entrepreneur Source is so supportive, he jokingly compares it to a cult—“but the good kind, with hugs and high-fives.”
He now shares that culture with clients, helping them explore not just what they can do, but what brings them joy.
“It took me 51 years to find this, and now I’ll do it until I die. As long as my wife can wheel me in front of my desk, I’ll keep coaching,” he said.
Resources for Veterans Exploring Franchise Opportunities
If you’re a veteran considering entrepreneurship but unsure where to start, Todd recommends:
The Entrepreneur Source: A guided coaching program to explore career ownership without pressure.
SCORE: A network of volunteer mentors supported by the SBA.
VetFran: A strategic initiative offering discounts and resources to veteran franchisees.
Small Business Administration (SBA): For funding support and education.
Todd’s coaching isn’t about selling a dream—it’s about helping others discover what fulfillment looks like for them.
Final Thoughts
Franchise opportunities for veterans represent more than a career change. They offer a structured yet flexible path to empowerment, independence, and joy. With the right guidance, assessments, and support, veterans can channel their skills into businesses that reflect their values and lifestyle goals.
If you’re navigating your own transition and looking for a new mission, franchising might just be the next step. As Todd Bigney puts it, “I don’t care what you did before—I care about where you want to go.”
To learn more or connect with Todd, visit tbigney.esourcecoach.com
