Green Machine: Chris Rolen Moves From Army Into Weed Man franchise

Veterans make great franchisees. Organized, disciplined, determined - all characteristics that suit them for franchising. Chris Rolen is a great example.

Rolen spent eight years on active duty in the Army, including a 2002 deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After completing his active duty services, Rolen knew that he wanted to open his own business in addition to completing an additional eight years in the Army Reserves (currently based in Fort Collins, Co.). He turned to VetFran when he decided to open a Weed Man franchise and received a 25 percent veteran's discount. He opened Weed Man of Loveland in January 2012 and participates in a non-profit organization called Project EverGreen, whose mission is to preserve and enhance green space throughout the community. As part of the organization's GreenCare for Troops programs, he provides lawn care services to a military family for one year free of charge. Rolen discusses the challenges of opening his first business.

"Like most new business owners face, one of the most challenging aspects is obtaining customers and maintaining a positive cash flow," says Rolen. "The benefit of investing in a franchise though is that I have a large support system behind me every step of the way. Each one of us understands the challenges and are there to assist each other in attaining our goals."

Rolen says his business has been a one-man shop so far but he hopes to change that.

"My 2013 business resolution includes continuing to grow and adding a full-time office administrator along with a second truck for production," says Rolen.

Editor's Note: In our continuing search for successful franchising stories we have often discovered military veterans who have been successful in franchising. They typically have a unique skill set that makes them suitable for the requirements of franchising. For the next few issues of MUFR we will highlight a few short stories.