Veteran Naval Airman Trades in Flight Suit for Flip-Flops

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies Franchise Opportunities Available

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Ex-Engineer and Naval Officer Opens Maui Wowi Franchise in Corpus Christi; Enjoys Veteran Franchise Discount

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When Robert and Cory Rajotte were married on the beaches of Hawaii three years ago, they never dreamed one day they'd be able to embrace the island's famed "Aloha Spirit" in their professional lives.

"As my time with the Navy was coming to a close, I expected I'd end up falling back on my pilot experience, maybe working at an airline or at some other corporate job," remarked Robert Rajotte. "But it had just lost its luster for me. I needed to find a business idea that was unique and enjoyable."

While Robert and Cory were searching for a new, unique venture, they came across Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies, a franchise dedicated to supplying authentic Hawaiian products, smoothies and kona coffee. As a Featured Franchisor in the VetFran program, Maui Wowi gives vets the flexibility to define their own transition to civilian life through a variety of franchise options built around the company's world-renowned smoothies and Hawaiian coffee beverages, offering a 10 percent franchise fee discount on single and standard units and a 15 percent discount on "Empire Builders" (one of the highest discounts in the industry) to veterans. The program is already extraordinarily popular, having logged three franchise sales in the past two weeks.

"No one has earned their right to the American dream more than those who have served honorably in our armed forces," said Michael Edwards, chief operating officer of Maui Wowi Hawaiian. "The IFA's VetFran program is a great way for vets to begin building a future for themselves and their families. As a company, Maui Wowi Hawaiian is in full support of VetFran, which is why we offer our discount for veterans interested in joining our business 'ohana' [family]."

The Rajottes plan on giving back to the service by opening locations on military bases and offering service member discounts. Robert embraces the ideals of the Aloha Spirit and believes a concept that embraces family, community and a more relaxed way of doing business is exactly what his lifestyle change needs.

"Maui Wowi has provided us with flexible business models and options to fit our lifestyle," said Rajotte. "We're really excited to begin this new endeavor with the company."

Maui Wowi Hawaiian has been helping people exchange their wing-tips for flip-flops for over ten years. Now numbering nearly 500 franchised operating units across the U.S., Maui Wowi Hawaiian is the original fruit smoothie drink franchise. The company, founded by couple Jeff and Jill Summerhays, has since expanded to include exclusive blended Hawaiian coffees and genuine Hawaiian lifestyle merchandise.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian

Maui Wowi Hawaiian is the only franchise that offers authentic, natural Hawaiian products, fresh-fruit smoothies, blended Hawaiian coffee beverages, and genuine Hawaiian lifestyle stuff. Founded in 1983, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has experienced meteoric growth to include nearly 500 franchised units in its worldwide franchise ohana, or family. This earth-friendly company celebrates its Aloha Spirit by embracing the values of family, harmony and balanced living while striving to abide by the principles of sustainable living.

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