Pump It Up Supports Military Veterans with Financial Incentives

By: Pump It Up | 4 Shares 114 Reads

Nation's Largest Inflatable Playground Franchise Seeks to Open More Doors for Military Veterans

September 09, 2011 // Franchising.com // Tempe , AZ – Recognizing that more veterans want to continue their career of service after leaving the military, often by opening businesses that cater to families and communities, Pump It Up has joined a national program that provides financial incentives to help honorably discharged veterans open a franchise.

Effective immediately, Pump It Up, the nation's largest franchise of indoor inflatable playgrounds for private parties celebrating birthdays, school outings, field trips, corporate events and more, will participate in The Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran), a national program coordinated by the International Franchise Association (IFA) to help military veterans become franchise owners. Pump It Up, with more than 150 locations around the country, is offering a 25 percent discount on franchises for qualified military veterans in several prime markets.

"Military veterans have engaged their entire professional career in an environment based on manuals, playbooks and following a plan to achieve a central mission, which are exactly the qualities of a good franchisee," said Sean Bock, Vice President of Development and Real Estate for PIU Management, LLC, the parent company of Pump It Up.

Bock noted that Pump It Up's fun, upbeat environment and culture of community ties appeals to military veterans. "Pump It Up is an ideal choice for franchise ownership because they can continue to apply their discipline and leadership skills in a business environment, while gaining personal fulfillment by serving families and being closely involved in their communities," he said.

In fact, some of Pump It Up's most successful owners are those that have come from the Armed Forces, including Donald Harrington, who served in the U.S. Army for 22 years before opening his Pump It Up franchise in 2007. "He has an entrepreneurial spirit, but also understands the importance of brand consistency, and being part of a team to achieve a common goal," Bock added.

In addition to companies like Pump It Up offering discounts to veterans, Congress is also displaying interest in helping military vets become franchisees. New legislation designed to aid veterans in buying franchises was introduced recently by U.S. Reps. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) and Aaron Schock (R-Ill.). The Help Veterans Own Franchise Act, H.R. 2672, would provide a tax credit for franchise businesses that offer qualified veterans a discounted initial franchise fee .

About Pump It Up

The leader in the active children's party industry, Pump It Up is the nation's largest franchise of indoor inflatable playgrounds specializing in private parties for birthdays, and programs, such as school outings, field trips, corporate events and more. Trained staff provides guests with supervision, food and beverage set-up, and clean-up services. Pump It Up is headquartered in Tempe , AZ with more than 150 locations across the country.

###