A chance conversation put this Navy Veteran on the path to franchise ownership
VA News ·
A Navy Veteran’s path to franchise ownership shows how research, conversations with owners and military experience can inform a new career.
A chance conversation with a friend at Sherwin-Williams introduced Navy Veteran Nick Hernandez-Sepper to PAINT CORPS. Until then, he had never considered franchise ownership.
Hernandez-Sepper served eight years as a naval flight officer before working in finance for defense contractors. He wanted to leave his desk-based role and explore work that could offer more time with his family.
That conversation prompted him to contact Veteran Service Brands , the organization behind PAINT CORPS. He then began researching what ownership would involve.
Military service taught Hernandez-Sepper the value of established procedures. The franchise playbook offered a familiar approach to learning how to run a business.
“The systems allow you to sit in that captain’s chair and make those decisions,” he said. “Then the systems help you carry them out.”
Before committing, Hernandez-Sepper reviewed the franchise disclosure document, which franchisors provide to prospective buyers. Each document is specific to the franchise opportunity and details its fees, estimated startup costs, training, support and contractual obligations.
Buyers can also review financial performance information, when provided, and find contact details for current and former owners. An independent franchise attorney and accountant can help evaluate the documents and financial assumptions.
Hernandez-Sepper contacted existing owners to hear about their experiences. Shared military service helped him connect with the people he called.
“We were already on another level of understanding, just because everyone’s a Veteran,” Hernandez-Sepper said.
These conversations offer buyers an opportunity to ask about everyday responsibilities: What costs surprised you? How do you find customers? Has the support met your expectations? Would you buy it again?
Hernandez-Sepper also invited 15 local painters to provide estimates for painting his house. Some measured every room. Others took photographs and submitted a price.
He saw firsthand how businesses assessed the same project and presented their estimates. Veteran Service Brands also conducted a market study. Together, these findings informed his decision to become Oklahoma’s first PAINT CORPS owner.
Hernandez-Sepper opened his business in early April 2026. His first customer needed help completing work that another painter had left unfinished.
Hernandez-Sepper provided an estimate the following day. His crew finished the project in four days, earning a five-star review.
He has since hired a project manager and purchased a second vehicle.
His research reflects a point in “Field Manual for Veterans in Franchising,” a book by Veteran Service Brands founder Jack Child, a Veteran of both the Army and the Air Force. There is no perfect franchise. Buyers need to investigate whether an opportunity fits their goals, finances and expectations.
That investigation may lead someone to pursue ownership or decide against it. Both are valid outcomes.
Veterans considering business ownership can visit the Veteran Service Brands website to learn about franchise opportunities and submit an inquiry.
An introductory conversation can help prospective owners discuss their interests, goals and questions, learn about ownership responsibilities and decide whether to explore further.
Veteran Service Brands is a network of service-based franchises with roots in military values. Its franchise opportunities are open to Veterans and other qualified entrepreneurs.
Its five brands offer the following services: