Independent personal lines insurer, Goosehead Insurance, Inc., has launched a new initiative focused on recruiting military veterans and helping them become financially independent franchise owners. The Veteran Initiative Program (VIP) leverages veterans' unique skillsets and equips them for business success through training, technology and mentoring.
The International Franchise Association says that 14% of franchisees are veterans and they are more likely to hire other veterans for their businesses because of their similar backgrounds and experience.
Goosehead anticipates adding more veteran-owned franchises to its network this year and highlights the success of veteran franchisee Tim McMullin, whose Goosehead insurance franchise recently reached a $10 million book of business.
"The Veteran Initiative Program is focused on finding strong leaders. We focus on candidates that demonstrate discipline, decisiveness, vision and a relentless pursuit of goals," Ben Walker, senior manager of the Veteran Initiative Program shared with Digital Insurance in an email. "These are important characteristics of our most successful veteran-owned franchises today and represent the values that are necessary to launch a successful franchise."
Unemployment for veterans has risen to 3.8% in 2025, and the company's VIP initiative creates a unique opportunity for them to become entrepreneurs in an exciting and evolving industry. The program offers several features vital to their success:
- Comprehensive business training with access to ongoing support, similar to the structure and leadership they experienced in the military.
- Access to cutting-edge
industry technology, which will provide sales and marketing assistance, and help streamline much of the process. - Specialized guidance and mentoring from a dedicated veteran development team.
- Flexibility in the geographic selection of their franchise, so they can choose areas that complement their personal and professional goals.
- A 20% discount on the initial franchise fee as part of Goosehead's commitment to make ownership accessible to veterans.
"After 23 years in the military, I've seen that veterans bring a unique mindset and valuable skills honed in high pressure situations, such as leadership, discipline, grit and a strong work ethic - all critical to building a successful business," said Walker in a press statement. "We have 40+ operating veteran-owned franchises nationwide, and the Veteran Initiative Program demonstrates Goosehead's growing commitment to giving even more veterans a seat at the table."
