Since 2012, Dream Vacations A CruiseOne Company has given 25 military veterans the dream business opportunity of owning a travel agency franchise.
The annual "Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General" contest come at no cost for vets.
Mattie Benita Johnson decided to enter the contest because she is an entrepreneur at heart with the firm belief that we owe it to ourselves to bring our passions in life to fruition.
"Operation Vetrepreneur offered the opportunity to marry two of my top passions: business and travel," said Johnson, who was a previous winner. "But the contest was not just about me; it was also about sharing the love of travel with people and to get them interested in the wonders of the world."
This year's contest began on May 22 and ends on September 1st, when five more military veterans will be chosen to become a Dream Vacations franchise owner like Johnson, who said that a career in travel was always on her radar.
"After all, I grew up watching Julie, The Cruise Director, on The Love Boat," she said. "Since the 1960s, my parents subscribed to National Geographic, which became my travel escape to the world. Even today, I still read National Geographic to explore different and unique places."
Tim Courtney, CFE, Vice President of Franchise Development and Ambassador of Veteran Affairs, was quoted as saying that those who serve in the armed forces are the backbone of our country and upon retirement are finding new beginnings in business ownership.
"The International Franchise Association reports that one in seven franchises are owned by military veterans and that is no surprise since many military skills translate well into franchise ownership," said Courtney.
"We're honored that more than 30 percent of our franchise owners are military veterans and active-duty spouses, and we are proud to offer a home-based travel franchise that provides flexibility in their lifestyle to maximize time spent with family."
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At the time that Johnson entered the contest, she said she was learning how to sew, working full time, going to night school, getting used to being an empty nester, creating an independent business, teaching her 82-year-old Mom how to use a computer, updating a 90-year-old home, volunteering several times a month and, of course, traveling.
"The final telephone interview with Debbie Fiorino, Senior Vice President of CruiseOne/Dream Vacations, was tough because it was the only time that I could express my vision and it certainly was not the time to be unsure about my goals or future as recipient of a CruiseOne/Dream Vacations franchise," she said.
Johnson was vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina when she received the call that she was chosen.
"I remember screaming and asking, "Are you kidding me?!" she said. "From that moment, my dream of travel, and helping others to do so, took a huge leap forward."
She received five intensive days of top-notch training at the CruiseOne/Dream Vacations' headquarters in Fort Lauderdale.
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"How hard can it be to sell someone an awesome vacation?!" Johnson said. "Well, it's not easy peasy. Being a travel agent is not for the faint of heart, the easily offended, those expecting a quick turnaround or a free trip. There's a lot of daily dedication, time and learning required.
"My first year in business was nowhere near what I projected! I received so many 'no's' that it seemed like I was the star of a nationwide conspiracy, but, when I finally received the first yes, it was like winning a prize. Perseverance is the key to success."
This year's Dream Vacations franchise contest is open to former members of any of the five branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date. For all of the rules and participation guidelines, visit www.OperationVetrepreneur.com.
Johnson said the hardest part of the entire contest was removing her cameo (her wants) from someone's travel photo (their wants).
"My job is to provide a valuable service, not convince someone that the way I travel is the way they need to think about traveling," she said. "There are no do-overs for a vacation, so agents need to deliver the best that they have every time based on what the client wants."
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