Military Travel Experiences Leads Army Veteran to Dream Vacations
Master Sergeant Ron Beverly Sr. (ret.) served in the U.S. Army for 32 years before getting a job with the U.S. Postal Service and opening his Dream Vacations travel franchise in October 2013. He is now living the dream exploring the world and sharing his personal experiences with his clients, enabling him to enhance their travel experiences. Ron shares advice for other military veterans who are interested in franchising.
1. Why did you decide to open a franchise and join the travel industry?
My wife wanted me to work from home to be more accessible. I had some knowledge in travel and recognized that owning a travel franchise could be done from anywhere in the world. It was also important for me to be able to create a legacy for my family. I knew that this would be a rewarding opportunity and my family could take advantage of these benefits immediately.
2. How has your military service helped you in being a travel agent?
Through the military, I traveled extensively domestically and internationally. I coordinated and reconciled the travel for my training teams which provided a great foundation for my future endeavor. As an instructor, I gained an immense amount of direct personal contact skills through my daily interactions with students, peers and superiors alike. I had a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a diverse workforce which was instrumental in cultivating my social skills.
3. What is your advice for other people in the military who want to become business owners or travel agents?
Use the skills that you have acquired and convert them as they apply to your new career. Your self-motivation and drive for mission success will be the catalyst to creating a solid foundation. The long hours that you have become accustomed to working will definitely have its rewards.
4. What advice do you have for somebody opening a franchise?
Obtain at least three mentors. Know that you will get out what you put into the business. Be prepared for long hours. This is not an overnight get rich adventure. It's hard work. Don't think that you can corner the market. Be willing to share your knowledge with others.
5. What is the best part about being a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner?
The sincere assistance that I get from the franchise support team to be successful. Whether it's a conversation with the CEO during conference, building a group with Troy and his team or a call to Rae late at night. I always feel that they have my best interest at heart. I know that my success is their success.
6. What is your Dream Vacation?
In three years, I will be embarking on a 120-day sailing around the world with my sensational wife.
Dream Vacations’ accolades for being the best travel agency franchise for veterans include number one rankings as a veteran-friendly franchise by Military Times four years in a row, as well as by Entrepreneur and Forbes. Other accolades include inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans” list, Franchise Business Review’s “Top 100 Franchises for Veterans” and USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans.” In 2017, the travel agency franchise won gold for “Operation Vetrepreneur” in the “Support our Veterans” category at the International Franchise Association’s Franchising Gives Back awards, and is recognized by VetFran as the only 5-star travel franchise for military veterans.
All military veterans and Gold Star families who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000. Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurism, and who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.