VetFran Committee Welcomes New Chairman and Vice-Chairman
IFA has a new VetFran Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Mary Kennedy Thompson is stepping down as Chairwoman of the VetFran Committee. Succeeding her is Joe Lindenmayer of TSS Photography and his Vice-Chairman Jon Rucker from Snap-On Tools. Mr. Lindenmayer's chairmanship is a well deserved honor and he has contributed greatly to the recent strides VetFran has made. IFA is excited to have both Mr. Lindenmayer and Mr. Rucker's leadership and support.
Mr. Lindenmayer is President/COO & Co-Owner of TSS Photography & Young Masters Franchise Systems. He served as a Tank Commander in the US Marine Corps. In addition to his executive responsibilities with TSS Photography and VetFran, Mr. Lindenmayer serves on the Board of Directors at Southeast Franchise Forum and the Kuyahoora Valley Foundation.
Mr. Rucker is the Military Program Manager for Snap-on Tools. He works to strategize, develop, and maintain Snap-On’s Military Program throughout the military and veteran communities. He served for over 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as Regional Director of Recruiting, Atlanta, GA. As Vice-Chairman of IFA’s VetFran Committee, Mr. Rucker works to create awareness (within both the franchising and military communities) that our veterans’ skill sets are perfect for franchising. He has represented VetFran in numerous arenas including at the White House.
Mr. Rucker expressed “As the VetFran Vice-Chairman, I humbly relish the opportunity to continue the great work Mary has spear-headed,”.
The transition of leadership will be one of continuing VetFran’s extraordinary mission and further contributing to the program’s already amazing accomplishments. When Mrs. Thompson became Chairwoman of VetFran, it was a steady effort of committee meetings with little attendances and fewer resources. Today, VetFran has reached a record 540 participating companies, 3,000 media hits, and nearly 65,000 veterans, military spouses, and wounded warriors have started careers in franchising.
“VetFran has reached remarkable heights under Mary’s leadership and this is a testament to Mary and her boss and mentor, Dina Dwyer-Owens. Mary has shown great integrity and leadership throughout her career, as a Marine Captain, franchisee and franchise executive IFA is grateful that she has graced VetFran with her considerable talents and enthusiasm over the last two years. IFA is glad to know that Mary will remain an integral part of the VetFran and IFA families,” said Steve Caldeira, CFE, President and CEO of IFA.
“Working with Mary over these past few years has been a genuine honor and privilege. She inspires through her actions and deeds, not just words. Those same leadership characteristics emanate with Joe Lindenmayer. I am proud and excited to follow his lead, as we continue to make the VetFran program a little bit better, all the time,” said Mr. Rucker.
"There’s a great excitement surrounding veterans and franchising. We enthusiastically echo: FRANCHISING IS GREAT FOR VETERANS, AND VETERANS ARE GREAT FOR FRANCHISING,” said Mr. Rucker.
Mr. Lindenmayer and Mr. Rucker have both been dedicated and enthusiastic supporters of VetFran. We welcome them both as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the VetFran Committee.
By: Kevin Blanchard