DISCOVERING POSTSERVICE PROFESSIONAL SATISFACTION AND SUCCESS IN FRANCHISING

By Mark Sisco, Concrete Craft

My connection with the military runs deep. As a military brat, I grew up in an environment that instilled in me a strong sense of duty and discipline as I watched my father serve his country so well for so many years. Witnessing my father’s incredible contribution to this country and the pride he radiated every day is ultimately what built the foundation of my beliefs and values, leading me to pursue a career in the Army.

In 1992, I began flight school, eventually moving on to participate in the ROTC program at California State University, Fresno. Over the years, I had the privilege of serving in various operational command roles, beginning as a second lieutenant, and working my way up to the rank of Colonel. I enjoyed my service immensely and am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my country in such a capacity.

So as my retirement from Peterson Air Force Base approached in 2017, I really contemplated the next chapter of my life. The prospect of leaving the military after 26 years was both exciting and daunting, but I knew I was ready. I wanted to embark on a new adventure, something that would challenge me and allow me to channel the leadership and management skills I had honed over the years. The idea of starting my own business had always intrigued me, and as I learned more about the Home Franchise Concepts’ family of brands, I knew Concrete Craft would be the perfect fit for both my skillset and personality, and that the business would be a great addition to my community. Concrete Craft’s unique service offerings and strong brand reputation were exactly what I was looking for in my postmilitary career. Just a few short months into retirement, I decided to open my Concrete Craft franchise, and in just the past six years, I’ve come to recognize what an incredible opportunity franchising can be for veterans.

The transition from military service to entrepreneurship was surprisingly smooth, thanks to the wealth of skills and traits I had acquired during my military career. In the military, I learned the importance of structure, discipline and attention to detail. These attributes are equally vital in the business world, where they have been instrumental in a seamless transition to entrepreneurship, confirming my ability to run a successful franchise. Organizational skills, financial management, budgeting expertise, personnel management and administrative proficiency are some of the many traits that make up a well-rounded franchisee, and I’m honored to have gained those skills through my time serving my country.

Throughout my military career, I was exposed to diverse cultures, challenges and perspectives through my travels to Korea, Iraq, and other overseas and stateside assignments. This global experience has proven to be an asset in my role as a Concrete Craft franchisee. Understanding different cultures and adapting to various situations has allowed me to connect with clients on a deeper level. It’s not just about providing them with beautiful concrete solutions; it’s about understanding their unique needs and delivering personalized service.

One of the most remarkable aspects of my journey as a Concrete Craft franchisee has been the incredible support system provided by the Home Franchise Concepts franchise network. I’ve had the privilege of working with dedicated individuals who have played crucial roles in my success. The guidance and support have been invaluable as I made the jump into franchising. As a veteran, I know the importance of a professional support system and internal resources. In the military, we are always lifting each other up, lending a helping hand and working as a team. I can confidently say that the franchising industry has proven to adapt that same model of support, which is invaluable for first-time entrepreneurs. And a notable feature to mention of the Home Franchise Concepts system is the additional support layers that exist within the family of brands. While I am the one running my business and therefore am ultimately responsible for its success, it’s reassuring to know that I have the backing of Concrete Craft, Home Franchise Concepts, and JM Family Enterprises. This first-class support has given me the confidence to overcome challenges and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, and I am so grateful to be a part of this organization. A franchise provides veterans with a structured template to follow, offering a solid foundation for business ownership. While success ultimately depends on the individual’s dedication and hard work, the franchise model provides an excellent platform to get started. This is one of the many reasons I believe veterans are exceptionally well-suited to the franchise system. The military instills in us a strong sense of discipline, adherence to protocols and the ability to follow regulatory guidelines. These qualities are essential in running a successful franchise, where consistency and attention to detail are paramount.

My journey from serving in the military to becoming a successful Concrete Craft franchisee has been nothing short of transformative. It has demonstrated how the skills and experiences gained during my military career can be utilized for an entirely new business venture, a fear I believe many veterans have when considering their career post-military. I encourage any veteran considering entrepreneurship to explore the franchise opportunity — it may just be the right path to a rewarding and successful career beyond the military.

Mark Sisco is a Concrete Craft franchise owner. Mark grew up in a military family, having explored much of this country and internationally before joining the service himself in 1992. Serving in the United States Army for 26 years, Mark retired as a Colonel before taking on the title of franchisee in 2017 with Concrete Craft, the world’s only decorative concrete franchise, and brand of Home Franchise Concepts.