Veterans looking to launch a new career can take advantage of an opportunity to be their own boss and start their own franchise business without paying the franchise fee. That’s right – America’s Swimming Pool Company the nation’s leading swimming pool service franchise, will waive the franchise fee for the winner of the 2017 ASP Veteran Program this Veterans Day.

The company is accepting applications from qualified veterans throughout October before selecting a winner.  The winner will walk away with the rights to a swimming pool service franchise that will provide pool maintenance, repairs and renovations in his or her community.  Anyone interested in applying can get started by clicking this link.

This is the third year for America’s Swimming Pool Company Veteran Program. Retired Naval officer Miguel Macias of Reno, Nevada was the first winner in 2015. He is 18 months into owning his ASP franchise location and he says it has grown steadily. “I’ve nearly doubled my business. I started out as my only staff member with one truck, now I have four employees, three trucks and hope to get another vehicle soon,” Macias said.

As the winner of the 2015 ASP Veteran Program, Macias’ franchise fee was waived by the ASP corporate office. His award, based on location, amounted to $30,000. “It was a big help,” Macias says, “the money from the ASP Veteran Program allowed me to invest in getting a good truck and get all of the outfitting’s right away.”

America’s Swimming Pool Company, headquartered in Macon, Georgia, is proud to honor and reward deserving veterans.  According to Stewart Vernon, the CEO/Founder of America’s Swimming Pool Company, ASP’s franchise development team targets veteran franchise candidates because they possess unique skill sets that make them a perfect fit as ASP franchise owners.

“We have franchise owners from just about every branch of the military,” said Vernon. “Since franchising ASP in 2005, we have discovered that military members are accountable multi-taskers who thrive when following a proven plan. Our veteran franchisees tell us they appreciate our service-based franchise model because it has a structure in place, a set of rules to follow and a need to fulfill a duty – just like the military.”

Army veteran Brad Baglio is the 17th veteran to join the ASP family. Hailing from Bell County, Texas, he was the winner of the 2016 ASP Veteran Program. He opened his ASP franchise location nearly five months ago.  “It is an honor to be a part of a franchise family that supports military veterans,” Baglio said. “Being selected as the veteran program winner was a dream come true!  This opportunity is opening doors for me to build a business that I am passionate about.”

Jef Flournoy, Vice President of Sales and Development at ASP Franchising, agrees ASP’s franchise model gives veterans the confidence they need to succeed.

“At America’s Swimming Pool Company, the Veteran Program is our way of thanking veterans for their service to this country while providing one qualified veteran per year with the solid support they need to start their own business,” said Flournoy. “Veterans make outstanding ASP franchisees due to their commitment, trustworthiness and unmatched determination.”

In addition to the annual Veteran Program, ASP offers 15 percent off the franchise fee to any qualified US military veteran who becomes an ASP franchisee.

For all veterans interested in participating in the 2017 ASP Veteran Program, please visit www.aspfranchising.com/veterans to learn more about the program and fill out the entry form. Applications will be accepted until November 1st.