Call of Duty: Cottman Franchisee Runs His Business While ...

Kevin Safley is a Corvallis, Oregon native who joined the army in 1994 and was deployed in Bosnia from 1997 to 1998. After his time with the Army, Kevin simultaneously enrolled at the Universal Technical Institute and joined the National Guard. In 2004, he was deployed to Iraq. Kevin returned in December of 2005 and was put back on orders to return to Iraq in 2008 when he finished his degree in mechanical engineering. In 2010, Kevin returned from duty to find that he had lost his management position with his employer. He immediately began looking for work and found a contracting job with a wetland restoration and construction company. While working as a contractor Kevin applied for a loan from the Small Business Association and upon reception of the loan purchased a Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care center on February 1, 2012 servicing Vancouver, WA.

1851 Magazine: Kevin, what sparked your interest in joining franchising?

Kevin Safley: While I was on duty I knew that I wanted to own my business someday so I began looking up various opportunities. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and I felt that I would create something for myself. I contacted a franchise broker about the opportunity to buy an existing Cottman franchise.

1851: What are the perks of working as a franchisee for a larger corporation?

KS: The greatest thing about the franchise system is the support and the backing of a national brand. It means lot because they help me through all my business problems as well as technical issues. If I ever have questions they are always eager to help and find solutions.

1851: How do you go above and beyond as a franchisee?

KS: I am very passionate about taking very good care of my mechanics. I pay them hourly so that they are fairly compensated for all the work that they do. This is also beneficial because we offer free diagnostics tests for our customers and our mechanics are paid their normal wages during these. I also pay 85% of the medical insurance for my mechanics and as well as their mechanical education. I support my employees and they support me; it is a community here and we reciprocate that community culture to our customers.

1851: Do you think working in the military to becoming a franchisee is a natural transition? Do you think other veterans could benefit from joining a franchise?

KS: Having the backing of military training sets you up for success when owning your own franchise, because it takes a lot of discipline to run a business. However, those with longer military careers may find it difficult to deal with employees that don?t possess the same drive, ambition and discipline. I would definitely encourage other veterans to own and operate franchises.

1851: What have you brought back to your business that you?ve learned from going on your military tours and protecting our country?

KS: I think I bring a fresh pair of eyes to this industry and to my business, as well as great ambition that many business owners lack. I am up every morning at 0445, off to the gym to swim for 30 minutes, and then I head into the office. I am always the first one in to work, and I love being the one to set the right example and motivate others to be as disciplined as I am. I think the experience of seeing how our country compares to others gives you a much greater appreciation for where we live and the opportunities we have. I want that to reflect in my business. I am very thankful for the people that have helped me get to where I am today.

1851: Do you feel that franchising in general supports veterans?

KS: It is extremely hard to find the right people that will work with veterans and provide actual legit assistance. Too many banks do not promote franchise businesses, so finding working capital and lines of credit are hand to come by. I found most of my help through Tiffany Scroggs of the PTAC. Without the help of Vetbiz.org, I don?t think I would be a franchisee. They are very professional and understand the troubles of returning veterans, and aim to help us work through the difficulties of finding the right business banking sponsorship.

1851: What do you want people to know about veterans returning from war?

KS: This is a difficult question for me to answer. We are all different and react differently from coming back from war. I want people to know that most of us have degrees and want to be given a chance. But we want our chance to have a caveat: most soldiers like me can be called back. A lot of employers hear that and aren?t flexible because of that limitation. I have lost a couple of good jobs because of deployments. This makes it extremely difficult on a family and a household. I strive to employ more veterans at my shop because I understand this challenge.

?Metra Farrari

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