In the ever-evolving landscape of franchise opportunities, Dream Vacations stands out not only for its commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences but also for its dedication to supporting veterans and military families. Drew Daly, the general manager and senior vice president of Dream Vacations, is at the helm of this dynamic organization. With nearly three decades of experience, Daly has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s franchise division and ensuring its success.
Empowering Veterans & Military Families
Dream Vacations has established itself as a strong supporter of veterans and military families, offering a franchise model that resonates with their unique skills and needs. “Franchises are great for veterans because there’s a lot of structure already in place, which veterans love,” Daly explains. The business is built for flexibility, allowing veterans to work from home or wherever they prefer, with a mix of virtual and in-person training to suit different schedules and learning styles.
Veterans make up a significant portion of the Dream Vacations franchise network, and the company has created an environment where they can thrive. Daly emphasizes that “the investment into our company is minimal. You don’t have to put a ridiculous amount of money into it; you just have to show your commitment.” This low-barrier entry point is ideal for veterans who want to transition smoothly into business ownership.
Special Discounts & Initiatives
Dream Vacations demonstrates its commitment to veterans by offering substantial financial support and resources. Veterans receive a 30% discount on the initial franchise fee, and the company waives monthly fees for the first year, totaling over $5,000 in savings. This approach has helped Dream Vacations build a network where about 35% of franchisees are veterans, active-duty military or military spouses.
One of the most notable initiatives is the Operation Veteran contest, which has been running for 13 years. Through this program, Dream Vacations awards free franchises to veterans based on video submissions that detail their dream business plans. Winners have their startup fees waived and receive additional support, which adds up to over $12,000. “We’re very proud of our veteran community,” Daly notes, highlighting the importance of these initiatives in attracting and retaining veteran franchisees.
A Supportive Community
Dream Vacations recognizes that veteran franchisees have unique needs, and the company has created a supportive community to help them succeed. This includes internal networking groups and a veteran ambassador who helps to connect and encourage veteran franchisees. Daly emphasizes that “their needs are so different,” and the company’s tailored support reflects this understanding.
The qualities that veterans bring to the table—leadership, discipline and problem-solving—are invaluable in running a successful franchise. “Leadership is the key,” Daly says, adding that these military skills perfectly suit small business ownership. Veterans are also known for their resilience, which is crucial for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Inspiring Success Stories
The success stories of veteran franchisees are a source of pride for Daly and the Dream Vacations team. One such story involves Carle, a franchisee married to a special services veteran, who organized a ship charter to raise funds for special forces veterans. “That’s the type of story when you hear, you know, not only are they invested in their military career, but they’re also finding ways to support in their communities,” Daly shares.
These stories highlight Dream Vacations’ impact on the lives of veterans and their families. The company’s support helps veteran franchisees succeed in business and give back to their communities in meaningful ways.
Helping Others Achieve Their Dreams
The most rewarding part of his job for Daly is seeing franchisees succeed and grow. He takes pride in witnessing their progress, from initial training to achieving business milestones. “When it’s seen and realized, and you see it in their eyes, it’s like this light bulb moment of success is at their fingertips. It’s exciting,” he says.
Daly’s passion for helping others achieve their dreams is at the core of his work at Dream Vacations. The company’s mission to deliver a remarkable experience is deeply rooted in its genuine care for franchisees and their success.
A Culture of Caring and Support
At Dream Vacations, the culture is one of caring and support, strongly emphasizing building relationships based on trust. “People do business with people they like and trust,” Daly says, underscoring the importance of personal connections in the company’s success.
Dream Vacations offers more than just a business opportunity; it provides a pathway to a fulfilling career. With a supportive community, flexible business model and a commitment to helping veterans and military families succeed, Dream Vacations stands out as a franchise that genuinely cares about its people.
For those considering a franchise opportunity, Daly offers this advice: “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” With Dream Vacations, veterans and military families can find a business and a rewarding and supportive community.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
