How JDog Makes the Dream of Business Ownership Affordable for Veterans

When looking at buying into a franchise, people can sometimes be discouraged by the high fees to get started and the elaborate rules for sales numbers that need to be hit. It can be daunting to think about taking on a six-figure venture, but especially so for Veterans, a group that has historically struggled to find employment that values them and gives them freedom after serving in the military.

JDog Brands is committed to easing that transition back to civilian life and the workforce for Veterans. The 233-territory parent company of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care — founded by Jerry Flanagan, a Veteran himself — helps offer a way for those who served to start a business at a low cost and without many of the restrictions of other franchises. It’s a cause Flanagan believes in because he knows it’s possible, having now grown his brand to include two companies that serve over 50 million customers.

“That was one of the big things when it [JDog] started: figuring out how we can help Veterans get jobs, and the easiest way to do that is to start a bunch of Veteran-owned businesses all over the country that are hiring Veterans,” said Kevin Kopa, brand president and chief operating officer. “We want to give other Veterans who need a chance the same opportunity to go out and do it themselves. They don't need a hand out. They need a hand up.”

One of the main ways JDog Brands offers that opportunity is through low entry cost. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a JDog Junk Removal & Hauling ranges from $30,000 to $110,000, including the $35,000 franchise fee and a couple thousand dollars for tools and insurance. The brand offers funding options through the SBA’s 7(a) loan program, which allows franchisees to lease a vehicle, and does not require a brick and mortar office — although many franchisees scale to have a warehouse or retail store.

“We have plenty of franchisees that started this on credit cards. With all their proceeds, they pay off their loans, and they grow. They expand, and they're in a good place,” said Kopa.

Another attraction that JDog Brands offers as a franchisor is that it doesn't hammer owners with required sales numbers. While many other franchises tend to require certain metrics and have a heavy hand in operations, the Veterans at JDog have a great deal of leeway to operate how they see fit.

“We have a model that's not so restrictive, with less benchmarks and requirements in terms of how they run their business, so that they can tailor it to their specific situation,” said Kopa. “A lot of other franchise businesses are percentage-driven and they need all their franchises to hit certain sales numbers. We set this up where we want Veterans to be happy and really be their own boss.”

The franchisees at JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care recognize and appreciate the helpful atmosphere of the brand.

“After doing some research, I found that most franchise concepts require a high investment to get started. However, JDog had a relatively lower cost. Their business model is all about getting Veterans in and giving them an opportunity to be entrepreneurs,” said Josh Coleman, Portland franchisee with JDog Junk Removal & Hauling, who served in the Coast Guard.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care ranges from $37,909 to $169,947, including a $10,000-$25,000 franchise fee. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a JDog Junk Removal & Hauling ranges from $30,000 to $110,000, including a $35,000 franchise fee. For more information on franchising with JDog, visit *