As Veteran-Centric JDog Brands Continues Along an Impressive Growth Path, Firefighters Stand Out as Great Franchisees

JDog Brands, the nearly 300-unit Veteran-centric franchisor, provides the structure and camaraderie many Veterans seek after military retirement. Transitioning back to the civilian world can present a challenge, and the JDog franchise model has been built in a way that caters to Veterans’ needs. Because the structure and teamwork required of first responders are quite similar to that of Veterans, firefighters tend to excel in the JDog system as well.

“Firefighters are expected to be committed to their jobs and disciplined day in and day out,” said Jerry Flanagan, CEO of JDog Brands. “This skillset prepares them to thrive in our business model, and their willingness to run into danger to protect their community reflects their character. Anyone who has succeeded in a job with these demands will fit right in with the JDog family.”

There are already multiple franchise owners within the JDog system who have backgrounds in firefighting.

Brandon Ouelette, an Ann Arbor franchisee, was in the Air Force for four years, transferred to the Army to work as a firefighter and again served as a civilian firefighter after military retirement. Ouelette started an independent junk hauling business before connecting with JDog. Now, he employs Veterans primarily and has become a staple in his community.

“The military instilled that grit and hard work mentality it takes to be a business owner,” he explained. “And being a firefighter made me a people person. Through those experiences, I can successfully talk to people and network and be confident while doing it. Because of that, I can provide great customer service.”

Due to the nature of firefighters’ jobs, they are generally very good with people and strong communicators. Though most firefighters are tasked with putting their people skills to work on a citizen’s worst day, the strength translates well to the JDog business. Even in a lower-pressure environment, JDog customers are welcoming franchisees into their homes; having great customer service skills and being personable is incredibly useful when working in such a personal space.

Matt Holtyn, a franchisee, Veteran and current DoD firefighter, learned of JDog through Ouelette. When he began investigating the brand, he says the community involvement of JDog is what really stood out.

“You can tell JDog wants to make the world a better place,” he said. “The Veteran aspect definitely helps us stand out. We also focus on providing a quality service rather than ‘come in, take your things and leave.’”

JDog is committed to repurposing or recycling between 60 and 80% of the items they collect, so franchise owners stand out to environmentalists, as well. All things combined, the brand offers a truly unique opportunity for Veterans and firefighters and supports the growth of a network that stands out in each respective community it touches.

Rather than finding an entirely new opportunity after retiring from the military or a first responder position, franchising creates the space for former firefighters and Veterans to transfer the skills they have already developed onto a pre-established business model. With this approach, they are able to enter a second act of service with the freedom and flexibility to serve on their own terms.

The total investment necessary to begin the 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 the 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 *