Wetzel’s Pretzels Supports Military Veterans with From Force to Franchise

Titled From Force to Franchise, the initiative is a way for Wetzel’s to say thank you to military veterans for their service to our nation, while also providing a platform for veterans to advance their personal and professional goals. The Wetzel’s franchise model comes with a proven playbook, strong training, clear communications and ongoing support – traits that often appeal to veterans because of their military experiences.

“We have so much gratitude for what veterans have done for our country and for several months we’ve been working on a thoughtful program to enable veterans to pursue business ownership. A key to the program’s development has been the involvement of military veterans already in our company,” said Jennifer Schuler, CEO at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “From Force to Franchise should spark individuals with military backgrounds to consider entrepreneurship with Wetzel’s.

We hope the program will not only acknowledge those that have given so much to our country but also create an on-ramp to a post-military career.”

“Because of my military experience, I have several transferable skills that apply to running Wetzel’s locations,” said Tyler Dutton, a General Manager at Wetzel’s Pretzels, who spent eight years in the U.S. military prior to his leadership role with the company.

“I’m proud to be part of a company that wants to support veterans with a franchise fee discount that will give them a running start in their business. The financial support this provides, plus all of the training and ongoing guidance, are very attractive to veterans. Plus, Wetzel’s is such a great brand, making franchising with it an opportunity that is hard to pass up.”

Like Dutton, whether veterans are in their initial days of transitioning into civilian life or exited the military many years ago, they often have skills and experience that make them strong fits for Wetzel’s franchise ownership and operations. From leadership attributes and organizational skills, to focus, discipline and determination, veterans are well-suited to leverage the Wetzel’s franchise model.