---
title: "Ziebart Demonstrates Unwavering Support for Veterans with Charitable Donation"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/f165a920-1405-4518-aa5a-6d1c9f1cc318
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20250129_ziebart_demonstrates_unwavering_support_for_veterans_with_charitable_donati.html
category: "Repair & maintenance"
industry: "Automotive"
segment: "Repair & maintenance"
published: 2025-01-29T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:36.265Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1524749292158-7540c2494485?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Ziebart Demonstrates Unwavering Support for Veterans with Charitable Donation

**TL;DR:** Ziebart has donated $6,500 to Mission 22, a charity supporting veterans, as part of its commitment to the community. The company also waives its franchise fee for US military veterans, with over 10% of its franchise owners coming from military backgrounds.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2025-01-29. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20250129_ziebart_demonstrates_unwavering_support_for_veterans_with_charitable_donati.html).*

## Key facts

- Ziebart donates $6,500 to Mission 22
- Over 10% of Ziebart owners are veterans
- Ziebart waives franchise fee for US veterans

## Story

TROY, Mich. – Furthering its longstanding commitment to supporting veterans in the community, Ziebart is proud to announce a donation of $6,500 to Mission 22.

## Yearlong fundraising efforts

Throughout 2024, Ziebart launched several initiatives to raise money for Mission 22. Efforts began during the franchise’s milestone 65th anniversary celebration, which included a partnership with apparel company Born In Detroit. Ziebart furthered its commitment to Mission 22 during its annual Month of Giving campaign, collecting donations at all Ziebart stores across the country. The inspiration to donate to Mission 22 came at the recommendation of Morgantown, WV franchise owner and U.S. Air Force Veteran Nick Lambie, who’s passionate about giving back to his fellow service members.

“It’s encouraging to see the entire Ziebart community rally behind Mission 22, a charity that holds such significance to one of our own franchise owners,” said Thomas A. Wolfe, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ziebart. “As a company deeply rooted in supporting those who have served, we’re honored to champion this cause and amplify its impact through the collective efforts of our franchise network.”

## Veterans in franchising

Ziebart’s dedication to supporting veterans extends to its franchise system, as the brand uniquely waives the entire franchise fee for U.S. military veterans. The incentive has paved the way for veterans to transition into business ownership. In fact, two of Ziebart’s latest franchise development agreements signed in 2024 are led by veteran entrepreneurs.

U.S. Navy Veteran Rodney Souder alongside son Nathan Souder plan to bring the first Ziebart to Kentucky, targeting the Paducah area for development. Additionally, Air Force Veteran Mark Murray and business partner Ashley Howard signed a franchise deal for a store in Cleveland, TN.

“Veterans bring unparalleled discipline, leadership, and strong work ethics to franchising, values that closely mirror the standards we uphold across the Ziebart brand,” said Larisa Walega, Chief Growth Officer and Senior Vice President at Ziebart. “We’re proud to continue growing our family of veteran franchise owners, providing the resources and support they need to thrive as business owners.”

More than 10% of Ziebart franchise owners come from military backgrounds.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- franchise development (topic)
- Automotive (sector)
- veterans support (topic)
- Ziebart (company)
- veterans in franchising (topic)
- charitable donation (topic)
- Thomas A. Wolfe (person)
- Larisa Walega (person)
- Nick Lambie (person)
- Mission 22 (company)
- Ziebart investment in Mission 22 (deal)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20250129_ziebart_demonstrates_unwavering_support_for_veterans_with_charitable_donati.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/f165a920-1405-4518-aa5a-6d1c9f1cc318).