Essential-Service Franchise Continues Its Legacy as a Leading Business Opportunity for U.S. Military Veterans

ROCKLEDGE, FL (DECEMBER 18, 2025) – For thousands of U.S. military veterans transitioning into civilian careers, the search for a mission-driven, stable, and scalable business opportunity can be daunting. For many, PIRTEK has become that answer.

PIRTEK USA, the nation’s leading on-site and retail hydraulic and industrial hose service provider, has ranked No. 15 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchises for Veterans for 2025, climbing four spots from last year. The recognition reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to empowering veteran entrepreneurs, who today make up 18% of PIRTEK’s franchise network nationwide.

A proud active member of the IFA’s VetFran program, PIRTEK keeps America’s essential industries running, including manufacturing, construction, logistics, transportation, waste management, utilities, and more. For veterans who thrive in structured, mission-critical environments, PIRTEK offers a business model that aligns with the skills, leadership, and teamwork they’ve honed through service – all criteria Entrepreneur Magazine takes into account when ranking franchises from across the nation. Additionally, PIRTEK offers military veterans a $15,000 discount off the initial franchise fee to help lessen the investment burden when starting a new franchise with PIRTEK.

“Veterans are exceptional owners because they understand discipline, systems, and leading teams,” said Kim Gubera, CEO of PIRTEK USA. “Their leadership experience translates directly into success within our B2B service model. This ranking reflects not only their contributions to PIRTEK, but the strength of our entire veteran community.”

 

Veterans Leading with Purpose at PIRTEK

Across the PIRTEK network, veterans consistently emerge as some of the brand’s strongest operators. Not because they come from technical trades, but because the model rewards the same qualities the military instills: discipline, planning, team leadership, and a commitment to mission readiness.

Here are just a few of the veteran franchisees that are keeping their communities running across PIRTEK’s franchise system:

• Carl Jones (Denver, CO) – A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam, Carl has spent more than 25 years growing PIRTEK North Valley and PIRTEK South Valley into a multigenerational family business. After a 33-year career with Gates Corporation and time in the hose distribution industry, Carl discovered PIRTEK while tracking his competitor’s growing market share and ultimately decided he wanted to own a business himself. Today, Carl operates one of PIRTEK’s most established locations with his wife, son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and grandsons, and credits PIRTEK’s structure, reliability, and mission-driven culture as the perfect fit for veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship.
• Scott Mitchell (Carlsbad, CA) – Scott served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force as an Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Specialist, working on fighter jets, helicopters, and heavy-lift aircraft before spending more than two decades in aerospace contracting. As a longtime customer of PIRTEK during his civilian career, he saw firsthand the strength of the brand’s systems, training, and operational consistency. When he and his wife, Michelle, launched PIRTEK Carlsbad in late 2024, they viewed it as the ideal way to leverage Scott’s 35-year background in hydraulics while building a long-term, locally rooted business together. Scott believes veterans thrive with PIRTEK because the model provides the structure, support, and clarity of mission they value most.
• Jackson Grant (Dallas, TX) – An Air Force veteran who transitioned into the corporate world before rediscovering his passion for hands-on, mission-oriented work, Jackson now owns PIRTEK Rowlett and PIRTEK Royse City locations in the Dallas market. His military background in aircraft hydraulics provided him with an intuitive understanding of PIRTEK’s fast-paced service model; however, he emphasizes that leadership and discipline, rather than technical expertise, are what drive success. Jackson and his wife have built a thriving business by focusing on customer relationships, operational efficiency, and community engagement, becoming strong ambassadors for veterans exploring franchise ownership.

These owners represent just a few of the military veterans who have found long-term success within the PIRTEK system alongside many others from branches including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force who now operate PIRTEK franchises nationwide.

 

Why Veterans Thrive at PIRTEK

Veterans consistently excel within the PIRTEK system because the franchise model aligns naturally with the values and disciplines developed through military service. PIRTEK is a leadership-driven business, not a technical one, and owners focus on managing teams, building customer relationships, and executing a structured operational model. For many veterans, that structure mirrors the clarity, process, and mission focus they’re already accustomed to.

The essential-service nature of PIRTEK’s work also resonates strongly with veterans who want a business where reliability and purpose matter. Whether a customer calls during a planned shutdown or in an emergency, franchise owners provide fast, critical support that keeps industrial operations moving with work that feels familiar and meaningful for those with service backgrounds.

Beyond the model itself, veterans often cite PIRTEK’s culture of excellence, support, and respect as a major differentiator. Franchisees look out for one another, headquarters invests heavily in training and field support, and the brand’s appreciation for military experience is embedded throughout the system. Combined with recession-resistant demand and a proven path to scalable growth, PIRTEK continues to be a natural fit for veterans ready to apply their discipline, leadership, and grit to business ownership.

 

A Stronger System Entering 2026

As PIRTEK continues expanding, veteran entrepreneurs remain pivotal to the organization’s long-term growth strategy.

“The leadership, discipline, and commitment demonstrated by veterans mirror what our brand stands for,” added Gubera. “Veterans remain a key driving force shaping the future of the company.”

PIRTEK plans to target additional growth markets in 2026 while strengthening its National Accounts portfolio and enhancing franchisee support systems.

For veterans interested in franchise opportunities with PIRTEK, please visit www.pirtekusafranchise.com.

ABOUT PIRTEK USA:

PIRTEK USA provides the fastest hydraulic and industrial hose maintenance and replacement services through on-site mobile and service centers. The brand has more than 500 franchise locations in 24 countries around the world, with more than 175 located in the U.S. PIRTEK has a 1-hour ETA for on-site hose service, is available 24/7/365, and is a simple solution that minimizes equipment downtime and eliminates the need for customers to leave their job sites or facilities to locate new hydraulic and industrial hoses as well as hydraulic fittings. WE’LL KEEP YOU OPERATING® For more information, visit https://www.pirtekusa.com/ or follow us at @PIRTEKUSA on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What makes PIRTEK a strong franchise opportunity for veterans?

A: PIRTEK offers a structured, mission-driven environment that aligns closely with military leadership principles. Veterans excel because the model focuses on team management, systems, and operational discipline – not technical expertise.

 

Q: Do owners need a mechanical or engineering background?

A: No. PIRTEK is a leadership and operations business. Franchise owners manage teams, build customer relationships, and run the business. PIRTEK trains all technicians and provides ongoing technical support.

 

Q: What percentage of PIRTEK franchise owners are veterans?

A: Veterans currently make up 18% of PIRTEK’s nationwide franchise network.

 

Q: What incentives does PIRTEK offer for U.S. military veterans?

A: PIRTEK offers $15,000 discount off the initial franchise fee for qualified veterans.

 

Q: In which industries do PIRTEK franchisees operate?

A: PIRTEK supports essential sectors including construction, manufacturing, logistics, marine, waste management, utilities, transportation, municipalities, and more.

 

Q: How quickly can a veteran transition into ownership?

A: With PIRTEK’s turnkey training system and structured onboarding, many veterans are able to transition into ownership within a matter of months after qualification.