For thousands of 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 has ranked No. 15 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Top Franchises for Veterans 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 percent of PIRTEK's franchise network nationwide.
An 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. In addition, 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 of Denver, Colo. — 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 of Carlsbad, Calif. — 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 of Dallas, Texas — 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 path to scalable growth, PIRTEK continues to be a natural fit for veterans ready to apply their discipline, leadership and grit to business ownership.
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," said 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 more information, visit pirtekusafranchise.com.
