Ace Handyman Services® has built a solid reputation for itself, representing the Ace Hardware name that people have come to depend on by providing reliable handyman work to its customers. In serving that mission, the company proudly empowers its veteran franchisees to create a second career – one where their military experience directly translates to success. By Kelsi Trinidad
Leaving the Frontlines for the Home Front
Ace Handyman Services® has built a solid reputation for itself, representing the Ace Hardware name that people have come to depend on by providing reliable handyman work to its customers. In serving that mission, the company proudly empowers its veteran franchisees to create a second career – one where their military experience directly translates to success.
Bryan Harmon served in the Army, where he met his wife and completed a mission in Iraq. While wrapping up his career, he became a fellow at USAID, which acted as a springboard to the final three years of his service at the State Department. After many years working abroad intermittently, Harmon knew it was time to retire and find a career that would allow his growing family to put down roots.
“I was ending my assignments like, ‘Okay, so let’s make this call. What do you want to be when you grow up?’” Harmon said.
After moving his family to Indiana, Harmon set out to find his next career. He knew he wanted to be a business owner, and eventually, a franchise broker introduced him to Ace Handyman Services. Harmon was won over by the franchise’s values, and from the start, he found he could draw upon his military background to develop procedures, streamline operations and motivate his team to grow. Just like in the military, Harmon now helps his local community through the services his team provides.
Franchisee Luis Guerrero also found that his military experience aligned with life as an Ace Handyman Services franchisee. After serving 12 years in the Marines, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering and built a career in the oil and gas industry in Houston. After 25 years in the industry, he knew it was time for a change and wanted to realize his dream of owning his own business.
A friend who owned a franchise encouraged Guerrero to explore the model, noting that his experience made him a natural fit. Guerrero wanted something in the construction industry, given his experience renovating his rental properties. When he discovered the Ace Handyman Services model, he knew it was fate – especially because his father had once worked at an Ace Hardware store. The opportunity felt full circle.
Guerrero bought four locations right away, and with grit and determination – qualities instilled in him during his time in the Marines – he was able to build a growing, successful business. According to Guerrero, being in the Marines gives a person a kind of “blind bravery,” a quality that contributes to the resilience needed to face hardships and push forward. Today, he takes pride in the Ace brand.
“I’m very proud of it,” he said. “It’s a legacy thing for me. I mean, we’re sponsors of Major League Baseball, and every time I see that on TV, I’m proud to be part of that.”
Kelsi Trinidad