Veterans Represent 25% of the Brand’s Franchise Network, Bringing Military Experience and Leadership to Local HVAC Businesses
RICHARDSON, Texas, Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the nation prepares to recognize the service and contributions of military veterans, Service Experts is highlighting the veterans helping shape its growing franchise network. 25% of the company’s franchise owners have served in the U.S. military, bringing experience in leadership, team development, and mission-focused operations to their locally owned businesses.
Veterans have long played a significant role in franchising, with the International Franchise Association reporting that approximately 14% of franchise owners nationwide are veterans. The structure of franchising can offer former service members an opportunity to apply the skills developed during military service while building businesses in their communities.
At Service Experts, those paths to ownership look different for each veteran. The owners – Steve Marullo, Mitch Rose, and Chris Griffin – represent multiple ways to enter the franchise system, from transitioning an established business to franchise ownership to developing new territories and taking ownership of an existing Service Experts operation.
“Veterans bring a valuable perspective to business ownership. Their experience leading teams, adapting to challenges, and staying focused on a mission translates naturally to the work of building and operating a successful business,” said Dan Reidy, President and CEO of Service Experts. “We’re proud to have veterans representing such a significant part of our franchise network. Each of these owners took a chance on our franchise opportunity, and they’re now building strong local businesses while helping shape the future of Service Experts.”
From Military Service to Business Ownership
Each of Service Experts’ veteran franchise owners has taken a distinct path to entrepreneurship.
Steve Marullo, a U.S. Navy veteran, joined the Service Experts network alongside his son, Logan, through a new franchise agreement serving Katy and Sugar Land, Texas. Marullo gained early HVAC experience during his military service and went on to build a career in business ownership, including operating a successful industrial hose franchise in the Houston area.
Mitch Rose, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran of 11 years, partnered with Chandler Sykes to develop three territories across Colorado’s Front Range, including Longmont, Fort Collins, and Greeley. After more than 20 years in high-tech product management and business leadership, Rose saw franchising as an opportunity to build something of his own while leveraging an established operating platform.
Chris Griffin, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1998 to 2002, took a different route into the network. After nearly two decades working across HVAC and plumbing roles, Griffin launched his own business with his wife, Corina, in 2024. In 2026, they became the first existing outside home-services business to join the Service Experts franchise system, bringing their established operation into the national network.
“Military service teaches you how to work toward a goal, lead people, and adapt when things don’t go according to plan. Those lessons stay with you long after you leave the service,” said Chris Griffin, Service Experts franchise owner in Corona, California. “Owning a business gives me the opportunity to put those skills to work in a different way, build something for my family and serve the community where we live.”
Building the Next Generation of Service Experts Owners
Since launching its franchise program in 2025, Service Experts has continued to expand its network of locally owned and operated businesses, drawing experienced operators and entrepreneurs interested in the residential HVAC industry. The company provides franchise owners with an established brand, operating systems, training, technology, and ongoing support to help them build and grow their businesses.
Service Experts also offers a franchise fee discount to qualified military veterans, recognizing the experience and leadership they can bring to business ownership. As the company continues to grow, its veteran franchise owners are helping demonstrate the range of backgrounds and experiences that can translate into success in franchising.
To learn more about franchising opportunities with Service Experts, visit www.serviceexperts.com/franchising.
ABOUT SERVICE EXPERTS:
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Service Experts is one of the largest residential HVAC service providers in the United States. The company operates a nationwide network of locally operated service centers delivering heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical solutions. For nearly three decades, Service Experts has combined deep local expertise with the scale and resources of a national organization to provide proactive, reliable home system care proven by its average rating of 4.8 out of five stars on Google across hundreds of thousands of reviews. Learn more at ServiceExperts.com or follow Service Experts on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Service Experts LLC
