PIRTEK USA’s climb to No. 15 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2025 Top Franchises for Veterans list reflects more than a numerical jump. It signals the growing influence of veteran leadership within franchising and highlights a business model that resonates with those transitioning from military service to civilian ownership. For many veterans seeking structure, purpose, and stability after active duty, PIRTEK has positioned itself as a practical and values driven path into entrepreneurship.
Veterans now account for 18 percent of PIRTEK’s franchise operators nationwide, a figure the company views as evidence of cultural alignment rather than coincidence. The brand’s work supporting essential industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and infrastructure mirrors the mission oriented mindset familiar to many former service members. That sense of responsibility, combined with clear operational systems, has helped veterans adapt quickly to the demands of franchise ownership.
Kim Gubera, chief executive officer of PIRTEK USA, has consistently pointed to leadership as the defining advantage veterans bring to the brand. “Veterans are exceptional owners because they understand discipline, systems, and leading teams,” she said. At PIRTEK, the business is not simply about hydraulic hoses and field service, but about building teams that can perform reliably under pressure, a skill set deeply ingrained through military experience.
Individual franchise stories reinforce that broader narrative. Carl Jones, a Vietnam veteran, turned his PIRTEK locations in Denver into a multigenerational family business rooted in consistency and trust. Scott Mitchell, a former Air Force aircraft systems specialist, credits PIRTEK’s standardized operations for allowing him to apply technical precision and leadership in his Carlsbad operation. Air Force veteran Jackson Grant echoes that sentiment, noting that long term success comes less from technical expertise and more from leading people with clarity and accountability.
As PIRTEK looks toward expansion in 2026, the company continues to view veteran franchisees as central to its growth strategy. The same traits developed through military service, discipline, resilience, and mission focus, have proven to translate effectively in the business world. PIRTEK’s rising profile suggests that veteran driven franchises are not just filling a niche, but reshaping expectations across the industry.